If you’re looking for a unique way to close out 2025 and ring in 2026, both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood have plenty of choices when it comes to celebrating at their various theme parks on December 31.

Whether you want to spend the day experiencing the thrills and fun of the theme parks, or prefer to show up in the evening for more swanky celebrations, there’s something for everyone to close out 2025 on a high note!

As an added bonus, holiday decorations leftover from Christmas are still up to enjoy on both coasts.

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How long are the Universal theme parks celebrating the holidays this season?

If you’re visiting Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, theme park admission tickets will get you access to the décor, seasonal foods and more through January 4, 2026 at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and select worlds at Epic Universe.

At Universal Studios Hollywood in California, a theme park ticket gets you access to all of the holiday decorations, special menus, Grinchmas tree lightings and Harry Potter holiday-themed night show until January 4, 2026.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s EVE

Universal Studios Hollywood welcomes everyone to celebrate the turning of the calendar to 2026 at its annual, all-ages EVE celebration.

EVE is included in the price of theme park admission, with festivities beginning at 9 p.m. It includes a midnight fireworks display, three separate themed live entertainment areas with DJs playing all kinds of music, photo ops, and more. And if you’re a Pass Member, there is special pricing to celebrate from open to close, as well as special areas to celebrate from.

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Universal Orlando Resort’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Over at Universal Orlando, visitors can pick and choose their New Year’s Eve festivities with different theme park experiences happening across Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Epic Universe. There are also events and celebrations at Universal CityWalk and some hotels at Universal Orlando Resort.

Starting at 6:15 p.m., Universal Studios Florida will have a live DJ set at the Music Plaza Stage, as well as stilt walkers and some floats from Universal’s Holiday Parade stationed throughout the park for photo opportunities. Later in the night, you can catch a performance of CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at 10 p.m. And there will also be a countdown celebration near the Music Plaza Stage leading up to midnight.

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Also starting at 6:15 p.m., Universal Islands of Adventure will feature live DJ sets in the Port of Entry all night long. Look out for character meet-and-greets throughout the park as well. And when it gets close to midnight, guests can participate in the countdown celebration, with viewing areas in Port of Entry, Seuss Landing, and Toon Lagoon.

Universal Epic Universe, which is the newest theme park in Universal Orlando, will offer ticket-holders live music and entertainment from a DJ at the Hemisphere Stage in Celestial Park. And there will be a midnight countdown celebration that includes a special fountain show that will span the waterways of Celestial Park.

Even if you’re not going into a theme park, over at Universal CityWalk, there will be live music and DJ sets throughout the night at this outdoor complex’s Waterfront Stage and the Green and Red Coconut Club. Orlando’s CityWalk will also feature stilt walkers and other forms of entertainment, along with a midnight countdown.

While New Year’s Eve events at some Universal Orlando hotels are sold out already, there are still some open spots for the family-friendly Party on the Piazza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, which includes food stations, desserts, beer and wine, music and dancing. And as of December 30, there are also still tickets available for the adults-only (21 and over) Universal Aventura Hotel’s Rooftop New Year’s Eve Celebration, featuring Korean- and Latin-inspired food stations, specialty cocktails, and panoramic views of Orlando.

For more info on the free and ticketed New Year’s Eve options, visit the sites for Universal Studios Orlando or Universal Studios EVE for the Hollywood location.