Universal Orlando is getting ready to deck the halls, and this year’s holiday celebration is bringing some pretty big firsts to the resort!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort, and if you thought the holidays were already packed with festive experiences, just wait until you hear what’s coming this year. From returning favorites like Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to brand-new holiday experiences at Epic Universe, there’s a LOT to look forward to. Universal has also announced new seasonal food, merchandise, entertainment, and even a special debut for one of its most beloved holiday characters.
Universal Orlando Resort officially kicks off its 2026 holiday celebration on Saturday, November 14, with festivities continuing through January 3, 2027.
This year’s celebration spans Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, Universal CityWalk, and Universal Orlando’s hotels. And with Epic Universe joining the festivities in some new ways, guests will have even more holiday experiences to explore.
Here’s everything Universal Orlando has announced for the 2026 holiday season!
Epic Universe Is Getting NEW Holiday Experiences for 2026
One of the biggest announcements this year involves Universal Epic Universe, which is introducing festive experiences and decorations in several of its immersive worlds.
For the first time, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature special holiday decorations, seasonal food, and exclusive merchandise in Super Mario Land. Universal hasn’t revealed every detail of the decorations just yet, but this marks an exciting addition for guests visiting the colorful world of Mario and friends during the holidays.
Over in How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, guests will get to experience Snoggletog, the winter holiday celebration featured in the How to Train Your Dragon films. The land will feature festive decorations, seasonal merchandise, and special photo opportunities inspired by the Viking tradition.
Meanwhile, Celestial Park will once again transform into a cosmic winter wonderland, this time featuring even more illuminated Christmas trees. Guests can also enjoy holiday-themed fountain displays throughout the day at the Cosmos Fountain.
And that’s not all. Epic Universe will also participate in Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, bringing holiday decorations and entertainment to the Ministry of Magic.
Christmas Returns to All Three Wizarding World Lands
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is returning to Universal Orlando, with festivities across all three wizarding world lands. Guests can experience holiday decorations, twinkling lights, themed merchandise, and seasonal entertainment at:
- Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure
- Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
- Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe
One of the most popular returning experiences is The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade. The nighttime projection show transforms Hogwarts Castle with festive imagery, special effects, and memorable holiday moments inspired by the Harry Potter films.
Guests can also enjoy seasonal beverages, including Hot Butterbeer and Spiced Apple Cider, at all three Wizarding World locations.
Grinchmas Returns to Universal Islands of Adventure
If your holiday plans include a visit to Seuss Landing, you’re in luck because Grinchmas is returning for another season of Who-liday fun! The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular returns with its live stage production inspired by Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Guests can also meet The Grinch himself, explore the whimsical Who-ville Tree Lot, and shop for holiday gifts inspired by the residents of Who-ville. Seuss Landing will also offer seasonal treats, including the BAH! Jam Tart and Very Grinchmas Ice Cream Sandwich.
For guests wanting an additional Grinch-themed experience, the separately purchased Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast returns to Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous, where guests can enjoy breakfast alongside The Grinch and the Whos.
Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s Is Back With a NEW Balloon!
Universal Studios Florida is bringing back its popular Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, complete with enormous balloons, elaborately decorated floats, and beloved characters. The nightly parade features characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar, alongside traditional holiday favorites. The celebration concludes with Santa Claus leading the lighting of the park’s Christmas tree.
But there’s something especially exciting happening this year. Earl the Squirrel is getting his very own Macy’s balloon! The 30.4-foot-tall balloon features Universal Orlando’s mischievous holiday character wearing his signature winter cap and holding his favorite blue lightbulb.
Earl’s balloon will make its official debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade before joining Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s in December. And yes, there will be new Earl the Squirrel merchandise celebrating the occasion!
NEW Holiday Food and Drinks Are Coming to Universal Orlando
Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without seasonal snacks, and Universal Orlando has announced a variety of new food and beverage offerings throughout the resort. At Universal Studios Florida, the New York area will feature new cabin-style holiday food kiosks serving sweet and savory dishes.
Some of the announced offerings include:
- Fire-Roasted Holiday Striploin
- Potato Pancakes
- 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 is also getting festive menus across its five worlds, including the Snoggletog Harvest Mac and Cheese Cone in Isle of Berk, Winter Hunter Mule at Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe, Snowman Cake (Mario) at Toadstool Cafe in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Noir Holiday Supper at Le Goblet Noir in Ministry of Magic, and Dongzhi Nights at The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant in Celestial Park.
