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 wanted to provide you this complete guide to Universal Orlando events in 2024 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 Orlando Planning 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. Note: These Universal Orlando Resort events appear in the order that they are held throughout the year. We don't yet have confirmed dates for all of the events, but we'll add them to this page as soon as they become available!
Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2024 and Beyond
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER
Halloween Horror Nights (Universal Studios Florida) — Aug. 30 to Nov. 3, 2024
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.
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.
Wonderful "Wicked" Offerings at Universal Orlando Resort — Late October
Get ready to "defy gravity" as Universal Orlando celebrates the upcoming cinematic event based on the beloved Tony Award-winning musical. Starting in late October, you'll be able to step into the fantastical land of Oz in the most magical way! Wicked: The Experience (housed in the former location of the UNIVRS store and adjacent retail locations) will whisk you along the yellow brick road and into a variety of memorable moments and iconic locations film, from Shiz University to the Emerald City. Here you'll find fanciful costumes and props created by the designers of the film alongside a frogciting variety of merchandise including elevated apparel, home goods, accessories, toys and more.
Shop the Shiz University Collection, inspired by the famed school where Glinda and Elphaba cross paths, featuring back-to-school must-haves, such as Spirit Jerseys, duffle bags and tumblers. Add to your MinaLima collection with apparel, accessories, home goods and more donning "Wicked"-inspired graphics and prints developed by the legendary studio. You'll even find products from "popular" brands, such as Mattel, Funko, LEGO and Loungefly, as well as cosplay and prop replicas from The Noble Collection!
Hungry for more? Be sure to try the "fantabulous"-themed limited treats inspired by the world of "Wicked" that will be available at Voodoo Doughnuts and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. And don't froget to see "Wicked" when it flies into theaters Nov. 22, 2024.
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort — Nov. 22 to Dec. 31, 2024
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure)
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.
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)
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. 24 to 25, 2025
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.
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! (In 2024, we rocked out to Walker Hayes, The All-American Rejects and Ava Max! Leap and I truly lived our best lives.) 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!
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios is included with regular park admission. See all of the partying for yourself!
JUNE - AUGUST
Fourth of July Celebration (Universal Studios Florida) — July 4, 2025
Fourth of July is always a hoppening time at Universal Studios Florida! Frogs can enjoy a high-energy band, live DJ, meet and greets with beloved characters (including characters from "Despicable Me," "Madagascar" and "SpongeBob Squarepants") and patriotic-themed performers and stilt walkers. The celebration culminates with a special fireworks display that frogs can view from anywhere in the park. All holiday activities are typically included with admission to Universal Studios. We can't wait to be back this year!
Are you planning on hopping to Universal Orlando Resort this year? Which Universal Orlando events in 2024 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!
