Universal Orlando just announced the dates and offerings for its most popular seasonal celebration, including new holiday additions at Universal Epic Universe. We break down all the changes coming to the holiday season this year.
The holidays at Universal Orlando include fan-favorite experiences like Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s. Keep reading for this year’s dates, celebrations, and new holiday additions at Epic Universe. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including the release date for the new Disney World Hallmark film and the newest Disney World annual passholder perks.
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Universal Orlando Announces Holiday Dates
Universal Orlando celebrates the holiday season with Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s, and holiday decor across the theme parks and hotels.
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This year’s holiday celebration will begin November 14 and run through January 3, 2027, and this year will feature an expansion of the holiday decorations in Epic Universe. For the first time, guests can see holiday décor at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, while the “cosmic winter wonderland” of Celestial Park will return.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter takes place across all three locations this season:
Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe. Each land will feature festive lights, décor, and holiday-themed entertainment. One of the highlights is “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in Hogsmeade, which features a projection and special-effects display on Hogwarts castle.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure celebrates Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Seuss Landing with popular characters from the movie. Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is the main show for entertainment during Grinchmas. The show stars the Grinch in the telling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Guests can meet the Grinch in Seuss Landing, and this is one of the most popular character interactions Universal Orlando offers, with lines exceeding an hour each year.
One of the highlights of the celebration is Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s that takes place at Universal Studios Florida. The nightly parade features larger-than-life balloons alongside elaborately themed floats inspired by beloved characters like the Minions plus characters from Madagascar and Shrek. Santa Claus also makes an appearance during the parade, which ends with the lighting of the park’s 80-foot Christmas Tree.
Guests can also book The Universal Holiday Tour, which includes an exclusive meet-and-greet with The Grinch, Max, Santa Claus, plus reserved seating for “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
The Universal Holiday Tour will be available on select dates beginning November 14, 2026 through January 2, 2027, and pricing begins at $69.99 per person, plus tax. Universal Orlando Passholders can take advantage of a $10 discount per ticket, per passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass.
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There will also be offerings at Universal CityWalk and Universal’s collection of hotels with live entertainment, seasonal food, and holiday décor.
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