Universal Orlando Resort is getting ready for one of the most exciting times of the year, and the resort has officially revealed what guests can expect during its 2026 holiday celebration.From returning Christmas traditions to new seasonal experiences at Epic Universe, Universal is preparing to transform its theme parks, hotels, and entertainment destinations for the holidays.Credit: UniversalGuests can look forward to festive decorations, special entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and plenty of holiday food and drinks. Several fan-favorite experiences will return, but Universal is also introducing new offerings that could make this year’s celebration even more exciting.And for visitors planning a holiday vacation, the resort has announced hotel discounts, special Annual Passholder benefits, and exclusive experiences that could make a difference when planning a trip.Here’s everything Universal Orlando has confirmed for the upcoming holiday season.Universal Orlando Confirms 2026 Holiday Celebration DatesUniversal Orlando Resort has officially announced that its 2026 holiday celebration will begin on November 14, 2026, and continue through January 3, 2027.The celebration will take place across Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, Universal CityWalk, and participating resort hotels.Throughout the season, visitors can expect Christmas decorations, seasonal food and beverages, special merchandise, and holiday entertainment.Universal has also confirmed that its theme parks and CityWalk will celebrate New Year’s Eve, giving guests another opportunity to enjoy the festivities before the holiday season comes to an end.While many of Universal’s most popular Christmas traditions are returning, this year’s celebration will also bring additional experiences to the resort’s newest theme park.Epic Universe Is Getting More Holiday ExperiencesOne of the biggest announcements involves Epic Universe, which will expand its Christmas offerings for 2026.Universal has confirmed that Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will feature seasonal decorations and special holiday offerings.Inside Super Nintendo World, guests can expect festive decorations and themed food that brings a little Christmas spirit to the colorful Nintendo-inspired land.Meanwhile, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will celebrate Snoggletog, the holiday tradition associated with the popular animated franchise.During the previous holiday season, Isle of Berk featured Snoggletog trees and a limited-time Snoggletog Harvest Mac and Cheese Cone.Credit: Univeral OrlandoThis year, Universal is expanding the experience with additional decorations, seasonal food and drinks, and new merchandise.The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will also feature Christmas decorations, continuing a holiday tradition that began during Epic Universe’s first year of operation.Celestial Park will once again transform into a winter wonderland, featuring illuminated walkways, decorated trees, and festive lighting.With more holiday offerings spread throughout the park, Epic Universe is becoming another major destination for visitors celebrating Christmas at Universal Orlando.Universal Studios Florida Brings Back Popular Christmas TraditionsOver at Universal Studios Florida, guests can look forward to the return of several longtime holiday favorites.Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will return with daily performances scheduled for 5:30 p.m.The popular parade features massive character balloons, colorful floats, festive music, and familiar faces traveling through the streets of Universal Studios Florida.It’s one of the resort’s most recognizable Christmas traditions and continues to attract families who make the parade part of their annual holiday visits.Guests will also have opportunities to meet Earl the Squirrel, Universal’s popular holiday character.Credit: UniversalThe Holiday Tribute Store will return as well, giving visitors another place to shop for seasonal merchandise and enjoy festive displays.Meanwhile, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will feature returning holiday entertainment from Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.The musical group will perform seasonal songs throughout the celebration, bringing Christmas entertainment to one of Universal Studios Florida’s most popular themed areas.Between the parade, character appearances, shopping opportunities, and Wizarding World entertainment, Universal Studios Florida will have plenty of holiday activities for guests to experience.Grinchmas Returns to Islands of Adventure With Eight Daily ShowsUniversal Islands of Adventure will once again welcome the Grinch as Grinchmas returns to Seuss Landing.The annual celebration brings Christmas decorations, special entertainment, and character appearances inspired by the world of Dr. Seuss.One of the biggest attractions is the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live stage production featuring the Grinch and residents of Who-ville.Universal has confirmed eight scheduled daily performances for the 2026 celebration.Shows are scheduled for 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., and 6:30 p.m.Guests can also meet the Grinch and encounter Whos throughout Seuss Landing.Credit: UniversalThe Who-ville tree lot, which debuted during the previous holiday season, will return as part of this year’s festivities.Elsewhere in Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade will celebrate with returning Christmas entertainment.The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle will once again transform the famous castle with festive projections and seasonal effects.The Frog Choir will also perform holiday songs, giving visitors another reason to spend time exploring Hogsmeade during the Christmas season.Universal Announces Special Holiday Tour Starting at $69.99For guests who want to enjoy several holiday experiences in one outing, Universal Orlando is bringing back its popular Holiday Tour.Reservations are already available, with prices starting at $69.99 per person.The guided experience lasts approximately two and a half hours and includes several exclusive opportunities.Guests participating in the tour can meet the Grinch, his dog Max, and Santa Claus.The experience also includes reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, allowing participants to enjoy the popular Christmas production without having to find their own seats.An optional reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is also included.Prices vary depending on the date, so guests planning to book the experience should check availability and pricing for their preferred visit.Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can save $10 on up to six Holiday Tour reservations.For families who want to experience multiple Christmas traditions during their visit, the tour provides another way to enjoy Universal’s seasonal entertainment.Universal CityWalk Introduces a New Christmas ExperienceThe holiday celebrations won’t be limited to Universal’s theme parks.Universal CityWalk will bring back the Green & Red Coconut Club for 2026, but this year’s experience will feature a different theme.The seasonal location will transform into Haus Noel, an experience inspired by traditional European Christmas markets and alpine pubs.Guests can expect an atmosphere featuring old-world Christmas traditions, a welcoming hearth, and festive market-inspired surroundings.Universal is also teasing a combination of cheerful and slightly macabre holiday elements, giving the location a different feel from the more traditional Christmas celebrations found throughout the resort.Credit: UniversalAnnual Passholders will receive early access to Haus Noel on Friday, November 20, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.Following that exclusive period, the location will open to other guests.For visitors spending an evening at CityWalk, Haus Noel will offer another seasonal destination to explore during the holidays.Universal Orlando Announces Holiday Hotel Discounts of Up to 40%Universal Orlando is also offering special hotel discounts for visitors planning holiday vacations.According to the resort, general guests can save up to 30% on eligible hotel stays during the holiday season.Florida residents can receive discounts of up to 35%, while Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can save up to 40%.Universal is also advertising opportunities to save up to an additional $300 through eligible vacation packages.Actual savings will depend on the hotel, travel dates, availability, and promotional terms.The resort’s hotels will also participate in the Christmas celebrations with seasonal decorations and special dining experiences.Participating locations will offer Thanksgiving Day buffets and Christmas Day meals.Some hotel lobbies will host Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremonies, while Christmas tree lighting events will also take place throughout the resort.These experiences will give guests opportunities to celebrate the holidays without necessarily spending every moment inside the theme parks.Universal Annual Passholders Receive Exclusive Holiday BenefitsUniversal Orlando Annual Passholders will have several additional perks to enjoy during the 2026 holiday season.Beginning November 14, Passholders can pick up an exclusive collectible holiday button. Universal’s promotional teaser indicates that Earl the Squirrel will appear on this year’s design.The button will be available at the UOAP Lounge in Toon Lagoon at Islands of Adventure and The Tonight Shop at Universal Studios Florida.Universal is also extending the operating hours of the Toon Lagoon lounge for the holiday season.From November 14 through January 3, the lounge will operate from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.Credit: Universal StudiosPassholders visiting Universal Studios Florida can pick up their buttons at The Tonight Shop during regular park operating hours.In addition to the collectible button, Passholders will receive access to a special viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.Universal is also introducing exclusive holiday merchandise, including a commemorative 2026 Christmas ornament.Seasonal and Power Passholders will receive a special 10% merchandise discount during the holiday celebration.And for guests who enjoy trying seasonal snacks, Universal is introducing an exclusive holiday fudge flavor for Passholders.The treat will be available at several locations throughout the resort.At Islands of Adventure, guests can find it at Island Market and Export Candy Shoppe, Snookers & Snookers Sweet Candy Cookers, and the UOAP Lounge.Universal Studios Florida will offer the fudge at San Francisco Candy Factory and Studio Sweets.Meanwhile, Epic Universe will carry the exclusive treat at Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets and How to Treat Your Dragon.These benefits give Annual Passholders several additional reasons to visit Universal Orlando during the Christmas season.Universal Orlando Prepares for a Busy Holiday SeasonWith the full holiday lineup now announced, guests can begin making plans for one of Universal Orlando’s most popular seasonal celebrations.The return of Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and Christmas entertainment throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will give returning visitors plenty of familiar experiences to enjoy.At the same time, the expanded holiday offerings at Epic Universe will bring additional festive experiences to Universal’s newest theme park.Credit: Sarah Larson, Inside the MagicSpecial hotel discounts, Annual Passholder benefits, and the return of the Holiday Tour also provide more options for guests who want to make the most of their visits.Visitors should remember that entertainment schedules, operating hours, and availability can change throughout the season, so checking Universal Orlando’s official information before arriving is always a good idea.The 2026 holiday celebration will officially run from November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027.Whether guests are planning to meet the Grinch, enjoy the Christmas parade, explore Epic Universe’s seasonal decorations, or simply take in the festive atmosphere, Universal Orlando is preparing to celebrate the holidays across its entire resort.The post Universal Orlando Confirms Official Replacement for Halloween Horror Nights appeared first on Inside the Magic.