Universal Orlando Resort will hold its annual holiday celebration from November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026. The event will include activities and decorations across the resort’s theme parks and hotels.
The festivities feature Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas in Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. This year, for the first time, holiday décor will extend to the Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe.
Special experiences include live performances such as The Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” nighttime show will return with projection effects on Hogwarts castle.
Grinchmas celebrations offer a stage show retelling Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Guests can meet The Grinch at Honk Honkers and see Whos throughout Seuss Landing, including a new Who-ville Tree Lot with themed trees.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s brings large balloons and floats to Universal Studios Florida. Characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar are set to appear. Santa Claus will lead the lighting of an 80-foot Christmas tree.
At Universal Epic Universe, Celestial Park will be decorated with seasonal lighting and displays inspired by astronomical themes.
Add-on experiences are available for guests seeking more exclusive options. The Universal Holiday Tour offers guided access to select attractions, reserved viewing areas for shows and parades, cookie decorating sessions, meet-and-greets with characters like The Grinch and Santa Claus, as well as priority access to one attraction at Universal Studios Florida. Tickets start at $79.99 per person plus tax; Annual and Seasonal Passholders receive a $10 discount per ticket per passholder.
Another option is The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Islands of Adventure. Menu items include Green Eggs & Ham Quiche and Betty Lou Who Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes. Prices are $58.99 plus tax for adults and $32.99 plus tax for children ages three to nine.
Universal CityWalk will also participate by transforming Red Coconut Club into Green and Red Coconut Club with live entertainment under this year’s “Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge” theme. Earl the Squirrel returns with his Twelve Days of Christmas display in CityWalk Plaza.
All eleven Universal Orlando Resort hotels will have special menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve buffets, tree lightings, menorah ceremonies during Hanukkah, carolers, and other events throughout the season.
New Year’s Eve celebrations are planned across all four theme parks—Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe—as well as CityWalk and each hotel location. More details about these events will be announced later.
Access to most holiday activities is included with regular park admission tickets. Florida residents can save up to 40% off flexible rates when booking participating resort hotels during this period; benefits include early park admission (with ticket) and charging privileges throughout the resort.
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