How Universal Destinations & Experiences is Celebrating the Holidays in 2026

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to enjoy all things merry and bright, naughty and nice during its destination-wide Holidays celebration from November 14 through January 3, 2027. For the first time at Universal Epic Universe, holiday décor will debut at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, while the cosmic winter wonderland of Celestial Park returns for the holiday season. Guests of all ages can also revel in exciting seasonal experiences inspired by beloved holiday stories, characters and traditions, like Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across all three parks, Grinchmas in Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida.

Guests can celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across all three wizarding world locations this season: Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe. Each land will dazzle with festive lights and décor, offering up holiday-themed entertainment at select locations. In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, guests can also experience “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” – a breathtaking nighttime spectacle of projection and special effects against the majestic Hogwarts castle inspired by beloved holiday moments and characters from the Harry Potter films.

The whimsical wonderland of Grinchmas comes to life in Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure, where guests can enjoy the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” a live stage show based on the Dr. Seuss classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Plus, guests can meet the mean, green one himself, The Grinch, stroll the dazzling Who-Ville Tree Lot, and more.

Holiday cheer takes to the streets of Universal Studios Florida with Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. The nightly parade features larger-than-life balloons alongside elaborately themed floats inspired by beloved characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me, and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar, as well as timeless holiday favorites. The festive procession culminates with a Christmas tree lighting led by none other than Santa Claus himself.

For the first time, Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, will feature special holiday décor in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Plus, guests in Celestial Park can discover a cosmic winter wonderland complete with twinkling trees and holiday-themed fountain displays throughout the day at the Cosmos Fountain.

Learn more about holiday events at Universal Orlando Resort >>

Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood shines this holiday season, inviting guests to experience a joyous celebration throughout the theme park where cherished festivities return to make lifelong memories, featuring “Grinchmas™”, “Illumination’s Merry Minions” and “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” with fun seasonal additions to the Mushroom Kingdom at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™.

Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood are included with theme park admission and run daily from Saturday, November 21, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027.

Universal Plaza transforms into a splendid “Grinchmas” Who-bilation, complete with a whimsical 65-foot tree, adorned with hundreds of colorful ornaments and thousands of sparkling LED lights. Guests can meet the infamous Grinch™, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos. Multiple times each evening, guests of all ages will be delighted by the tree lighting ceremony with a glistening snowfall flurry.

For the first time, “Illumination’s Merry Minions” arrive to Illumination’s Minion Land along with twinkling decorations and delightful décor. A special meet and greet with the Minions in their festive holiday attire creates lasting memories for guests.

Hogsmeade village captures the spirit of the season with dazzling lights, magical garlands and seasonal wreaths complementing the snow-capped village. The beloved Frog Choir will fill the air with their seasonal melodies, multiple times a day. “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle” nighttime show transforms the iconic castle into a stunning holiday showcase of festive lights set to the iconic music from the Harry Potter film series.

Learn more about holiday events at Universal Studios Hollywood >>

Universal Holiday Wonders ~Discover U!!!~ at Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, will hold its winter seasonal event, “Universal Holiday Wonders ~Discover U!!!~,” from November 13th, 2026 to January 17th, 2027. As winter concludes the year, the park will feature a variety of winter-only entertainments, including the “Universal Food Festival,” which will be the largest in the park's history in terms of both the number of menu items and areas, “Light Up the Night ~Christmas Celebration~,” which will warm your heart with falling snow and a heartwarming story, and “Joy of Lights,” which is making a comeback after 9 years!

Winter-exclusive meet-and-greets will also be held, including “Minion Jingle Bello Meet & Greet,” where the Minions appear dressed in their winter outfits, and “Universal Wonderland: Let’s Smile Together!”, where guests of all ages can dance and have fun with Charlie Brown, Hello Kitty and their friends. Plus, the singing show “Power of Rock: Holiday Rockin’!” will bring winter songs to life with powerful live vocals and dance performances.

At the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, anniversary events celebrating the 25th anniversary of the release of the film “Harry Potter™ and the Sorcerer’s Stone” are being held this fall and winter. As a special holiday season program, Hogsmeade Village™ will be adorned with particularly vibrant winter decorations, and the spectacular mapping show “Hogwarts™ Magical Night ~Winter Magic~” will bring a breathtaking magical experience to Hogwarts™ Castle at night. Immerse yourselves in the unique winter scenery of the wizarding world with your family, relive your favorite scenes from the film, and share the wonder together.

Learn more about holiday events at Universal Studios Japan >>

Winter Holiday at Universal Beijing Resort

From November 20th, 2026 to January 3rd, 2027, Universal Beijing Resort’s “Winter Holiday” exclusive themed seasonal event will make its sparkling return under the theme “Celebrate Infinite Glamour,” bringing a warm and radiant finale to a year-long celebration of the resort’s 5 anniversary. During the event, an all-new 22-meter-height Spectacular Christmas Tree will illuminate Hollywood Boulevard; Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ will make a grand return, ushering in spellbinding winter moments; and a host of limited-time experiences, including Spectacular Santa’s Village, the winter-exclusive show “Gift of the Season”, and Universal Pop: Winter Holiday, will also take center stage.

