Holidays at Universal 2026: Dates, Grinchmas, What’s New​

The most wonderful time of the year is always big at Universal Orlando Resort. The parks have beautiful decorations, and there are special shows, a festive parade, and favorite seasonal treats. Grinchmas is a beloved part of Universal’s holiday traditions. Here’s everything else you can expect this year, including new Epic Universe holiday cheer, for Holidays at Universal 2026.

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Universal Orlando Holiday Season 2026

All three parks and the resort hotels have something for the season.

When does Christmas start at Universal?

This year, the holiday festivities at Universal Orlando start November 14, 2026 and run through January 3, 2027.

Epic Universe Christmas Decorations 2026

During its opening year in 2025, Epic Universe had some beautiful Christmas decorations in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic and around Celestial Park.

The Parisian wizarding buildings had white lights and there were other decorations around the shop windows and buildings themed to fantastic beasts of the land. We can expect more of this and the decor around Celestial Park.

New in 2026: Universal has also shared brief details about Christmas in the Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk portals.

If you haven’t been to Epic Universe yet, know that each land has a separate entry portal that allows for immersive theming.

Super Nintendo World Christmas: The Universal Orlando Instagram account shared a photo of Mario and Luigi themed snow men coming to the land in 2026.

How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk Christmas: The Vikings celebrated the season in their own way in 2025, highlighting their unique holiday. In 2026, Universal says there will be festive decor.

There is also a year round Christmas shop in Celestial Park: North Star Wintry Wonders. It has great theming inside and is worth visiting year round.

Grinchmas at Universal Orlando

Over at Islands of Adventure, you can celebrate with The Grinch. This green, grouchy guy brings a lot of heart to Christmas time. Look for:

• The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular stage show feels like the 2000 Jim Carrey classic film.
• The Grinch meet and greet is available to all guests in the park but has a long line so plan accordingly.
• Whos are out and about greeting visitors in Seuss Landing with stories to tell.
• The Universal Holiday Tour includes a meet and greet with Grinch and Max and reserved seating for the show and the parade at the other park. A two park ticket is required and sold separately.

Note for 2026: In years past, there have been different holiday tours and Grinch breakfast offerings but those are not shown as available at this time,

Wizarding World Christmas in Orlando

Each of the three parks has Wizarding World Christmas magic. In addition to the Epic Universe Ministry of Magic delights shared above, you can also find the following at the other parks.

At Islands of Adventure, the wizarding school shines bright each night with The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle nighttime show. The medieval structure glows with projection lighting and has a burst of fireworks at the end. The pointed rooftops of Hogsmeade are lined with white lights and it’s quite a sight to see for any Harry Potter fan.

Over at Universal Studios Florida, Diagon Alley is festive too. Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees wear festive costumes and hot Butterbeer will warm your hands and your heart.

Universal Studios Florida Macy’s Parade & More Christmas Fun

Every Thanksgiving a parade of Macy’s balloons, joyful bands and Broadway performers fill New York City to officially kick off the holiday season. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is a theme park version of it that aims to capture the same idea daily. It features balloons but also beloved Universal and Illumination characters.

This park also has the Holidays Tribute Store. This is a Universal themed immersive shopping experience that changes each year. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth a walk through to see the impressive sets and theme follow through.

Earl the Squirrel has a meet and greet at Universal Studios as well. This is a park specific character.

CityWalk Christmas Bar

Pop up, gaudy Christmas bar and restaurant experiences have become popular over the last few years and Universal is in on the trend.

At Green & Red Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk you can enjoy over the top decorations around every corner. A wide range of seasonal drinks are available including mocktails.

Learn more things to do for Holidays at Universal 2026.