Universal Orlando - 2025 Holidays at Universal Guide
- MMV
- Oct 14
- 5 min read
Garland adorns the archways, twinkling lights dance from the palm trees and holiday music can be heard at every turn. The Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort are unlike anything you’ve probably experienced. Yes, there are the holiday elements everyone knows and loves like Christmas trees, festive décor and eggnog — but there are also unique twists that can only be experienced here.
This year, the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will run from November 21 to January 4. Whether you’re running as the next Holiday Cheermeister or wanting to try a new holiday tradition, this guide will help even the grinchiest of Grinches plan a wonderful holiday.
Where to Stay
Staying at one of Universal’s hotels really is the best way to experience the holidays. Each hotel is fully decorated to complement the immersive hotel theming. From an Italian-inspired holiday at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel to a surf-style holiday at Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, there is a holiday vibe for everyone.
Each hotel hosts its own unique holiday feast in one of its restaurants. There are specialty breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals that you can indulge in whichever holiday you’re celebrating with us, including buffets and special menus for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Ring in the season with Christmas Tree and Hanukkah Menorah lighting ceremonies.
Enjoy the strolling holiday carolers throughout Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, or enjoy seasonal food and beverage offerings in select hotels, including Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort.
Nothing screams winter like cuddling up and roasting marshmallows in front of a fire. Most of the hotels have fire pits they light nightly, which is the perfect way to wind down after a day in the parks.
Lounging by the hotel pool in the middle of winter with an umbrella drink is the best gift you could give in my opinion.
Holiday activities and dining options vary by hotel. Explore all the hotel holiday happenings to choose the best hotel experience for you. No matter which you choose, you’ll get to stay close to the holiday action and enjoy complimentary transportation. Hotel guests also get Early Park Admission to select parks and attractions — even during the bustling holiday weeks.
Things to Do
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Experiencing Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a holiday experience like no other. Festive decor and seasonal shows bring even more magic into all three lands — Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida, and wizarding Paris in Universal Epic Universe.
Entertainment
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is a festive spectacle of light projections and music held every evening from dusk to park close.
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees perform their holiday hits like “My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas” in Diagon Alley.
The Frog Choir take the stage in Hogsmeade with their classic carols like “Christmas at Hogwarts.”
Make sure to take home a piece of the wizarding world with marvelous merchandise like Hogwarts house ornaments, stockings, and sweaters. And no holiday visit is complete without trying hot Butterbeer, a delicious, non-alcoholic warm beverage reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch.
Nightly Parade
For most, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual tradition. Seeing it in person has been on my bucket list for some time. Fortunately, I have previewed the experience as a spectator of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. For years, the creative geniuses at Universal Orlando and Macy’s have partnered to bring larger-than-life parade balloons to the streets of Universal Studios Florida.
Along with the classic Macy’s star balloons, viewers can expect to see Minions from Illumination’s “Despicable Me,” the characters from DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” and “Madagascar” films, plus over 100 festive entertainers including Santa Claus. There’s even a special Florida snowfall for the finale.
PRO TIPS:
Plan Ahead – As expected, the parade is a popular activity, and the sidewalks fill up the closer you get to the parade start time. The parade route is roped off for everyone’s safety, so grab any snacks and plan restroom breaks ahead of time. I recommend getting to your preferred viewing area 25-30 minutes before.
Download the Universal Orlando Resort app – The parade start times will be available here, in addition to a ton of other helpful information for your time at the parks.
Grinchmas
During the holiday season, the whimsical Seuss Landing gets decked out in Who-liday charm and cheer to celebrate Grinchmas.
Delight in the hilarious hijinks of the mean, green one himself in The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular a live retelling of the classic tale starring the Grinch, featuring music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller.
Mingle with the strolling Whos as they spread Who-liday joy.
Meet the maven of mischief himself for a photo opportunity at Honk Honkers, just across the way from Moose Juice, Goose Juice.
Want even more holiday fun? The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast is back for the holidays! Join the mean, green one himself and the Whos too for a morning feast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous. Start your day with a sit-down meal of festive food and fun for everyone. This seasonal favorite is only available on select days during the holidays so be sure to reserve your space.
The Universal Holiday Tour
With all of the holiday fun offered at Universal Orlando Resort, how can you possibly experience it all? The Universal Holiday Tour has you covered. Over roughly five hours, you’ll embark on a guided tour through the beloved holiday experiences across both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Along the way, you’ll:
Get to meet The Grinch and his faithful dog companion, Max
Watch The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular from a reserved seating area
Enjoy small plates, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages at Universal Studios Florida (location varies)
Ask Santa Claus himself for what you’d like for Christmas this year (assuming you’re on the nice list…)
Take advantage of priority access to a predetermined attraction at Universal Studios Florida
Where to Feast, Feast, Feast
Many of the restaurants across the theme parks, Universal CityWalk and the hotels add seasonal menu food and drink creations that vary from year to year. But you can pretty much count on special doughnuts, holiday snacks and treats (hello hot chocolate bombs!), cocktails, and comfort food to satisfy your holiday food fix.
Other Important Things to Know
No Extra Cost to Celebrate!
The greatest and most important thing to know about The Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort? It’s included with your park admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. There is no extra cost to experience the festivities and seasonal cheer, and it makes for a memorable holiday vacation.
The App Will Be Your Best Friend
Think of the Universal Orlando Resort App as your personal little robot butler in the palm of your hand. You can set up a virtual wallet, mobile-order food, check ride wait times and get info on seasonal shows, parade times and more.
Information courtesy of Universal Orlando.
We can't wait to feel the holiday magic this year at the Universal Orlando Resort! Ready to start planning you next Universal Parks vacation? Contact your Magical Moments Vacations agent today or click HERE for more information.
