Universal Holidays is the resort-wide Christmas celebration at Universal Orlando Resort, and the 2026 season runs from November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027. It covers Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, CityWalk and the on-site hotels, and it runs on every day of the season rather than on select nights. New for 2026, Epic Universe gets holiday decor for the first time in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
The celebration suits families with kids who want the Grinch, Santa and a nightly parade, and Harry Potter fans who like Christmas decor in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. The headline shows and the parade are part of regular park admission, so you do not need a special ticket to see them. The one paid extra is the Universal Holiday Tour, a guided experience with reserved seating and character meets. Rides are normally open as usual during the season, but check the Universal Orlando app for daily closures.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Universal Orlando Resort (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe)
- Dates: November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Event nights: Daily; check the park calendar for show and parade times
- Highlights: Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle
- New for 2026: First holiday decor in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Isle of Berk at Epic Universe
- Ticket: Included with park admission; Universal Holiday Tour is a separate ticket
What’s new for 2026
The main change this year is at Universal Epic Universe. For the first time, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will carry holiday decor. Celestial Park, the central hub of Epic Universe, will also turn into what Universal describes as a cosmic winter wonderland, with twinkling trees and holiday-themed fountain displays.
The rest of the lineup is made up of returning favorites: Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and the Macy’s holiday parade. Universal has not announced new shows or new parade floats for 2026, so plan around the returning headliners and the new Epic Universe decor.
Lights, shows and holiday entertainment
At Universal Islands of Adventure, Grinchmas takes over Seuss Landing. The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular live stage show returns, you can meet the Grinch, and the Who-Ville tree lot is part of the setting. Show times vary by day, so check the park calendar or the app once you arrive.
In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley and the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe all carry Christmas decor and seasonal entertainment. In Hogsmeade, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle returns as a nighttime projection show.
At Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s runs nightly. It brings large balloons and themed floats from Illumination and DreamWorks properties, and it ends with a Santa-led Christmas tree lighting.
Rides and attractions open
Universal does not publish a winter ride list for the holiday season, so treat the lineup as the normal one, with individual rides closing for maintenance or weather on any given day. The Epic Universe lands with new decor, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Isle of Berk, remain regular attractions that also get seasonal dressing. Check the Universal Orlando app on the morning of your visit for current wait times and closures.
Holiday food and treats
Universal has not released a detailed 2026 food and drink menu in the announcements we found, so check the park app closer to opening. CityWalk’s Green and Red Coconut Club returns with festive decor and seasonal cocktails.
The 11 on-site hotels will also offer seasonal decor and special menus, along with tree lightings, menorah lightings and carolers. Exact dates and menus vary by hotel, so ask your hotel or check its listing.
Tickets, passes and upgrades
The holiday parade, Grinchmas show and Hogwarts Castle projection show come with regular Universal Orlando admission, so no separate event ticket is needed.
The Universal Holiday Tour is the paid upgrade. It is a guided experience of about two and a half hours, offered on select dates from November 14, 2026 to January 2, 2027. Tickets start at $69.99 per person plus tax, with a $10 discount for Annual and Seasonal Passholders. Universal lists reserved seating for the Grinchmas show, a Grinch meet-and-greet, a Santa meet-and-greet and an optional reserved viewing area for the parade. Some coverage also mentions a Max meet, so confirm the current character list when you book. The tour requires separate park admission, and booking is through Universal’s vacation booking site.
Current offers include up to 30% off hotel stays of five nights or more for U.S. residents, and a Get 2 Days Free with a 3-Day Ticket deal. Florida residents can get a 2-Park Unlimited ticket for $199 plus tax through December 16. Offers change, so confirm on the official site before you buy.
Tips for your visit
Start with the shows that have set times. Look up the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular schedule when you arrive, since it plays several times a day, and pick your parade spot early if you are not on the Holiday Tour. The parade runs at night at Universal Studios Florida, so plan the rest of your day around it.
Central Florida evenings can turn cool in December, so bring a light jacket for the nighttime shows. Weather can also pause outdoor rides and shows, which makes the app the best source for same-day changes. Hotel guests get early park admission and complimentary transportation, which helps if you want the Seuss Landing and Epic Universe decor before the crowds build.
Explore more: every theme park holiday event for 2026, by state.
Universal Holidays 2026 at Universal Orlando Resort FAQs
When does Universal Holidays 2026 start and end?
Universal Holidays 2026 at Universal Orlando Resort runs from November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
Is Universal Holidays included with park admission?
Yes. The Grinchmas show, the holiday parade featuring Macy’s and the Christmas decor come with regular park admission. The Universal Holiday Tour is a separate ticket that starts at $69.99 per person plus tax and also requires park admission.
Do rides run during Universal Holidays?
Universal does not publish a separate winter ride list. Rides run on their normal schedules, with occasional closures for maintenance or weather, so check the Universal Orlando app on the day of your visit.
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Photo: Paulo Guereta from São Paulo / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.