Theme Park Holiday Programming Travelers Won’t Want To Miss

Fall is officially here, which can only mean one thing: the holiday season is just around the corner. A fantastic time of year for travel, many vacationers are eyeing up a visit to their favorite U.S. theme park to mark the occasion. To help you start planning, we’ve rounded up a few yuletide highlights vacationers can look forward to at Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, LEGOLAND Parks and Disney Parks & Resorts.

Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations

Universal Orlando Resort

November 14, 2026 - January 3, 2027

With exciting new festivities across three theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort is giving vacationers lots of reasons to celebrate this holiday season. From Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and fantastical fun with Grinchmas to Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, Snoggletog at How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and jolly decor at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, travelers will find countless ways to get their cheer on. By way of food and drink, Universal Orlando Resort will have a special lineup of seasonal sweets and treats in addition to limited-time merchandise, character encounters and more.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Select dates November – December 2026

Universal Studios Hollywood has plans for a merry and bright holiday season with special entertainment, merchandise, treats and programming for visitors to enjoy. From fan-favorite Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to cheerful festivities at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, park goers will love celebrating the most wonderful time of the year alongside beloved characters and inside immersive worlds. Come December 31, visitors can ring in the new year in style with EVE, Universal Studios Hollywood’s thrilling New Year’s Eve celebration with heart-pounding rides, dazzling shows and attractions, multiple party areas and, of course, an epic midnight countdown with fireworks and more.

 

 

 

 

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SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

SeaWorld Orlando

Select nights November 5, 2026 - January 4, 2026

SeaWorld Orlando’s annual Christmas Celebration brings on the joy with impressive light displays, high-energy Christmas shows, holiday treats and dazzling fireworks. Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve, a Three Kings Celebration … SeaWorld Orlando recognizes them all, making the park a great destination for travelers looking to get in the holiday spirit.

SeaWorld San Diego

Select nights December 9 - 22, 2026

For the first time ever, park goers can experience the wonder of the holiday season at SeaWorld San Diego after dark as the park recently announced plans for holiday programming to take place after regular park hours. Dubbed “Christmas Nights at SeaWorld San Diego,” the yuletide programming will give guests access to acres of festive decor, including over one million dazzling Christmas lights, beautiful photo ops, rides on the SkyTower and the park’s beloved Christmas tree. Each park ticket will also include a complimentary hot chocolate from the Pretzel Shop in addition to discounts on limited-time merchandise, seasonal treats and merry cocktails.

 

 

 

 

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LEGOLAND Parks

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Select dates November 21, 2026 - January 3, 2027

Bricktastic merriment awaits at LEGOLAND Florida Resort this winter as the park will be decked out in holly jolly LEGO decor and lights, feature a massive LEGO Christmas Tree, appearances from the Minifigure in the red suit (AKA LEGO Santa) and his crew as well as themed LEGO entertainment. Those planning an overnight stay at one of the park’s three LEGO-themed hotels can look forward to even more excitement as properties host Holiday Pajama Dance Parties in addition to sleighing with Christmas-y decor and an arrival gift for guests.

LEGOLAND California Resort

Select dates November - December 2026

Each year LEGOLAND California Resort brings the holiday cheer with seasonal shows, limited-time sweets and treats, “bricktacular” LEGO photo ops (perfect for visitors looking to take “elfies” with their favorite holiday LEGO characters), a giant LEGO Christmas tree and more. Similar to guests visiting LEGOLAND Florida Resort, those who opt to stay overnight at one of LEGOLAND California Resort’s two LEGO-themed hotels will have extra opportunities for holiday fun thanks to festive dance parties, character meet and greets, themed rooms and decor and so much more.

 

 

 

 

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Disney Parks & Resorts

Walt Disney World Resort

November 13, 2026 - January 6, 2027

As one of the happiest places on Earth, it’s no surprise Walt Disney World Resort has plenty of offerings for travelers by way of holiday cheer. At Magic Kingdom Park, guests can admire holly jolly trimmings along Main Street, U.S.A., in addition to enjoying “Frozen” fun at Cinderella Castle as Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff transform the iconic building into a winter wonderland; “Jingle Cruise,” the holiday rendition of the park’s iconic Jungle Cruise; and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a celebration where guests can party with the big mouse himself.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Hollywood Tower Hotel will be transformed nightly as festive projections blanket the tower. Meanwhile, park-goers will spot familiar faces from “Toy Story,” “Frozen” and “The Muppets” across the land. Similarly, EPCOT will celebrate in style with the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Presented by AdventHealth, an event where guests will explore holiday traditions from cultures across the world.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will be taken over by artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals, think penguins, reindeer, polar bears and more, while colorful light displays and cheery decor will help set the scene.

Disneyland Park

November 13, 2026 - January 6, 2027

Chip and Dale are taking over Disneyland this winter with Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail, a family-friendly adventure where park goers can search for festive ornaments hidden on holiday trees across the Downtown Disney District. Of course, lights and decor will be taken to the next level, and guests will love seeing their favorite attractions like “It’s a Small World,” “Sleeping Beauty’s Castle” and the “Haunted Mansion” lit up for the big celebration in addition to wow-worthy fireworks displays fit for the happiest time of the year.