At the end of the boulevard, the all-new Spectacular Christmas Tree makes a dazzling debut, giving the familiar Hollywood Land a radiant seasonal makeover. Inspired by classic Hollywood, this year’s tree brings together rose gold, warm silver and serene blue, with accents of red, gold and champagne gold adding brilliance to the details.

This winter, the Enchanted Christmas Tree in Hogsmeade™ makes a grand return to welcome witches, wizards and Muggles alike. Moon-and-star ornaments and enchanted candles adorn the branches, with colorful presents gathered around the base. Guests can raise their wands and cast spells to awaken shimmering lights and floating elements, turning this winter scene into a spellbinding moment they can trigger for themselves.

As night falls over Hogwarts™ Castle, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle brings familiar holiday memories back to life through a flowing tapestry of light and imagery: ghostly caroling fills the air, the Yule Ball dances across the castle walls, owls deliver gifts, and a glittering Christmas tree lights up.

Learn more about holiday events at Universal Beijing Resort >>

A Universal Christmas at Universal Studios Singapore

A Universal Christmas returns to Universal Studios Singapore, transforming areas of the theme park into a festive wonderland filled with larger-than-life sweet treats, an all-new high-energy musical show and meet-and-greets with fan-favourite characters, immersing guests in festive cheer, music and merriment.

Hollywood Boulevard sets the stage for Dazzling Dessert Studios, a whimsical film set adorned with oversized desserts and a towering 10-metre-tall Confectionery Christmas tree. Within this playful, candy-themed setting, guests can meet Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, and a cast of Santa’s sweetest stars. Sanrio’s Hello Kitty and Kuromi will also twirl down the street for special meet-and-greet appearances and picture-perfect moments at Superstar Boutique.

Over in New York, The North Pole Jingle Jam celebrates the gift of music with an all-new musical spectacular and immersive concert-inspired sets that let guests step into the spotlight and share a joyful moment of musical stardom. The festivities come alive at the Universal Jingle Jam, a high-energy sing-along extravaganza starring Poppy from DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls, Sesame Street friends, and Illumination’s Minions alongside festive singing sensations. Guests are invited to sing, clap and dance along while snowfall moments and character meet-and-greets keep the celebrations in full swing.

Learn more about holiday events at Universal Studios Singapore >>

First-Ever Holidays at Universal Kids Resort

Beginning November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027, all kid kind can unwrap a season filled with wonder during the first-ever Holidays at Universal Kids Resort, where beloved characters, thousands of twinkling lights and an interactive winter wonderland leading to Santa turn the park into a jolly celebration made especially for kids.

Throughout Universal Kids Resort, fanciful decorations, holiday carolers, performers and more will transform the park and bring incredible seasonal experiences to life including:

A winter wonderland leading to Santa – Universal Kids Resort Theater will transform into an interactive winter wonderland featuring twinkling snow lights and an enchanted winter forest. Families can explore the festive setting before visiting Santa, who will greet guests and pose for photos through December 24. Along the way, families can also stop for photos at the Universal Kids Resort sleigh.

A magical tree lighting ceremony featuring a 40-foot Christmas tree – Families can join Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse” in the Isle of Curiosity each day at dusk as the Christmas tree comes to life bringing a festive glow. The celebration includes a dance party set to “Meowy Christmas” from the hit series.

Holiday character encounters – All-new friends, The Penguins of Madagascar, will join fan-favorite characters, SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, and Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse” all decked out for special holiday-themed meet-n-greets.

Learn more about holiday events at Universal Kids Resort >>

Krampus & Kin at Universal Horror Unleashed

Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas is decking the halls with dark holiday frights as Krampus & Kin returns with new screams of the season. During this limited-time holiday celebration, guests will step into a twisted winter wonderland with transformed immersive areas, encounter legendary characters of winter folklore, experience a haunting musical procession and savor fiendishly festive food and beverages. Those brave enough can celebrate the darker side of the holidays on select dates November 19 through January 10, 2027, at the ultimate horror experience.

In Yuletide Legends near Krampus Haus, guests can come face-to-face with Krampus and explore oversized storybooks bringing sinister winter folklore to life. Returning creatures Grýla and Kallikantzaroi are joined by Mari Lwyd, Hans Trapp and Frau Perchta. A haunting, lantern-lit musical procession brings the legends together throughout the night, leading to a dramatic lighting moment around Krampus’s towering black holiday tree. Guests can also capture chilling memories on Krampus’s skull-encrusted throne and in Grýla’s cauldron.

Learn more about holiday events at Universal Horror Unleashed >>

Celebrating the Holidays Around the World with Universal

From Orlando and Hollywood to Japan, Beijing and Singapore, Universal destinations are bringing their own distinctive experiences to the holidays in 2026. Together with the first-ever holiday celebration at Universal Kids Resort and a darker seasonal experience at Universal Horror Unleashed, the festivities offer families and fans around the world new ways to celebrate the season and create lasting memories.