Is Universal Studios Open on Christmas Day 2026? Holiday Hours and What to Know
Universal Studios is expected to be open on Christmas Day 2026, but the exact schedule will depend on which park you plan to visit. Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in California have separate calendars, ticket rules, dining options, and holiday offerings. Since Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, 2026, guests should plan for a busy holiday visit and confirm the latest hours before going.
Universal Studios Christmas Day Hours
Universal Studios Christmas Day hours for 2026 have not been posted yet, so guests should not rely on a fixed opening or closing time this far in advance. Universal Orlando Resort publishes current and upcoming hours for Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk on its official park hours calendar. Universal Studios Hollywood has a separate calendar and hours page, and its operating hours vary by day and season.
For a recent reference, Universal Studios Florida was listed with extended holiday hours on Christmas Day 2025, operating from 9 AM to 10 PM. Islands of Adventure was also listed from 9 AM to 10 PM, Epic Universe from 10 AM to 10 PM, and Volcano Bay from 10 AM to 5 PM. That does not guarantee the same schedule for Christmas Day 2026, but it shows that Universal Orlando may use longer hours during the Christmas travel period.
| Location | Christmas Day 2026 Hours | Recent Holiday Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Studios Florida | Not posted yet | 9 AM to 10 PM on Christmas Day 2025 |
| Islands of Adventure | Not posted yet | 9 AM to 10 PM on Christmas Day 2025 |
| Epic Universe | Not posted yet | 10 AM to 10 PM on Christmas Day 2025 |
| Volcano Bay | Not posted yet | 10 AM to 5 PM on Christmas Day 2025 |
| Universal Studios Hollywood | Not posted yet | Hours are usually posted about four weeks in advance |
Do not assume that Orlando and Hollywood will follow the same Christmas Day schedule. Even within Universal Orlando Resort, each park can have different hours. CityWalk venues may also open or close at different times from the theme parks.
Universal Orlando vs. Universal Studios Hollywood on Christmas Day
“Universal Studios” can mean different places depending on where you are traveling. Universal Studios Florida is one of the theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. Universal Studios Hollywood is a separate California theme park with Universal CityWalk Hollywood nearby.
This difference matters when checking Christmas Day hours. Orlando visitors may be comparing Universal Studios Florida with Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, Volcano Bay, or CityWalk. California visitors should use the Universal Studios Hollywood calendar instead. Tickets, parking, restaurants, holiday entertainment, and pass restrictions are handled separately at each destination.
What to Expect at Universal Studios on Christmas Day
Christmas Day at Universal Studios can be festive, crowded, and more expensive than slower travel periods. The parks are usually decorated for the holidays, and seasonal entertainment, food, merchandise, and character moments may be available depending on the location and year.
Guests should also expect longer waits for popular rides and busier restaurants. Parking areas, security lines, walkways, and mobile ordering windows may be more crowded than usual. If there are must-do attractions or shows on your list, it helps to check the park app during the day so you can adjust your plans.
Operations can still change even when the park is open. Weather, maintenance, staffing, safety issues, or special events may affect individual attractions and venues.
Universal Studios Holiday Events Around Christmas
Universal often runs holiday celebrations during the Christmas season rather than only on December 25. At Universal Orlando Resort, Holidays at Universal has included Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, seasonal decorations, themed treats, and holiday entertainment.
Universal Studios Hollywood also commonly celebrates the season with Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Exact offerings can change by year, so guests who are visiting for a specific show, character experience, or seasonal feature should review the entertainment schedule before their trip.
Are Universal CityWalk, Restaurants, and Shops Open on Christmas Day?
Universal CityWalk is usually part of the holiday experience, but individual restaurants, shops, bars, cinemas, and entertainment venues may set their own hours. A restaurant at CityWalk may not follow the same schedule as the theme park.
If you want a sit-down meal on Christmas Day, check reservation availability early. Popular restaurants can fill quickly during Christmas week, especially for dinner and larger groups. Quick-service dining may be easier, but lines can still be long during peak meal times.
Do You Need Reservations or Special Tickets on Christmas Day?
Regular theme park admission is usually required to enter Universal Studios on Christmas Day. Many guests buy dated tickets for the exact day they plan to visit, and Christmas Day may have different pricing or availability than slower dates.
Some experiences may require separate booking, including VIP tours, special dining, seasonal add-ons, or upgraded access options. Annual passholders should also review pass details because blockout dates or benefit restrictions may apply during peak holiday periods.
Before buying tickets or booking travel, make sure you are choosing the correct destination. A Universal Orlando ticket does not work at Universal Studios Hollywood, and a Hollywood ticket does not work in Orlando.
How to Check Universal Studios Christmas Day Hours Before You Go
Use the official hours calendar for your destination: Universal Orlando for Florida or Universal Studios Hollywood for California. Recheck close to December 25 because schedules can change as the holiday approaches.
The official Universal app can also help once you are near your visit date. It may show park hours, wait times, showtimes, dining details, mobile ordering options, maps, and operational alerts. If you have restaurant reservations, CityWalk plans, or special experiences booked, confirm those details separately.
