Orlando, Nov 14 to Jan 3

Universal Orlando Christmas 2026 Grinchmas, the Macy's parade and Hogwarts lights, one door a day

Universal Orlando Christmas 2026 runs November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027 at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe. Grinchmas, the nightly Holiday Parade featuring Macy's and The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle all come with regular park admission. The calmest week is Nov 16 to 22 and the busiest is Dec 21 to 27.

By Michael Burns · Updated

Which day is least crowded at Universal at Christmas?

Every day of the season is a door. Its color is the busiest park that day, and its three bulbs are Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe in that order. Open a door for the calmest park that date, each park's crowd score from 1 to 10 and its posted hours.

  • 1 to 3 quiet
  • 4 to 6 moderate
  • 7 to 8 busy
  • 9 to 10 packed
Behind the door

Open any door

Universal Studios Florida
Islands of Adventure
Epic Universe

Pick a day on the calendar for all three parks' crowd scores and hours.

Islands of Adventure has posted hours for 17 of the 51 days so far. Every date is on the Universal Studios Florida crowd calendar, the Islands of Adventure crowd calendar and the Epic Universe crowd calendar.

Go on these days

  1. 6Tue, Nov 17Studios 4, Islands 2, Epic 6
  2. 5Wed, Nov 18Studios 2, Islands 1, Epic 5
  3. 6Thu, Nov 19Studios 3, Islands 2, Epic 6
  4. 6Tue, Nov 24Studios 4, Islands 2, Epic 6
  5. 5Sat, Jan 2Studios 3, Islands 3, Epic 5
  6. 5Sun, Jan 3Studios 3, Islands 2, Epic 5

Brace for these days

  1. 10Fri, Nov 27Studios 5, Islands 4, Epic 10
  2. 10Sat, Nov 28Studios 7, Islands 6, Epic 10
  3. 10Sun, Nov 29Studios 6, Islands 5, Epic 10
  4. 10Mon, Dec 21Studios 6, Islands 4, Epic 10
  5. 10Tue, Dec 22Studios 6, Islands 4, Epic 10
  6. 10Thu, Dec 24Studios 5, Islands 3, Epic 10

Each list scores the busiest park that day. Every day is ranked in the best days for Islands of Adventure in December, Universal Studios Florida in December and Epic Universe in December.

Which Universal park is least crowded at Christmas?

Each park is a strand of lights and each bulb is one week of the season, lit with that park's average crowd score. Islands of Adventure is the calmest of the three on 49 of the 51 scored days.

Universal Studios FloridaSeason average 4.3
  1. 4.5 Nov 14 Opening weekend, Nov 14 to 15, average 4.5
  2. 3.6 Nov 16 Before Thanksgiving, Nov 16 to 22, average 3.6
  3. 4.9 Nov 23 Thanksgiving week, Nov 23 to 29, average 4.9
  4. 3.9 Nov 30 First week of December, Nov 30 to Dec 6, average 3.9
  5. 3.9 Dec 7 Second week of December, Dec 7 to 13, average 3.9
  6. 3.9 Dec 14 Third week of December, Dec 14 to 20, average 3.9
  7. 5.7 Dec 21 Christmas week, Dec 21 to 27, average 5.7
  8. 4.6 Dec 28 New Year's week, Dec 28 to Jan 3, average 4.6
Islands of AdventureSeason average 3.1
  1. 3.5 Nov 14 Opening weekend, Nov 14 to 15, average 3.5, the calmest park that week
  2. 2.3 Nov 16 Before Thanksgiving, Nov 16 to 22, average 2.3, the calmest park that week
  3. 3.4 Nov 23 Thanksgiving week, Nov 23 to 29, average 3.4, the calmest park that week
  4. 2.7 Nov 30 First week of December, Nov 30 to Dec 6, average 2.7, the calmest park that week
  5. 2.9 Dec 7 Second week of December, Dec 7 to 13, average 2.9, the calmest park that week
  6. 2.9 Dec 14 Third week of December, Dec 14 to 20, average 2.9, the calmest park that week
  7. 4.3 Dec 21 Christmas week, Dec 21 to 27, average 4.3, the calmest park that week
  8. 3.3 Dec 28 New Year's week, Dec 28 to Jan 3, average 3.3, the calmest park that week
Epic UniverseSeason average 7.8
  1. 7.0 Nov 14 Opening weekend, Nov 14 to 15, average 7.0
  2. 6.4 Nov 16 Before Thanksgiving, Nov 16 to 22, average 6.4
  3. 8.6 Nov 23 Thanksgiving week, Nov 23 to 29, average 8.6
  4. 7.3 Nov 30 First week of December, Nov 30 to Dec 6, average 7.3
  5. 7.4 Dec 7 Second week of December, Dec 7 to 13, average 7.4
  6. 7.4 Dec 14 Third week of December, Dec 14 to 20, average 7.4
  7. 9.7 Dec 21 Christmas week, Dec 21 to 27, average 9.7
  8. 8.3 Dec 28 New Year's week, Dec 28 to Jan 3, average 8.3
  1. Opening weekendNov 14 to 15. The season starts Saturday, Nov 14
  2. Before ThanksgivingNov 16 to 22 Calmest week
  3. Thanksgiving weekNov 23 to 29. Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov 26
  4. First week of DecemberNov 30 to Dec 6
  5. Second week of DecemberDec 7 to 13
  6. Third week of DecemberDec 14 to 20
  7. Christmas weekDec 21 to 27. Christmas Day is Friday, Dec 25 Busiest week
  8. New Year's weekDec 28 to Jan 3. The season ends Sunday, Jan 3

A ringed bulb is the calmest park that week. Going in a busy week? See whether it pays off in the Universal Express Pass guide.

