Universal Orlando - 2026 Holidays at Universal Guide
Garland adorns the archways, twinkling lights dance from the palm trees, and holiday music fills the air! The Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort are unlike anything you’ve probably experienced. ...and this year is going to be bigger, brighter, and merrier!
This year, the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will run from November 14th to January 3rd. Whether you’re aiming to be the next Holiday Hero or just want 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 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’s a holiday vibe for everyone!
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 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!
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. Plus, this year's holiday season at Universal Epic Universe is set to be .... well, EPIC!
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.
For many, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual tradition. Did you know you can preview this 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,” 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 theUniversal Orlando Resort app* – The parade start times will be available here, along with 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!
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!
*Contact your MMV agent for more details on this experience.
Did we mention the holiday season means the return of Earl?! ...everyone's favorite Universal Orlando legend! Find him greeting guests and "hiding" in the showstopper tree near the exit of Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.
*See park map for updated meet and greet location.
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:
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’s no extra cost to experience the festivities and seasonal cheer, making 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! Make sure to follow our Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest details. Ready to start planning your next Universal Parks vacation? Contact your Magical Moments Vacations agent today or click HERE for more information!
