Grab your favorite festive sweater and start practicing your best Grinch smirk, because Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up for a massive, destination-wide holiday celebration. Running from November 14 through January 3, 2027, this year’s festivities are getting a major expansion—most notably heading over to Universal Epic Universe for the very first time.
Whether looking for a cozy wizarding Christmas, high-flying balloons, or holiday cheer powered by Power-Ups and dragons, Universal is rolling out plenty of merry (and wonderfully mischievous) moments across the entire resort.
Merry In-Park Experiences (Included with Regular Admission)
Universal’s signature holiday offerings are returning in full force, alongside brand-new expansions that fans won’t want to miss.
- Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: For the first time, all three wizarding world locations will join in on the holiday magic. Alongside Hogsmeade (Universal Islands of Adventure) and Diagon Alley (Universal Studios Florida), the brand-new Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe will dazzle with festive lights, décor, and seasonal entertainment. Over in Hogsmeade, guests can once again catch “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” a stunning nighttime projection and effects show.
- Grinchmas in Seuss Landing: Over at Universal Islands of Adventure, Seuss Landing transforms into a whimsical holiday wonderland. Guests can catch the live “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” stroll through the vibrant Who-Ville Tree Lot, and—of course—try to win over the mean, green one himself during meet-and-greets.
- Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s: The streets of Universal Studios Florida will light up nightly with massive, larger-than-life balloons and elaborately themed floats. Featuring characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar, the parade caps off with a special Christmas tree lighting led by Santa Claus.
- Epic Holiday Debuts: Universal Epic Universe is stepping into its very first holiday season! Guests can experience brand-new holiday décor across SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, while Celestial Park offers a cosmic winter wonderland complete with twinkling trees and festive fountain displays at the Cosmos Fountain.
Level Up the Merriment: The Universal Holiday Tour
For visitors wanting to take their holiday experience up a notch, Universal is bringing back its separately ticketed Universal Holiday Tour.
Available on select dates from November 14, 2026, through January 2, 2027, this 2.5-hour guided tour (requires two-park, park-to-park access to USF and IOA) includes:
- Exclusive meet-and-greets with The Grinch and his faithful dog, Max
- A meeting with Santa Claus
- Reserved seating for the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”
- An optional reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Tickets start at $69.99 per person plus tax, with a $10-per-ticket discount available for eligible Annual and Seasonal Passholders.
Beyond the Theme Parks: CityWalk and Resort Hotels
The holiday cheer doesn’t stop at the turnstiles. Over at Universal CityWalk, the fan-favorite Green and Red Coconut Club is returning, transforming the Red Coconut Club into a cozy, festive lounge stocked with themed cocktails, live entertainment, and plenty of vibrant holiday flair.
Meanwhile, Universal’s collection of 11 hotels is getting fully decked out with unique seasonal decor tailored to each property’s theme. Guests staying on-property can enjoy special holiday menus, menorah lighting ceremonies, Christmas tree lightings, and strolling carolers, alongside perks like Early Park Admission.
Planning a Trip? Holiday Savings Are Live
Universal is offering a handful of deals to help guests save on their seasonal getaway:
- Hotel & Ticket Packages: U.S. residents can save up to 30% on stays of five nights or more at participating Universal hotels, plus up to $300 in additional bundle savings when adding theme park tickets.
- Ticket Deals: The popular “Get 2-Days Free with a 3-Day Ticket” offer is currently on sale.
- Florida Resident Specials: Local fans can snag the 2-Park Unlimited Days Ticket for $199 plus tax (valid for unlimited access to USF and IOA through December 16), along with up to 25% off room stays at select Universal hotels.
Whether checking out Epic Universe’s holiday debut or grabbing a Butterbeer under the festive lights of Hogsmeade, Universal Orlando’s upcoming holiday season is shaping up to be one for the books!
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83