Earl the Squirrel, the holiday mascot hiding in the giant Christmas tree at Universal Studios Florida, now has moving arms. Here is where to find him and what else Earl is up to this season.
Universal’s most famous squirrel just got an upgrade.
Earl the Squirrel, who peeks out of the large Christmas tree in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida, now has moving arms, Attractions Magazine reports. The change gives the fan favorite a little more personality this holiday season.
Earl still wears his red plaid cap and holds his acorn. Now he can wave a bit, too, which makes him a little easier to spot among the ornaments and lights.
Attractions Magazine posted a video of Earl in the Christmas tree to YouTube,
Who is Earl the Squirrel?
Earl is a small squirrel figure tucked into Universal Studios Florida’s towering Christmas tree each holiday season. Spotting him has become a tradition for many longtime Universal fans.
His appearance is a nod to a real squirrel that reportedly lived in Universal’s holiday decorations years ago, according to Attractions Magazine.
Over the years, Earl has gone from a hidden detail to one of the resort’s holiday mascots, with his own merchandise and fan following. Some fans make a point of finding him on their first day of every holiday trip.
Where can you find Earl at Universal Studios Florida?
Earl is in the big Christmas tree in the park’s New York area, near the Macy’s holiday decorations. Look closely between the branches to spot him.
A video of Earl’s new moving arms was posted by Attractions Magazine on YouTube, captured by video editor Mikey, who posts as Magic City Mayhem.
When is Earl in the Christmas tree?
Holidays at Universal Orlando run from Nov. 14, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, according to Attractions Magazine. Earl is expected to stay in the tree for the whole season.
Is Earl getting a parade balloon?
Yes. Earl is becoming a parade balloon this year.
A new Earl balloon is set to debut in December as part of Universal’s 2026 holiday season, Attractions Magazine reports. As we reported last month, Earl is also set to appear as a balloon in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on Thursday, Nov. 26.
That means Earl will be in two parades this year, one in Orlando and one on national TV. It is a big year for a character who started as a tiny figure in a tree.
What Earl merchandise is available?
Earl has a growing merchandise line at Universal Orlando. As we reported earlier this month, this year’s Earl holiday merchandise ranges from about $16 to $85.
WDW News Today also spotted an Earl the Squirrel Annual Passholder button and the return of an Earl Christmas Tree Farm photo op at Universal CityWalk. Those add a few more ways for fans to celebrate the squirrel this season.
What else is happening for the holidays at Universal?
Earl is just one part of Universal’s holiday lineup. Grinchmas returns to Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure, and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter brings holiday decorations and shows to Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.
Epic Universe is also celebrating, with Christmas decorations in Super Nintendo World and Snoggletog festivities in How to Train Your Dragon, Isle of Berk.
Why do fans love Earl?
Earl is a small detail that rewards guests who slow down and look around. Theme park fans love finding hidden details, and Earl started out as exactly that.
His backstory as a real squirrel who made a home in the decorations also makes him feel like part of the park’s history. Giving him moving arms keeps the tradition fresh without changing what fans love about him.
When is the best time to see Earl?
Earl is visible during regular park hours, but the tree is especially pretty after dark when the lights are on. Universal Studios Florida often closes at 7 p.m. on regular days in November and December, so plan to be in the New York area around sunset.
Crowds near the tree can build in the evening during holiday weeks. If you want a clear photo of Earl, try visiting earlier in the day.
Have you ever spotted Earl the Squirrel in Universal’s Christmas tree? Tell us if you plan to look for him this year.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Attractions Magazine (Nov. 14, 2026), Earl’s moving arms, location, dates and parade balloon
WDW News Today (Nov. 2026), the Earl passholder button and CityWalk photo op
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