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Home / Blog / Special Events / A Hoppin' Overview of Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2025 and Beyond

A Hoppin' Overview of Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2025 and Beyond

by Mommy Frog on February 4, 2025
1590 Orlando Video

Right now, you can buy 2 days and get 2 days FREE at Universal Orlando Resort! Save up to $124 per ticket, valid for visits through May 21, 2025.

Universal Orlando Special Events 2022 - Pinterest

When it comes to putting on spectacular events, Universal Orlando Resort doesn't hold back. Universal Studios Florida has long been home to one of the nation's premier events — Halloween Horror Nights. If scary isn't your style, you'll find other year-round, family-friendly Universal Orlando events such as Mardi Gras and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Our Frog Family leaps at the chance to experience as many of the annual events as we can, and we know yours will, too!

We want to provide you this complete guide to Universal Orlando events in 2025 and beyond because the Universal Studios concerts, parties, festivals and events are some of the best reasons to visit! You will find more resources and tips for planning your Universal Orlando Resort trip inside our Jump Start Guide. You'll also find all of the Universal Orlando events listed on our Crowd Calendar, which is the easiest way to see the best times to visit.

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Resort Events

FEBRUARY - MAY

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Universal Studios Florida) — Feb. 1 to March 30, 2025

This Universal Orlando rite of passage takes place each spring on select dates at Universal Studios. Highlights of this family-friendly event include the Mardi Gras parade through the park and live concerts. With flashy floats created by Kern Studios, the company that has created Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans since 1947, this event is as authentic as it gets (while still remaining kid-friendly)! You can check out authentic New Orleans bands. Plus there are Universal Studios concerts from big names in rock, pop, country and more! (This year, get ready to rock out to T-Pain, Joe Jonas, Kool & The Gang, Juanes, Scotty McCreery, Foster The People, Illenium, All Time Low, Lawrence, Coco Jones, DJ Pauly D and TLC.)

There is always plenty of Cajun food and drinks to fill you up, as well as tons of international offerings so you can taste how countries and cultures around the world celebrate the Carnaval season. Check out our tips for Mardi Gras at Universal Studios for more deets!

Universal Orlando Special Events - Jester Float

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios is included with regular park admission. See all of the partying for yourself!

Butterbeer Season — March 1 to May 31, 2025

Toast to everyone's favorite wizarding beverage and celebrate with seasonal-exclusive Butterbeer treats and specialty merchandise during Universal Orlando Resort's second annual Butterbeer Season. Grab a mug, don your frothy mustache and share a laugh with your hot, cold or frozen Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade. More details will be revealed in the coming weeks!

Grad Bash — April 4, 5, 11 and 25, 2025

High school seniors will have a blast with their friends at this graduation celebration with exclusive, private access to both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Plus, they'll enjoy thrilling rides and attractions, street entertainment and more!

Universal Volcano Bay Nights — April 12 and 26, May 3, 10, and 17, 2025

Debuting in 2025, the Volcano God, Vol, is inviting you to splash and play all night long at Universal Volcano Bay Nights. Take in the water theme park's beautiful nighttime lighting as you enjoy reduced wait times on 10 of your favorite rides and unique Universal entertainment, including DreamWorks characters meet and greets, a DJ and games and activities for the whole family! You'll also receive a complimentary Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup and get to enjoy specialty themed island treats and eats. Tickets are now on sale through Universal Orlando Resort! Check out our guide to Volcano Bay Nights for everything you need to know about this wet and wild new event.

Gradventure — May 2, 9, 16 and 17, 2025

Middle school grads will be able to celebrate with their friends as they enjoy complete, private access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure all night long at this separately ticketed event.

Universal Epic Universe Grand Opening — May 22, 2025

Epic universe - Birds Eye View

In our humble froggy opinion, we consider the opening of a brand-new theme park as a special event. Well at least, it's a special event that doesn't hoppen often — but when it does, it's pretty epic. Universal Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025, with portals to five new immersive worlds. Discount tickets through Undercover Tourist are available now!

