Universal Orlando has announced the return of its destination-wide holiday celebration, running from November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027. This year’s festivities will once again bring seasonal entertainment, décor, and fan-favorite traditions to the resort’s theme parks, hotels, and CityWalk while introducing new holiday experiences at Universal Epic Universe for the first time.
The biggest addition for the 2026 season comes at Epic Universe, where guests will be able to experience festive holiday décor throughout Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Celestial Park will also return as a cosmic winter wonderland, featuring twinkling trees and holiday-themed fountain displays at the Cosmos Fountain.
Holiday traditions also return across The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with seasonal décor and entertainment available in Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. Guests visiting Hogsmeade can once again enjoy The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, the nighttime projection spectacular that transforms Hogwarts Castle with scenes inspired by memorable holiday moments from the Harry Potter films.
At Islands of Adventure, Grinchmas returns to Seuss Landing with the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live stage show based on Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Guests can also meet The Grinch, visit the Who-Ville Tree Lot, and enjoy additional themed entertainment throughout the land.
Universal Studios Florida will once again host Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, which features larger-than-life balloons, floats inspired by Illumination’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar, along with classic holiday characters. The nightly parade concludes with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony led by Santa Claus.
Guests looking to enhance their visit can purchase the Universal Holiday Tour, a guided two-and-a-half-hour experience available on select dates from November 14, 2026, through January 2, 2027. The tour includes exclusive meet-and-greets with The Grinch and Max, reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, and an optional reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Pricing starts at $69.99 plus tax, with eligible Universal Orlando Annual and Seasonal Passholders receiving a $10 discount.
Beyond the parks, the holidays continue at Universal CityWalk, where the popular Green and Red Coconut Club returns with festive décor, seasonal cocktails, and live entertainment.
Universal’s eleven on-site hotels will also celebrate the season with themed decorations, specialty dining, and holiday activities, including Christmas tree lightings, menorah lighting ceremonies, and strolling carolers. Hotel guests will continue to receive benefits such as Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation throughout the resort.
To coincide with the holiday season, Universal Orlando is offering several vacation deals for U.S. residents, including savings of up to 30% on stays of five nights or more at participating hotels and up to $300 in additional savings when booking a vacation package that includes theme park tickets. Guests can also take advantage of the “Get 2 Days Free with a 3-Day Ticket” offer.
Florida residents can purchase a 2-Park Unlimited Days Ticket for $199 plus tax, providing unlimited admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure through December 16, 2026. Additional discounts on hotel stays are also available for Florida residents.
Access to Universal Orlando’s holiday offerings is included with theme park admission.
Universal says additional details about the 2026 seasonal offerings will be shared soon.
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