Universal Orlando adds six days to Christmas season while Epic Universe holidays expand
Universal Orlando Resort is unwrapping Christmas earlier in 2026. The destination-wide holiday celebration begins Nov. 14 — one full week earlier than it did in 2025 — giving guests six additional days to experience Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and other seasonal offerings.
Universal Orlando Resort is making more room for Christmas in 2026. The resort’s holiday celebration will last 51 days, as seasonal décor expands at Universal Epic Universe.
The holidays at Universal Orlando will run Nov. 14, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027. The longer season will also deck more of Epic Universe’s portals. Holiday décor will expand at Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, joining returning Epic Universe Christmas decorations in Celestial Park and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Of note, Universal’s official press release states: “For the first time at Universal Epic Universe, holiday décor will debut at Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, while the cosmic winter wonderland of Celestial Park returns for the holiday season.”
Last year the decorations at Isle of Berk were not announced, but in the end it was decorated for the in-universe winter holiday “Snoggletog.”
Courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Orlando holiday experiences included with park admission
The main highlights include:
- Decorations throughout the entire resort
- Islands of Adventure’s “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle”
- Islands of Adventure’s Grinchmas festivities
- Universal Studios Florida’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Universal Orlando’s primary holiday experiences are included with regular theme park admission.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter now spans all three Universal Orlando theme parks, bringing festive lights, décor and holiday-themed entertainment to Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley and Ministry of Magic. In Hogsmeade, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” will transform the castle with projections and special effects inspired by holiday moments from the “Harry Potter” films.
Grinchmas will return to Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure with the live “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” appearances by the Grinch and the decorated Who-Ville Tree Lot.
At Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will bring oversized balloons and floats inspired by “Despicable Me,” “Shrek” and “Madagascar” to the streets. The procession concludes with Santa Claus leading the lighting of the park’s Christmas tree.
What’s back for the holidays at Universal Orlando
Let’s start off at CityWalk where no theme park ticket is required to join the festive season. At Universal CityWalk, the Green and Red Coconut Club will return as a festive retreat filled with seasonal décor, cocktails and live entertainment. The limited-time transformation takes over the Red Coconut Club during Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration.
In years past, CityWalk has received some festive decorations throughout the lively venue.
Universal Studios Florida
“Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s” will return to Universal Studios Florida with nightly performances from Nov. 14 – Jan. 3. The parade features floats and characters based on favorite Universal films and giant balloons curated by Macy’s.
Photo courtesy of Universal
Additionally, Celestina Warbeck is expected to perform Christmas tunes within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, alongside the festive decor everywhere you look.
Photo courtesy of Universal
Earl the Squirrel and the Holiday Tribute Store
Universal’s holiday website now lists an Earl the Squirrel meet-and-greet, with the resort’s holiday mascot dressed in seasonal attire. Specific appearance times and a location have not yet been listed.
The Holiday Tribute Store will also return to Universal Studios Florida with themed merchandise and seasonal offerings. Visiting the store is included with park admission; purchases cost extra.
Universal Islands of Adventure
The signature Grinchmas celebration returns to Universal Islands of Adventure within the park’s Seuss Landing area. Guests can watch “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” live stage show and nearby meet the Grinch himself at the Honk Honkers store. If you plan on meeting the Grinch, make sure to set aside a good bit of your itinerary to meet him; his line can be hours long.
The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular showtimes (subject to change; it is best to verify showtimes in the Universal Orlando app):
- 10:15 a.m.
- 11:15 a.m.
- 12:15 p.m.
- 1:15 p.m.
- 3:30 p.m.
- 4:30 p.m.
- 5:30 p.m.
- 6:30 p.m.
Returning this year is the adorable Who-Ville Tree Lot, which debuted last year.
Photo courtesy of Universal
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade hosts nightly performances of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts” projection show, and the Frog Choir vocalists sing holiday tunes during the day.
Photo courtesy of Universal
Universal Epic Universe
Universal Epic Universe’s holiday offerings expand in 2026 with festive decorations at Super Nintendo World and Snoggletog at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, celebrating the winter holiday from the “How to Train Your Dragon” stories. Universal has confirmed both offerings, with additional details still to come.
Celestial Park’s seasonal decorations return, including illuminated trees and holiday-themed displays at the Cosmos Fountain. Christmas decorations will also return to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Photo by Blake Taylor
These seasonal offerings are included with admission to Epic Universe.
Upcharge experiences
Several extra-cost experiences are available at Universal Orlando for the 2026 holiday season.
The Universal Holiday Tour is a separately priced, approximately 2½-hour guided experience offered on select dates from Nov. 14, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027. Prices start at $69.99 per person, plus tax, and reservations are required.
The 2026 tour includes:
- An exclusive meet-and-greet with the Grinch
- An exclusive meet-and-greet with Max
- Reserved seating for the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”
- A meet-and-greet with Santa Claus
- An optional reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast has not yet been fully announced for the 2026 holiday season. A breakfast menu resembling the experience offered in previous years has recently surfaced online, but as of Oct. 4, Universal Orlando’s public holiday and Grinchmas pages do not list the character breakfast, 2026 pricing or reservation details. We will update this guide when Universal releases additional information.
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