Christmas at Disney World and Universal Orlando 2026: What’s Coming
Orlando is getting ready to swap pumpkins for Christmas trees, giant balloons and a Grinch with absolutely no intention of behaving himself. With the festive season almost here, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have plenty planned for 2026.
If you’re heading out for a Christmas trip, here’s a quick taste of what’s coming—and where to find our full planning guides.
Christmas at Walt Disney World
Disney’s main festive season runs from 13 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, with its separately ticketed Christmas parties starting earlier in November.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns to Magic Kingdom, while Disney Jollywood Nights brings its evening celebrations to Hollywood Studios. EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays and Animal Kingdom’s Merry Menagerie add very different flavours to the season, alongside decorations, festive food and entertainment across the resort.
You don’t need a party ticket to enjoy Christmas at Disney, but party nights can affect your plans—particularly when regular park hours finish earlier than you might expect.
Explore our Christmas at Walt Disney World 2026 guide →
Christmas at Universal Orlando
Universal’s celebrations run from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with festive experiences across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe.
Expect giant balloons in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, the Grinch causing trouble in Seuss Landing, and Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter across all three parks. Epic Universe also joins the festivities, including Snoggletog in the Isle of Berk.
The main seasonal celebrations are included with the relevant regular park admission. Extras such as the Universal Holiday Tour and character breakfast cost more, so it’s worth deciding what matters to you before the festive budget develops a life of its own.
Explore our Christmas at Universal Orlando 2026 guide →
A little planning goes a long way
Big crowds, loud shows and busy parade routes can make Christmas feel very different from a normal park day. Think about viewing arrangements, getting around and where a quieter break might fit, as well as which entertainment you want to see.
Both guides bring together dates, ticket information, festive highlights and practical accessibility and sensory considerations. Pick your must-dos, leave some breathing room, and remember that sitting down with a snack is a perfectly respectable holiday activity.
Official holiday information: Walt Disney World · Universal Orlando Resort.