Wondering if the 2026 Universal Orlando Holiday Tour is worth the splurge? This article is for you. The guided experience takes guests through the parks for a private look at Universal’s biggest holiday offerings—from Grinchmas and the Holiday Parade to exclusive character meet and greets and reserved show seating.
RELATED: Click here to check out our full Christmas 2026 Guide to Universal Orlando.
The Universal Orlando Holiday Tour is a separately ticketed event (not included with park admission), and it sells out quickly every season. In 2026 you can expect to spend $70–$110 per person on top of your park ticket. As you’ll read below, the tour has cut down on length for 2026, and the price has dropped as well. In 2024 and 2025, the tickets were $100–$140. Read more on the tour changes here.
UNLOCKED TIP: You MUST have a park-to-park ticket valid the day of your tour. Click here to read more about this ticket type in our Universal Orlando 2026 Ultimate Planning Guide.
We attended the 2024 Holiday Tour to find out whether it justifies its premium price. Below, you’ll find an honest look at how the tour works, what to expect, and whether it deserves a spot on your must do list this holiday season.
Bottom Line:
We were not convinced this tour was worth the money in 2024, and the changes in 2025 and 2026 have us convinced we will probably never do it again. It seems like length was a big complaint in previous years, because the 2026 tour will be shaved down to 2.5 hours and end at 5:30PM. It’s going to cut a lot out of the tour, and you can do 90% of the 2026 stops on your own for free. And be warned, this tour does not include access to a major attraction.
🎄 What Does the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour Include?
We attended the 2024 Universal Holiday Tour, and it has been reworked since then. This guide is still very valuable because 90% of the tour stops are identical. And we will note what the tour has been in past years, and what it is now.
For starters, our tour was five (5) hours long and did not include the Holiday parade (it started after the parade was over). However in 2025, and advertised for 2026, the tour check in starts much earlier and reserved seating for the parade is advertised. The tour length has also been cut down to 2.5 hours. We suspect feedback showed them the long hours and late night weren’t super popular. It comes at a cost though, so keep reading.
💚 The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
Reserved seating at the Grinch show begins the tour. In 2024, the show was after hours, so it was a private showing (not reserved seating). However, in 2025 and 2026, the tour happens during park hours, so it is likely reserved seating.
🪄 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade) (REMOVED FOR 2026)
In 2024, Hogsmeade was the last stop on the tour. Nothing was open, so you just walked around for 15 minutes before the Christmas light show on Hogwarts Castle. It was incredibly disappointing to not even be offered butterbeer.
The reduced length and tour time make it impossible to include the Hogwarts Castle light show, and it would be tough to maneuver the land during busy holiday park hours.
Still, it feels wild to have a Universal holiday tour without including a stop in the most magical of all holiday lands. If there was a night tour that included a Hogsmeade stop with butterbeer and a Hagrid ride, they would sell out immediately. Just saying.
🎅🏼 Meet and Greet Photo Ops with Santa and The Grinch
These are two stops that are promised in the holiday tour advertising, and they have remained unchanged through the years. It’s important because, as we note in our holiday guide, it is the only Santa meet and greet offered at Universal.
We got very sweet photos from both of these that we still treasure today. But it also means more standing around in line for up to half an hour for each one. In 2024, the Grinch/Max meet and greet directly followed the Who-liday Spectacular, and it happened during a food break. This meant that people who wanted the meet and greet could stand in line, and everyone else could nosh or sit and rest for a bit.
The Santa meet and greet was different and much more annoying. All tour groups approached this stop at the same time, and over an hour was spent standing around waiting to meet Santa, with nothing to do to pass the time.
We think these are switched for 2026. The line will be very long with nothing else to do for the Grinch/Max meet and greet, while the Santa stop will be during a food break where you can rest and eat.
We need both meet and greets to be staggered among the tour groups so there is no build up. It doesn’t seem that hard to accomplish. And our main tour complaint is the time spent standing around. It was so boring and so hard on our feet.
🍭 Food and Drink
It’s anyone’s guess how many food stops there will be on the tour now that it’s half as long. In 2024, we had a small, hot buffet stop right after the Who-liday Spectacular, and a dessert stop toward the end of the night. The 2025 tour included the same food stop, but instead of a dessert stop, they had a cookie decorating stop. Very cute!
