Universal Orlando Resort is expanding its holiday footprint at Epic Universe for the 2026 season, addressing some of the gaps guests noticed during the park's inaugural Christmas celebration. The most talked-about change is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD finally getting into the holiday spirit — the land skipped seasonal décor entirely during the 2025 Christmas season, even though Universal Studios Hollywood has been dressing up its version of the land for years. Universal hasn't spelled out exactly what the transformation will look like, but the colorful world of Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach is expected to get a festive treatment for the first time in Orlando.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk is also in line for a more generous holiday makeover. Last year the land offered a handful of Snoggletog trees and a Viking-themed mac and cheese cone, which felt a bit thin to some visitors. Universal says guests can expect noticeably more seasonal detail spread throughout Berk this year.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — including the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe — will again host Christmas programming across all three Universal Orlando parks. Celestial Park, Epic Universe's central hub, had holiday displays last year, but Universal has not yet confirmed whether those will return in 2026; further announcements are expected before the season kicks off.
Beyond Epic Universe, Universal's broader resort-wide holiday lineup is also coming back intact. Grinchmas returns to Islands of Adventure, the Holiday Parade featuring Macy's runs at Universal Studios Florida, and the Universal Holiday Tour — which includes reserved entertainment viewing and character meet-and-greets with Santa, the Grinch, and Max — will be available to book. Holiday food, exclusive merchandise, character appearances, and the Holiday Tribute Store are all confirmed as well, with more details to follow closer to November.
The celebration runs from November 14 through January 3, giving guests nearly seven weeks to take it all in. This story was first reported by Disney Fanatic.
