The holidays at Universal Orlando arrive November 17th and events will run through January 6th. Many of the new exciting additions from last year will be returning, as well as some new improvements to some of your old favorites.

Experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, returning for its second year, as Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are transformed with festive decor, special holiday food, and Christmas shows. Treat yourself to the return of the totally reimagined Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. And watch the live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale starring The Grinch in the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, totally updated for 2018. Plus, New Year’s Eve at Universal Studios Florida will feature new entertainment and fireworks! Check out all the merry details, showtimes, and event dates below!

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World at Universal Orlando as Hogsmeade is transformed by festive decor and special entertainment. And as the stars begin to shine, revel in a dazzling projection of holiday spirit as The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle unfolds every night from Dusk to Park close.

While in Hogsmeade you can listen to the Frog Choir sing holiday themed songs and grab a Hot Butterbeer. Then head over to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida to see more stunning holiday decorations throughout London and Diagon Alley. And you won’t want to miss the talented Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees sing their holiday hits. See park map for showtimes daily.

Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is returning to the streets of Universal Studios Florida. This colorful parade fills the streets with music, confetti, and some of your favorite characters, including the Despicable Me Minions, Shrek and Fiona, King Julien, the Penguins of Madagascar, and more! And, of course, there’s a visit from Santa as he rides high in the sky on a beautiful float, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

Parade Show Times 2018
   • Nov 28, Dec 6, and Dec 14: 5:15pm
   • Nov 17 – 27, Nov 29 – Dec 5, Dec 7 – 13, Dec 15 – 23: 5:30pm
   • Dec 24 – 30: 8:00pm
   • Dec 31 – Jan 6: 5:30pm

The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular

Grinchmas is returning to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, now better than ever! Hear the tale of the Grinch and help the Whos down in Whoville save Christmas during a wonderful live stage show, featuring new sets and costumes for 2018. Sing along to all your favorite songs and get into the Grinchmas spirit. You can even start your morning off with breakfast with the Grinch himself (reservations required). Then stroll through Seuss Landing, all decked out for Christmas by the bustling Whos as they get their final preparations in order for Christmas.

Show Times 2018
   • Nov 17 – 24; Dec 15 – Jan 1:
     10:45am, 11:45am, 12:45pm, 1:45pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm
   • Nov 25 – Dec 14; Jan 2-6:
     11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 3:45pm, 4:45pm, 5:45pm

Mannheim Steamroller

Fan-favorite Mannheim Steamroller will be returning to perform live on the Music Plaza Stage. Their performances will take place on select night during the months of November and December.

Show Times 2018
   • Nov 17, 18, 24, 25; Dec 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16: 7:00pm

Resort-Wide Celebration

The festively decorated on-site hotels at Universal Orlando will be just as beautiful this year. Each resort has decor specific to their location and provides a wonderful backdrop for family holiday photos. You can meet Santa Claus, watch tree lightings, indulge in special holiday treats, and see all the decorations – all while on vacation.

New Year’s Eve in Universal Studios Florida

Head to Universal Studios Florida for upbeat live music, rockin’ party zones, a chance to meet some of your favorite Universal Orlando characters, the all-new Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration, amazing pyrotechnic displays, showers of confetti and, of course, party favors.

New Year’s Eve at the Music Plaza Stage
Dec. 31: 6:15 pm–1 am
 • Holiday Parade Character Dance Party
 • Live Band and DJ
 • Pyrotechnics and Confetti Midnight Moment

New Year’s Eve in Central Park
Dec. 31: 8:30 pm–1 am
 • All-new Cinematic Celebration
 • Character Dance Party
 • Live DJ
 • Pyrotechnics, Fountain and Light Midnight Moment

EVE at Universal CityWalk

The whole year’s been leading up to this: EVE, Universal CityWalk’s jam-packed New Year’s celebration. Feast on unlimited gourmet cuisine. Enjoy signature drinks. Revel in six awesome CityWalk clubs with live bands and DJs. And you can rock out on Orlando’s biggest outdoor dance floor. (Separately ticketed event. 21+ only.)

Start planning your trip now — and get ready to take your holidays to the next level. Click here to request your free Orlando vacation quote. Elizabeth at Destinations in Florida will help you plan all aspects of your trip including theme park tickets, hotel, and more, and the best part is, her service is completely FREE!

---

Stay tuned for more event news and updates. Be sure to subscribe to our news feed to never miss an update or enter your email address below. Photos/Details Universal

---

Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month. All patrons receive behind the scenes posts and exclusive podcasts. Learn More

---