The biggest Universal Orlando news for November 2026: Halloween Horror Nights 35 wraps up tonight, the Holidays at Universal Orlando celebration starts November 14 and runs through January 3, 2027, Jurassic Park River Adventure is targeting a November 20 reopening, and Universal has set a shorter 50-day Mardi Gras for 2027 (February 6 – March 27). Here is what each change means for your family’s trip.
By the Pixie Vacations advisor team — 1,000+ verified client reviews averaging 5.0 stars and 15 years of the MouseChat family travel podcast. News edition dated November 1, 2026; check Universal’s app the week you travel because refurbishment and show dates can change.
Holidays at Universal Orlando: November 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027
According to Parade’s rundown of Universal’s announcement, the season runs 51 days across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, CityWalk and all 11 on-site hotels. Most of it is included with regular park admission:
- Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe, plus the nighttime “Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” projection show.
- Grinchmas in Seuss Landing, with the live “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.”
- Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida, ending with a tree lighting.
- First-ever Epic Universe holiday decor in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, plus the winter-themed return of Celestial Park.
The separately ticketed Universal Holiday Tour (a guided experience with a Grinch and Max meet-and-greet, reserved parade viewing and reserved Grinchmas seating) runs select dates from November 14 through January 2; the announcement does not list a price, so confirm it with us when you ask for a quote.
New this year: Earl the Squirrel gets his own Macy’s balloon, debuting in the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on November 26 and joining Universal’s Holiday Parade in early December.
Attraction updates and closures
- Halloween Horror Nights 35 — last night is today, November 1, 2026. Universal Studios Florida returns to normal hours on non-event nights.
- Jurassic Park River Adventure (Islands of Adventure) — closed for refurbishment with an official target reopening of November 20, 2026, per Deep Arrival. It is a target date and can still move.
- Animal Actors On Location! (Universal Studios Florida) — final performances are November 2, 2026 after 36 years, according to Attractions Magazine, making way for a future experience.
- Volcano Bay — closed since October 26 for its seasonal maintenance break and scheduled to reopen on or before April 1, 2027. Our Volcano Bay closure guide explains how to plan around it.
Mardi Gras 2027 dates are set — and the season is shorter
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval returns to Universal Studios Florida February 6 – March 27, 2027. At 50 days it is a full week shorter than 2026’s 57-day run, according to Attractions Magazine. The parade, food kiosks and concerts are included with park admission; the concert lineup has not been announced. We built a full planning guide: Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2027.
Current deals worth knowing about
The “Get 2 Days Free with a 3-Day Ticket” offer (five park days for the price of three) is valid for most dates through December 16, 2026, with blackout dates of November 18–28, according to Disney Tourist Blog; the base version started at $367 when that article was published. Universal’s holiday-season hotel offers include savings on stays of five nights or more at participating hotels. Terms change often, so see our Universal Orlando hotel deals page and the on-site hotel guide for the current picture.
What’s coming
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, replacing Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida, remains scheduled for 2027 with no exact opening date announced.
Frequently asked questions
When do the holidays start at Universal Orlando in 2026?
November 14, 2026, running through January 3, 2027.
Is Halloween Horror Nights over?
Yes. HHN 35’s last night is November 1, 2026. Universal Studios Florida operates on regular hours afterward.
Is Volcano Bay open in November?
No. It closed October 26 and is scheduled to reopen on or before April 1, 2027.
When are the 2027 Mardi Gras dates?
February 6 – March 27, 2027, at Universal Studios Florida.
Want help planning a holiday or Mardi Gras trip?
Planning with a Pixie Vacations advisor costs you nothing extra, and we can match your dates to the right hotel and ticket combination. Request your free Universal quote, call us at 678-815-1584, or browse more planning help on our Universal Orlando blog. Prefer a full vacation package? See PixieVacations.com.
Sources: Universal Orlando holiday announcement as reported by Parade; Attractions Magazine; Deep Arrival; Disney Tourist Blog. Last updated: November 1, 2026.
1-Day Park-to-Park with Roundtrip Transfers provides guests a 1-Day Park-to-Park experience with transportation to Universal Orlando® from Disney® Area Hotels.
