As the Florida air [finally] turns crisp and the days grow shorter, the enchanting holiday season returns to Universal Orlando Resort, wrapping the parks in a warm, festive glow. From twinkling lights throughout the streets of Universal Studios, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and Seuss Landing, to the iconic Holiday Parade, picking up a seasonal treat, taking in a wintery show at Hogwarts Castle while sipping Hot Butterbeer, and meeting the Grinch himself, there’s a true sense of holiday cheer in the air. Plus, this year, we have an entire new theme park – Epic Universe – to enjoy the festivities at! Get ready to make some merry memories at Universal as they transform into a winter wonderland… and it’s all included in your park admission!
Universal Orlando’s resort-wide celebration of the holiday season returns November 21st, 2025 through January 4th, 2026, here’s an overview of everything happening!
In-Park Experiences
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
From garlands to dazzling lights and other touches of wizarding splendor, you can immerse themself in festive holiday décor across all three wizarding world locations this season – including Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, and for the first time, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe. Warm up with hot Butterbeer and shop a selection of seasonal wizarding merchandise offerings to commemorate your visit.
Enjoy popular holiday-themed experiences within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including special performances and seasonal melodies by The Frog Choir in Hogsmeade and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley, and the awe-inspiring nighttime spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” – which brings the beloved characters and stories from the Harry Potter films to life in a breathtaking display of projection and special effects against Hogwarts castle.
Grinchmas in Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure
The spirit of Grinchmas comes to life in Seuss Landing, where you can step into the world of Who-ville with the fan-favorite stage show, “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” – a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Meet and take a photo with the mean, green one himself – The Grinch – during special appearances at Honk Honkers daily and even encounter Whos throughout the festively decorated Seuss Landing, including a new Who-ville Tree Lot with a collection of whimsical trees themed to various Dr. Seuss characters.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is back to fill the merry streets of Universal Studios Florida with larger-than-life balloons, vibrant holiday floats, appearances by the Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me, beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar, and so much more. And it all culminates with a spectacular moment to light the park’s 80-foot Christmas tree led by the one and only Santa Claus.
Holiday Décor within Celestial Park at Universal Epic Universe
In addition to the holiday décor in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Universal Orlando’s new theme park will also feature seasonal lighting and decorations in Celestial Park – the imaginative first world you encounter that features dining, entertainment and attractions against a backdrop of stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements.
Merry Add-Ons
The Universal Holiday Tour
Take a guided tour of Universal’s holiday offerings across Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure and enjoy exclusive experiences during the Universal Holiday Tour, including:
- An exclusive meet-and-greet with The Grinch and his faithful dog Max;
- Reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s;
- Reserved seating area for “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular;”
- Cookie decorating, light bites and non-alcoholic beverages;
- An exclusive meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida;
- And priority access to one pre-determined attraction at Universal Studios Florida.
The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning November 21, 2025 through January 3, 2026. Pricing begins at $79.99 per person plus tax and separate theme park admission with a 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket is required. Annual and Seasonal Passholders receive a $10 discount per ticket per Passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass.
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast
Kick off a day of thrills by indulging in a delectable breakfast alongside beloved characters from Seuss Landing during The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous. Enjoy Seussian-themed eats and treats during this plated breakfast that includes menu items like Green Eggs & Ham Quiche, Mrs. Toffee Apple Dapple Cluck Crunch Chicken Sandwich, Betty Lou Who Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes, and more. You’ll also encounter Whos throughout the breakfast and enjoy an exclusive meet-and-great with The Grinch.
This add-on experience is available on select dates beginning November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026 for $58.99 plus tax per adult and $32.99 plus tax per child (ages 3-9).
Resort-Wide Celebrations
CityWalk
At Universal CityWalk, the Red Coconut Club will transform into the Green and Red Coconut Club for the holiday season, complete with festive decorations, live entertainment and holiday cocktails. This year’s theme is the “Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge,” where you can enjoy nods to favorite Holiday songs amidst a vibrant atmosphere of dancing lights. Upstairs, encounter Earl the Squirrel, who has brought his usual chaos and charm to Earl’s Twelve Days of Christmas. You can also meet this beloved Universal character on select dates in CityWalk Plaza.
Seasonal food and beverage offerings will also be available at restaurants throughout CityWalk like Bigfire and VIVO Italian Kitchen – and a seasonal milkshake from The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Enjoy holiday festivities at all 11 Universal Orlando Resort hotels, which will be decked out with festive décor for the season. Special menus and delicious holiday buffets will be offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, and holiday celebrations including Christmas tree lightings, Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers and more.
New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year with dazzling celebrations at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, Universal CityWalk, and all 11 Universal Orlando hotels. Additional details will be available at a later date.
Ready to plan your holiday getaway, or better yet — meet the Grinch? Contact Dreams Unlimited Travel today! They’ll take care all of the planning, dining reservations, and find the best deals for you — at no extra cost.
