Universal Orlando’s holiday season runs November 14 through January 3, 2027, and this year the newest park finally gets in on it. For the first time, holiday decor comes to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe, while Celestial Park returns as a cosmic winter wonderland with twinkling trees and holiday fountain displays at the Cosmos Fountain throughout the day.
The listed in-park holiday experiences are included with regular admission. The Universal Holiday Tour costs extra. The traditions people plan trips around all come back: Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida.
Where can you find Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
All three wizarding world lands, which now means all three parks. Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, and Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe. Each one gets festive lights and decor, with holiday entertainment at select locations.
Hogsmeade also brings back “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” the nighttime projection and special effects show on the castle built around holiday moments and characters from the Harry Potter films.
What happens at Grinchmas and the holiday parade?
Grinchmas takes over Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure with the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” a live stage show based on the Dr. Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Guests can meet The Grinch and walk the Who-Ville Tree Lot.
Over at Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s runs nightly with giant balloons and floats tied to Illumination’s Despicable Me plus DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar. Santa Claus closes it out with a Christmas tree lighting.
How much is the Universal Holiday Tour?
Pricing starts at $69.99 per person plus tax for the two and a half hour guided tour, and Universal Orlando passholders get $10 off per ticket with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass. It runs select dates from November 14 through January 2, 2027.
The tour includes an exclusive meet-and-greet with The Grinch, a meet with Santa, and reserved seating for the Grinchmas show, with reserved parade viewing as an option. It also includes a separate meet-and-greet with Max, the Grinch’s dog, which is a very good use of a guided tour.
One thing to sort out before you book: the tour requires two-park, park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
What are the hotel, CityWalk, and ticket deals?
At Universal CityWalk, the Green and Red Coconut Club returns, turning the Red Coconut Club into a seasonal spot with live entertainment, cocktails, and decor. Across the 11 Universal Orlando hotels, you’ll find decor tailored to each hotel’s theme, special menus, menorah lighting ceremonies, tree lightings, and strolling carolers, plus Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the parks.
U.S. residents can save up to 30% on stays of five nights or more at participating hotels, and up to $300 more when tickets are bundled in. The current ticket offer gives five days of park access for the price of three. Florida residents have a separate deal, a 2-Park Unlimited Days Ticket at $199 plus tax good through December 16, along with up to 25% off rooms at participating hotels.
Shark Take: If you’re a Florida resident, the $199 unlimited ticket expires before the holiday season ends, so it covers the first month of decor and then it’s done. Universal says more seasonal details are coming.
Source: Universal Orlando Resort
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