Universal Orlando’s Holidays Begin This Weekend With NEW Experiences!

Christmas is almost here at Universal Orlando Resort! The resort’s annual holiday celebration officially kicks off this Saturday, November 14, and runs through January 3, 2027, with returning favorites, new seasonal food, festive merchandise, and holiday entertainment across all three theme parks.

This year’s celebration includes some exciting new additions at Universal Epic Universe, new holiday food kiosks at Universal Studios Florida, and a special tribute to the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Even Earl the Squirrel is getting his very own parade balloon! From Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to holiday shopping and seasonal treats, here’s what’s coming to Universal Orlando for the 2026 holiday season.

NEW Holiday Experiences at Universal Epic Universe

Epic Universe is celebrating its second holiday season with new decorations and seasonal offerings in several of its themed worlds.

• SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will introduce holiday decorations, exclusive merchandise, and seasonal food in Super Mario Land.

• Over in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, guests can celebrate Snoggletog, the winter holiday from the How to Train Your Dragon films. Expect festive decorations, seasonal merchandise, and themed photo opportunities throughout Berk.

• Celestial Park will once again transform into a winter wonderland, with even more illuminated Christmas trees and holiday-themed fountain displays at the Cosmos Fountain throughout the day.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Christmas returns to all three Wizarding World locations at Universal Orlando:

• Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure
• Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
• Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe

Each location will feature holiday decorations, themed merchandise, and seasonal entertainment. At Hogsmeade, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle returns with nighttime projections that bring Christmas moments from the Harry Potter films to life across the castle. Guests can also enjoy seasonal favorites like Hot Butterbeer and Spiced Apple Cider throughout all three Wizarding World locations.

Grinchmas Returns to Seuss Landing

The Grinch is back at Universal Islands of Adventure! Grinchmas returns to Seuss Landing with the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live musical retelling of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Guests can also meet the Grinch himself, explore the Who-Ville Tree Lot, and shop for holiday merchandise inspired by the residents of Who-Ville.

Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s

One of Universal Studios Florida’s biggest Christmas traditions returns with Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. The nighttime parade includes giant balloons, elaborate floats, and characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar, along with plenty of holiday favorites. Santa Claus closes the parade with a Christmas tree lighting.

Earl the Squirrel is getting his own 30.4-foot-tall balloon! The Universal Orlando character will make his debut in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26 before joining Universal’s holiday parade in December. The balloon features Earl wearing his signature winter cap and carrying his favorite blue Christmas lightbulb.

NEW Holiday Food and Drinks for 2026

Universal is introducing several new holiday food offerings across the resort, including cabin-style food kiosks in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida.

Some of the new food and beverage options include:

• Fire-Roasted Holiday Striploin
• Potato Pancakes and Pierogies
• Christmas Tree Waffles
• Red-Nose Reindeer Donuts
• Earl the Squirrel’s Hazelnut Dot Cake
• Coquito
• Merry Orchid Mule
• Peppermint Espresso Martini Hot Chocolate

Epic Universe will also offer seasonal menu items across its five themed worlds, including:

• Snoggletog Harvest Mac and Cheese Cone – How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
• Winter Hunter Mule – Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe
• Snowman Cake (Mario) – Toadstool Cafe in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
• Noir Holiday Supper – Le Goblet Noir in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
• Dongzhi Nights – The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant in Celestial Park

Additional treats around Universal Orlando include the BAH! Jam Tart and Very Grinchmas Ice Cream Sandwich in Seuss Landing, Gingy’s Gingerbread Streusel Cake at DreamWorks Imagination Café, and Hot Butterbeer throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Holiday Tribute Store and NEW Earl the Squirrel Merchandise

The Holiday Tribute Store returns to Universal Studios Florida with a new theme celebrating NBCUniversal’s history with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In honor of the parade’s 100th anniversary, this year’s store will feature displays inspired by memorable moments from the event’s history, along with themed merchandise, collectibles, and seasonal decorations.

Universal will also introduce new Earl the Squirrel merchandise celebrating his Macy’s balloon debut, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles.

Universal Holiday Tour and Grinch Character Breakfast

The Universal Holiday Tour is a two-and-a-half-hour guided experience featuring select holiday attractions and exclusive character meet-and-greets with the Grinch, Max, and Santa Claus. Guests need two-park, park-to-park admission for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast returns to Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Seuss Landing. Guests can enjoy breakfast while meeting the Grinch and residents of Who-Ville.

Both experiences require an additional purchase, and reservations are available now.

Christmas at Universal Orlando Hotels

Universal Orlando’s 11 hotels will also celebrate the holidays with decorations inspired by each property’s theme. Select hotels will offer seasonal dining experiences for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, along with traditions such as Christmas tree lightings, menorah lighting ceremonies, and strolling carolers.

Hotel guests can also take advantage of benefits including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to Universal’s theme parks.

Haus Noël Takes Over Universal CityWalk

The Green and Red Coconut Club returns to Universal CityWalk with a new seasonal identity for 2026: Haus Noël. This year’s holiday pop-up takes inspiration from an alpine pub and traditional European Christmas markets, with a mix of festive and slightly macabre decorations. Seasonal drinks include Coquito, Spiked Hot Chocolate, and a Pecan Pie Tai.

Elsewhere at CityWalk, guests can find additional holiday food, drinks, and merchandise at participating locations. Earl the Squirrel will also make appearances at CityWalk on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 20 through January 3.

New Year’s Eve at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando will wrap up the holiday season with New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31. The resort plans to offer live entertainment and midnight countdowns at its theme parks and CityWalk, along with separately ticketed events and specialty dining at select hotels. Universal will share additional details closer to the holiday.

Holiday Admission and Vacation Discounts

Most of Universal Orlando’s in-park holiday entertainment, including Grinchmas, the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, comes with regular theme park admission. Universal is also offering several vacation discounts for the season, contact Dreams Unlimited Travel to get your getaway started:

• Save up to 30% on stays of five nights or longer at participating Universal Orlando hotels for eligible U.S. residents.
• Save up to an additional $300 on qualifying vacation packages when combining hotel accommodations with theme park tickets.
• Three-day theme park tickets starting at $99 plus tax per day, with park-to-park upgrades starting at $119 plus tax per day.

Offer restrictions and availability apply.