Updated by Kate Cohen
October 9, 2026
The holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort is always bursting with jolly holiday cheer. This year is no different.
Celebrate Christmas by getting festive at one (or all three) of their theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and the newest addition, Universal Epic Universe.
In 2026, Universal is giving guests even more reasons to celebrate with brand new Epic Universe holiday decorations, entertainment, food, and more.
This year's festivities at Universal Orlando run from November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the holiday celebrations Universal Orlando Resort’s parks have in store for you this season.
Key Takeaways
- Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Grinchmas in Seuss Landing
- Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's Iconic Balloons
- New Holiday Stylings at Epic Universe
- Merry Stays at Rosen Inn International
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
For many people, watching the Harry Potter movies is a holiday tradition. Its snowy Christmas scenes evoke warm, cozy feelings of the holiday season as well as a comfortable sense of nostalgia.
Bring those warm, Christmassy fuzzies to life with a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.
In Universal Studios Florida, you can meander through the streets of Diagon Alley with a warm butterbeer in your hands.
Watch glamorous songstress Celestina Warbeck croon Christmas favorites like “My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas,” accompanied by her beautiful Banshees.
If you’re visiting Islands of Adventure, be sure to take in the sights of the iconic Hogwarts castle from the village of Hogsmeade. At night, the castle comes alive with a beautiful show of projections that will definitely get you into the holiday spirit.
Enjoy the sounds of Christmas carols being sung by the Frog Choir and let yourself be enchanted by every magical detail of this memorable holiday celebration.
At Epic Universe, the holiday season comes to life in the streets of 1920s Wizarding Paris. Storefronts are adorned in ornate garlands and twinkling lights, and Christmas trees add festive cheer throughout shops and eateries.
Grinchmas in Seuss Landing
One of Universal Orlando Resort’s biggest Christmas attractions has to be Seuss Landing, which is transformed into the whimsical city of Who-ville for the season.
You know your holiday celebrations are amazing when not even the Grinch himself can resist the spirit of Christmas!
Meet the mean, green, anti-Christmas machine in person for a character meet and greet.
This entertaining encounter has become increasingly popular in the last few years, so it would be-Who-ve you to reserve a spot in the virtual queue with Universal’s app. Be sure to sign up quickly as time slots are known to run out.
As you await your one-on-one time with the Grinch, mosey your way around Who-ville to meet and take photos with resident Whos.
Early park-goers can also enjoy a festive breakfast buffet at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous with Seuss-themed favorites like Green Eggs and Ham. Dine with the Grinch and local Whos as you embrace some lively Who-liday cheer.
Mark the Christmas season with the Grinch’s beloved tale by watching Islands of Adventure’s production of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. The whole family will love this spirited retelling of the classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" story and its original live music.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s Iconic Balloons
Enjoy the magic of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade throughout the duration of the Christmas celebrations at Universal Studios Florida.
Take in the sights of some of your favorite characters soaring through the streets of the theme park, in addition to retired Macy’s balloons from the original New York parade.
Dancers, entertainers, and fun-filled floats bring an extra special energy to the parade, representing a variety of popular Universal and DreamWorks films.
You may spot characters like the Minions from Despicable Me, Alex from the Madagascar movies, and your favorite friends from Shrek spreading holiday cheer during this winter celebration.
New Holiday Stylings at Universal Epic Universe
In 2026, the holidays will be even more prevalent at Universal Epic Universe than ever before.
While its inaugural Christmas season in 2025 featured festive decor in areas like Celestial Park and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, two new worlds are joining the celebration this year.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be decking its halls with holiday cheer, adding even more color to this bright and immersive area.
Additionally, the wintery holiday of Snoggletog is coming to The Isle of Berk. This Viking celebration from the world of How to Train Your Dragon is sure to inspire tidings of comfort and joy.
Universal has only teased details so far, so be sure to check back for more info on special holiday offerings, entertainment, and merchandise.
Merry Stays at Rosen Inn International
Rosen Inn International, a Universal Partner Hotel, is the perfect place to rest your head this holiday season.
Our complimentary shuttle will make sure you get to your Universal celebrations with plenty of time to take advantage of all the Christmas cheer the day has to offer.
Enjoy clean and comfortable rooms with top-of-the-line amenities at an unbeatably affordable rate. Make this holiday season an unforgettable one by booking your stay at Rosen Inn International.