Um, Universal? It’s still October.
Halloween Horror Nights is still running, people are still buying pumpkin everything, and yet Epic Universe is already decked out for Christmas. On Monday, October 26, holiday decorations were spotted all over the park, and honestly, it was a lot to take in when Halloween isn’t even over yet.
We’re talking decorations starting right at the park’s entryways, spreading through Celestial Park, and continuing into How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Even Dark Universe is getting in on it, with Krampus merchandise already on display. Because nothing says holiday cheer like a horned Christmas monster.
Last Year Was Kind of a Letdown
Epic Universe had its first Christmas in 2025, and if we’re being real, it wasn’t all that festive. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic had some holiday decor that stood out, but the rest of the park? Not so much.
This year is clearly different. Universal is spreading the holiday spirit across way more of the park, and some lands are getting decorated for the very first time.
Mario Is Finally Getting Christmas
This is the one we’re most excited about. For the first time ever, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is getting official Christmas decorations.
Universal says the seasonal touches will blend right into the world of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and the rest of the Nintendo crew. And there’s holiday-themed food coming too, so you know we’ll be checking that out.
Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country are already two of the most fun places to explore in the whole park. Adding Christmas to the mix? Yes, please.
Berk Is Going All Out for Snoggletog
If you’re a How to Train Your Dragon fan, you already know about Snoggletog, the Viking version of a winter holiday. And this year, Isle of Berk is celebrating it big time.
The land is getting its first full collection of Snoggletog decorations, plus exclusive holiday merch, special foods, and drinks. Honestly, a Viking village decorated for the holidays sounds like exactly the kind of cozy we need.
Celestial Park Gets Its Sparkle Back
Celestial Park is bringing back its cosmic winter wonderland, complete with twinkling Christmas trees and festive displays around the Cosmos Fountain. The decorations are designed to match the gardens and space-inspired look of the land, so it’s a different vibe from typical Christmas decor.
Pro tip: come back after the sun goes down. Everything lights up, and it’s a whole different experience at night.
The Ministry of Magic Is Back in Holiday Mode
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is returning with festive lighting and seasonal decorations. Since it was the star of last year’s holiday decor, we’re expecting it to look just as magical this time around, if not more.
And There’s More at Universal
The official holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort runs from November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027. So the early decor at Epic Universe is basically a sneak peek.
Over at Universal Islands of Adventure, Grinchmas is back in Seuss Landing with the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, featuring the Grinch, the Whos of Who-ville, and plenty of holiday music.
And at Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s returns with giant character balloons, floats, performers, and appearances from Universal characters.
Is It Too Early? Maybe. Are We Mad? Not Really.
Look, walking into a theme park covered in Christmas decor while Halloween is still happening is a little jarring. But it also shows how much more Universal is putting into Epic Universe’s second holiday season.
Between Mario’s first Christmas, Berk’s Snoggletog celebration, Celestial Park’s twinkling trees, and Krampus hanging out in Dark Universe, this year’s celebration is already looking way bigger than last year’s.
So if you’re heading to Epic Universe soon, don’t be surprised if you leave humming Christmas music. Even if it is still October.
