A Quick Guide to Universal Orlando Christmas: Shows, Shopping & Decorations

The holiday season is extra festive in Orlando. Universal Orlando Resort brings its own special magic to the season. From the wizarding world to Who-ville to the parade balloon filled streets of New York, there is a lot to explore. You’ll find decorations throughout Universal’s parks along with special merchandise and treats for the season. Even Epic Universe has special holiday decor around the park. Almost everything is included with park entry aside from some special upgrades noted below. Here’s an overview of what to add to your list in this quick guide to Universal Orlando Christmas.

Treats, Decor and Holiday Cheer: Guide to Universal Orlando Christmas

Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure in the Seuss Landing area

The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is a live stage show that tells the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Check on the day of your visit but examples of show times are 10:15 am, 11:15 am, 12:15 pm, 1:15 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm.

You can meet the Grinch himself! He often has a long wait. Three hours isn’t unheard of.

In your explorations of the decorated Seuss Landing you can chat with Whos who are wondering the land throughout the day.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

This special add on starts around $60 but you’ll want to book in advance as it sells out! Meet the Grinch and some Whos at this sit down meal. You’ll choose an entree from a special menu at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Universal Islands of Adventure. Park admission is not included.

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

There are snow capped rooftops year round in Hogsmeade but holiday lights are added for the season.

You must see the Hogwarts castle projection show! The Hogwarts Castle Christmas light show may be the most magical thing in the land for the holiday season.

The Frog Choir Hogwarts Christmas has a cappella performances throughout the day.

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

This seasonal parade is inspired by the legendary Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade. You’ll see big balloons making their way through Universal Studios Florida. This also makes this parade vulnerable to winds so know that performances are weather dependent. There are favorite Universal friends including Minions, Shrek and his pals and others from the Madagascar films.

Universal Orlando Holiday Tour Upgrade

For those wanting to focus their visit on the holiday season additions, there’s the Universal Holiday Tour. This day time walking tour starts with a 12:00 pm check in, comes at an additional cost and does not include Universal park tickets. You’ll need a park to park ticket that includes both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. The tour includes:

• Meeting Santa
• Meeting The Grinch and his dog Max
• Reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
• Reserved viewing area for the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
• Cookie decorating, small bites and non-alcoholic beverages
• Priority access to one attraction at Universal Studios Florida

Tickets for the Universal Holiday Tour start around $90 but peak up to $150 per person plus tax.

These must be booked in advance but the price is pretty reasonable for the access you get so plan ahead if this interests you.

Christmas Decorations at Epic Universe

In 2025, Epic Universe got some overlays for its first holiday season. This includes:

• lights, garland and decor in Celestial Park
• decor and treats in the Isle of Berk for “Snoggletog”
• lights, garland and themed decor in wizarding Paris (look closely around the K. Rammelle confectionery shop for great themed decorations)

Christmas Shops at Universal Orlando Resort Theme Parks

There is a Universal Studios Holiday Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida that changes every year. Similar to the other tribute store, it features sets or visuals from iconic Universal connected properties. Past themes include post offices, featuring the Who-ville boxes the Grinch fills in the movie and an owl post setting inspired by the wizarding world.

All three theme parks also have a year round Christmas shop.

• Park Plaza Holiday shop is in Universal Studios Florida in the New York area.
• Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe is found at Universal’s Islands of Adventure near the front of the park.
• North Star Wintry Wonders is in Celestial Park at Epic Universe near the park’s front entrance.

Plan for the Parks to Close Early During the Holidays

Note that Universal’s parks can close early during the holiday season. Check hours before your visit. Some week nights at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida close pretty early, like 7:00 pm. You’ll want to plan your day with this in mind. With the sun setting early, for example around 5:30 pm, you’ll still have some time to take in the lights.

Ready to experience the holidays at Universal Orlando? Secure your discounted Universal tickets through Unlocked Magic and save on your visit.