Ready to ring in 2026? Universal Orlando NYE celebrations span all parks, CityWalk, and hotels, featuring DJs, characters, and Epic Universe’s first countdown.

Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up to close out the year in spectacular fashion, announcing a massive, destination-wide New Year’s Eve celebration that will span all three theme parks, Universal CityWalk, and its 11 resort hotels. The excitement is building, especially for the debut New Year’s Eve countdown at the resort’s newest park, Universal Epic Universe.

Universal Orlando Resort also invites guests to close out 2025 and ring in 2026 with a variety of unforgettable festivities featuring live entertainment, character appearances, and midnight countdowns across the entire destination. Here is an overview of how guests can celebrate Universal Orlando NYE this year:

Theme Park Festivities for Universal Orlando NYE

All three theme parks will feature extended hours and special entertainment leading up to midnight.

• Universal Studios Florida: The party kicks off at 6:15 p.m. with a live DJ set at the Music Plaza Stage. Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy roaming stilt walkers and take photos with select floats from Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. The night will also feature a showing of CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular at 10 p.m., culminating in a grand midnight countdown celebration near the Music Plaza Stage.
• Universal Islands of Adventure: Festivities start at 6:15 p.m. with a live DJ set in the Port of Entry. The park will feature more music, entertainment, and meet and greets with beloved characters throughout the park. To ring in the New Year, guests can cap off the evening with a midnight countdown celebration, with dedicated viewing areas available in Port of Entry, Seuss Landing, and Toon Lagoon.
• Universal Epic Universe: For the first time ever, guests can celebrate Universal Orlando NYE at the newest theme park! In addition to enjoying the park’s innovative thrills, the evening will feature live music and entertainment from a DJ at the Hemisphere Stage in Celestial Park. The countdown to 2026 will include a special fountain show that spans the expansive waterways of Celestial Park, marking a truly unique way to welcome the new year.

While enjoying the New Year’s Eve fun, guests can also experience the final days of Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration, which includes Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and a final chance to visit the festive Holidays Tribute Store (the holiday celebration runs through January 4).

Universal CityWalk & Hotel Celebrations

The party extends outside the parks with multiple options for every style of celebration:

• Universal CityWalk: The entertainment complex will host live music and DJ sets throughout the night at the Waterfront Stage and the Green and Red Coconut Club, which will also feature festive decorations and holiday cocktails. The entire complex will join in for an exciting midnight countdown celebration to ring in 2026.
• Universal Orlando Hotels: All 11 hotels are offering a memorable night of festivities:
  • The Palace Party: The Universal Helios Grand Hotel is hosting its first-ever New Year’s Eve Party at the Palace (21+), featuring dinner, drinks, a DJ, and spectacular views of Universal Epic Universe from Bar Helios.
  • Family Fun & Rooftop Views: Families can enjoy the Party on the Piazza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, which includes food stations, desserts, beer, wine, and lively music. For those 21 and over, the Universal Aventura Hotel will host a unique rooftop celebration with Korean- and Latin-inspired food stations, specialty cocktails, and panoramic views of Orlando.
  • Special Dining: New Year’s Eve buffets will be available at The Kitchen (Hard Rock Hotel), Islands Dining Room (Loews Royal Pacific Resort), and Amatista Cookhouse (Loews Sapphire Falls Resort). Seasonal menus will also be available across other hotels like Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and the new Endless Summer resorts.

For more information and to book your celebration, visit the official Universal Orlando Holidays page. Additionally, for more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.

Expertise. Ease. Value.

Ready for your bucket list trip? Our trusted partner, MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. 

Contact for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.