Christmas is arriving with a few extra surprises this year, and two last-minute additions are giving theme park visitors even more to look forward to.
With November 14 just days away, preparations are nearly complete for one of the biggest seasonal celebrations in Orlando. Popular traditions are returning, festive decorations are going up, and several theme parks are preparing to welcome the holiday crowds.
However, two new experiences have already opened at Universal Studios Florida, offering an early glimpse of what visitors can expect when the festivities officially begin.
Neither location is welcoming customers just yet, but both will introduce something different to this year's Christmas celebration.
Universal Orlando Gets Ready for the Holidays
The holiday season officially begins at Universal Orlando Resort on November 14, 2026, bringing Christmas entertainment, decorations, and special experiences to multiple theme parks.
Unlike certain holiday events at Walt Disney World, much of Universal's Christmas entertainment comes included with regular theme park admission. Visitors can enjoy several seasonal offerings without purchasing a separate event ticket.
Universal Studios Florida will welcome back Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, complete with enormous balloons, colorful floats, and familiar characters as they travel through the park.
Meanwhile, Islands of Adventure will celebrate Grinchmas, including performances of the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will also return with festive decorations and nighttime entertainment.
Epic Universe is also participating this year. Seasonal experiences will arrive in areas including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
But the entertainment isn't the only thing expanding this holiday season.
Two New Holiday Offerings Appear Inside the Park
Two seasonal food booths have appeared in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida, adding more dining options to the upcoming Christmas celebration.
The locations, called Holiday Sweets & Sips and Puerto Rican Holidays, will feature separate menus inspired by festive flavors and holiday traditions.
Although both booths are already in place, they won't begin serving visitors until November 14, when Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort officially kicks off.
The additions expand the resort's seasonal dining selection while giving visitors another reason to explore the New York area.
And rather than offering the same familiar Christmas snacks, each location brings something different to the table.
One specializes in holiday desserts and specialty drinks, while the other introduces traditional Puerto Rican flavors.
Christmas Treats Take Over One New Location
Holiday Sweets & Sips will cater to visitors looking for something sweet during their day at Universal Studios Florida.
Its seasonal menu features a Christmas Tree Waffle, Red-Nosed Reindeer Donut, Earl's Hazelnut Dot Cake, and Very Berry Christmas Dot Cake.
A Winter Village Cookie Box will also be available, giving visitors another festive dessert option.
Those interested in beverages can choose from hot cocoa and a Peppermint Espresso Martini.
The selection offers a combination of familiar Christmas flavors and more unusual treats, making the booth an appealing stop for anyone who enjoys trying limited-time holiday food.
Its location in New York also means visitors can enjoy seasonal snacks while taking in the park's decorations and festive atmosphere.
However, the second addition offers a noticeably different experience.
Another Booth Introduces Puerto Rican Holiday Favorites
Puerto Rican Holidays will bring a different side of Christmas dining to Universal Studios Florida.
Rather than concentrating on traditional American holiday desserts, this location will serve food and beverages inspired by Puerto Rican Christmas celebrations.
The menu includes Nochebuena Dinner, Pastel al Caldero, Coquito, and a No-quito mocktail.
Nochebuena, which means Christmas Eve, plays an important role in Puerto Rican holiday traditions. Families often gather for special meals and celebrations.
Pasteles are another popular holiday food, while coquito is a creamy coconut-based beverage commonly enjoyed during the Christmas season.
For visitors who prefer an alcohol-free drink, the No-quito mocktail provides another option.
By introducing these offerings, Universal allows visitors to experience holiday traditions that may differ from their own.
The booth also adds variety to the resort's seasonal dining lineup, complementing the sweeter options nearby.
Two new holiday food booths and menus have been added to New York: Holiday Sweets & Sips and Puerto Rican Holidays. @UniversalORL https://t.co/TQWXXdOUjt
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) November 11, 2026
November 14 Will Bring Everything Together
The addition of Holiday Sweets & Sips and Puerto Rican Holidays gives visitors two more reasons to explore Universal Studios Florida during the Christmas season.
Alongside the returning Grinchmas celebration, Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and seasonal entertainment at Epic Universe, the resort already has plenty planned.
Now, visitors can add two new food locations to their holiday plans.
Although the booths have already appeared inside the park, their menus are expected to become available when the festivities officially begin on November 14.
With Christmas celebrations just days away, these additions offer another way to enjoy the season beyond the resort's rides, shows, and decorations.
