At a Glance
- Universal Holidays
- Nov 14, 2026 to about Jan 3, 2027
- SeaWorld Christmas
- Select nights, Nov 6 to early Jan
- Extra cost
- None, included with admission
- Busiest week
- Christmas to New Year's
Universal and SeaWorld both go all in for the holidays, and both events are included with regular park admission. Here's what each one has in 2026, when it runs, and how to plan around the crowds.
Universal Orlando Holidays 2026
Dates: November 14, 2026 through about January 3, 2027.
- Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure. Seuss Landing turns into Who-ville, with the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular stage show running several times a day.
- Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's at Universal Studios Florida, with giant balloons and floats. It runs in the evening and ends with a tree lighting.
- Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley get holiday decorations, and Hogwarts Castle has a nighttime holiday projection show.
- Universal Holiday Tour, a guided walking tour on select dates, sold separately, from about $70.
Heads up: Universal has scheduled Volcano Bay, its water park, to close for maintenance from late October 2026 until spring 2027. Check before you plan a water park day.
SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration 2026
Dates: select nights from November 6, 2026 to early January 2027 (SeaWorld's own listings disagree on the final night, so check the calendar).
- Holiday lights across the park after dark
- Holiday shows and seasonal food and drinks
- Kwanzaa festivities December 26 to January 1, and a Three Kings celebration January 3 to 6
How to plan it
- Go on a weekday in early or mid December. The week between Christmas and New Year's is one of the busiest of the year at every Orlando park.
- Stay late. Both events look best after dark, and the parade and castle show are evening events.
- Book tickets ahead. Neither event costs extra, but busy-day park tickets cost more and can sell out for some ticket types.
- There's no real "Christmas coupon." Discounts on Universal and SeaWorld come from multi-day tickets, Florida resident deals and annual passes, not codes.
Plan a day off between parks
Theme park days are long. A slower day in between helps:
- Airboat tours at Boggy Creek, 10% off through us. December mornings are cool and great on the water.
- Baby highland cows at Mini Moo Land, 10% off
- Christmas lights around Orlando, many of them free
- ICE! at Gaylord Palms
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Universal Orlando decorate for Christmas in 2026?
Universal Orlando Holidays run from November 14, 2026 through about January 3, 2027.
Is Grinchmas included with Universal admission?
Yes. Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure and the Macy's holiday parade at Universal Studios Florida are included with park admission.
When is SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration in 2026?
On select nights from November 6, 2026 into early January 2027. Check SeaWorld's calendar for exact nights.
Is Volcano Bay open in winter 2026?
Universal has scheduled Volcano Bay to close for maintenance from late October 2026 until spring 2027. Check Universal's site before you plan a visit.
Take a Day Off From the Parks
Cool December mornings are the best time of year for an airboat ride in Kissimmee.
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