2024 Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Mid-November – Late December 2024

The holidays are a magical time no matter what, but what makes it that much more enchanting is celebrating at Universal Orlando Resort. From gorgeously decorated hotels, to special holiday themed shows, to a fantastical parade. During the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, there is so much wonderment that abounds. This year’s the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will run from November 18 through January 6. Access to the holiday festivities is included in regular admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

  Universal Studios Florida Islands of Adventure CityWalk  Holiday Treats Universal Orlando Resorts Holiday Dining New Year’s Eve

Universal Studios Florida Holiday Offerings

There are several holiday events that occur at Universal Studios Florida during this festive season.

Holidays in Diagon Alley

Guests who visit Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be able to experience the holiday season with beautifully festive decor that surrounds you like ornate garlands that will line the streets. Also Guests will be able to enjoy holiday food taken straight from the stories themselves, and finally take in great live entertainment. King’s Cross Station features buskers singing holiday favorites and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees have a special show prepared just for the occasion.

Universal Holiday Parade

Guests will be able to enjoy the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macys. The parade stars the Minions, Dreamworks characters (such as characters from Madagascar and Shrek), and of course, Santa Claus. For those of you who enjoy the parade on Thanksgiving Day, you’ll also get a kick out of this parade at Universal because once the legendary Macy’s New York City parade ends, many of its balloons and floats are sent straight to Universal Studios Florida!  Afterwards, enjoy the spectacular tree lighting ceremony and a dazzling display of lights. 16 new balloons will soar above you, 13 of which were exclusively designed by Macy’s. There are also 15 huge floats and each has an astonishing lighting display and unique details to each theme.

Mannheim Steamroller

Be sure not to miss performances by the legendary Mannheim Steamroller. This fantastic group performs live on select nights during the holidays at the Universal Music Plaza Stage.

Showtimes for 2023

• December 2, 3, 9, and 10

Islands of Adventure Holiday Offerings

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the holiday fun doesn’t stop.

Holidays in Hogsmeade

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Hogemede, Hogsmede will also be fully decorated for the holiday with ornate garlands, the Frog Choir sings seasonal melodies and there are special treats and drinks to share. Then, as evening progresses, Guests will be a see a stunning nighttime experience at Hogwarts Castle that utilizes the latest in map-projection technology. Here, a magical holiday transformation of Hogwarts castle will take place right before guests’ eyes. The display will be themed especially for the season and will feature incredible moments inspired by the films.

Grinchmas

The holiday fun continues with Grinchmas, featuring the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. You won’t want to miss a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale starring The Grinch, and featuring music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller.

See characters come to brilliant life both onstage and off, as Whos from Who-ville stroll through Seuss Landing, ready to say hello and spread good cheer. This is what the Who’s refer to as Greetings from Who-ville!

Take the opportunity to meet The Grinch! Who wouldn’t want to reminisce about their warmest holiday memories meeting The Grinch? Alright, perhaps “heartwarming” isn’t the right description. Maybe “hilarious,” or “spectacularly sarcastic?” Either way, this is your chance to get the Grinch’s autograph, shake his furry hand, and have your photo taken with the green Christmas thief himself. It’s the perfect memento for those who like to do holidays their own way.

CityWalk

At Universal CityWalk, seasonal eats and drinks are available for purchase as well as yuletide gifts and souvenirs.

Holiday Dining

Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk will bring merry & bright delicacies to guests so they can #HolidayLikeThis throughout their epic vacation. Guests will relish the flavors of the season. Items will range from specialty doughnuts to holiday cocktails (21+ with valid photo ID) and more.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

Join the mean, green one himself and the Whos too for a morning feast. Start your day with a sitdown meal of festive food and fun for everyone. Select dates November 17 – December 27.

• $58.99+tax (ages 10+)
• $32.99 +tax (Ages 3-9)

Seasonal Merchandise

From Christmas ornaments to hats, scarves and more, you can shop your jingle bells off at Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe in Islands of Adventure and Park Plaza Holiday Shop in Universal Studios.

Universal’s Holiday Tour

See the season come to life with Grinch greetings, reserved show seating, tasty food, an after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle and much more. Tour is available on select dates November 19 – December 30. Starting from $79.99+tax.

Universal Orlando Resorts

Celebrate the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort! If you want to stay in the middle of the action, stay in the heart of the holidays at one of Universal’s spectacular on-site hotels. From special holiday buffets to visits from Santa and everything in between, there’s something cheerful for everyone to enjoy. Plus, on-site hotel guests enjoy exclusive theme park benefits that are sure to make your visit a merry one.

Holiday Dining

The Universal Orlando Resort Hotels offer a multitude of dining options to celebrate the Christmas holiday. From buffets to prix fixe dinners, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

New Year’s Eve

In the recent past, Universal Orlando Resort has not offered a New Year’s Eve celebration. Details will be updated if they offer one for this year.

Come to EVE at Universal Orlando CityWalk, a New Years Eve party you will never forget. Indulge in multiple buffets of exquisite cuisine, signature drinks, and pyrotechnics that will blow you away. This event is strictly for those 21 years of age and older.

In addition, Universal Studios Florida and the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels are offering special celebrations to ring in the New Year!