Epic Universe's holiday season doesn't start until Saturday, but the trees are already up, and Celestial Park has several more of them than last year. Even Dark Universe got a sad little tree.
Epic Universe is already dressed for Christmas, three days before Universal's holiday season officially starts. WDW News Today posted photos of new decor across the park Wednesday evening, from Super Nintendo World's Power Star tree to a row of Viking trees on the Isle of Berk.
This is Epic Universe's second holiday season, and WDWNT said the park has expanded its decorations this year. The biggest jump is in Celestial Park, which has "several more" Christmas trees than it did in 2025, according to the outlet.
Holidays at Universal Orlando run Nov. 14, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, as we reported in October. The decor is included with regular park admission, so no extra ticket is needed to see it.
What Christmas decorations are in Super Nintendo World?
The Mushroom Kingdom gets the most themed treatment. A tree covered in Power Star ornaments greets guests at the land's portal, before they even go through the warp pipe.
Inside, garlands and wreaths are packed with Power Stars and 1-Up Mushrooms. Most of it hangs on Peach's Castle, but WDWNT said the decor also reaches into Donkey Kong Country.
Garlands with wrapped present boxes are strung around the Nintendo Super Star Store and the Mario fountain.
New "Joyful Holidays" Nintendo items with a Super Mario snowman design are stocked at the 1-Up Factory and other shops in the park, WDWNT reported. Universal hasn't posted prices for that line yet.
What does the Isle of Berk look like for Snoggletog?
Snoggletog is the Vikings' version of Christmas in DreamWorks' How to Train Your Dragon world, and Berk is going for a rough-hewn look instead of tinsel.
Viking trees: Five trees with shield ornaments, rope garlands and straw star toppers stand just past the portal.
Garlands everywhere: Swags hang throughout the land, even around the dragon houses.
A wooden tree: One shop has a holiday tree made from painted, carved boards, used to display ornaments for sale.
That's a big step up from last year. In 2025, Snoggletog decor showed up inside only a few Berk shops, including Hiccup's Workshop, as we noted in October. Universal has billed this year as a full land celebration with seasonal food, drinks and merch.
What's new in Celestial Park for the holidays?
Celestial Park's hub got classic greenery: garlands and swags with gold baubles and red bows wrapped around the walkways and buildings.
Some spots got custom touches:
Goddess of Refreshment: Garlands with red holly berries and Coca-Cola red bows.
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant: Wreaths, trees and garlands in blue and red to match its night market look.
Near Atlantic: A small grove of trees that glows purple, green, gold and blue after dark.
Near the Luna statue: Another new lit tree.
WDWNT said the park looks best at night, when the trees light up in blue and white.
Does the Harry Potter land at Epic Universe have Christmas decor?
Yes. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic was one of the first Epic Universe lands to get holiday decor, according to WDWNT.
Lit greenery wraps around nearly every shop and window on its Paris streets. A "flower shop" facade is covered in red floral garlands under a "Noel" sign, and the shops have trees and garlands inside.
Is Dark Universe decorated for Christmas?
Sort of, and it's on brand. The Manor Storehouse shop has a dilapidated tree with ragged burlap ornaments and twig garlands.
It sits next to a display of Krampus merch, which WDWNT tied to Krampus' appearance at Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas. Leave it to the monsters to do Christmas the spooky way.
What else is happening for the holidays at Universal Orlando?
Epic Universe is only part of the season. Here's what returns Saturday, from Universal's October announcement:
Grinchmas: The Grinch and the Whos are back at Islands of Adventure, with the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.
Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's: Daily at 5:30 p.m. at Universal Studios Florida.
Christmas in the Wizarding World: The Frog Choir and The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade, plus Celestina Warbeck in Diagon Alley.
Universal Holiday Tour: Starts at $69.99 per person.
How much are Universal Orlando tickets for the holidays?
In October, a 3 Parks in 3 Days ticket started at $99 per day plus tax, covering one day each at Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
For tree photos without big crowds, aim for a mid-November or early December weekday. Thanksgiving week and the days after Christmas are among Orlando's busiest.
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:
WDW News Today (Nov. 11, 2026), the new Epic Universe holiday decor in every land, the Joyful Holidays merch and the Krampus display
Laughing Place (Oct. 19, 2026), the holiday season dates and Snoggletog plans, via our Oct. 20 coverage
Chip and Company (Oct. 19, 2026), the parade time, Holiday Tour price and ticket details, via our Oct. 20 coverage
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