Schedule of 2025 Universal Orlando Events

Schedule of 2025 Universal Orlando Events

Schedule of 2025 Universal Orlando Events

This article is your complete guide to 2025 Universal Orlando events!  There’s always something special for any park-goer, with some of the most popular events being Mardi Gras (February through March), Halloween Horror Nights (August 29 through November 2, 2025), and Universal Holidays (November 21 through December 31, 2025). If you want to see the ultimate 2025 Universal Studios calendar for the year, keep reading!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation, be sure to check out our Universal Crowd calendar!

 Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

2025 Universal Orlando Resort Events Calendar

There are so many 2025 Universal Events to be excited about, from celebrating Christmas in Hogwarts that casts a spell of wonder to the spooky Halloween Horror Nights, there’s an annual event for every visitor. This article explores all the must-see Universal Studios events in 2025, providing you with the ultimate guide to planning an action-packed visit.

What are the Universal Orlando events for 2025?

• Rock The Universe – January 23 – January 24, 2026
• Mardi Gras – February – March, 2026
• 4th of July – July 4th, 2025
• Halloween Horror Nights – August 29 – November 2, 2025 (select nights)
• Universal Volcano Bay Nights –  October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2025
• Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort – November 21 – December 31, 2025
• New Year’s Eve – December 31st, 2025

As Universal releases more dates and information on the 2026 calendar of events for Universal Studios Orlando, we will be updating you all right here!

Related Page: Early Park Admission Universal Orlando Tickets

January Universal Orlando Events: Rock the Universe

When: January 23-24, 2026

Where: Universal Studios Florida

As one of the more popular Universal Orlando special events, the Rock the Universe series will be back in January 2026. This Orlando, FL, event will be hosted at Universal Studios Florida, and the concerts will be held on the open stages within the park. Universal Studios closes at 6 PM for the event, but guests with concert tickets will enter the park starting at 4 PM.

Guests can expect live entertainment and other worship services offered for the weekend. This is a Christian music event that Universal hosts yearly.

Rock the Universe Concert Lineup:

Friday, January 23, 2026:

• Forrest Frank
• Switchfoot
• KB
• Blessing Offor
• Hulvey
• bodie
• Claire Leslie
• Hopeful.
• Eli Gable

Saturday, January 24, 2026

• LECRAE
• Phil Wickham
• Colton Dixon
• Passion
• Terrian
• Sam Rivera
• Megan Danielle
• Bay Turner
• Caleb & John

Event tickets and packages are now on sale for this event, which will have a dedicated fan zone with live performances, autograph sessions, and access to select attractions in Universal Studios Florida!

Related post: Complete Guide to All Universal Studios Orlando Height Requirements

February Universal Orlando Events: Mardi Gras

One standout among the Universal Orlando events is their annual Mardi Gras celebration. The Universal Mardi Gras event runs from the beginning of February through the end of March. *exact dates have yet to be announced for 2026* It encapsulated everything that makes Universal’s special events so extraordinary, from live weekend concerts to a vibrant parade complete with themed floats, including fantastical creatures such as dragons and unicorns, that captured the “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras.”

When: February – March, 2026

Where: Universal Studios Florida

The best part is Mardi Gras at Universal is included FREE with your Universal Orlando theme park ticket! Plus, there are usually awesome package-priced deals for yummy food and drinks!

Related Post: Universal Mardi Gras Early Park Admission Ticket

July Universal Orlando Events: Fourth of July Celebration

Where: Universal Studios Florida

The party kicks off at the Music Plaza at 5 PM, with DJ M-Squared on deck to energize the crowd with a pulsating mix of current hits. The atmosphere will be further enlivened with live music performances, creating a perfect setting for the parade of stilt walkers and thrilling character interactions that are set to roam the grounds. Moreover, unique character meet-and-greets will be available, offering guests an immersive experience they won’t soon forget.

An assortment of themed food will be on offer, giving attendees a taste of classic Americana with a unique twist, all catered by the Classic Monster Café and available to enjoy in a communal picnic setting on the lawn.

A major highlight of the festivities is the awe-inspiring fireworks display, scheduled to illuminate the night sky at 9 PM. This dazzling show will pay a brilliant homage to the Fourth of July, leaving guests spellbound.

Adding value to this exciting day, all these engaging activities and unforgettable experiences are included in the standard price of admission, meaning guests can partake in the fun and celebration without incurring additional charges.

