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From Mardi Gras to Grinchmas™
Everyday’s a holiday at Universal Orlando Resort. Literally.
There’s always something special going on at this place, meaning you can expect a jam-packed events line-up whenever you’re visiting. Spring, summer and autumn promise Universal Fan Fest Nights, Fourth of July celebrations and Back to Hogwarts™. And, you can creep through haunted houses at Halloween, watch technicolour parades at Mardi Gras, and meet the Grinch in Seuss Landing at Christmas.
Intrigued? Say no more. We’ve put together a little snapshot of the events schedule, so you can plan the perfect time for your next trip. Calendars at the ready...
Halloween Horror Nights
Scaredy cats, get ready to be spooked. Big time.
Haunted houses
Enter if you dare – you’ll find some of the world’s most infamous on-screen villains lurking around these places. In past years, Art the Clown from Terrifier and Jason from the Friday the 13th series have made appearances.
Sinister scare zones
Are you brave enough to face your fears? Creepy characters will be waiting to give you the fright of your life at scare zones around the park. Previously, there have been blood-thirsty vampires, feral felines and murderous mutants.
Soirées to scream about
Things only get eerier when evenings roll around. Creepy circus shows and ghost stories have topped the nighttime entertainment in the past. And there’s often extra entertainment like spooky parties laid on after dark.
Just so you know, this is a separately ticketed event and only runs on select nights.
WARNING: EVENT MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 13. NO COSTUMES OR COSTUME MASKS ALLOWED.
Mardi Gras spectaculars
What better way to celebrate than with floats, food and fiestas?
Concerts at nightfall
Get your groove on with live music shows. They’re held on the Music Plaza Stage on select evenings during Mardi Gras, and are included with your park tickets. Past performers include top names like Jason Derulo and DJ Khaled.
Technicolour parades
Floats with all the frills bring a piece of New Orleans to Universal Orlando Resort. Watch them wind their way through the streets, along with costume-clad performers wearing glitzy masquerade masks.
Treats for your tastebuds
Tuck in to street food from around the globe, without missing any of the action. Both sweet and savoury eats are on the menu, so there’s something to satisfy every foodie craving.
Festive fun
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and join in with Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Grinchmas™
He’s a mean one… and he’s the star of the show during the festive season. Find him hanging around Seuss Landing™ with the resident Whos, where there’s a sarcasm-stuffed live show, plus live music and photo ops galore.
Christmas In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
Sip a hot Butterbeer™ while watching the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees put on festive performances. There’ll be a holiday-themed Hogwarts™ Castle projector show, too.
The Holiday Parade
They deck the halls and the streets around here, so you can feel all festive while watching the parade. Cameras at the ready – if you’re lucky, you might spot your favourite characters from Despicable Me, Shrek and Madagascar.
Something for every season
Not visiting over a major holiday? There’s still plenty to get stuck in to…
Spring specials
At Universal, spring doesn’t just mean warmer weather. This time of year promises things like Butterbeer™ Season, which comes with limited-time treats and merch, plus Universal Fan Fest Nights – after-hours celebrations that gamers and sci-fi geeks will love.
Summer celebrations
Get dressed up in red, white and blue for special Fourth of July activities if you’re in town around Independence Day. The rest of the summer, you can spot the likes of ET and Trolls characters in events like the Universal Mega Movie Parade.
Autumn extravaganzas
As the summer comes to an end and the kids go back to school, so do witches and wizards. This time of year goes hand-in-hand with events like Back to Hogwarts™, which lines up special themed treats and merchandise.
Want a sneak peek?
Prepare to be wowed by extra-special parties and parades…
FAQs
When does Halloween Horror Nights start at Universal Orlando Resort?
Halloween Horror Nights takes place on different dates each year, but it usually runs from late August to the end of October.
Is Halloween Horror Nights included with regular park admission?
No, entry to Halloween Horror Nights doesn’t come with your park ticket. You’ll need to buy a separate ticket for this event if you’d like to join in with the frightening fun.
How scary is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort?
Halloween Horror Nights isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s an immersive event featuring haunted houses and scare zones, which aren’t recommended for children under the age of 13.
Are all the rides open during Halloween Horror Nights?
No, not all rides at Universal Orlando Resort are open during Halloween Horror Nights. Fan faves like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™ are likely to be open as usual, but it’s worth checking online before you go.
What’s the best time to go to Halloween Horror Nights?
Halloween Horror Nights can get very busy on weekends, so it’s best to go on a weekday if you want slightly fewer crowds. September’s also quieter than October on the whole.
What is Universal Mardi Gras?
Universal Mardi Gras is an annual celebration themed around New Orleans’ biggest carnival. It promises special parades, performances and food from around the world.
Are there concerts during Universal Mardi Gras?
Yes, you can expect concerts on select nights during Mardi Gras.
Is Universal Mardi Gras included with regular park admission?
Yes. You don’t need to get a separate ticket to join in with Mardi Gras events – they’re included in your park admission.
When does Grinchmas™ start at Universal Orlando Resort?
Grinchmas™ runs from mid-November to early January, with specific dates varying slightly each year.
Does Grinchmas™ need you to have a separate ticket?
No, Grinchmas™ isn’t a separate ticketed event – you can join in with all the festivities with standard Universal Orlando Resort admission.
Does the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ do anything for Christmas?
Yes, there’s festive decor, holiday-themed performances, and a light projection show at Hogwarts™ Castle.
What’s the weather like in Orlando at Christmas?
Temperatures hover in the mid-teens and low twenties in Orlando in December. Days usually bring sunshine and showers. So, pack your SPF and your umbrella.