If you’ve been looking for a reason to plan a holiday getaway to Universal Orlando Resort, we have a few VERY good ones!
Universal Orlando is going all out for the 2026 holiday season, and this year brings something extra special. From a beloved holiday character making his debut in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to Christmas celebrations across three theme parks, there is SO much to look forward to.
And the best part? Many of Universal Orlando’s holiday experiences are included with regular theme park admission!
Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration runs from November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027, giving families plenty of opportunities to experience the magic.
Here’s why we think Universal Orlando deserves a spot on your holiday vacation calendar this year!
1. Earl the Squirrel Is Making Holiday History!
If you’ve visited Universal Orlando during the holidays, you may already be familiar with one of the resort’s most adorable holiday traditions: Earl the Squirrel!
But this year, Earl is getting a HUGE upgrade.
The fan-favorite character is officially making his debut as a giant balloon in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on November 26, 2026!
Standing an impressive 30.4 feet tall and 14.5 feet wide, Earl’s balloon will feature the mischievous squirrel wearing his signature winter cap while holding a blue Christmas light.
And if you’re wondering why a squirrel has become such a big part of Universal Orlando’s Christmas celebrations, the story is actually pretty adorable.
Nearly two decades ago, Universal’s Entertainment team discovered a real squirrel living inside the park’s Christmas tree. The squirrel apparently loved stealing blue Christmas lights and bringing them back to its nest.
What started as a funny holiday discovery eventually became a beloved Universal Orlando tradition.
Over the years, Earl has appeared as a hidden decoration inside the Christmas tree, inspired exclusive merchandise and even become a meet-and-greet character.
Now he’s heading to one of the biggest holiday celebrations in the country!
And the excitement doesn’t end in New York.
Beginning in early December, Earl’s giant balloon will join Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida!
So if you’ve ever wanted to see Earl larger than life, this is the year to visit.
2. Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s Is a Must-See
There’s something special about watching a holiday parade filled with larger-than-life balloons, festive floats and beloved characters.
And you don’t have to travel to New York City to experience that excitement!
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s brings the holiday spirit to Universal Studios Florida with dazzling parade elements and towering balloons.
This year, the celebration becomes even more exciting with the addition of Earl the Squirrel’s brand-new balloon in early December.
Imagine ending your day at Universal Studios Florida watching massive balloons float above the streets as the entire park comes alive with Christmas cheer.
It’s the kind of experience that makes a holiday theme park vacation feel extra special.
And if you’re traveling with kids, this is definitely something you’ll want to add to your must-do list.
3. You Can Meet Earl the Squirrel AND Try His New Holiday Treat!
Earl isn’t just making an appearance in the parade.
Guests will also have opportunities to meet the beloved squirrel in person!
Beginning November 14, Earl the Squirrel will be available for daily meet-and-greets at Universal Studios Florida, with additional appearances on weekends at Universal CityWalk.
And if you’re someone who loves trying seasonal theme park treats, you’ll want to keep an eye out for Earl’s Hazelnut Dot Cake.
This festive dessert features chocolate cake with hazelnut spread, topped with toasted hazelnuts and red and green sprinkles.
It’s available at Universal Studios Florida during the holiday celebration.
Between the meet-and-greets, exclusive merchandise and seasonal treats, Earl fans are going to have plenty to look forward to this year!
4. The Holiday Tribute Store Is Getting a Macy’s Makeover
One of our favorite things about visiting Universal Orlando during seasonal events is exploring the themed Tribute Stores.
And this year’s Holiday Tribute Store is celebrating something pretty special.
In honor of the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Universal Studios Florida’s Holiday Tribute Store will feature environments inspired by memorable moments from the parade’s history.
Guests can explore immersive holiday displays, shop exclusive merchandise and discover festive surprises throughout the store.
There will also be brand-new Earl the Squirrel merchandise, including apparel, accessories and collectibles inspired by the holiday mascot.
Whether you’re shopping for Christmas gifts, looking for a souvenir or simply love exploring Universal’s seasonal displays, this is one stop you’ll want to make.
5. Experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
If you’ve never experienced The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during the holidays, consider this your sign to finally make it happen.
Universal Orlando’s Christmas celebrations extend across all three of its theme parks featuring Wizarding World experiences:
- Universal Studios Florida
- Universal Islands of Adventure
- Universal Epic Universe
Imagine wandering through the beautifully themed environments while enjoying the atmosphere of the holiday season.
There’s something especially magical about combining the immersive world of Harry Potter with Christmas festivities.
And with three different Wizarding World locations to explore, Harry Potter fans have even more reasons to plan a multi-day Universal Orlando vacation.
