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A Hoppin' Overview of Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2024

Universal Orlando Special Events 2022 - PinterestWhen 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 be adding them to this page as soon as they become available!

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Resort Events in 2024 and Beyond

FEBRUARY - MAY

Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Universal Studios Florida) — Feb. 3 to April 7, 2024

Universal Orlando Special Events - Jester Float

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've rocked out to Walker Hayes, The All-American Rejects and Ava Max! Leap and I have truly been living 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!

Butterbeer Season — March 15 to April 30, 2024

Universal Orlando Special Events - Butterbeer Cart

If you frequently don a foam mustache in the parks, listen up: Butterbeer Season is arriving at Universal Orlando! During this festive period, wizards and witches will be able to try delectable Butterbeer-flavored treats, such as an ice lolly and caramels, in addition to the traditional items served daily. Additionally, for a limited time, you'll be able to purchase a cold or frozen Butterbeer in a special collectible silver stein. Cheers!

JUNE - AUGUST

Fourth of July Celebration (Universal Studios Florida) — July 4, 2024

Universal Orlando Events - Fourth of July

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!

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER

Halloween Horror Nights (Universal Studios Florida) — Select Nights in September and October

Halloween Horror Nights 2023 - Oddfellow

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.

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle — September and October

Universal Orlando Events - Dark Arts

The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle projection show made its first (dark) mark in 2019 and plots a vengeful return to Universal Islands of Adventure every year. As darkness falls, Death Eaters (followers of the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort), infiltrate the streets of Hogsmeade as green light and fog permeate the village, right before the images of dark creatures and Voldemort himself cloak the castle walls. The show runs on select nights from dusk until the park closes.

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort — November to December

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 — who host an annual concert on select nights at Universal Studios Florida. Guests can also get up close and personal with the Grinch himself for pictures or autographs at Honk Honkers. The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast also returned for 2023 in a brand-new location.

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.

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!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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1501–1526 of 1526 comments
Jun 24, 2019 at 4:43 p.m. Shannon Orton Says...

What day of the week and month is the least busy to go?

Reply
Jun 24, 2019 at 12:45 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Shannon,

Generally late January, February and September are some of the best times to visit. For specific dates, check out our Crowd Calendar to see predicted crowd levels.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 24, 2019 at 4:42 p.m. Sarah Bellino Says...

This is SO helpful!

Reply
Jun 24, 2019 at 4:36 p.m. Lora Says...

I can't wait until grinchmas!

Reply
Jun 24, 2019 at 4:23 p.m. Stephanie Says...

super excited about hhn this year!

Reply
Jun 24, 2019 at 3:57 p.m. Alison Says...

Hello! Are there not any events after Mardi Gras and before September? I live in Florida and thought there were some events. I hope to get to go back to Universal - that is one of my favorite parks in Orlando!

Reply
Jun 24, 2019 at 12:31 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Alison,

There used to be an annual Summer Concert Series, but it hasn't returned in the recent years. There will a Fourth of July event this year (we just added the details). We hope you get to return soon!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 24, 2019 at 3:55 p.m. Dnilnil Says...

Thanks for the info!

Reply
Jun 24, 2019 at 3:42 p.m. jean Says...

So many good things to choose from!

Reply
Jun 24, 2019 at 12:15 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

We toadally agree, Jean! Thanks for stopping by.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 24, 2019 at 3:40 p.m. Jamie Anderson Says...

Great planning article!

Reply
May 3, 2019 at 2:57 p.m. Olivia Says...

Is there any one event that takes place every month?

Reply
Mar 14, 2019 at 4:10 p.m. Vania Says...

Universal Orlando's Cinematic Celebration happen in March? Thanks.

Reply
Mar 14, 2019 at 1:17 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Vania!

Yes, Universal Orlando's Cinematic Celebration will be going on this month, on select nights. They have released the following schedule: "Mar 4 & Mar 9: No Shows; Mar 5 – Mar 8: 8pm; Mar 11 – Mar 15: 9:15pm; Mar 10 & Mar 16: No Show." We suggest calling ahead or checking this calendar to see about whether or not it will be running during your visit, if it's past this weekend.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 15, 2019 at 4:06 p.m. Brenda Says...

Can you still get breakfast with the grinch on other days (not just grinchmas)? Thanks

Reply
Jan 17, 2019 at 8:34 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brenda,

The Grinch & Friends Breakfast is only held seasonally during the holidays.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 30, 2018 at 2:49 a.m. Ashe Says...

Do any of the Universal parks do New Year's Eve fireworks like Disney?

Reply
Dec 30, 2018 at 7:24 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ashe,

They typically do not!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 4, 2018 at 8:23 p.m. Mike Thomson Says...

Hi, an anyone say what's planned at Universal from 7-10h November please?

(So looking forward to getting there)

Reply
Nov 4, 2018 at 9:45 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mike!

You can always check out Universal's Entertainment Schedule to check out what's hoppening ;) Most Christmas decorations will be up for your visit, but probably not any holiday entertainment quite yet.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 3, 2018 at 5:19 p.m. Jannine Says...

Have any times been issued yet for parades etc around both parks?