🎢 After Hours Ride Access
The promised ride access versus the actual ride access was probably the most annoyed we were during the tour. At this point we had been in multiple lines and standing for around three (3) hours. We would have killed to ride an actual ride just to get off our feet. But our “included” ride for the tour was Villain-Con. (1) What a copout of a ride for such a pricey experience. (2) Did it really have to be the one ride you don’t sit down for?
We heard that the 2025 tour guests were offered either Villain-Con or E.T. Adventure. And not to decry the oldest remaining, very lovely E.T. attraction, but it is essentially also a kids’ ride. We paid you $200. You can do better than a kids’ ride.
RELATED: Click here to see where E.T. Adventure ranks in our 2027 Universal Orlando ride ranking.
🛒 After Hours Holiday Tribute Store Access
There is a lot of time to walk around and explore Universal Studios Florida, which includes time to explore and purchase from the Tribute Store. In 2024, this happened after hours when the park was empty. In 2025 and 2026, this will happen during park hours and you are unlikely to have exclusive access.
❄️ Universal Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s
Universal listed exclusive reserved seating for the parade viewing as part of the tour in 2024, but that was inaccurate. The parade was long over by the time our tour finally started, and we were never even inside the park while it was open.
However, this was completely different in 2025. Our 2024 tour check in was at 5:30PM. The tour check in for 2025 was 12:30PM, and it ended at 5:30PM with the parade viewing. 2026 will be different from either. Click here to jump down and read more about the 2026 Holiday Tour changes.
☃️ When and Where and How Much Is the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour?
The Universal Orlando Holiday Tour is offered on select nights every November and December, typically starting around Thanksgiving week and running through New Year’s weekend. The dates for the 2026 holiday tour are November 14, 2026, through January 2, 2027. It takes place across both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, so you’ll need a park-to-park ticket in addition to your tour admission to participate.
💰 Pricing
Prices for 2026 range from $70–$110 per person, depending on the night. Expect the lower tier for weekday dates and higher pricing for weekends or peak holiday weeks. The cheapest days are in January right as the season is ending. The tour cost is in addition to your regular park-to-park ticket, so it is definitely a splurge—especially for families or larger groups.
🎟️ When Tickets Go On Sale
Tickets usually go on sale in mid-October, and this event sells out quickly. In past years, many December dates sold out within a few days of release. You can book directly through Universal Orlando’s website, official app, or by calling guest services. In 2025, Annual Passholders got $10 off the regular price for up to six (6) friends or family members. Tickets are on sale now. Click here to get them.
🛷 What to Expect on the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour
You’ll hit major festive highlights across both parks—but expect a lot of standing, walking, and waiting between each stop. Because the tour has been substantially reworked in each of the past two (2) years, we cannot confirm the flow of the tour for 2026, especially because the length will be cut in half. Read on past experiences and predicted changes.
🌟 Changes for 2026
2024 & 2025
As we mentioned above, there have been many changes to the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour over the past two (2) years. Below is our 2024 experience. Most of it is the same, but there are notable changes.
The main change is the time of day and length of the tour. In 2024, the tour check in started at 5:30PM, and the tour went through 10:30PM. In 2025, the tour check in started at 12:30PM, and the tour went through 5:30PM.
The time difference, by definition, forced some changes to the tour itinerary. In 2024, the tour ended late at night with a special after hours showing of the Hogwarts Christmas light show. Because the 2025 tour ended during the day and while the park was still open, this stop was not available.
Instead, the 2025 tour took place in its entirety during regular park hours and ended with viewing the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. In 2024, the tour took place entirely outside of regular park hours.
2026
For 2026, the Holiday Tour has been noticeably reduced in scale. It will last 2.5 hours, which is half the time of the previous two (2) years. The 2026 tour, like the 2025 tour, will end with the Macy’s Holiday Parade viewing at 5:30PM. This means that the check in time will be at 3PM.
It also means that either they have become drastically more efficient for 2026, or half the tour will be scrapped. The 2026 tour promises the following:
- Meet and greet with The Grinch™
- Meet and greet with The Grinch’s faithful dog, Max
- Reserved seating area for The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular
- Meet and greet with Santa
- Reserved viewing area for the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Notably absent from the 2026 itinerary are (1) food stops, and (2) access to a ride. We will be interested to see how and what they accomplish inside 2.5 hours. Also notable, that entire list, save for the Santa meet and greet, is available for free during park hours.