JUNE - JULY

Fourth of July — July 4, 2025

Fourth of July is always a hoppening time at Universal Orlando Resort! Frogs can enjoy high-energy bands, live DJs, meet and greets with beloved characters (including characters from "Despicable Me," "Madagascar" and "SpongeBob Squarepants") and patriotic-themed stilt walkers in Universal Studios Florida and Universal CityWalk. The celebration culminates with a special fireworks display over the Universal Studios Florida lagoon. We can't wait to be back this year!

AUGUST - DECEMBER

Passholder Appreciation Days — Aug. 15 to Sept. 30, 2025

Passholders will be able to enjoy over six weeks of offers, special events and more during this annual celebration of the UOAP family.

Passholder Appreciation Nights — Aug. 15-16, 2025

Universal Orlando Events - Passholder Appreciation Nights

Who wouldn't want to have Universal Islands of Adventure all to themselves? Passholders will get to enjoy their favorite rides and attractions, character appearances, live entertainment and more when the sun goes down.

Halloween Horror Nights (Universal Studios Florida) — Aug. 29 to Nov. 2, 2025

The biggest Universal Studios Florida event of the year is held on select nights every fall. For horror fans and those of you who just like to be scared, Halloween Horror Nights is not to be missed! The park is transformed from a bubbly theme park into a place of terror. "Scare zones" are set up while creatures roam about. Think you're safe? Ha! You might just find a zombie breathing down your neck. The big lure of the night is the movie set-quality haunted houses themed around popular TV shows, classic and current films and sometimes even video games or music videos.

Universal Orlando Events - SURR3AL

This event is not intended for children and is a separately ticketed event. In fact, you'll probably need our Halloween Horror Nights guide just to make it through the night. Prepare yourself for Halloween Horror Nights with walkthroughs of some of the haunted houses on our YouTube channel.

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort — Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, 2025

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure)

Universal Orlando Events - Celestina Warbeck

Holiday wishes do come true! Muggles can experience Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley trimmed with festive holiday decorations. Even the shops of the Wizarding World are trimmed! There are holiday-themed food and drinks, as well as entertainment.

Universal Orlando Events - Christmas at Hogwarts

The highlight of Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a holiday show taking place on Hogwarts Castle. This incredible experience uses mapped-projection technology to "cast a spell" onto the castle and features iconic moments from the films.

Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's (Universal Studios Florida) 

Cap each night off at Universal Studios Florida during the holiday season with Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's as larger-than-life balloons and floats fill with favorite Illumination and DreamWorks Animation characters. During the parade, guests will see the Minions, Shrek, "Madagascar" characters and more. Santa also attends so he can light up the New York Christmas tree!

Grinchmas (Universal Islands of Adventure) 

Universal Orlando Events - Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular

For those of you who love the Grinch, there is no finer time to visit Universal Islands of Adventure than during Grinchmas. Seuss Landing is transformed into the wonderful world of Grinchmas with the heartwarming live show, "Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular." The show features some of your favorite Grinch characters. It's also set to music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller. Guests can also get up close and personal with the Grinch himself for pictures or autographs at Honk Honkers.

JANUARY

Rock the Universe (Universal Studios Florida) — Jan. 23-24, 2026

A separately ticketed special event, Rock the Universe is Florida's biggest Christian music festival. Universal Studios Florida closes at 6 p.m. for the event, but guests with concert tickets can enter the park starting at 4 p.m. We'll update this blog as soon as we know the rockin' acts performing next year!

Are you planning on hopping to Universal Orlando Resort this year? Which Universal Orlando events in 2025 and beyond are you most looking forward to attending? Stop by the comments to tell us below!

Related: Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Survival Guide

Related: A ~Froggy~ Festive Guide to Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
View Comments

Comments

1351–1400 of 1528 comments
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:47 p.m.
Jason R Says...

I really want to do Christmas in Universal.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:47 p.m.
Nikki v Says...

Would love to visit at Halloween!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:46 p.m.
Lisa Says...

Sad to miss Christmas decorations by a couple of days

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:45 p.m.
Marlana Says...

Can't wait to take my little guy one day!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:45 p.m.
llhoff Says...

I would love to see Hogwart's at Christmas!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:45 p.m.
Melissa Rhoades Says...

So many fun things to see and do!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:44 p.m.
Camile Punch Says...

I hope I win !!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:44 p.m.
Donna Says...

This is awesome help for deciding when to visit

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:44 p.m.
Sam Beebe Says...