6. Grinchmas Is BACK!
Let’s be honest. Is it even Christmas at Universal Orlando without the Grinch?
One of the most beloved holiday traditions at Universal Islands of Adventure is returning for the 2026 season.
Grinchmas brings the holiday spirit of Who-ville to Seuss Landing, making it a must-visit destination for families who love Dr. Seuss’s classic Christmas story.
Whether you’re a longtime Grinch fan or introducing your kids to the mischievous green character for the first time, this is one of those holiday experiences that makes Universal Orlando feel completely different during the Christmas season.
And if you’ve been dreaming about spending the holidays in Who-ville, this is your opportunity!
7. Epic Universe Is Getting Even MORE Holiday Magic!
If you needed another reason to visit Universal Epic Universe, here it is.
For the first time, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will debut holiday decorations during the 2026 Christmas season!
That means guests can experience two of Epic Universe’s incredible themed lands with brand-new festive touches.
And that’s not all.
The holiday atmosphere will also return to Celestial Park, transforming the area into a cosmic winter wonderland.
With Epic Universe now part of Universal Orlando’s growing holiday celebration, there’s even more to explore during a Christmas vacation.
If you haven’t visited Epic Universe yet, why not experience it for the first time during the holidays?
8. You Don’t Need a Separate Holiday Event Ticket!
Here’s something we LOVE about Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration.
The seasonal experiences are included with regular theme park admission!
Unlike holiday events that require an additional separately purchased ticket, Universal Orlando guests can enjoy its holiday festivities as part of their regular theme park visit.
That means you can spend your day experiencing attractions, exploring the themed lands and enjoying the holiday entertainment without needing to purchase a separate event ticket.
Of course, valid admission to the appropriate theme park is required, and certain experiences or add-ons may cost extra.
But having so many holiday offerings included with admission makes this an appealing option for families planning a Christmas vacation.
9. Want an Even More Magical Experience? Book the Universal Holiday Tour!
If you want to take your Universal Orlando Christmas vacation to the next level, there’s an additional experience worth considering.
The Universal Holiday Tour offers a guided way to enjoy some of Universal Orlando’s seasonal offerings.
This approximately two-and-a-half-hour experience takes guests through holiday highlights at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.
Guests must have the required two-park, park-to-park admission, and the tour is a separately purchased add-on.
For families who want a more guided holiday experience, this could be a fun way to make the trip feel even more special.
10. There Are Special Ticket Offers for Holiday Travel!
And here’s one more reason to start planning your Universal Orlando vacation.
Universal has announced a special 3-Day Ticket offer starting at $99 per day, plus tax, providing access to:
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Islands of Adventure
Universal Epic Universe
That’s an opportunity to experience three incredible Universal Orlando theme parks during one holiday getaway.
Ticket pricing, eligibility and availability are subject to the offer’s terms, so be sure to check the details for your preferred travel dates.
With so much to experience across the resort, we definitely recommend considering more than one park day.
After all, between the attractions, holiday entertainment, character experiences, seasonal treats and festive decorations, there’s plenty to keep your family busy!
Why Universal Orlando Should Be Your Holiday Vacation Destination in 2026
Think about everything you could experience during one trip.
Spend a morning exploring SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Epic Universe.
Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter dressed for the holidays.
Head to Islands of Adventure for Grinchmas.
Meet Earl the Squirrel at Universal Studios Florida.
Explore the Macy’s-themed Holiday Tribute Store.
And end your evening watching Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
That’s a LOT of holiday magic packed into one vacation.
And with Universal Orlando’s celebration running from November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027, there’s time to plan a getaway around Thanksgiving, winter break, Christmas or even the beginning of the new year.
Don’t Let Another Holiday Season Pass Without Visiting Universal Orlando!
If you’ve been saying you want to experience Universal Orlando during Christmas, maybe 2026 is finally the year to make it happen.
With Earl the Squirrel making history, brand-new holiday decorations at Epic Universe, the return of Grinchmas and seasonal entertainment throughout the resort, there’s so much to look forward to.
And whether you’re planning a quick holiday getaway or a longer family vacation, an Academy Travel agent can help make the planning process easier.
Our agents can help you compare Universal Orlando Resort hotels, explore available ticket offers and plan a vacation that includes the parks and holiday experiences your family is most excited about.
And our Academy Travel agents are completely FREE to use!
You get expert vacation planning assistance at no additional cost.
So instead of just watching the holiday magic from home this year, why not experience it for yourself?
Connect with an Academy Travel agent and start planning your Universal Orlando holiday vacation!
Because between Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Epic Universe and a giant Earl the Squirrel balloon, this might just be one of the most exciting years yet to celebrate the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort.