Related Article: The Absolute Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando 

August Universal Orlando Events: Halloween Horror Nights

When: Select nights from August 29 – November 2, 2025

Where: Universal Studios Florida

This annual fall event on select dates is the biggest Universal Studios Florida event, and for good reason. For lovers of Halloween, horror, and all things scary, Halloween Horror is the perfect Universal after-hours event.  When the park closes to the public, guests need a separate ticket to enter this transformed park of fright.

As a pretty intense Halloween event at Universal Studios Orlando, it is not meant for children, as “scare zones” are set up for creatures to roam throughout the park and are sure to pop up and follow you out of nowhere. The most appealing part may just be the well-put-together haunted houses, which are themed based on popular TV shows, classic and current films, and the occasional video game.

Halloween Horror Nights tickets are on sale now, and we always recommend purchasing your tickets in advance as this is one of the most popular Universal Orlando events they host all year! Be sure to check out our complete guide to Halloween Horror Nights early entry to beat the crowds during your next trip. We love this event and think it is the best Halloween events in Orlando!

Related Page: Halloween Horror Nights Tickets

November – December Universal Orlando Events: Universal Holidays 

When: November 21 – December 31, 2025 

Where: Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure

Both parks get a magical makeover with decor, lights, and specialty food, which is one of our favorite parts of Universal! Universal Studios Florida has the special Macy’s Parade. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s stands out as one of the most heartwarming Universal special events, captivating guests of all ages.  As floats adorned with beloved characters from DreamWorks and beyond meander through the park, guests can revel in the festive atmosphere they create. The pinnacle of the event is the cheerful appearance of Santa himself, who, in a grand holiday gesture, illuminates the majestic Christmas tree in Universal’s re-creation of New York. This event, perfect for families, epitomizes the joy and wonder of the holiday season.

Holidays in the Wizarding World

Where: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Don’t worry, muggles. You’ll be able to experience one of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter special events as a wizard during the holiday season! The snow-covered Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are stunningly decorated with festive decorations, including all the shops of the Wizarding World. If you thought the butterbeer was good, wait until you try the holiday-themed food and drinks. Plus, there will be entertainment on site. Gryffindors, Slytherins, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws can join in unity as they watch the holiday show that takes place at Hogwarts Castle.

This magical Universal Harry Potter event Universal Studios includes “casting a spell” on the castle and features iconic moments from the film series. It’ll make you feel like you received your letter from Hogwarts after all. This has quickly become one of our favorite things about the holiday season in Orlando and is simply a must-do for all of our Harry Potter fans out there!

Universal Orlando Resort Grinchmas

Where: Universal Islands of Adventure

Grinchmas makes for one of the most entertaining Universal Orlando events if you are a Dr. Seuss fan. Seuss Landing turns into the wonderland that is Grinchmas and features a heartwarming live show, “Grinchmas Holiday Spectacular, featuring some character favorites. It will be sure to make your heart grow three sizes bigger.

Fans can enter the park with regular park admission for these holiday events and get to meet the Grinch for pictures and autographs. Mega fans can attend The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, which happens on select mornings. It requires a reservation, so make sure to book in advance for this Universal Studios special event.

Related post: Complete Guide for the Best Harry Potter Christmas at Hogwarts

December Universal Orlando Events: New Year’s Eve

When: December 31st, 2025

Where: Universal CityWalk

Hey adults, look out for this annual party on the Universal CityWalk Orlando upcoming events scheduled. Meant for party-goers 21 and up, guests can ring in the New Year in style. Dine, drink, and dance the night away on this New Year’s Eve celebration. This exciting event features gourmet cuisine, live concerts, DJs, and access to five clubs and an outdoor dance floor. At the stroke of midnight, cheer “Happy New Year” with a glass of champagne and watch fireworks emerge from the sky. The extravaganza is a separate ticket event, so you will need to purchase it separately from a park ticket.

Related post: Complete Guide to Water Rides at Universal

Universal Orlando Event FAQS

Q: Are there evening events at Universal Studios Orlando?

A: Yes, there are evening events at Universal Orlando. The most popular, separately ticketed evening event happens during Halloween time and is called Halloween Horror Nights. This event begins at 6:30 PM and ends at 2 AM, which allows guests to experience all of the fright into the wee hours.

Other special events also run during the evening, like the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts, which is a holiday light show that is projected once the sun sets. Guests do not need an extra ticket to experience any Christmas events at Universal Studios.

Q: Does Universal Studios have a Christmas event?

A: Yes, Universal Orlando does have a Christmas event, but it is not a separate ticket. Starting in November, guests can experience the Grinchmas, which is a Christmas event offered at Islands of Adventure. There is also the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Christmas, which has special decor and light shows during the holidays.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando, be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals, which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!