Nobody does Special Events like Universal Studios Orlando! Throughout the year, in every season there is sure to be a special events to please (just about) everyone!
Rock the Universe
Rock the Universe is Florida’s BIGGEST Christian Music Festival! In January, Christian music artists descend on Universal Studios, to the big stage, and rock the night away!
Event dates: January 24-25, 2025
Rock the Universe is a separate ticketed event.
Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras
Universal Studios Mardi Gras celebration is the best of the Bayou! Food, beads and family! This annual event is a daytime and a nighttime event and included in the regular ticket.
International Flavors of Carnaval | February 1–March 30
Halloween Horror Nights
Halloween Horror Nights is one of Universal Orlando’s BIGGEST events! For over 30 years, Universal has perfected the act of scaring even the toughest in the crowd. Scare zones, haunted houses and amazing themed food options all make up HHN. Every year the haunted houses change. The only thing to remain the same is the advice “Do Not Go Alone”.
2025 dates announced!
Select Nights Aug. 29–Nov. 2, 2025
Keep up with the announcements of houses and more at Universal Halloween Horror Nights Page
HHN is one of the few Universal Orlando Special Events that is a separate ticket event and does sell out. Get your tickets early. Visit Halloween Horror Night’s Insider’s Tips to learn ways to utilize your time when enjoying this amazing event.
Holidays at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando does the holidays in a BIG way! Grinchmas, Christmas in the Wizarding World, and the Holiday parade, there is so much to see and do and experience. The holiday events are included in your normal park ticket.
Universal Holidays take place November 21 to December 31, 2025
Grinchmas
Seuss Landing transforms for the holidays. Few people love Christmas as much as the Who’s. You can spot the Who’s strolling around enjoying the holiday and even enjoy the stage show The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular. The Grinch is even available for photo’s and to surely give you a hard time.
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Warm Butterbeer and a holiday light show on the castle. Is there anything better? Every Christmas, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley come alive with Christmas spirit! The beautiful holiday decor, Frog’s Choir and the light show on Hogwarts are a must see! Just be sure and grab your WARM Butterbeer!
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
When we said Universal does Christmas BIG, we really meant it! The holiday parade features the Macy’s parade balloons made famous by the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. In Universal Studios, the parade features the Minions, Shrek and the characters of Madagascar. And just when you think it cannot get any better it starts to snow and the BIG MAN in red himself comes through on a special float.
The special events at Universal are packed with fun and are a great time to visit the resort.
To learn more about what the hotels are like during the holidays, check out Universal Orlando Hotels at Christmas.
Other 2025 Events
There are lots of other 2025 events such as Grad Bash, Passholder Appreciation Days and Nights, and so much more. NEW for 2025 are Universal Volcano Bay Nights | April 19, 26, May 3, 10, & 17. Check out the full details at Universal 2025 Events and more.
Magical Memory Planners is a preferred partner with Universal Orlando.
