Universal Orlando Resort is about to put a whole lot more sparkle into sweater season. The destination-wide holiday celebration returns November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027, bringing back longtime favorites like Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s—plus some brand-new holiday cheer at Universal Epic Universe.
Most of the in-park festivities are included with regular theme park admission, so the seasonal fun can slide right into a park day without another ticket joining the stocking.
Epic Universe Is Getting Its First Big Holiday Makeover
Universal Orlando’s newest theme park is joining the holiday lineup in a bigger way this year. For the first time, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will receive special holiday décor.
Over in Celestial Park, the cosmic winter wonderland returns with twinkling trees and holiday-themed fountain displays at the Cosmos Fountain throughout the day. Apparently even the stars appreciate a little seasonal decorating.
Epic Universe also joins Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure in celebrating Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. That means holiday lights, décor and seasonal entertainment will stretch across the Ministry of Magic, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
Hogwarts, the Grinch and Santa Are Back on the Nice List
At Universal Islands of Adventure, Hogsmeade once again gets its Christmas glow-up, including The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. The nighttime spectacular uses projections and special effects across Hogwarts Castle, drawing inspiration from holiday moments and characters in the Harry Potter films.
Not far away, Seuss Landing goes delightfully green for Grinchmas. The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular returns as a live stage production based on How the Grinch Stole Christmas, while guests can also meet The Grinch and wander through the twinkling Who-Ville Tree Lot.
Meanwhile, Universal Studios Florida puts its holiday celebration on wheels with Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. The nightly parade rolls out giant balloons and elaborate floats inspired by Illumination’s Despicable Me, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar, plus classic holiday favorites. Santa Claus closes out the procession with a Christmas tree lighting, because some jobs simply cannot be delegated to an elf.
The Universal Holiday Tour Adds Some VIP Tinsel
Guests looking to turn the merriment dial a little higher can book the separately ticketed Universal Holiday Tour. The two-and-a-half-hour guided experience is available to guests with two-park, park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.
The tour includes exclusive meet-and-greets with The Grinch and his faithful dog 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.
The Universal Holiday Tour is offered on select dates from November 14, 2026 through January 2, 2027 and can be booked through your Crazy Imagination Travel advisor.
CityWalk and the Hotels Are Joining the Party
The holiday spirit does not stop at the park gates. At Universal CityWalk, the Green and Red Coconut Club returns, turning the Red Coconut Club into a seasonal hideaway with live entertainment, festive cocktails and colorful décor.
Universal Orlando’s 11 hotels are getting dressed for the season, too. Each resort will have décor tailored to its own theme, along with special menus and holiday activities that include menorah lighting ceremonies, Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers.
Hotel guests also receive resort perks including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks—handy when the holiday itinerary starts filling faster than a Grinch-sized sack.
There Are Holiday Deals Under the Tree, Too
U.S. residents can also find a few seasonal savings tucked into the celebration. Guests can save up to 30% when booking a stay of five nights or more at participating Universal Orlando hotels.
Bundle that hotel stay with theme park tickets, and the total vacation package can save up to an additional $300. A ticket offer currently on sale also gives guests five days of theme park access for the price of three with the “Get 2-Days Free with a 3-Day Ticket” offer.
Access to the in-park holiday experiences is included with regular theme park admission. Universal says more details about the season’s offerings will be shared soon.
With three theme parks celebrating, Epic Universe joining the decorating committee and plenty of Grinch-approved mischief in the mix, Universal Orlando’s 2026 holiday season is shaping up to be a very busy stretch of merry.
