The biggest Universal Orlando news this month: Halloween Horror Nights 35 is officially open and runs select nights through November 1, Universal set its 2026 holiday dates as November 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027 with first-ever decorations in Super Nintendo World and Isle of Berk, and Volcano Bay closes October 26 for the season. Here’s what it all means for your family trip.
Halloween Horror Nights 35 is open — and it’s the longest ever
Halloween Horror Nights 35 kicked off August 28 and runs a record 48 select nights through November 1, 2026 at Universal Studios Florida — the earliest start in event history. The “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares” is fronted by two returning icons appearing together for the first time: Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow.
The lineup is now complete with all 10 haunted houses announced, including Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser, Evil Dead Burn, Sinners, and the final reveal — Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness, built with the participation of Ozzy’s family. There’s also a brand-new Stranger Things: Return to Hawkins nighttime lagoon show included with event admission. Single-night tickets start at $88.99, per Universal Orlando’s official HHN page, and one Premium Scream Night remains on October 19.
Planning a family trip during spooky season? Start with our updated Ultimate 2026 Guide to Halloween Horror Nights, and read our parent’s guide to Universal during HHN season before bringing the kids — the event is not recommended for children under 13.
Holidays 2026: official dates and Epic Universe’s biggest holiday season yet
Universal made it official in August: the destination-wide holiday celebration runs November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027 (superseding the November 21 start date reported earlier this summer). According to the official announcement, Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Epic Universe will receive holiday decorations for the first time ever, joining the Wizarding World’s festive makeover across all three theme parks.
Grinchmas returns to Seuss Landing, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s rolls through Universal Studios Florida again, and the Universal Holiday Tour — a daytime tour with Grinch and Santa meet-and-greets plus reserved show seating — runs select dates November 14 through January 2.
Epic Universe’s first fully decorated holiday season is expected to draw big December crowds, so families should lock in hotels early. Compare every on-site option in our Universal Orlando hotel deals guide.
Last call for Volcano Bay: closed October 26 until spring 2027
Universal’s Volcano Bay water park begins its first seasonal closure on October 26, 2026, for maintenance and infrastructure work, with reopening planned on or before April 1, 2027. If a water-park day matters to your crew, visit before October 26 — and skip the Volcano Bay ticket add-on for dates after that. We break down everything families need to know (including the best hotel pools to swim in instead) in our new Volcano Bay closure guide.
Fall deals are still live
- Buy 3 days, get 2 free: Buy a 3-day ticket and get 2 extra days free — five park days for the price of three, valid for visits most dates through December 16, 2026, per Universal’s deals page.
- Hotel savings: Up to 30% off select 5+ night stays at official Universal hotels (roughly September 8 – December 25, 2026 travel), plus up to $300 in bundle savings when you pair a hotel with tickets.
- Florida residents: A $199-plus-tax 2-Park Unlimited Days ticket covers unlimited Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure visits through December 16, 2026.
Our Universal vacation packages guide shows how to stack these offers — and our planning service is always free.
Epic Universe keeps growing
Construction on Epic Universe’s first expansion project — a two-level, roughly 54,000-square-foot event space — went vertical this summer, per permit filings reported by BlogMickey, and Universal has publicly confirmed plans to keep expanding its newest park. No new lands or rides have been announced yet, but the cranes tell the story: Epic Universe is just getting started.
What this means for your trip
September and October bring lower weekday crowds, strong ticket deals, and HHN 35 for the thrill-seekers — then the first fully decorated Epic Universe holiday season arrives November 14. The Pixie Vacations family-travel team plans it all at no extra cost to you. Request a free quote or call 678-815-1584, and browse more tips on our Universal Orlando blog.
Quick questions, quick answers
When does Halloween Horror Nights 35 end?
The final event night is Sunday, November 1, 2026. Weeknights in September and early October typically have the shortest house waits.
What are the Universal Orlando holiday dates for 2026?
November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027, resort-wide — including first-ever holiday decor in Super Nintendo World and Isle of Berk at Epic Universe.
Is Volcano Bay open in November and December 2026?
No. Volcano Bay closes October 26, 2026 for seasonal maintenance and is scheduled to reopen on or before April 1, 2027.
Last updated: September 2026. Compiled by the Pixie Vacations family-travel team — Universal Orlando specialists and Disney College of Knowledge–certified planners, hosts of the 15-year Mouse Chat travel podcast, featured in USA Today, NBC, ABC, and CNN. Offers and dates verified against Universal Orlando’s official pages and coverage from BlogMickey, WDW News Today, and Haunted Attraction Network; promotions change frequently, so confirm current terms when you book.
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.
