2024 Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

November 22 – December 31, 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 22 through December 31. Access to the holiday festivities is included in regular admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

  Universal Studios Florida Islands of Adventure CityWalk Tours Merchandise Universal Orlando Resorts Holiday Dining

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. Finally take in great live entertainment, as 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.

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.

• The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club, where guests can enjoy live entertainment and themed holiday cocktails;
• A festive meet and greet with fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel during select dates from November 29 – December 28 at CityWalk Plaza;
• Assorted seasonal food and beverage at Bigfire and VIVO Italian Kitchen, and a seasonal milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen;
• And more

The Universal Holiday Tour

For an additional cost, Guests can enjoy a guided journey through popular holiday experiences across the destination with The Universal Holiday Tour, which includes:

• An exclusive meet and greet with the Grinch and his faithful dog Max;
• Small plates, delectable desserts and non-alcoholic beverages in Universal Studios Florida;
• Reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” in Universal Islands of Adventure;
• An exclusive meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida;
• An after hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle;”
• Priority access to Universal Studios Florida’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast (subject to change and based on availability)

The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning November 25 through December 29, 2024. Pricing begins at $79.99 per person (plus tax) and separate theme park admission with a 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket is required. Annual and Seasonal Passholders can get a $10 discount per ticket per Passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass.

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 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.

Guests can enjoy additional holiday festivities at all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels. Each of which will be decked out with festive décor for the season. Special menus will be offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s and guests can join in on holiday celebrations, including Christmas tree lightings, Hannukah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers and more.

Want to experience the Universal Orlando Resort Christmas Holidays this year? Right now, Guests can now save up to $450 on a four-night stay in a Garden View room at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Extra perks include free Universal Express Unlimited ride access at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Florida Residents and Annual and Seasonal Passholders can also save 40% at all Universal Orlando hotels on select dates.

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.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

Guests can start their day alongside the Grinch and other favorite characters. This is all while dining on delicious breakfast items like Green Eggs and Ham and Cindy-Lou Who’s Belgian Waffles during “The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.” The plated breakfast takes place in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal Islands of Adventure. It takes place on select dates beginning November 22 through December 30. This character meal costs $58.99 + tax per adult and $32.99 + tax per child (ages 3-9).

Premier and Preferred Passholders can receive a 20% discount on purchases of “The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.” To get the discount, they’ll need to call (407)-224-7554 or purchase in-person at the Front Gate or at Guest Services locations. Reservations are required.