Universal Orlando has changed A LOT in the last year. I’ve been visiting for over 30 years now, and with the possible exception of 1999 (when Islands of Adventure, CityWalk, and the first Universal hotel opened), there has never been a more transformative year in the resort’s history, thanks to the opening of Epic Universe and its three hotels.

Wizarding Paris

This massive expansion is changing everything about Universal Orlando, from how many days it takes to see everything on property, to how the transportation system works, and even the Holidays. That’s right, Christmas at Universal is about to get… Epic.

In October of 2025, Universal confirmed that their Holiday festivities for 2025 would run from November 21st through January 4th, 2026. They confirmed that their parks would feature decor and festivities “inspired by beloved characters and seasonal traditions”, including select worlds at Epic Universe!

WELCOME to Epic Universe!

The Holiday decor will be immediately visible to guests entering the park, as Universal has confirmed that Celestial Park will be decked out in seasonal lighting and decorations that will complement the land’s “stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Epic Universe portal that will see the most Holiday decorations is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic. In fact, decorations have already begun to go up…

Do you think they were hung up with care?

… in the park’s magical recreation of Paris.

Love the gold!

The Ministry of Magic joins Universal Orlando’s other two Wizarding World installations — Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida — in getting into the Holiday spirit. The former will feature the Hogwarts Frog Choir… ahem… croaking out their takes on some seasonal songs, as the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle nighttime spectacular, which brings the beloved characters and stories of the Harry Potter movies to life in a breathtaking display of projection and special effects on Hogwarts Castle, while the latter will offer Holiday performances from Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.

A “Magical” Christmas

All three Wizarding Worlds will feature Holiday decorations, treats like Warm Butterbeer, and exclusive seasonal merchandise.

Christmas in Diagon Alley

Beyond these Potter celebrations, there’s plenty more new and returning Holiday fun coming to Universal Orlando. As is tradition, Grinch-Mas is returning to Suess Landing at Islands of Adventure, including:

• The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular stage show.
• Meet & greet opportunities with The Grinch, as well as several Who characters.
• The new Who-ville Tree Lot, which features a collection of whimsical trees themed to various Dr. Seuss characters.
• The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous. This add-on experience is available on select dates beginning November 21st through January 4th, 2026, for $58.99 plus tax per adult and $32.99 plus tax per child (ages 3-9).

Grinch-Mas!

Over at Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is once again returning. The parade features larger-than-life balloons and floats – some directly from Macy’s’ famous Thanksgiving Day Parade – floating through the streets of Universal Studios Florida, along with appearances by the Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me and some of your favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar films. It all culminates with the spectacular moment of lighting the park’s 80-foot Christmas tree.

©Universal

CityWalk will feature seasonal drinks and offerings at various venues, including the space once occupied by the Red Coconut Club, which will transform into the Green and Red Coconut Club for the holiday season, complete with festive decorations, live entertainment and holiday cocktails. This year’s theme is the “Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge,” where guests will enjoy nods to their favorite holiday songs. Upstairs, guests will encounter Earl the Squirrel, who has brought his usual chaos and charm to Earl’s Twelve Days of Christmas.

Earl the Squirrel!

Guests who want to experience as much of Universal’s Holiday offerings as possible may want to look into the Universal Holiday Tour. Offered from November 21st through January 3rd, 2026, the tour costs $79.99 per person plus tax, not including theme park admission. Annual and Seasonal Passholders can get a $10 discount per ticket. The tour offers:

• An exclusive meet-and-greet with The Grinch and his faithful dog Max
• Reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
• Reserved seating area for “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”
• Cookie decorating, light bites and non-alcoholic beverages
• An exclusive meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida
• And priority access to one pre-determined attraction at Universal Studios Florida

MAX!

Universal is offering a slew of new and returning Holiday offerings in 2025, including at the new Epic Universe theme park! Stay tuned to DFB for more on the resort’s seasonal offerings.

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