If you’ve ever wondered whether the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour is worth the splurge, this article is for you. The after hours guided experience takes guests through the parks at night for a private look at Universal’s biggest holiday offerings—from Grinchmas and The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle to exclusive character meet and greets and reserved show seating.
RELATED: Click here to check out our full Christmas 2025 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. Pricing varies by night, but you can generally expect to spend around $120–$140 per person on top of your park ticket.
UNLOCKED TIP: You MUST have a park-to-park ticket that is valid the day of your after hours tour. The tour goes through both parks and they won’t let you take the tour without the date specific park-to-park ticket. Click here to read more about this ticket type in our Universal Orlando 2026 Ultimate Planning Guide.
I attended the 2024 Holiday Tour to find out whether this after hours experience justifies its premium price. And let’s just say, there’s a lot to unpack. 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: This is a fun experience, but we’re not sure it’s worth the price tag. And some elements were disappointing. Also, you need to be prepared for the walking and the standing. The Unlocked child and I were wiped out and ended up spending the entire next day in bed. If you decide to do it, do not try to spend the whole day at the parks beforehand.
🎄 What Does the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour Include?
Here’s what was included in the 2024 Holiday Tour, and what you can expect to return in 2025.
💚 The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
This begins the tour (after you’ve waited for about an hour in line for the tour to start). And by “reserved seating” they just mean a private showing. Only tour participants are present.
🪄 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade)
In 2024 this access did not include any open shops or rides, and honestly we felt short-changed. You are allowed to walk around and take pictures of the Christmas decorations before viewing the Christmas light show on Hogwarts Castle. And this is the end of the tour so your feet will be killing you.
🎅🏼 Meet and Greet Photo Ops with Santa and The Grinch
We got very sweet photos from this. But it also means more standing around in line for up to half an hour for each one.
🍭 Food and Drink
Each group is treated small eats for dinner right after the Who-liday Spectacular, and then to a small refreshment stop mid tour at the Café La Bamba venue.
🎢 After Hours Ride Access
This was probably the most annoyed we were at 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 Villian Con. (1) What a cop out of a ride for such a pricey experience. (2) Did it really have to be the one ride you don’t sit down for?
🛒 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.
UNLOCKED TIP: Universal always lists exclusive parade viewing as part of the tour, but this was not the case in 2024. 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 may be completely different in 2025. Our tour check in was at 5:30PM. Universal lists tour check in for 2025 as 12PM. Please contact us here if you find there are major differences to the 2025 tour.
☃️ 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 2025 holiday season are November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026. 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 2025 range from $90–$150 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 can become a bit of 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. Annual Passholders get $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. Here’s how it flows from start to finish.
🦌 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. The following details are taken from our trip in December 2024. But please note details may vary from 2024 to 2025.
Our ticket said to check in at a kiosk at guest services, but when we tried to do that, they told us just to go straight to the Blue Man Group building, located between Universal Studios Florida and Hard Rock Café. Once you confirm your reservation, expect to wait 45 minutes to an hour before the tour officially begins. Groups are typically 10–12 guests, and everyone starts the evening together with The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular around 6:30 PM.
UNLOCKED TIP: The first event is Grinchmas, and everyone watches it together—so there’s no advantage to arriving extra early. You won’t start sooner or finish faster. You’ll just be standing in line for an hour. (Pro move: sit down while you wait. You’ll think you’re about to move several times. You’re not.)
🟢 Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
The tour kicks off with a private showing of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, Universal’s musical retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. 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.
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, you’ll head out into Universal Studios Florida, which is closed to regular guests. You can explore Minion Land, the New York area, and the Holiday Tribute Store with minimal crowds and plenty of photo opportunities.
UNLOCKED TIP: The New York area of Universal Studios Florida is one of the most beautiful areas of the park during Christmas—twinkle lights, wreaths, and snowfall effects everywhere. Have your camera ready.
🎅🏼 Meeting Santa
After your free time in New York and about four (4) hours into the tour, you’ll go upstairs near the (now retired) Rip Ride Rockit coaster. Yes! Stairs! After standing for four (4) hours. I think we almost quit at this point, honestly.
Here you wait in line to meet Santa. (Remember you’re taking 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
The tour boasts of “priority access” to one “predetermined attraction.” In 2024 it was Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. We found this the most unsatisfactory piece of the tour, and a large reason we won’t be doing it again. Not least because it’s a standing ride and we had already been standing for hours.
