Universal Orlando Resort‘s annual holiday celebrations return Nov. 14, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, bringing seasonal entertainment, themed food, festive merchandise and holiday experiences across the destination.
This year, Universal Epic Universe joins the festivities with its first holiday decorations and seasonal offerings in select areas of the new theme park.
The celebration includes returning favorites such as Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida.
Epic Holiday Decorations
For the first time, Epic Universe will feature holiday decor, merchandise and seasonal food in Super Mario Land at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. The How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk area will celebrate “Snoggletog,” the winter tradition featured in the film franchise, with festive decorations and photo opportunities.
Celestial Park will also return as a cosmic winter wonderland, featuring additional twinkling Christmas trees and holiday-themed fountain displays throughout the day at the Cosmos Fountain.
Returning Holiday Favorites
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will take place across all three wizarding lands: Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. Guests visiting Hogsmeade can also experience “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” a projection show featuring holiday-inspired scenes from the Harry Potter films.
At Universal Islands of Adventure, Grinchmas returns to Seuss Landing with the live “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” character meet-and-greets and the Who-Ville Tree Lot.
Meanwhile, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will once again bring oversized balloons and themed floats to Universal Studios Florida.
Seasonal Dining & Shopping
Holiday food and beverage offerings will appear throughout the destination. New seasonal food kiosks in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida will serve items such as fire-roasted holiday striploin, potato pancakes, Christmas tree waffles and Earl the Squirrel’s hazelnut dot cake.
Epic Universe will also introduce holiday-inspired menu items across its five worlds, including a Snoggletog Harvest Mac and Cheese Cone in Isle of Berk and a Snowman Cake at Toadstool Cafe.
The Holiday Tribute Store returns to Universal Studios Florida with a theme celebrating the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Guests can also shop for new Earl the Squirrel merchandise.
Holiday Stays and Vacation Offers
Universal Orlando’s 11 hotels will offer seasonal decorations, special holiday dining and select traditions such as Christmas tree lightings, menorah ceremonies and strolling carolers. Hotel guests also receive benefits including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks.
Guests can also celebrate New Year’s Eve with live entertainment and midnight countdowns across the theme parks and CityWalk. Additional separately ticketed hotel events and specialty menus will be available, with more details to come.
What Travel Advisors Should Know
The in-park holiday experiences are included with regular theme park admission. U.S. residents can save up to 30 percent on stays of five nights or more at participating Universal Orlando hotels, plus up to $300 more on their vacation package when bundling hotel accommodations with theme park tickets.
Universal is also offering special ticket options that include three days of theme park access, with the option to upgrade to park-to-park admission.
For more information, visit universalorlando.com.
