Universal Orlando Resort is making some noticeable changes to its holiday lineup this year, and Epic Universe is at the center of them.
After the park's first Christmas season left a few guests wishing for more festive touches, Universal has confirmed that additional holiday decorations are coming to Epic Universe for 2026. The biggest addition is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which will officially celebrate the holidays for the first time since the park opened.
That announcement alone has generated plenty of excitement.
When guests visited SUPER NINTENDO WORLD during the 2025 holiday season, they found the land operating as usual without Christmas decorations. The decision stood out because Universal Studios Hollywood has decorated its version of the land for several years.
Now, Universal is bringing that tradition to Orlando.
Although the company hasn't revealed exactly how SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be transformed, fans are already looking forward to seeing how Christmas decorations blend with the colorful world of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and the rest of Nintendo's iconic characters.
Holiday additions aren't stopping there.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk is also receiving more seasonal decorations after a fairly modest debut celebration last year. During its first holiday season, the land featured a few Snoggletog trees and a themed mac and cheese cone inspired by the Viking holiday.
Universal says guests can expect even more festive details throughout Berk this year, creating a stronger holiday atmosphere across the land.
Meanwhile, Christmas will once again return to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across all three Universal Orlando theme parks. That includes the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe, which joined the resort's holiday lineup during its first Christmas season in 2025.
One notable omission from Universal's announcement was Celestial Park. The central area featured seasonal decorations last year, but Universal hasn't confirmed whether those displays will return in 2026. More announcements could still be on the way before the holiday season officially begins.
Beyond Epic Universe, longtime Universal traditions are also making their return.
Guests can once again experience Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's at Universal Studios Florida. Both events continue to draw large crowds each year and remain staples of the resort's Christmas celebration.
Visitors looking for something extra can also book the Universal Holiday Tour. The experience includes reserved viewing for major entertainment offerings while also giving guests opportunities to meet Santa Claus, the Grinch, and Max.
Universal also confirmed that holiday-themed food, exclusive merchandise, seasonal character appearances, and the Holiday Tribute Store will all return this year, though additional details will be announced closer to November.
The resort's holiday celebration officially begins on November 14 and continues through January 3, giving guests nearly seven weeks to enjoy everything Universal has planned.
With SUPER NINTENDO WORLD finally joining the festivities and Isle of Berk receiving an expanded holiday makeover, Epic Universe is taking a much larger role in Universal Orlando's Christmas celebration. For fans who visited during the park's inaugural holiday season, this year's additions should make the experience feel more festive than ever before.