☕ Second Food Stop
After meeting Santa, we walked across the park over to the Beverly Hills area and stopped for more small bites at Café La Bamba. This area is also very photogenic. This food stop consisted of cocoa and dessert. You can sit and rest here for 10–15 minutes. We advise it because there is still tons of walking ahead of you.
🏝️ Islands of Adventure
After our dessert stop, we headed from the far right side of Universal Studios Florida over to Seuss Landing in Islands of Adventure. We used a “secret passage” between the parks for this (rather than having to exit the park and enter the other along CityWalk), but it did not make it short.
You’ll pass through Seuss Landing, which looks spectacular under the Christmas lights, and then continue to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade for the night’s finale.
🚂 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
This stop runs roughly from 10:15PM to 10:40PM and centers on the Hogwarts Castle projection show. The snow effects and lighting are stunning, but nothing else is open—rides, shops, and food stands are closed. It’s mostly time for photos, restrooms, and soaking in the ambiance.
We managed to find a spot to sit, which was much-needed by this point. The castle show is fantastic, though it’s also available during normal park hours if you prefer to avoid the marathon-style pace of the tour.
➡️ Wrap Up & Exit
Once the Hogwarts show ends, the tour concludes. You’ll walk (quickly) from Hogsmeade all the way to the Islands of Adventure exit (remember Hogsmeade is at the back of Islands of Adventure). We exited the park right at 11PM, and our step counters showed 18,000+ steps for the night.
UNLOCKED TIP: The tour delivers serious holiday magic—but also serious mileage. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.
❓ 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—and how much stamina you have left at the end of a theme park day. Here’s my honest take after experiencing the full 2024 tour from start to finish.
💸 Value for Money
The Universal Orlando Holiday Tour ranges from about $90–$150 per person in 2025, 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, and exclusive character encounters.
Compared to the daytime experience, you’re paying for convenience and atmosphere rather than new content. You can see nearly all these holiday offerings without the tour—but you’ll face longer lines, fewer photo opportunities, and a lot more crowd management.
If you’re someone who values time and calm over cost, there’s definite value here. If you’re just looking for holiday entertainment, the free offerings throughout the parks are already excellent.
👯 Crowd Experience
The crowd levels are where this tour shines. Universal caps each night’s attendance, and most stops feel blissfully uncrowded compared to the daytime chaos. You’ll get clear sightlines for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, near-empty streets in the New York area, and that rare quiet moment in Hogsmeade to take in the castle lights without the usual shoulder-to-shoulder traffic.
It genuinely feels “after hours”—just know that your small group will often be waiting for other groups to finish each section, so “uncrowded” doesn’t always mean “fast.”
🧑🏼🤝🧑🏿 Exclusive Feel
There’s no question the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour delivers moments that feel exclusive. Reserved seating, private photo ops with the Grinch and Santa, and empty park pathways all add to the magic. But the tour isn’t 100% behind the scenes.
You’ll still share some areas with other tour groups, and several experiences—like the Hogwarts Castle projection show—are available to all guests during regular hours. It’s a curated evening rather than a truly private one. You’ll feel special, but not secluded.
🧒🏼 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.
I was 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 both he and I needed a full day to recover afterward. If you’ve got little ones or early bedtimes, that’s worth considering.
🚶🏼♂️➡️ Accessibility and Pace
Physically, this tour is a workout. Expect 18,000+ steps, multiple staircases, and long stretches of standing in place. Even though Universal does a good job keeping the groups moving, there are limited opportunities to sit or rest. The snack breaks are short, and the food provided is 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 I need to go again to bring y’all new details, I will absolutely be sat right on the ground every single time we’re stopped somewhere.
⭐⭐⭐ Overall Rating
If I’m rating the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour purely on fun, organization, and holiday magic, it’s a 6 out of 10, or about ⭐️⭐️⭐️ in Universal Unlocked terms. It’s a unique and festive evening that feels special in all the right ways—but it’s also long, physically demanding, and not quite as “VIP” as the price tag might suggest.
❄️ Our Honest Takeaway
We’re genuinely glad we did it once. 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 unless the experience changes significantly to include high value rides and open dining locations, it’s not something we’d do again.
The walking and standing were relentless, and by the end of the night both the Unlocked child and I were completely spent. If you’re a Christmas superfan or visiting Universal Orlando for the first time during the holidays, this tour is a wonderful splurge. 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 2025 Universal Orlando Holiday Tour
Watch this space for updates about the 2025 Holiday Tour as people start attending on November 21, 2025.
🔎 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.
👟 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
Evenings 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 sitting outdoors for the Hogwarts Castle projections or 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 combination of night photography and 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.
