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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

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

201–250 of 1528 comments
Jul 4, 2019 at 6:19 p.m.
Carmen Says...

Oh, I would love to visit the Stranger Things House!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 6:13 p.m.
mika Says...

wow! looks fun!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 6:11 p.m.
Raerazz Says...

I love Halloween horror nights! We went when it was the walking dead theme and it was awesome.

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 6:11 p.m.
Lydia Elliott Says...

I love all these events! Hopefully I am able to enjoy at least one of these this year! :)

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Jul 4, 2019 at 6:01 p.m.
L Says...

Wish I could go...

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 5:36 p.m.
ELISHA R Says...

I would love to visit the Stranger Things Attraction as well as the Harry Potter Attraction! Never been to universal before but these are my top two to visit!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 5:28 p.m.
Aidan C. Says...

I'd love to go back!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 4:53 p.m.
Chelsea Tyler Says...

I'm super excited to visit the Harry Potter section of Islands of Adventure!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 4:51 p.m.
Millie Hutchinson Says...

Great post!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 4:08 p.m.
Canice Davidson Says...

Great info?

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Jul 4, 2019 at 3:56 p.m.
Trina Says...

We never been to Universal! Hopefully we will get a chance to go during one of these events.

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 3:33 p.m.
Stacy Reedal Says...

Halloween horror or Grichmas sound amazing and truly unique compared to all of the other amusement parks! Thanks for sharing this information!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 3:20 p.m.
Samantha Williams Says...

WooHoo Can’t wait to use all the great info for planning our next vacay!!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 3:16 p.m.
Esteban Collado Says...

Love the Frog. Wish I could enjoy the discounts more often ????

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 3:15 p.m.
Sam C. Says...

I have never been to Universal, but I hope to go in 2020!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:53 p.m.
Jennifer Says...

Can't wait to visit!!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:41 p.m.
Mildred LamarCollado Says...

Always buy tickets to parks w the Froggy ????

Love ❤️

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:41 p.m.
Jennifer Says...

Halloween Horror Nights is the best ????????

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:15 p.m.
Mor Haggiag Says...

Looks AMAZING!!! My kids will love it!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:08 p.m.
Candice Says...

Next time in FL, we will definitely check out Universal for the Harry Potter experiences

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:08 p.m.
Joy Marish Says...

Very Helpful . I would love to win ! I've never been to Florida .

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:06 p.m.
Nicole B Says...

LOVE UNIVERSAL!!!!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:01 p.m.
JOYCE TKACS Says...

Universal is now our park of choice.

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 1:58 p.m.
Jodi Strock Says...

Pick me, Pick me!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 1:56 p.m.
Dominique S Says...

Super helpful! Thank you

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 1:22 p.m.
Nia B. Says...

Thanks for all of the great information!!! Can't wait to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 1:18 p.m.
KellyP Says...

Can’t wait to visit soon!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 1:02 p.m.
Colleen Dorval Says...

Always great info from the Frog Family:)

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 12:27 p.m.
Crystal Blevins Says...

Great information and love universal!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 12:26 p.m.
Dale Mayer Says...

I love Universal, and I’m hoping to win a trip for my family!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 10:52 a.m.
Chris B Says...

Can't wait for my first visit

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 9:06 a.m.
ANDREA Says...

My #1 site for Disney and Universal adventures

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 8:14 a.m.
Mtkerraprn Says...

We use Undercover Tourist for all of our Orlando vacation planning.

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 7:11 a.m.
Erica R Allen Says...

I cant wait to go to Universal

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 5:40 a.m.
Tammy Johnson Says...

So many great tips! Excited to try them out!!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 5:28 a.m.
Cassandra Francis Says...

Love all the info! Undercover Tourist is my go to for trip planning!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 4:56 a.m.
Cathleen C Says...

Well, this is a wonderful opportunity for a family to have fun, no matter what time of year! Thank you for the chance!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 4:35 a.m.
Nicole S. Berry Says...

How exciting!!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 3:41 a.m.
Morgan warren Says...

Absolutely love going in January!!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 3:35 a.m.
Megan Says...

Your advice and maps with numbered stops were so helpful at Disney and Universal. I’d love to go back during one of the holidays you described above.

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 3:26 a.m.
Lana Elmore Says...

We used Undercover Tourist for our tickets on our last Disney and Universal vacation. They were great!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 3:01 a.m.
blong Says...

Hope to get there someday!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:50 a.m.
Sassafrassoto Says...

Love undercover tourist and their ticket prices! Pic me!!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:45 a.m.
Marilyn Says...

I would love to take my grandchild there.

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:39 a.m.
Maritza Says...

Hope to win

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:27 a.m.
Jessica Says...

Your tips are great when planning trips!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:26 a.m.
Kim Says...

Can’t wait to go back to universal and take my kids for first time.

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 2:06 a.m.
Paceyswife Says...

Best memories we have made as a family at Zuni!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 1:48 a.m.
Erica Brock Says...

Grinchmas sounds very fun!!!

Reply
Jul 4, 2019 at 1:41 a.m.
Rhiannon Leigh Says...

I can't wait to visit!

Reply

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Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

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