We are guessing the holiday tour feedback has not been sparkling for the past two seasons, compelling Universal to keep adjusting until they get it just right. One of our main complaints about the 2024 tour was the length. So that change is good. But paying over $100 per person to meet Santa and that’s it? We personally would not sign up for that.
🦌 Check-In and Arrival
Pay attention to your ticket confirmation and subsequent emails from Universal Orlando. They will tell you exactly when and where to go. In 2024, we checked in between the Universal Studios Florida entrance and Hard Rock Cafe (right where they are currently building the new Fast and Furious coaster).
Once you confirm your reservation, expect to wait 45 minutes to an hour before the tour officially begins. Groups are typically 10–12 guests. In both 2024 and 2025, everyone started the tour together with The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.
In 2024, this waiting was unbearable. Imagine standing in a ride queue for 60 minutes and not moving an inch. However, in 2025 they moved the tour check in to the Red Coconut Club, where guests could sit and drink while they waited for their tour to start.
This, of course, involves more walking because the Red Coconut Club is toward the back of CityWalk Orlando, but we bet it’s a much nicer place to wait than outside on a sidewalk. Hopefully they will have a similarly appealing check in place for 2026.
🟢 Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
The tour kicks off with a showing of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, Universal’s musical retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This will be included in 2026. The show runs about 30 minutes, and you can take photos or video (no flash). The cast leans into the camp, the music is fun, and it’s especially entertaining if you have kids in your group.
After the show, guests line up for a photo op with the Grinch, which can take a while. Ours ran roughly 30 minutes before we reached him.
UNLOCKED TIP: You can use your own camera at every photo op. Have it ready before your turn.
🌮 Light Dinner
Following Grinchmas, guests mingle for about 30 minutes while enjoying light bites and an optional photo with Max the dog. Some version of this was the same in 2025, and it might be the same for 2026. However, dinner is not being advertised for 2026, so be aware of that.
UNLOCKED TIP: Allergy friendly choices were limited during our visit. We were glad we ate beforehand, and we’ll leave it at that.
🎬 Universal Studios Florida
Roughly two (2) hours into the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour, we headed out into Universal Studios Florida. The park was closed and it was after dark, so we were able to explore Minion Land, the New York area, Hollywood, and the Holiday Tribute Store with minimal crowds and plenty of photo opportunities.
The 2025 tour took place, and the 2026 tour will take place, during regular park hours, so this experience will not be the same. (1) You’ll be fighting through the peak holiday crowds for photo ops, and (2) it won’t be dark so you will not see the twinkling lights you see in these pictures.
It seems like a major downgrade, to be honest. We think they should run two (2) tours a day, one during hours, and one after hours. People could pick which time suits them based on their priorities.
🎅🏼 Meeting Santa
At some point after the Grinch meet and greet, you will go wait in line for your Santa meet and greet. In both of the past two (2) years, this tour stop has been located upstairs inside the 30 Rock building that houses the Jimmy Fallon ride.
Here you wait in line to meet Santa. (Remember you can take your own pictures.) Because there are many tour groups running at the same time here, you’ll likely be waiting in line … to wait in line to meet Santa.
🔫 Included Ride Experience
As we have discussed up here, the 2024 and 2025 tours included very disappointing “priority access.” And the 2026 tour is not listing this as a feature at all. Either way, we would not book a 2026 tour based on priority access to any major attraction.
☕ Second Food Stop
In 2024, after meeting Santa, we walked across the park over to the Beverly Hills area and stopped for more small bites at Café La Bamba. We cannot possibly imagine having time for this during the 2.5 hour 2026 tour window. Also, similar to the New York area, the point of this stop is the photogenic lights in Hollywood with no crowds. You won’t have this during the day.
🏝️ Islands of Adventure
In 2024, we headed to Islands of Adventure for the first time at the end of the tour for a special after hours viewing of the Hogwarts Castle Christmas light show. This was the end of our tour.