What is at each Universal park for the holidays?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter celebrates Christmas in all three parks. Grinchmas and the Hogwarts castle show are at Islands of Adventure, the Macy's parade is at Universal Studios Florida, and Epic Universe has Snoggletog, holiday decor in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Celestial Park in lights.

The Knight Bus outside the London waterfront at Universal Studios Florida
Photo Eliedion, CC BY-SA 4.0

Universal Studios Florida

  • Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy'sThrough the parkA nightly parade of larger than life balloons and floats, including the Macy's Elf Train through the New York streets. It ends with a Christmas tree lighting led by Santa Claus.
  • Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry PotterDiagon AlleyHoliday decor through Diagon Alley, and Celestina Warbeck performs for the holidays.
  • Earl the SquirrelUniversal Studios FloridaMeet Earl the Squirrel for a holiday photo.
The snowy rooftops of Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure

  • The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts CastleHogsmeadeA nighttime projection show on Hogwarts castle, so it only runs after dark.
  • The Frog ChoirHogsmeadeSeasonal melodies in Hogsmeade.
  • Grinchmas Who-liday SpectacularSeuss LandingA live stage retelling of the Grinch story with music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller.
  • The Grinch, the Whos and the Who-ville Tree LotSeuss LandingA Grinch meet and greet, Whos around the land and a lot of bright, quirky trees.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe
Photo Brunnofernando, CC BY 4.0

Epic Universe

  • Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry PotterMinistry of MagicWizarding Paris is decorated for the holidays.
  • SnoggletogHow to Train Your Dragon, Isle of BerkFestive decor, seasonal food and drinks and new merchandise on the Isle of Berk.
  • Holiday decor in SUPER NINTENDO WORLDSUPER NINTENDO WORLDHoliday decor, favorite characters and themed food.
  • Celestial Park Holiday CelebrationCelestial ParkTree lined walkways in lights and a festive Cosmos Fountain Show.
CityWalkThe Green and Red Coconut Club returns with live entertainment, seasonal cocktails and decor.
The 11 hotelsSeasonal decor, special menus and events such as menorah lightings and carolers.
New Year's EveUniversal lists New Year's celebrations at Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe, with details still to come. Drinks are 21 and up with photo ID.

Going in December? Pack for cool nights with what to wear to Universal Studios and the Universal Orlando packing list.

When does it get dark for the Hogwarts castle show?

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is projected after dark, and the parade lights up the Studios at night, so the evening is the holiday. Sunset in Orlando is 5:34 PM on opening day, as early as 5:30 PM in early December and 5:43 PM on January 3.

  • NightlyUniversal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, ending with Santa lighting the tree
  • After darkThe Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade

Posted closing times for every day are on Islands of Adventure hours in December, Universal Studios Florida hours in December and Epic Universe hours in December. Check the Universal Orlando Resort app for the day's schedule.

What do you get on the Universal Holiday Tour?

The Universal Holiday Tour is the one separately ticketed holiday experience announced so far. It is a guided daytime tour of about two and a half hours on select dates from November 14, 2026 to January 2, 2027. It starts at $69.99 per person plus tax, the price changes by date, and annual and seasonal passholders save $10.

Admit up to 12 guests per group Universal Holiday Tour
  • Meet and greets with the Grinch, Max and Santa
  • Reserved seats for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
  • Optional reserved viewing for the Holiday Parade featuring Macy's
Length2.5 hr
RunsNov 14 to Jan 2
From$69.99 plus tax
Needs2-park, park-to-park ticket

The ticket must cover Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Park admission is not included, reservations are required and groups can be shared with other parties. Book through Universal's holiday page.

Questions people ask about Universal Orlando at Christmas

When does Universal Orlando decorate for Christmas in 2026?

Holidays at Universal Orlando runs from Saturday, November 14, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027, at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, CityWalk and the resort hotels.

When is Grinchmas 2026 at Universal?

Grinchmas runs with the rest of the season, November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027, in Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure. It has the live Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular with music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller, a Grinch meet and greet, Whos around the land and the Who-ville Tree Lot. Showtimes are in the Universal Orlando Resort app.

Is the Universal holiday parade every night?

Yes. Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's runs nightly at Universal Studios Florida during the season and ends with a Christmas tree lighting led by Santa Claus. Check the Universal Orlando Resort app for the day's schedule.

When is the Hogwarts castle Christmas show?

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is a nighttime projection show at Islands of Adventure, so it only runs after dark. Sunset in Orlando falls between 5:30 PM and 5:43 PM during the season.

Does Epic Universe do Christmas?

Yes. From November 14, wizarding Paris in the Ministry of Magic is decorated for the holidays, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD has holiday decor, the Isle of Berk celebrates Snoggletog and Celestial Park has winter gardens in lights with a festive Cosmos Fountain Show.

Do you need a separate ticket for Universal's Christmas events?

No. Grinchmas, the parade, the Hogwarts castle show and everything at Epic Universe come with regular theme park admission or an annual pass, subject to blockout dates. The Universal Holiday Tour is the one separately ticketed holiday experience announced so far.

When is Universal Orlando least crowded at Christmas?

The week of Nov 16 to 22 scores the calmest of the season at 6.4 out of 10 for the busiest park. The week of Dec 21 to 27 is the busiest at 9.7.

What is the Universal Holiday Tour?

A guided daytime tour of about two and a half hours for up to 12 guests, on select dates from November 14, 2026 to January 2, 2027. It includes meet and greets with the Grinch, Max and Santa, reserved seats for the Grinchmas show and optional reserved viewing for the parade. It needs a 2-park, park-to-park ticket for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, which is not included. It starts at $69.99 per person plus tax and the price changes by date.

Plan the rest of your Universal Christmas trip