Universal Orlando Resort is preparing for its New Year’s Eve lineups, offering live entertainment, midnight countdowns and themed celebrations across its theme parks, CityWalk and on-site hotels. The destination will aslo welcome 2026 with extended park hours, specialty programming and holiday entertainment.
Theme Park Celebrations
Universal Studios Florida will host a full evening of entertainment with a live DJ set at the Music Plaza Stage, roaming stilt walkers and select floats from Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Guests can also experience a showing of CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular before gathering near the Music Plaza Stage for the park’s midnight countdown.
At Universal Islands of Adventure, festivities also begin with a DJ set in Port of Entry, followed by music, character meet-and-greets and themed entertainment throughout the park. Dedicated viewing areas in Port of Entry, Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon will host the midnight countdown.
Universal Epic Universe will join New Year’s Eve programming for the first time. Guests visiting the destination’s newest theme park can enjoy award-winning attractions along with a DJ performance at the Hemisphere Stage in Celestial Park and a midnight countdown featuring a special fountain show spanning Celestial Park’s waterways.
Throughout the parks, guests can also experience Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration, which runs through Jan. 4. Seasonal highlights include Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, festive food and beverage offerings and holiday shopping at the Holidays Tribute Store.
Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk will offer live entertainment throughout the night, including performances at the Waterfront Stage and themed programming inside the Green and Red Coconut Club. Visitors can expect holiday decor, specialty cocktails, stilt walkers and a destination-wide countdown to 2026.
Festivities Across Universal Orlando Hotels
Universal Orlando’s portfolio of 11 hotels will also host a range of New Year’s Eve events. Highlights include:
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Universal Helios Grand Hotel: The debut of the “Party at the Palace,” an adults-only (21+) celebration featuring dinner, drinks, a DJ and views of Universal Epic Universe from Bar Helios.
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Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: A family-friendly event with food stations, desserts, beer, wine, live music and dancing.
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Universal Aventura Hotel: A rooftop celebration for guests 21+ offering Korean- and Latin-inspired food stations, craft cocktails and panoramic views of Orlando.
Several hotels will offer special New Year’s Eve buffets, including The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel, the refurbished Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Amatista Cookhouse at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Seasonal menu items will also be featured at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Endless Summer Resort, Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort and others.
For more information, visit universalorlando.com.
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