Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced the return of its destination-wide holiday celebration. Guests can experience the festivities from November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027. This year marks a significant expansion for the event, as holiday décor will debut at the resort’s newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, for the first time.
The upcoming season brings a variety of traditions back to the parks. Visitors can enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across all three locations, including Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, and the Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe. The nighttime projection show, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, will also return to Hogsmeade.
New Holiday Additions at Epic Universe
For the first time, Universal Epic Universe will feature holiday-themed decorations in Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Additionally, the cosmic winter wonderland in Celestial Park will return, featuring holiday-themed fountain displays and twinkling trees throughout the day. These new additions expand the resort’s holiday footprint, offering guests more areas to explore during the winter season.
Beyond the new park additions, the resort continues its classic offerings. Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure will host Grinchmas, featuring the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular stage show and opportunities to meet the Grinch. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Florida will present Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, which includes floats inspired by characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar.
Enhanced Holiday Experiences
For guests looking to elevate their visit, the resort is offering the Universal Holiday Tour. This separately ticketed experience provides a guided tour of holiday offerings, including exclusive meet-and-greets with the Grinch and his dog Max, reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus. The tour will be available on select dates from November 14, 2026, through January 2, 2027.
The inclusion of Epic Universe in the holiday lineup is a notable shift for the resort. By integrating holiday themes into its newest park, Universal is clearly aiming to draw larger crowds during the winter months. This expansion provides fans with more reasons to visit, especially those eager to see how the new lands are transformed for the season. It is a strategic move that highlights the resort’s commitment to creating a comprehensive holiday destination for families and franchise fans alike.
Guests can find more information on tickets and seasonal offerings by visiting the official Universal Orlando Resort website.
