ORLANDO, Fla. – Mario and Luigi are getting a holiday celebration to match their iconic red and green wardrobes.
This holiday season, some Universal Epic Universe worlds will be decked out for the holidays as part of Universal Orlando Resort’s destination-wide holiday celebration, which is kicking off earlier, running Nov. 14 through Jan. 3.
Here’s a park-by-park breakdown of everything guests can expect:
For the first time, the resort’s newest theme park will feature special holiday décor in both Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, bringing seasonal magic to two of the park’s most beloved lands.
Meanwhile, Celestial Park will transform into a cosmic winter wonderland, with twinkling trees and holiday-themed fountain displays throughout the day at the Cosmos Fountain. It’s the kind of spectacle that sets the tone for the entire park.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will join its sister locations across the resort in celebrating Christmas with festive lights, décor and seasonal entertainment.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will take over the streets nightly, showcasing larger-than-life balloons and elaborately themed floats inspired by characters from Illumination’s “Despicable Me” and DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” and “Madagascar.”
The festive procession wraps up with a Christmas tree lighting led by Santa Claus himself.
By day, guests can also explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, decked out in full Christmas regalia with holiday-themed entertainment at select locations throughout the season.
At Seuss Landing, Grinchmas returns in full force, anchored by the live “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” — a stage show based on Dr. Seuss’ classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Guests can also meet The Grinch himself, stroll the dazzling Who-Ville Tree Lot and soak in all the whimsical charm Seuss Landing has to offer.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade rounds out the Islands of Adventure holiday experience with festive décor and the crown jewel of the season: “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.” The breathtaking nighttime spectacle uses projection and special effects to illuminate the iconic castle with beloved holiday moments and characters from the Harry Potter films.
The holiday spirit doesn’t stop at the park gates.
At Universal CityWalk, the Red Coconut Club transforms into the Green and Red Coconut Club for the season, offering live entertainment, seasonal cocktails and vibrant décor for guests looking to extend the festivities beyond the parks.
Universal Orlando’s 11 hotels also get in on the action, each featuring unique seasonal décor tailored to their individual themes, special holiday menus and festive activities — including menorah lightings, Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers. Hotel guests also enjoy Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks.
Holiday upgrades
Guests looking to go deeper can book the Universal Holiday Tour, a roughly 2.5-hour guided experience available to those with two-park, park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.
The tour includes:
- An exclusive meet-and-greet with The Grinch
- An exclusive meet-and-greet with The Grinch’s dog, Max
- Reserved seating for the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”
- A meet-and-greet with Santa Claus
- Optional reserved viewing for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Tickets start at $69.99 per person, plus tax. Annual and Seasonal Passholders receive a $10 discount per ticket. The tour runs on select dates Nov. 14 through Jan. 2.
Holiday savings
U.S. residents can save up to 30% on hotel stays of five nights or more at participating Universal Orlando hotels. Bundle a stay with theme park tickets, and guests can save up to $300 more on their total vacation package. A “Get 2-Days Free with a 3-Day Ticket” offer is also currently available.
Florida residents can purchase the 2-Park Unlimited Days Ticket for $199 plus tax, offering unlimited access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure through Dec. 16. Florida residents can also save up to 25% on rooms at participating Universal Orlando hotels.
All in-park holiday experiences are included with regular theme park admission.
For ticket information, click here.