Universal Orlando Resort is inviting guests to close out 2025 and ring in 2026 in unforgettable style with dazzling New Year’s Eve celebrations spanning the theme parks, CityWalk, and on-site hotels. From live entertainment and DJ sets to midnight countdowns and festive experiences for all ages, this year’s festivities promise an immersive holiday experience for visitors from around the world.
Theme Park Festivities Across All Parks
Universal’s three theme parks will host lively celebrations starting in the early evening on December 31, 2025:
- Universal Studios Florida: The festivities begin at 6:15 p.m. with a live DJ set at the Music Plaza Stage. Guests can enjoy roaming stilt walkers, festive sights including select floats from Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and special photo opportunities. A showing of CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular will be presented at 10 p.m., followed by an exciting midnight countdown celebration near the Music Plaza Stage.
- Universal Islands of Adventure: Also kicking off at 6:15 p.m., the park will come alive with another live DJ set in Port of Entry, plus music, character meet-and-greets, and holiday fun throughout the park. Guests can ring in the New Year at dedicated viewing areas in Port of Entry, Seuss Landing, and Toon Lagoon with a spirited countdown.
- Universal Epic Universe: For the first time ever, the resort’s newest theme park will join in the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Alongside access to Epic Universe’s thrilling attractions, guests can enjoy live music and entertainment from a DJ at the Hemisphere Stage in Celestial Park. The festivities culminate in a special midnight countdown complete with a scenic fountain show across the park’s waterways — making this a standout celebration in 2025-26.
These in-park celebrations coincide with the final days of Universal Orlando’s ongoing Holidays celebration, running daily through January 4, 2026. Visitors can still enjoy beloved seasonal experiences like Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s as part of their New Year’s Eve visit.
Universal CityWalk: Live Music & Midnight Countdown
Universal CityWalk will be buzzing throughout the evening with live music and DJ sets at the Waterfront Stage and the Green and Red Coconut Club. Festive décor, holiday cocktails, roaming entertainers, and a midnight countdown celebration will help guests toast the New Year in a high-energy environment outside the theme parks.
New Year’s Eve at Universal Orlando Hotels
Guests staying at Universal Orlando’s resort hotels can also partake in tailored celebrations to suit different styles and ages:
- Universal Helios Grand Hotel: Adults (21+) can enjoy an elegant evening at the New Year’s Eve Party at the Palace, featuring dinner, drinks, a DJ, and spectacular views of Universal Epic Universe from Bar Helios.
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Families can join the Party on the Piazza, complete with food stations, desserts, beer, wine, and lively music and dancing to bring in 2026 together.
- Universal Aventura Hotel: A rooftop New Year’s Eve experience will offer Korean- and Latin-inspired food stations, specialty cocktails, and panoramic views of Orlando — another adults-only celebration with unique flair.
Special New Year’s Eve buffets will also be available at several resort restaurants including:
- The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel
- Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Amatista Cookhouse at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Other Universal resorts like Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Endless Summer Resort, Stella Nova Resort, and Terra Luna Resort will also offer seasonal menu options so guests can dine and celebrate in comfort throughout the evening.
Universal Orlando Resort’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are designed to offer a destination-wide experience that blends thrilling entertainment, festive holiday spirit, and a welcoming countdown to 2026. Whether you’re spending the night in the theme parks, at CityWalk, or celebrating at a hotel event, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the clock strikes midnight.
For more details on holiday events and New Year’s Eve festivities, guests are encouraged to visit UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.