For standout photos, stop at the Seuss Landing trees, the castle projection reflections in Hogsmeade, and the twinkling corners of Beverly Hills and New York—they’re picture perfect without the crowds.
🍔 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. Later in the evening, there’s a second stop for cocoa and desserts—typically cookies, pastries, and small sweets served at Café La Bamba in the Beverly Hills section of the park. Both are a nice touch, but neither will fill you up, and the menus vary by night.
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.
UNLOCKED TIP: Eat a real meal before you check in. Once the tour starts, you won’t find any open food venues, and by the time it ends around 11PM, CityWalk is your only option—and most kitchens are closed by then.
🧐 Universal Orlando Holiday Tour FAQ
🎉 General Tour Information
It is a separately ticketed after hours guided tour of the best Christmas cheer Universal Orlando has to offer. Read more here.
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
5-6 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 2025 cost is between $90 and $150 depending on the day. Check prices here.
During the holiday celebrations. They usually run from the Friday before Thanksgiving to the Sunday after New Years.
The tour can sell out quickly. Especially close to and on holidates.
Until that day sells out, yes.
In 2024, the tour took place from 6:30PM until 11PM. The check in time for the 2025 tour is 12PM.
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 holiday tour.
🤲🏼 Inclusions & Exclusive Experiences
Find out here.
The 2024 tour did not include viewing of the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. However, the tour does include a private showing of the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular and a meet and greet photo op with the Grinch. Read more here.
In 2024, the Grinchmas showing was a private showing just for tour guests. But there are a lot of tour guests each night. Plan accordingly. 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 Santa.
The Hogwarts at Christmas Light Show is an outdoor standing event that does not include seats. You will view the light show after dark, with all other tour guests. It is less crowded than a regular park hours viewing, but it is still fairly crowded.
There are two (2) food stops on the tour. After the Grinchmas show, you will have roughly 30 minutes to mingle and eat small savory bites. About three (3) hours into the tour, you will stop at Cafe La Bamba for dessert bites and cocoa.
No. You will have your keepsake photos.
Yes. Your tour guide will take you through the backlots and give you history of the studios. And there are a few other secrets that daytime park goers don’t get to see.
🎟️ 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 only one predetermined ride on the tour and you will be guided on it.
In 2024, the tour ended at 11PM, well after the parks had closed. However, if the 2025 tour were to end before the parks close, you would be able to re-enter, per the normal Universal re-entry policies. Read more about Universal park policies here.
🍕 Food, Drink & Dining
Yes. There are two chances to mingle and stop to eat small bites. Once savory and once sweet. Read more here.
While there will likely be vegan and / or vegetarian options, the food is 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.
Yes. Two. Read more here.
Yes. You can make reservations at many of the wonderful CityWalk or park restaurants on the day of your tour. Keep in mind that if your tour starts after 5PM, it will end around 11PM and most restaurants will be closed.
✍🏼 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 group 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.
The tour advertises this, but in 2024 we did not. Our tour started after the parade was over.
Yes! The Hogwarts at Christmas light show is the grand finale of the tour.
Yes. You will have time to peruse the Holiday Tribute Store.
📸 Photo & Memory Questions
Yes. You are welcome to take photos and videos throughout, including Grinch and Santa photo ops.
👐🏼 Logistics & Accessibility
In 2024 the check in point was the Blue Man Group entrance between the Hard Rock Cafe and Universal Studios Florida. Make sure to double check your confirmation and instructions for the 2025 check in point.
We clocked over 18,000 steps on our tour. And there is more standing than walking. Sit down (even on the ground) as often as you can.
Yes. In 2024 there was nothing on the tour that would not be accessible.
Yes.
The Universal Orlando Holiday Tour is fun for all ages. As noted above, there is a ton of walking on the tour, and in 2024 our tour ended at 11PM. 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, and in 2024 our tour ended at 11PM. 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
Our tour began after the parks close. There were crowds at times, but only when all tour groups were together. For example, everyone gathers for the Who-liday Spectacular and the Hogwarts Christmas Lights Show.
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 Universal Orlando Holiday Tour is one of those experiences that you’re glad you did—once. It delivers serious holiday magic: a private walk through Universal’s most festive spaces, VIP access to Grinchmas and Hogwarts under the snow, and photo ops that feel pulled from a Christmas movie. It’s ideal for first time visitors, holiday superfans, and Wizarding World lovers who want to see it all without fighting daytime crowds.
That said, the tour isn’t for everyone. If you’re on a tighter budget or prefer a slower pace, you can still capture plenty of that same holiday spirit during normal park hours. Universal’s daytime 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.
🎄✨🎄