Reply
Nov 4, 2018 at 9:52 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jannine!

You can always check out Universal's Entertainment Schedule to check out what's hoppening ;)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 22, 2018 at 5:29 a.m. Mary jo rose Says...

What entertainment will be at venues during nov 26 & 27, 2018? (Were all 21+) Also, will universal and epcot be decorated for christmas by then??

Reply
Oct 23, 2018 at 9:57 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

Universal and Epcot will both be decorated for the holidays during your visit. We recommend hopping around CityWalk if you're looking for some adult beverages and fun!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 13, 2018 at 7:16 p.m. Angela King Says...

I can only see dates for the Grinch breakfast up until 25th Dec does it not run after this? Thanks

Reply
Oct 15, 2018 at 5 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Angela!

If you aren't seeing any dates listed beyond December 25, that is likely the last available day.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 22, 2017 at 1:02 a.m. Julie Dinkins-Borkowski Says...

I was trying to find out more about when Mannheim Steamroller is going to be at Universal. I went to the MS website and their touring schedule indicates they will not be anywhere near Florida on those dates. I am curious as to how this is going to work. Are they just broadcasting the concert from a separate location?

Reply
Dec 7, 2017 at 8 p.m. Dave Says...

Manheim Steamroller has several touring arms composed of different groups of musicians who perform under that name. They will be at Universal and a few other places. Think of it like Santa's "helpers" in the Malls. ;)

Reply
Nov 16, 2017 at 4:04 a.m. Carol Says...

We are wanting to go to do a Park-to-Park hop from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure. Is it possible to see both parks in one day, what are your tips? We only have a couple of things we want to do in Islands of Adventure (Grinchmas show, and Hogsmeade lit up) so we would leave that park for last. The day we go parks open at 9:00a.m. and close at 8:00p.m.

Reply
Nov 17, 2017 at 2:16 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Carol,

Prioritize what you want to experience in both parks and make a plan. You can hop over to our 1-day park plans for Universal Orlando. If you're only wanting to see the two shows in Universal's Islands of Adventure, we think it's possible for you to see both parks in one day.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 7, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Janelle Says...

We are headed to Universal Studios on Christmas Day as a present for the kids. I have looked on the crowd calendar and it's going to be busy. Is there a plan that includes shows and rides? I'll be getting the 1 day park to park and adding on the fast pass. Kids ages are 17, 5 & 2. Please advise trying to plan this is overwhelming there is so much to see and do.

Reply
Nov 14, 2017 at 1:27 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Janelle,

You can check out our guide to holidays at Universal Orlando. Also, be sure to hop over and see our quick start planning guide for Universal Orlando!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 2, 2017 at 12:05 a.m. Terry Says...

Will the new Macy's Christmas parade happen each night during the holidays. We are going to Universal Florida during Christmas week. Any suggestions for Christmas dinner for five? We are ataying at the Sapphire Falls.

Reply
Nov 2, 2017 at 8:29 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Terry,

We expect that Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will run daily. As for Christmas dinner, look into Toothsome's Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 18, 2017 at 4:29 p.m. jen Says...

Are the Universal Christmas Parade and Mannhein Steamroller concert times (not dates) published yet? Trying to plan our day by times. Thanks!

Reply
Oct 19, 2017 at 8:15 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jen,

Normally, Universal does not post showtimes online. We're heading to Universal during opening weekend and will update our Universal Orlando Holidays post with the times.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 17, 2017 at 2:20 a.m. Bridgett Hernandez Says...

I plan on visiting the week before Christmas. It will be my first time experiencing Grinchmas which I am so excited for! Can you tell me if the Universal Macy's holiday parade goes through Islands of Adventures as well? Or do you have to be in Universal Studios to see the parade?

Reply
Oct 17, 2017 at 8:21 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Bridgett,

Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's is only at Universal Studios Florida. We hope you enjoy Grinchmas!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 4, 2017 at 6:40 p.m. Cassidi Townsend Says...

I plan on visiting the day after Christmas through January 4th. Will there still be holiday festivities?

Reply
Oct 5, 2017 at 8:18 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Cassidi,

Holidays at Universal Studios will end Jan 6.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 1, 2017 at 1:52 a.m. melissa Says...

Any restaurants in the parks serving Thanksgiving lunch/dinner? Thanks!

Reply
Oct 2, 2017 at 8:19 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Melissa,

In the past, the parks have not offered traditional Thanksgiving meals. Each of the hotels at Universal Orlando Resort offers various Thanksgiving meals.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 26, 2017 at 6:55 a.m. Therese Says...

We're planning on visiting Monday-Friday after Thanksgiving. Will attractions be closed for Christmas preparations/decorating?

Reply
Sep 26, 2017 at 8:18 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Therese,

Typically, theme parks will do their Christmas preparations the first two weeks of November. Usually, everything is finished by Thanksgiving week.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 20, 2017 at 3:05 p.m. Katherine Stevenson Says...

I've never done Universal for Christmas is this a seperate ticket with limited hours like Disney or regular hours and normal tickets? Thanks!

Reply
Sep 20, 2017 at 10:51 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Katherine,

The Universal Holiday events come with standard daily admission.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
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