Universal Orlando Resort’s 2025 calendar is packed with big events and major milestones. From fan-favorite celebrations like Universal Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida to the highly anticipated opening of Universal Epic Universe this summer, the year ahead promises to be a thrilling one for this ever-expanding Central Florida destination.
Universal Orlando’s 2025 lineup includes fan-favorite staples like Halloween Horror Nights and Holidays at Universal Orlando, but that’s just the beginning. The year ahead brings special events not only to the parks but also to Universal Orlando’s hotels and Universal CityWalk. From thrilling coasters to magical realms (and, of course, pizza tots), here’s everything coming to Universal Orlando Resort in 2025—just in time to start planning your next trip.
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
February 1 through March 30, 2025
Universal Studios Florida transforms into a global celebration of Mardi Gras throughout February and March, offering even more festive fun—all included with park admission. Universal Orlando Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval brings the spirit of the season to life with live entertainment, vibrant parades, and an international menu inspired by carnival celebrations from around the world. Special food kiosks pop up exclusively for the event, serving up flavors as bold as the festivities themselves.
On select nights, there are parades where float-riders toss beads into the crowd and concerts from acts like T-Pain and Joe Jonas. The colorful celebration includes street performers and plenty of colorful costumes and decorations throughout the park, as well as a special Tribute Store themed around Mardi Gras merchandise.
This festival is one of our favorite times to snack our way around Universal Studios Florida and we love checking out the growing pile of discarded beads park-goers toss into the trees as they exit Universal CityWalk on their way to the parking structure. Feet don’t fail us now!
For a look at what’s planned for Mardi Gras 2025, check out our preview here:
Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
February 14, April 25, October 17, and November 28, 2025
One of the most luxurious hotels on Universal Orlando property, Loews Portofino Bay is an Italian-themed resort that gives off the vibe of the seaside town of Portofino, Italy. It’s a beautiful spot, and it’s bound to be even prettier during Harbor Nights, a ticketed event featuring wine and food samples from the restaurants at the hotel. Live music and traditional opera will be featured outdoors along the Harbor Piazza as guests enjoy a romantic night of food and wine.
This adults-only event costs $79 for standing only, $109 for a VIP ticket, and $850 for a table for a private, reserved table for up to 10.
Butterbeer Season
March 1 through May 31, 2025
Muggles and wizards alike will love experiencing Butterbeer Season at Universal Orlando, a period from March to May when there are even more butterbeer treats available to guests. If the usual suspects — like hot butterbeer and butterbeer ice cream — aren’t nearly enough, this is the Universal event for you, and it’s included in regular park admission.
At both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, you’ll find all-new butterbeer snacks in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. From special-edition butterbeer steins to butterbeer potted cream, there’s even more butterbeer to try during this special foodie event.
Want to make your own Buitterbeer? Check out our recipe here:
Ultimate Guide to Butterbeer Season at Universal & A DIY Recipe for Home!
Volcano Bay Nights
April 19 and 26 and May 3, 10, and 17, 2025
While there aren’t many details yet on Volcano Bay Nights, the after-hours ticketed event at Universal’s Volcano Bay water park is sure to be a hit with guests looking for a special experience in the lush, tropical water park.
The event will be an immersive nighttime experience that’s all about the Waturi culture, and is sure to be a memorable way to experience the beautifully-themed park.
Epic Universe
Opening May 22, 2025
A new era of theme parks begins as Universal Epic Universe officially opens its gates on May 22, 2025. This groundbreaking park will feature five immersive lands, each bringing beloved stories to life in an unprecedented way:
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
- Super Nintendo World
- How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
- Dark Universe
- Celestial Park
Epic Universe isn’t just Universal Orlando’s biggest expansion yet—it’s expected to set a new standard for themed entertainment, sparking innovation across the industry.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at the park gates—three new hotels are also joining Universal Orlando in 2025:
🏨 Stella Nova Resort – Opened January 2025
🏨 Terra Luna Resort – Opening March 25, 2025
🏨 Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel – Opening alongside Epic Universe on May 22, 2025
With an entirely new theme park and resort offerings, 2025 is shaping up to be a game-changer for Universal Orlando.
For everything you need to know about Epic Universe:
NEW PHOTOS – Everything You Need To Know About Epic Universe!
Our review of the new Universal Stella Nova Resort:
Halloween Horror Nights
August 29 through November 2, 2025
Universal Orlando’s scariest event is back earlier than ever in 2025! This year, Halloween Horror Nights kicks off on August 29 and runs through November 2, allowing plenty of opportunities to scream your way through its haunted houses and scare zones.
In addition to haunts based on cinematic works and original stories, Halloween Horror Nights is another food-focused festival at Universal, with special food stands popping up throughout Universal Studios Florida that sell spooky eats themed around that year’s house and scare zone line-up.
But that’s not all. The event also features live shows and entertainment and a killer Tribute Store packed with scary-good merchandise, which is why it’s no surprise this Halloween happening is one of the destination’s premier calendar events.
If you’re debating about braving the fog, read our comprehensive guide to the 2024 event here – even our scaredy cat staffers had a shockingly good time:
Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2024: Must-See Mazes, Tips & Tricks
Holidays at Universal
November 21 through December 31, 2025
From the Seuss-tastic holiday wonders of the Grinch to magical lighting effects on Hogwarts Castle, the Holidays at Universal are among the best times of the year to visit the destination, especially considering that all the holiday magic is included in the price of your park ticket.
In addition to holiday decor throughout its theme parks, Universal goes the extra mile at Christmastime with the Universal Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s, an incredible parade with floats, street performers, characters, and giant balloons just like in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Toss in a stunning holiday-themed Tribute Store, holiday treats, and the opportunity to meet characters like Earl the Squirrel and The Grinch and Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration becomes an unbeatable value for families traveling over the holidays.
Read all about in in our holiday guide:
UPDATED! Universal Orlando Holidays: Grinchmas, Wizarding World Magic & Festive Fun Await!
Special events at Universal CityWalk
You don’t need a park ticket to get a taste of Universal Orlando—Universal CityWalk offers plenty of entertainment, dining, and seasonal events without the price of admission.
Beyond year-round favorites like Universal’s Great Movie Escape and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, CityWalk hosts a lineup of special events throughout 2025, adding even more excitement to the mix:
🎭 Mardi Gras After Party – Keep the festivities going long after the park parade ends.
🍀 St. Patrick’s Day at Pat O’Brien’s – A lively celebration with Irish flair.
🎶 Summertime Live Music – Enjoy outdoor performances throughout the season.
🍹 Seasonal Red Coconut Club Transformations:
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- Cursed Coconut Club (Mardi Gras)
- Dead Coconut Club (Halloween Horror Nights)
- Red & Green Coconut Club (Holidays at Universal)
Whether you’re looking for live music, themed drinks, or just a place to unwind, CityWalk’s 2025 lineup ensures there’s always something happening.
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Let’s Hear From You!
2025 is shaping up to be an epic year at Universal Orlando Resort—literally! Which events are making it onto your must-do list?
🍺 Butterbeer Season calling your name? 🎆 Epic Universe grand opening at the top of your plans? 🎃 Halloween Horror Nights ready to scare up your fall? 🎄 Or are you ready for another holiday season of magic and mischief?
Tell us what you’re most excited for in the comments below!