In 2025, they used the Islands of Adventure park to walk to the Who-liday Spectacular. We think it was the only time in 2025 where tour guests went through Islands of Adventure because the 2025 tour did not include Hogsmeade. And here’s the kicker: you don’t need to walk through Islands of Adventure to get to the Who-liday Spectacular. The show actually takes place in an event building between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. We were able to enter the event space for this show through Universal Studios Florida.
Here’s what we’re getting at: without the Hogsmeade stop, there is no reason to require you to have a park-to-park ticket because they could contain the entire tour to Universal Studios Florida. But you are still required to have one for the 2026 tour. That is a cash grab, plain and simple. This alone is reason enough for us not to do it again.
🚂 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
The bad news is this stop was discontinued after 2024. The good news is you can see the light show, which is fantastic, during regular park hours for free.
➡️ Wrap Up & Exit
In 2024, the tour ended around 10:30PM at the end of the Hogwarts light show. For 2026, the tour will end when you’re escorted to a reserved viewing area for the daily Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
❓ Is the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour Worth It?
So, is the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour really worth the splurge? That depends on what you’re hoping to get out of it. The tour has been cut down by half for 2026, and while the prices have come down, they have not been cut in half. There is also only one remaining stop that you cannot do on your own for free.
💸 Value for Money
The Universal Orlando Holiday Tour ranges from about $70–$110 per person for 2026, depending on the night, and that’s on top of your regular park-to-park admission. It’s a premium add-on that promises VIP-style perks like reserved show seating, shorter waits (this has never been applicable), and exclusive character encounters.
As we mentioned above, the tour has been cut by half, but the prices haven’t been. And you have to buy a park-to-park ticket that you don’t need.
👯 Crowd Experience
In 2024, the after hours access truly gave you an experience you could not get during regular park hours. You were paying for convenience and atmosphere rather than new content. You could see nearly all these holiday offerings without the tour—but with fewer photo opportunities and a lot more crowd management.
There was a lot of value in that. But the 2026 tour will now take place during park hours, which means you will have the same photo ops around the parks that you would without the tour. The same crowds, the same lines, the same experiences. So you are essentially paying $100 per person for a 2 minute Santa meet and greet.
The free offerings throughout the parks are already excellent. We’re just putting that out there.
🧑🏼🤝🧑🏿 Exclusive Feel
The only exclusive offering on this tour now is the Santa meet and greet. Everything else you can do for free during regular park hours.
🧒🏼 Family Friendly Factor
Despite the “holiday tour” title, the guest mix skews surprisingly adult. Many groups were made up of friends, couples, or adult families in Christmas gear—plenty of matching pajamas and Grinch sweaters.
We were initially worried the experience might be too young for the Unlocked child, but he had a great time. That said, the long hours and constant movement took their toll. The tour isn’t paced for kids—or anyone who tires easily—and we all needed a full day to recover afterward. The shortened tour should make that consideration easier. Not worth the price, but easier on your feet and littles.
🚶🏼♂️➡️ Accessibility and Pace
Physically, the 2024 tour is a workout. Expect 18,000+ steps, multiple staircases, and long stretches of standing in place. The shortened 2026 tour should help with that, but the math suggests it will still be around 10k steps. Even though Universal does a good job keeping the groups moving, there are limited opportunities to sit or rest. The snack breaks were short, and the food provided was minimal—more of a themed treat than a meal.
Accessibility-wise, Team Members are accommodating, but guests with mobility issues should plan carefully or consider skipping this one. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are absolute musts.
UNLOCKED TIP: If Universal Orlando decides to make significant upgrades to this experience, and we need to go again to bring you new details, we will absolutely be sat right on the ground every single time we’re stopped somewhere.
❄️ Our Honest Takeaway
We’re genuinely glad we did it once, and that it happened in 2024 and included the Hogwarts stop. It delivered some incredible moments—an empty Hogsmeade under the lights, a perfect Santa photo, and the feeling of having the park almost to ourselves. But the 2026 experience looks much less enjoyable and frankly not worth the price. Unless the experience changes significantly to include high value rides, night time lights viewing/photo ops, and open dining locations, it’s not something we’d do again.
The walking and standing were relentless. If you’re a Christmas superfan or visiting Universal Orlando for the first time during the holidays, this splurge might be worth it. If you’re a repeat visitor, you can easily create just as much holiday magic on your own—and save your energy (and budget) for the next morning.
