Trim up the tree with Christmas stuff, like bingle balls and Whofoo fluff, because it is time for Holidays at Universal Orlando! This article covers all the holiday offerings – from a live stage show of How the Grinch Stole Christmas to meeting Santa and so much more.  Universal’s holiday shows and parades operate daily from November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027, and are included with park admission.

[Article updated October 17, 2026]

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida’s lavish Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s (4.1 rating average) returns with dozens of dancers, characters, and parade floats. Parade highlights include the gigantic Macy’s Department Store balloons featured in the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Despicable Me, Shrek, Madagascar, and a special appearance by Santa. Halfway through the parade, Santa lights up the tree in the New York section of the park. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s performs daily at 5:30 p.m.; check the daily times guide for showtimes.

In New York are the Blues Brothers, the slick duo from SNL and films, who perform a medley of Christmas favorites and re-imagined classics. Performances occur throughout the day; check the Universal Orlando app for performance times. We consider this show a fun diversion and worth your time to watch if you appreciate a good off-kilter Christmas. Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store returns with new merchandise and food in this themed shopping experience. Plus guests can meet Ear the Squirrel, an in house mascot for the holidays based on a true tale of a mischievous squirrel.

Accio Christmas! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley celebrates Christmas with traditional English-inspired rustic decorations and a special Christmas show. In Diagon Alley, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees sing original Christmas songs such as My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas, A Witch and Wizard’s Wintry Wondrous Land, and Nothing Like a Holiday Spell.

Islands of Adventure

Seuss Landing is home to the favorite Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular show (3.8 average rating). This theatrical musical show combines elements from the 1966 How the Grinch Stole Christmas Chuck Jones TV special and the 2000 Jim Carey movie to retell the famous story. Grinchmas is approximately 30 minutes long and is performed daily from the late morning through the early evening. When not performing, Whos from the show and other Seuss characters roam Seuss Landing, interacting with guests and posing for photos throughout the day. The show is a fan favorite and usually plays to a packed house. We advise attending the first show of the day, usually 10:15 am, and arriving half an hour before show time. For other performances, we suggest arriving 45 minutes to an hour before the show for the best seats and to guarantee you can see the show.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade also decks the halls for Christmas with two shows. The Hogwarts Frog Choir switches up their set list to perform classic Christmas songs a cappella with their amphibious companions. Shows perform throughout the day. The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle nighttime lights show (4.4 average rating) projects Christmas scenes and atmosphere from the Harry Potter movies, including the Yule Ball from Goblet of Fire. The impressive advanced projection effects, spotlights, and fireworks are worth a modest wait. Shows start at dusk and run till close – use Google to determine dusk and arrive 15 minutes prior.

CityWalk & Resorts

CityWalk decks out in holiday cheer with Mistletoe Pines, a small decorated area with festive food and drink. Enjoy themed cocktails and a festive atmosphere in the Green & Red Coconut Club, located on the second floor of CityWalk, next to Bob Marley’s Tribute to Freedom. This themed overlay features craft cocktails and fun decorations in a festive atmosphere. Green & Red Coconut Club opens at 4:00 p.m. and closes with CityWalk (usually midnight).

Universal’s hotels have Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve activities throughout the season.  Each resort features holiday meals, tree lightings, and menorah lightings, while select resorts feature carolers, parties, and more.

Thanksgiving Meals is available at several full service restaurants in the resorts.

• Trattoria del Porto at Portofino Bay is offering lunch and dinner buffets with turkey, prime rib, pasta stations, and more. $85 per adult, $35 per child plus tax.
• The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel has a lunch and dinner but with turkey (surprise), honey baked ham, snow crab legs (!), and citrus shrimp. $80 per adult, $40 per child plus tax.
• Amatista Cookhouse at Sapphire Falls has a Caribbean inspired menu for lunch and dinner with a raw bar, ceviche, char-grilled beef, roast chicken, and more. $90 per adult, $45 per child plus tax.
• Islands Dining Room at Royal Pacific has a pan-Asian holiday menu with family favorite items like the stir fry station, sushi, salmon, and more. Also offering brunch options like omelets and waffles. $90 per adult, $45 per child plus tax.

Christmas meals and New Years Eve activiteis will be announced at a later date. For the most up-to-date list of activities, visit Universal’s Hotel Holiday Activities page.

Upcharge Experiences

Universal offers two add-on upcharge experiences during the Holidays.

Universal’s Holiday Tour is a 4 1/2 hour group tour of the Universal holiday attractions:

• Reserved seating for Grinchmas
• Meet and greet with the Grinch and Max the dog
• Photo with Santa
• Priority access to one attraction
• Private performance of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle show
• Food, snacks, and drinks

The tour is offered daily and pricing starts at $69.99 per person plus tax and goes up to $119.99. Park admission is not included.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-Pendous is a character meal featuring The Grinch and other iconic Seuss characters. Breakfast only runs on select days in November and December and sells out quickly, so book ahead. Reservations include the breakfast buffet and one digital photo download of a character encounter. The Grinch is available for photos and interactions at a meet and greet station and the Whols will wander among tables. Menu items include an appetizer of cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit, chilaquiles, pancakes, french toast, everything bagel with smoked salmon, quiche, and more.

At the time of writing Universal has confirmed the character brunch is returning in 2026, but tickets are not yet on sale. In 2025 adult tickets cost $58.99 per adult plus tax, and children’s tickets cost $32.99 per child plus tax.

TouringPlans Touring Tips

• Grab a spot for the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at least 30 minutes before show time, or up to an hour on busy days. Parade spots around the Christmas Tree in New York fill up first; for a last-minute parade viewing spot, go to the lagoon side of the Transformers building.
• Grinchmas performs hourly from 10:15 a.m. until half an hour before the park closes. Arrive 45 minutes before show time, or 60 minutes on busy days, to guarantee a seat. We suggest attending the less popular early showing and arriving half an hour before show time.
• The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle starts at dusk and continuously shows every 20 minutes. We suggest arriving around dusk to see the show.

What is your favorite attraction at Holidays at Universal Orlando? Leave your answers in the comments below!