Additional holiday treats include Gingy’s Gingerbread Streusel Cake at DreamWorks’ Imagination Café, seasonal Grinchmas desserts in Seuss Landing, and Hot Butterbeer and Spiced Apple Cider throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store Gets a Macy’s Makeover
The Holiday Tribute Store is returning to Universal Studios Florida with a new theme celebrating NBCUniversal’s history with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 2026 store will honor 100 years of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade history, featuring immersive environments inspired by memorable parade moments from the past century.
Guests can browse exclusive Universal Orlando holiday merchandise, limited-release collectibles, and seasonal surprises. There will also be a new collection dedicated to Earl the Squirrel’s Macy’s balloon debut, including apparel, accessories, and collectibles.
Universal CityWalk Is Getting a Holiday Transformation
The holiday celebrations continue outside the theme parks at Universal CityWalk. This year, the Green and Red Coconut Club will transform into Haus Noël, an alpine-inspired pub featuring a Christmas market atmosphere and holiday traditions that embrace both the merry and the macabre. Seasonal cocktails include Coquito, Spiked Hot Chocolate, and Pecan Pie Tai.
Guests can also find additional holiday food and drinks throughout CityWalk, along with seasonal shopping at the Universal Studios Store.
And Earl the Squirrel fans have another reason to visit! Universal has announced an Earl the Squirrel meet-and-greet at CityWalk on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 20 through January 3.
Holiday Tours, Character Breakfasts, and Hotel Celebrations
For guests who want to add even more holiday experiences to their visit, Universal Orlando is offering separately purchased seasonal activities.
The Universal Holiday Tour is a guided experience lasting approximately two and a half hours. Guests with appropriate two-park, park-to-park admission can enjoy special holiday experiences, including exclusive meet-and-greets with The Grinch, Max, and Santa Claus.
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast also returns, offering guests a festive dining experience with The Grinch and the Whos at Universal Islands of Adventure.
Universal Orlando’s 11 hotels are also participating in the holiday celebration with themed decorations, seasonal dining, and special experiences at select properties. Depending on the hotel, guests may encounter Christmas tree lightings, menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers, and special dining experiences for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Hotel guests also receive resort benefits, including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks, subject to applicable requirements.
Universal Orlando Is Offering Holiday Ticket and Hotel Deals
Universal has also announced several vacation offers for guests planning a holiday getaway. U.S. residents can save up to 30% on stays of five nights or longer at participating Universal Orlando hotels.
Guests who bundle their hotel stay with theme park tickets may also qualify for up to an additional $300 in vacation package savings. Special multi-day ticket offers are also available, with three days of theme park access starting at $99 plus tax per day, or park-to-park access starting at $119 plus tax per day.
Pricing, eligibility, and restrictions vary by offer, so guests should review the details before booking.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations Are Coming, Too!
Universal Orlando will close out 2026 with New Year’s Eve celebrations across the destination.
The resort has announced plans for live entertainment and midnight countdowns in its theme parks and Universal CityWalk, along with separately ticketed events and specialty dining menus at select hotels. Additional details about the New Year’s Eve festivities will be announced at a later date.
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My Take
I think the biggest story this year is how much Universal is expanding its holiday offerings at Epic Universe. Seeing Snoggletog come to life in Isle of Berk and holiday decorations arrive in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD gives guests even more reasons to explore the new park during the Christmas season. I’m especially curious to see how the decorations fit into each land’s existing theming.
And can we talk about Earl the Squirrel getting his own Macy’s balloon? Between that, the new merchandise, and the Holiday Tribute Store celebrating 100 years of parade history, Universal is giving its holiday mascot a pretty big moment this year. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort run November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Most in-park holiday entertainment and experiences are included with regular theme park admission, while food, merchandise, and select add-on experiences cost extra.
For additional information, guests can visit Universal Orlando’s official holiday website.
Ready to get the holiday season started at Universal Orlando?
Keep checking back with Theme Park Scope as we bring you more details, first looks, holiday food coverage, and the latest Universal Orlando news throughout the season!
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