🎁 The 2026 Universal Orlando Holiday Tour
Watch this space for updates about the 2026 Holiday Tour as people start attending on November 14, 2026.
🔎 Insider’s Guide to the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour
If you’re planning to experience the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour, a little preparation makes all the difference. This isn’t a casual stroll through the parks—it’s a full scale holiday marathon. And the right strategy can save you from sore feet, dead phones, and missed moments. The 2026 tour is shortened by half, which will help. But you should still be prepared to stand around and walk a lot.
👟 Going the Distance
Wear the most comfortable shoes you own—truly. You’ll be walking miles and standing for long stretches between shows, photo ops, and food stops. And when you’re stuck in one of the longer lines, don’t be afraid to sit down right on the ground. Everyone ends up doing it eventually, and your legs will thank you later.
🎅🏼 Dress the Part
November and December in Orlando can swing wildly from warm to cool, so dress in layers. A lightweight sweatshirt or jacket will keep you comfortable when the sun goes down, especially once you’re walking through breezy open areas like New York and Beverly Hills. Most people on the tour are decked out in holiday gear, so don’t be shy about donning your ugly Christmas sweater or favorite Christmas PJs.
📱 Don’t Let Your Battery Die
Try to come with a fully charged phone, and bring a portable phone charger—or two. You’ll be taking a lot of photos and videos, and the long hours can drain a battery fast. A small crossbody bag or sling is ideal for keeping essentials handy: your charger, water, park ticket, and any snacks or souvenirs you pick up along the way.
🎥 Live in the Moment
And finally, don’t get so focused on keeping up with your group that you miss the smaller moments. The spontaneous interactions with the Whos in Whoville, the quick jokes from your guide, and the extra touches of holiday theming are what make this tour memorable.
🍔 Food & Drink on the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour
If you’re expecting a full holiday meal on the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour, temper those expectations. The food offerings are more of a light treat situation than dinner—think small bites and themed desserts rather than anything resembling a full plate.
RELATED: Click here to read up on all dietary accommodations at the parks and hotels. Click here to go straight to our Gluten Free at Universal Orlando hub.
The first stop with food comes right after the Who-liday Spectacular, where guests can grab a few savory appetizers and mingle for a bit before heading to the next portion of the tour. This might be the only food in 2026, but for the record food is not promised this year.
During our 2024 visit, there were some vegetarian, dairy free, and vegan items available, but no gluten free options at either stop. As someone with celiac disease, I was grateful we had eaten beforehand—because the options simply weren’t safe. Universal team members are friendly and will do their best to help, but the event isn’t structured for special order meals or substitutions.
🧐 Universal Orlando Holiday Tour FAQ
🎉 General Tour Information
It is a separately ticketed guided tour of the best Christmas cheer Universal Orlando has to offer. Read more here.
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
The 2026 tour will last 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on when you check in.
The Universal Orlando Holiday Tour is a large group experience that is divided into smaller tour groups of about 12.
The 2026 cost is between $70 and $110 depending on the day. Check prices here.
During the holiday celebrations. This year it runs from November 14, 2026 through January 2, 2027.
The tour can sell out quickly. Especially close to and on holidates. Book it now.
Until that day sells out, yes.
The check in time for the 2026 tour is 3PM, and it runs through the first Christmas parade viewing at 5:30PM.
10 to 12.
No. Everything on the tour is predetermined.
Yes. You must have a park-to-park regular day admission theme park ticket in addition to your holiday tour ticket in order to access the 2026 holiday tour.
🤲🏼 Inclusions & Exclusive Experiences
Find out here.
The 2026 tour includes reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular and the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
You will have guaranteed reserved seating to a show. Read more here.
Yes. It occurs after the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular viewing. Read more here.
The two meet and greet photo ops are with the Grinch (and his dog, Max) and Santa.
No. A viewing of the Hogwarts light show is not included in the 2026 tour.
Not merch for purchase. But you will have your keepsake photos.
There were in 2024, but the shortened 2026 tour makes us doubt there will be a lot of time for it.
🎟️ Park Access & Tickets
Yes.
Yes. Read more here.
No. The tour includes parts of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure only.
