There’s always something exciting happening at Universal Orlando Resort, with seasonal events and experiences that offer even more fun throughout the destination all year long. Guests can now start planning their 2025 vacation to enjoy all the thrills to be had – no matter the time of year, from fan-favorite seasonal events like Universal Mardi Gras, Universal Halloween Horror Nights and Holidays at Universal to hotel happenings and all-new adventures for the whole family.
Below are more details about all the fun that awaits throughout the year.
Theme Park Experiences and Seasonal Events
Guests can top off a day of theme park thrills with some of the destination’s most popular seasonal events, including:
- Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval begins February 1 through March 30. Guests can celebrate 30 years of letting the good times roll while dining on international cuisine from across the globe, watching a spectacular parade with dazzling floats, and enjoying live concerts from some of the biggest names in music—from T-Pain to Joe Jonas and more.
- Halloween Horror Nights returns earlier than ever on select nights, beginning August 29 through November 2. At the world’s premier Halloween event, guests can face terrifying haunted houses inspired by cinematic greats and eerie original stories, sinister scare zones, live entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and themed food and beverage items.
- Holidays at Universal begin November 21 and run daily through December 31. Here, guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with an incredible collection of festive experiences—like the awe-inspiring Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a chance to meet the mean, green one himself—the Grinch—during Grinchmas. Guests can also admire festive décor across the destination and dine on delicious, holiday-themed food and beverage offerings.
Plus, on select nights in April and May, guests can immerse themselves in the Waturi culture during the all-new Universal Volcano Bay Nights (additional details will be revealed soon).
Guests will also be able to celebrate the return of Butterbeer Season, beginning March 1 and continuing through May 31. This will give them a chance to enjoy Butterbeer in all-new ways within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, from sweet treats to themed merchandise and more.
Additionally, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will once again celebrate Back to Hogwarts this fall. More details to come.
A line-up of upcoming 2025 event dates and theme park experiences is included below:
| UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S 2025 EVENT DATES | |
| Date | Event |
| January 24 and 25 | Rock the Universe |
| February 1 – March 30 | Universal Mardi Gras |
| April 19, 26 and May 3, 10, 17 | Universal Volcano Bay Nights |
| August 29 – November 2 (select nights) | Halloween Horror Nights |
| November 21 – December 31 | Holidays at Universal |
The Excitement Continues At Universal CityWalk
The fun doesn’t stop at the theme parks, with a variety of events at Universal CityWalk throughout the year – from the Mardi Gras After Party to a St. Patrick’s Day celebration atPat O’Brien’s and Summer Live Music to the Red Coconut’s transformation to the Cursed Coconut Club during Mardi Gras, Dead Coconut Club for Halloween Horror Nights and Green and Red Coconut Club for the Holidays. Guests can also stop by one of the many incredible restaurants or retail shops to dine with their family and friends or purchase exclusive merchandise that can only be found at Universal Orlando.
Universal Orlando Hotels Events and Experiences
Guests can also choose from special experiences and events at select hotels, where they can:
- Embrace the ‘aloha’ spirit at the Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, a festive, family-friendly luau and dinner show. Shows begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday evenings (subject to change). Reach out to an Academy Travel Agent if you’re interested in attending!
- During the Acoustic Brunch at The Kitchen in the Hard Rock Hotel, guests can enjoy a live acoustic performance while feasting on a delicious brunch full of comfort food with a tinge of Southern twang. Brunch takes place every Sunday.
- Reach out to an Academy Travel Agent if you’re interested in attending!
- Be transported to the Mediterranean at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel’s Harbor Nights, featuring unlimited gourmet food and wines from the hotel’s restaurants, live music and a traditional opera performance. Harbor Nights will take place on February 14, April 25, October 17, and November 28. Reach out to an Academy Travel Agent if you’re interested in attending!
Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort will also offer special dining for guests on Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
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