It’s beginning to feel like… Universal. Universal Orlando has just unveiled the festive lineup for its 2025 holiday season, and there’s plenty to unwrap. Running from November 21, 2025 through January 3, 2026, the parks, CityWalk, and all 11 Universal hotels will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with lights, parades, treats, and heart-warming holiday spirit.
From meeting The Grinch to sipping Butter beer under a sparkling Hogwarts Castle, here’s a full look at every holiday event you can enjoy this season.
Universal Holiday Tour
This guided behind-the-scenes experience gives guests exclusive access to several of Universal’s most popular seasonal offerings, minus the crowds.
What to Expect:
Meet & greet with The Grinch + Max.
Reserved viewing for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
Reserved seating for The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.
Cookie decorating, light bites, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Meet & greet with Santa (in Universal Studios Florida).
Priority access to one predetermined attraction in Universal Studios Florida.
Dates & Times:
Offered on select dates during the holiday season (Nov 21 – Jan 3).
New start time in 2025: begins at noon (instead of dusk).
Pricing & Conditions:
From $79.99 (ages 3+).
Must have separate park-to-park admission.
Passholders get a $10 discount (blockout dates may apply).
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast
If you’re a fan of Dr. Seuss, you won’t want to miss the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, hosted inside the whimsical Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure. This festive meal combines Seussical charm with holiday cheer as the Whos from Who-ville, and The Grinch himself, mingle with diners for photos and laughs.
What to Expect:
Themed dishes like Green Eggs & Ham Quiche, Betty Lou Who Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes, etc.
Encounters with Whos and The Grinch roaming the dining area.
Dates & Times:
Available on select dates between Nov 21 and Jan 4.
Booking in advance recommended.
Pricing:
Adults (10+): $58.99
Children (3–9): $32.99
Requires admission to Islands of Adventure (not included).
Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macys
Every evening, Universal Studios Florida fills with festive music, floats, and towering balloons during the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. This larger-than-life spectacle includes appearances by beloved characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar, along with dancing elves, toy soldiers, and, of course, Santa Claus himself.
What to Expect:
Giant balloons and floats featuring characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, Madagascar, etc.
Ends with the lighting of an 80-foot Christmas tree, led by Santa Claus.
Times:
5:30 p.m. each evening throughout the holiday season
Pricing:
- Included with Theme Park ticket or annual pass.
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World takes on a new layer of enchantment during the holidays, as Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley sparkle with garlands, twinkling lights, and snow-tipped rooftops. This year, the magic expands even further with Epic Universe celebrating its first holiday season.
What to Expect:
Garlands, lights, festive décor in each wizarding area.
Hot Butterbeer and seasonal wizarding merchandise.
Musical performances: The Frog Choir (Hogsmeade), Celestina Warbeck & the Banshees (Diagon Alley).
Nighttime projection show: The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle returns.
Times:
Performance times vary.
The projection show happens after dark.
Pricing:
- Included with Theme Park ticket or annual pass.
Grinchmas & Who-Ville Tree Lot
Over at Islands of Adventure, Seuss Landing turns into a living storybook during Grinchmas. Every building, lamppost, and candy cane corner bursts with color and whimsy, creating a holiday celebration that’s pure Dr. Seuss.
What you’ll find:
Who-Ville Tree Lot: whimsical Dr. Seuss–inspired themed trees.
Grinch meet and greet at Honk Honkers daily.
Whos wandering the decorated land, interacting with guests.
The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular: live stage adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas with music by Mannheim Steamroller.
Show Times (daily):
10:15 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
1:15 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Holiday Tribute Store
Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store has become a fan favorite, and it’s back this year with a fresh new theme and plenty of photo ops. Each room of this immersive shopping experience is decorated to reflect different corners of the resort’s holiday magic — from Grinchville to Hogsmeade — and features exclusive merchandise, treats, and collectibles. For passholders, early access to the Tribute Store begins on November 20 at 11 a.m.
Seasonal Food & Beverages
Islands of Adventure
- Confisco Grille
- Fire Nog
- Chai Tea Coquito
- Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast
- The Watering Hole
- Island Nog
- Croissant Moon Bakery
- Holly Jolly Christmas Roll
- Snowman Cookie
- Chocolate Poinsettia Cake
- Christmas Tree Cookie
Universal Studios
- Finnegan’s Bar & Grille
- Irish Nog
- Dubliner Cheer Coffee
- Lombard’s Seafood Grille
- Maple-Pear Bourbon Smash
- TODAY Café
- Peppermint Cheesecake Bar
- Pistachio Holiday Wreath
- Chestnuts Mont Blanc
- Swamp Snacks/DreamWorks Imagination Café
- Gingerbread Cookie
City Walk
- Green & Red Coconut Club
- Peppermint Martini
- Gingerbread Mule
- Cranberry Spritz
- Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
- Holiday Milkshake (Coquito Flavor)
- Mistletoe Pines Market
- Giant Gingerbread Cookies
- Roasted Nuts
- Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches
- Thanksgiving-style sandwich
This year’s celebration blends movie magic with genuine holiday warmth. So grab your park map (and maybe a Santa hat) because the holidays are ready at Universal Orlando.