Universal Orlando Holidays 2026: Dates, Shows & Highlights

The holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort will begin on November 14, 2026. Through January 3, 2027, guests can enjoy an extensive lineup of holiday entertainment across the resort’s three theme parks, including shows, parades and seasonal décor. For the first time, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe will also receive special holiday decorations. At the same time, popular seasonal experiences such as Grinchmas, “Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s” and “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will return.

Epic Universe expands its holiday decorations

One of the biggest changes to this year’s holiday season can be found at Universal Epic Universe. After the new theme park celebrated its first holiday season last year, the festivities will expand to additional themed areas in 2026.

For the first time, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will feature special holiday decorations. Celestial Park will once again transform into a cosmic winter wonderland, with illuminated trees and holiday-themed fountain displays at the central Cosmos Fountain throughout the day.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will also once again be part of the seasonal celebrations. This means that “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will be featured across all three theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

In addition to the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe, Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida will also be decorated for the holiday season. All three themed areas will feature seasonal lighting and decorations, along with select holiday entertainment.

In Hogsmeade, the nighttime show “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” will also return. The show transforms Hogwarts Castle with projections and special effects inspired by memorable holiday moments and characters from the Harry Potter films.

Grinchmas returns to Islands of Adventure

Grinchmas will return to Universal Islands of Adventure for the 2026 holiday season. In Seuss Landing, guests can once again experience the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” a live stage show based on the Dr. Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the Grinch and stroll through the festively decorated Who-Ville Tree Lot.

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

“Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s” will also return to Universal Studios Florida as part of this year’s holiday program. The nighttime parade combines larger-than-life balloons with elaborately themed floats and a variety of familiar characters.

Among them are characters from Illumination’s “Despicable Me” as well as DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” and “Madagascar.” At the end of the parade, Santa Claus leads the lighting of the park’s large Christmas tree.

Universal Holiday Tour starts at $69.99

In addition to the regular holiday program, Universal Orlando will once again offer the separately ticketed “Universal Holiday Tour” in 2026. The approximately two-and-a-half-hour guided tour will be available on select dates from November 14, 2026, through January 2, 2027.

The tour includes exclusive meet-and-greets with the Grinch and his dog Max, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and reserved seating for the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” Guests can also make use of an optional reserved viewing area for “Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.” A Park-to-Park ticket for Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure is required to participate. Prices start at $69.99 per person, plus tax.

Holiday celebrations at CityWalk and Universal hotels

The holiday celebrations also extend beyond the theme parks. At Universal CityWalk, the “Green and Red Coconut Club” will return, transforming the Red Coconut Club with festive decorations, live entertainment and seasonal cocktails.

Universal Orlando Resort’s eleven hotels will also feature holiday decorations tailored to each property’s individual theme. Special menus and a variety of seasonal activities will complement the decorations, including Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, menorah lighting ceremonies and strolling carolers.

The regular in-park holiday experiences are included with standard theme park admission. Universal Orlando plans to announce additional details about this year’s seasonal offerings at a later date.

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Images: Universal Orlando Resort

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