The Holidays at Universal Orlando 2026 (Dates, Epic Universe, and What’s Included)

Let’s talk about the holidays at Universal Orlando in 2026! The holidays are one of the best times to visit Universal Orlando Resort.

From Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, breakfast with the Grinch, and more! There’s something for everyone at Universal Orlando during Christmas.

Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, a travel blogger, a Florida resident, and a long-time Universal Annual Passholder.

I have firsthand experience with the parks, hotels, rides, dining options, and more, so I can offer tailored recommendations and insider tips to make your trip the best ever. Contact me for more information if you’d like assistance booking your Universal vacation at no cost to you. 

If you need a car for your Universal Orlando trip, we recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the best rates and free cancellation.

Do you need to rent a stroller in Orlando? We recommend Orlando Stroller Rentals! Bringing your own? If you want to leave your pricey stroller at home, we use (and love) the BabyTrend Expedition Jogger, which has everything you need at a lower price point.

Christmas at Universal Orlando in 2026

Universal Orlando has several Christmas events in 2026. We have a post with all the Special Events at Universal Orlando, so check it out when you’re done here!

In 2026, the Holiday Season runs November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027.

Most holiday events at Universal Orlando are included with your park ticket, but some aren’t. Beyond what is mentioned here, you’ll also find plenty of photo opportunities. Universal also typically does a Christmas tree hunt, although it’s also been Nutcracker-themed in the past.

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter gets all decked out for the holidays in all three parks: Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida, and the Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe. Some of the shows get a Christmas makeover too, like the Frog Choir in Hogsmeade and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley.

After dark, don’t miss The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. It’s a projection and special effects show on the castle in Hogsmeade, and it’s included with your ticket.

Don’t miss hot Butterbeer, which is only offered seasonally!

Christmas at Epic Universe

Epic Universe gets a bigger holiday celebration in 2026. Celestial Park turns into a cosmic winter wonderland with twinkling trees and holiday fountain displays. Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon, Isle of Berk (where the Vikings celebrate Snoggletog) get holiday decor for the first time, and the Ministry of Magic is decorated again.

There’s no big holiday show at Epic Universe, so think of it as a festive bonus if you already have Epic Universe on your plan. New to the park? Start with our ultimate guide to Epic Universe and where to stay for Epic Universe.

Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular

This just might be my favorite show in Universal, and I look forward to it every year. The show will happen multiple times a day.

Seuss Landing is always decked out for Christmas, so check it out even if you don’t plan to ride anything! Walk through the Who-Ville Tree Lot and look for the Grinch meet-and-greet.

Universal Holiday Tour

The Universal Holiday Tour is a 2.5-hour guided experience in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, so you’ll need a park-to-park ticket.

It includes an exclusive meet-and-greet with the Grinch and Max, reserved seating for The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a meet-and-greet with Santa, and optional reserved viewing for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

It’s a separate ticket from park admission (starting at $69.99 plus tax, with a discount for annual passholders), and it runs on select dates from November 14, 2026 through January 2, 2027.

If you want to truly make the most of the holidays at Universal Orlando in 2026, I recommend the Universal Holiday Tour! I can arrange this for you before arrival, so make sure to contact me to get started!

Earl the Squirrel

Would you believe me if I told you that I wrote an entire blog post about the history of Earl the Squirrel? Well, I did. Check it out here: A full history of Earl the Squirrel at Universal Studios.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

If you want to meet the Grinch but don’t want to stand in line for hours, I recommend the character breakfast! Universal doesn’t have many character breakfasts like Disney does, but this one is by far the best! Join the Grinch and friends at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

(Dates and pricing for 2026 not announced yet).

This is a buffet breakfast and requires advance reservations, and the good dates go fast. Work with me to book your preferred day ahead of time!

Holiday Tribute Store

The Holiday Tribute Store has not been officially announced for 2026 yet. When it’s open, it’s the place for holiday merch, seasonal snacks, and fun details to spot.

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

This is one of our favorite holiday events every year, and we make sure to watch it at least once! The parade runs nightly in Universal Studios Florida during the season, with giant balloons and floats featuring Universal characters, and it ends with Santa lighting the Christmas tree.

Most guides recommend watching in specific spots, but we like to watch it toward the end so we can get out of the parks quicker. This is important if you have little ones who are tired!

Green and Red Coconut Club at CityWalk

For the grown-ups, Red Coconut Club at CityWalk turns into the Green and Red Coconut Club for the season, with holiday decor, seasonal cocktails, and live entertainment. It’s a fun stop after the kids are in bed if you have a sitter or older kids.

Resort hotels

Even if you’re staying offsite, don’t miss the Universal Resort hotels. They are also decorated for the holidays, and many host holiday activities like Christmas tree lightings, menorah lighting ceremonies, and strolling carolers.

My favorite is Loews Royal Pacific, but check them all out! You can always dine or check out the decor at the hotels, even if you are not staying there.

To learn more about Universal hotels, check out All the Universal Orlando Hotel Types explained and The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Hotels

Gluten-free holiday treats at Universal

I have celiac disease, so I’m always looking for holiday treats I can actually eat. Seasonal menus change every year, so ask for the allergy information and talk to a chef before you order. Here’s my full guide to gluten-free food at Universal

Want more Orlando holiday ideas?

If you’re staying a few extra days, check out our list of things to do in Orlando for Christmas. And if you’re still picking dates, here’s the best time to visit Universal Orlando.

Holidays at Universal Orlando FAQ

When are the holidays at Universal Orlando in 2026?

The holiday celebration runs November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027.

Are the holiday events included with a park ticket?

Most of them are. Grinchmas, the Wizarding World holiday entertainment, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and the Epic Universe decor are all included. The Universal Holiday Tour and the Grinch character breakfast cost extra.

Does Epic Universe celebrate Christmas?

Yes. In 2026, Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Isle of Berk, and the Ministry of Magic all get holiday decor.

Where is The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle?

It’s a nighttime projection show on Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure.

How long is the Universal Holiday Tour?

About 2.5 hours, and you need a park-to-park ticket.

When is the least crowded time to see the holidays at Universal?

Mid-November through early December is usually calmer than the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s, which are some of the busiest days of the year. Our family likes to go to first or second week of December. 

The Holidays at Universal Orlando 2026

I hope this quick breakdown of the Holidays at Universal Orlando gives you an idea of what to expect. If you want to know more, I guess you’ll just have to visit for yourself!

Contact me today to plan your Christmas 2026 vacation at Universal Orlando!

We have lots more Universal travel tips on the blog. Check them out!

• 5 reasons to book Universal with a Universal Orlando Travel Agent
• 7 best kid-friendly restaurants at Universal Orlando
• How to get chosen for the Wand Experience at Ollivanders
• 7 things to buy at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• 15 Genius Universal Studios Hacks

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