No. There is, at most, only one predetermined ride on the tour and you will be guided on it. But keep in mind no ride access has been advertised for the 2026 tour.
For 2026, the Holiday Tour will end at 5:30PM at the first parade viewing. You will be able to stay in the park until regular closing. Read more about Universal park policies here.
🍕 Food, Drink & Dining
Possibly. There were plenty of food stops in both 2024 and 2025. But there is no food stop listed in the 2026 materials, and the tour is half as long. We recommend eating beforehand.
While there will likely be vegan and / or vegetarian options, any food will be premade and set out. Don’t count on allergy friendly options. Eat beforehand at one of the great allergy friendly restaurants in Universal Studios or CityWalk. Read more about gluten free and other allergy friendly Universal dining at our Gluten Free in Orlando hub.
We did not try this in 2024, but Universal is very inclusive of allergy needs and will likely allow food for this purpose.
The 2026 promotional materials do not mention provided food.
Yes. You can make reservations at many of the wonderful CityWalk or park restaurants on the day of your tour.
✍🏼 Planning & Booking
It is a separately ticketed event that you can purchase tickets for here.
Sometimes. Call Universal Orlando to check.
Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. Get yours now here.
Yes. Large groups can be accommodated.
Tickets to the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Tickets to the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Universal will email your confirmation and tour details. Check them closely for where and when to check in for your tour.
Given the amount of walking and standing and length of the tour, we highly recommend avoiding traversing the theme parks before your tour.
The Holiday Tour is an add-on and can be purchased in addition to any other Universal Orlando package.
🛷 Holiday Entertainment & Shows
Yes.
Yes, the 2026 tour ends with special seating for the parade.
The light show is not included on the tour. However, you are welcome to go watch it once the tour concludes.
Maybe, but you can do this before or after the tour if not.
📸 Photo & Memory Questions
Yes. You are welcome to take photos and videos throughout, including Grinch, Max the Dog, and Santa photo ops.
👐🏼 Logistics & Accessibility
In 2025, the check in point was the Red Coconut Club at CityWalk Orlando. Make sure to double check your confirmation and instructions for the 2026 check in point.
We clocked over 18,000 steps on our tour. It will likely be at least half that on the 2026 tour. And there is more standing than walking. Sit down (even on the ground) as often as you can.
Yes.
Yes.
The Universal Orlando Holiday Tour is fun for all ages. As noted above, there is a ton of walking on the tour. Keep that in mind when planning for littles.
The Universal Orlando Holiday Tour is fun for all ages. As noted above, there is a ton of walking on the tour. Keep that in mind when planning for littles.
Yes.
🏨 Hotel Guest Perks
If you are staying on site you can take either a water taxi or a shuttle to CityWalk and make your way to your check in point.
No.
No. You must have your independent confirmation to check in. Carry it with you.
📢 Unlocked Tips
The 2026 tour will take place completely during park hours. You should expect the same peak holiday crowds as during a regular park visit.
Check your ticket for your arrival window. However, there is not an advantage to be gained from arriving early in the window. You’ll stand around until the tour starts either way.
Florida winter is balmy during the day and chilly at night. We recommend light layers.
You can, and should, stay off your feet before the holiday tour begins. However, you still must have a park-to-park regular admission ticket in addition to your holiday tour ticket. Read more here.
That is a matter of opinion. In ours, no. We prefer to do our own thing at the holiday celebrations and did not find overwhelming value in the tour.
See our insider’s guide here.
Wear comfortable shoes and sit down (right on the ground) at every single opportunity. See more in our insider’s guide here.
🎄 Conclusion: Universal Orlando Holiday Tour
Thanks for reading! Bookmark this page so you can come back while you’re considering whether to book the holiday tour. And click here to contact us with any questions.
The Holiday Tour isn’t for everyone. If the Santa meet and greet is your only goal, do it. The Holiday Tour is the only way to meet Santa at Universal during the holidays. If you’re on a tighter budget or prefer a slower pace, you can still capture most of that same holiday spirit during normal park hours. Universal’s general park offerings—from the Macy’s Parade and Grinchmas show to the castle projection finale—are all included with regular admission and offer plenty of festive moments without the added cost or physical strain.
Either way, Christmas at Universal Orlando is magical, and you’re going to love every single minute.
🎄✨🎄