Christmas at Universal is magical!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:43 p.m.
TB205 Says...

This web site is fantastic!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:43 p.m.
Natalie Principe Says...

This is so helpful, thank you!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:43 p.m.
Kelsey Brown Says...

Would love to visit! It’s been so long since last went.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:42 p.m.
Kayla C Says...

Halloween horror nights is definitely on my bucket list

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:42 p.m.
Gibelle Says...

I really hope to go sometime this year to at least experience one of these events!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:42 p.m.
TQ Says...

I hope I win a sweepstakes to go!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:42 p.m.
Portia Says...

Totally on my bucket list!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:42 p.m.
JillB Says...

Looking forward to going one day!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:41 p.m.
Lulu Says...

We will be there next summer!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:41 p.m.
Myssi West Says...

Really hoping to visit on day, Harry Potter is my grandson's favorite movies.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:41 p.m.
Sandra spare Says...

Single mom limited funds would love to go. Havent been away in 6 yrs. This would be a dream come true.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:41 p.m.
Amanda McDonald Says...

This is a great source of information and has been a great guide for vacation planning! Thank you!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:41 p.m.
Jenna Standefer Says...

We love the Macy’s parade at Universal! It truly made our day to see all the floats!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m.
Keilah Nettles Says...

Excited for our firs visit to Universal this summer!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m.
Bret Says...

My first visit to universal was in 1999 (6th grade) and my favorite memory was of Fright Nights! It was unbelievable! If you enjoy a good scare then it’s definitely worth attending.

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m.
Kaitlyn W Says...

Hope they bring back the Harry Potter celebration!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m.
Diana Oliva Says...

Thank you for this info! Our family loves UNIVERSAL!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m.
Cindy Kennedy Says...

Universal is less than Disney. would love to take some Disney lovers here

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m.
Trevor Douthat Says...

The fall is my favorite time at the parks. The crowds are smaller and it's not as hot and it is HHN season!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m.
Rachael Driggs Says...

Would love to visit at Christmas time!!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:40 p.m.
datadan1257 Says...

I love all of Universal's events!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:39 p.m.
Oscar Klaas Says...

Great tips and insight for making magical vacation memories

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:39 p.m.
Courtney Beauchamp Says...

Used Undercover Tourist to book a Family Vacation to Universal early this year and it was amazing! Wanting to go back so bad and see it all over again!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:39 p.m.
MICHELLE GREENE Says...

Highly recommend Undercover Tourist for all your theme park tickets and planning!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:39 p.m.
Julie Says...

Would love to visit for "Grinchmas"!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:39 p.m.
Andrew Born Says...

Love all of your content

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:38 p.m.
Stephanie D Says...

We went to Orlando in May and read so many articles from your website and even bought our Universal tickets on your website. Great info and great deals. We had an amazing time! Thanks for all the great tips!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:38 p.m.
Christina Says...

Sounds amazing!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:38 p.m.
Amy Says...

We've never been, but it looks like so much fun! My son can't wait to go!

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Jun 25, 2019 at 1:38 p.m.
Stephanie Lozano Says...

awesome!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:38 p.m.
Melissa S. Says...

Y’all! Don’t buy tickets anywhere else! This site is everything ! I’d love my kids to see Universal at Christmastime ????

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m.
Jason L Says...

Woohoo! :)

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m.
Aine Says...

Thank you so much for having such a helpful website!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m.
Mike Staples Says...

My son has been begging me to take him here to see the superhero land and I am thankful that now I have a chance

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m.
Donna Evans Says...

Would love to go once!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m.
Ashley Hall Says...

Omg the Halloween Horror nights sound like they would be so much fun!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m.
monica Says...

extremely helpful on our last Disney trip with great cost saving tips as well

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:37 p.m.
Ronda Miller Says...

I love all of the tips that you have and the savings! I am planning on going to Orlando in October of 2020.

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:36 p.m.
Elizabeth Says...

My next trip to Orlando will nee to include universal!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:36 p.m.
Amy Says...

Christmas at the Wizarding World? Talk about magical!

Reply
Jun 25, 2019 at 1:35 p.m.
Kenya Davis Says...

Love all of the information this will make it easy to pick the best time for my family to visit.

Reply

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