Planning a Universal Orlando Resort trip used to be simple: pick a week, buy tickets, go. That’s not really how it works anymore. Depending on when you visit, the experience can feel completely different—from parades and concerts to late-night events and holiday overlays. Universal’s newly released 2026 events calendar is essentially a cheat sheet for figuring out when you’ll get the most out of your trip.

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If you love food and live entertainment, plan around Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (February 7–April 4). The event brings daytime parade floats, bead tossing and live concerts on select nights—plus rotating international food booths and New Orleans–inspired favorites that fans look forward to every year. It all happens during regular park hours, making it one of the easiest events to build into a trip.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, there are multiple moments to bookmark. Butterbeer Season (March 1–May 31) brings back limited-time Butterbeer treats and themed merchandise—a big nostalgia hit for repeat visitors. Back to Hogwarts (August 1–September 1) brings back-to-school energy with special décor and wizarding details, while Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle (select fall nights) adds a nighttime projection show in Hogsmeade and roaming Death Eaters in Diagon Alley, giving the parks a fun after-dark feel.

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If you prefer fall travel, late summer through October is prime time. Halloween Horror Nights (August 28–November 1) marks its 35th anniversary in 2026, with all-new haunted houses, scare zones, themed food and drinks and late-night hours that transform Universal Studios Florida into a completely different park experience. This is one of the few times of year where nighttime is the main event.

If you’re traveling with kids or during school breaks, the holidays are a safe bet. Holidays at Universal Orlando (November 14–January 3, 2027) bring back Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, seasonal treats and festive décor across the resort—plus New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31.

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And even after the parks close, Universal CityWalk stays busy year-round with seasonal club transformations, themed parties and live entertainment—making it easier to extend the day without feeling like you’re missing out.

All of this adds up to a year that feels especially stacked. Between milestone moments like the 35th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights, expanded Wizarding World celebrations tied to Harry Potter’s 25th anniversary and a calendar that mixes seasonal food, entertainment and after-dark experiences more tightly than ever, 2026 is bound to be one of Universal’s most event-packed years yet.

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This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.