Universal Kids Resort's first holiday season runs Nov. 20 to Jan. 3 in Frisco, Texas, with the Penguins of Madagascar making their park debut and a Gabby's Dollhouse tree lighting every night at dusk.
Universal Kids Resort opened in July. Now it gets its first Christmas.
Holidays at Universal Kids Resort runs Nov. 20, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, at the Frisco, Texas, park, Amusement Today reported Tuesday. Universal calls it "the first-ever Holidays at Universal Kids Resort" and "a jolly celebration made especially for kids."
The centerpiece is a 40-foot Christmas tree in the Isle of Curiosity land. It lights up every day at dusk with help from Gabby of DreamWorks' Gabby's Dollhouse, followed by a dance party to the show's holiday song, "Meowy Christmas." Pun fully intended, we assume.
Where can kids meet Santa at Universal Kids Resort?
Inside the Universal Kids Resort Theater, which is getting turned into a winter wonderland with twinkling snow lights and an enchanted forest that leads to Santa, Laughing Place reported. Santa is there through Dec. 24.
Along the way there's a Universal Kids Resort sleigh for photo stops. Kids can also write letters to Santa with help from the park's Play Ambassadors and drop them in a holiday mailbox.
Which characters are at Universal Kids Resort for the holidays?
Three sets of characters will be out in holiday outfits:
The Penguins of Madagascar: New this season.
SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star
Gabby from Gabby's Dollhouse
Holiday carolers and other performers are on the schedule, too, though Universal hasn't named specific shows.
What holiday food is at Universal Kids Resort?
Five holiday treats at four spots, one of them in the hotel:
Holiday Pizza: Turkey dinner flavors on flatbread at Curiosity Cafe, inside the Universal Kids Resort Hotel. Laughing Place reported it's for hotel guests only.
Poppy's Holiday Poutine: Fries with roasted turkey, cheese and gravy at Trolls Eatz! in TrollsFest.
Gingy cookie and Holiday Shrekzel: At Swamp Snacks in Shrek's Swamp. The Shrekzel comes with powdered sugar and a peppermint chocolate dipping sauce.
Purrfect Hot Chocolate: With whipped topping and cinnamon sugar, at Comidas y Leche in Puss in Boots Del Mar.
No prices yet.
What holiday merchandise is at Universal Kids Resort?
Two collections, Amusement Today reported. Merry Minions puts the Minions in holiday gear on a headband, a Spirit Jersey and a Lug crossbody bag. Shrek the Halls has T-shirts, an ogre ear headband, decor and treats. Yes, ogre ears. Your holiday card photo just got weird.
Do you need a separate ticket for Holidays at Universal Kids Resort?
Universal's announcement doesn't mention one. A Family Quest Central guide updated Tuesday says the holiday activities are included with regular park admission, and food and merch cost extra.
For a cheap visit, look at the Explorer Ticket, which we covered in October. It's $69.99 plus tax, good Sundays through Thursdays through March 11, 2027, with blockout dates Dec. 20 and Dec. 27 to 30, Family Quest Central reported. Parking isn't included.
The park is also closed on a few holiday-season days: Nov. 17 and 18, Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) and Christmas Day. Check the official calendar for hours.
What is Universal Kids Resort?
Universal's first park built for little kids opened July 1, 2026, in Frisco, about 30 minutes north of downtown Dallas, MiceChat reported. It has seven lands:
Isle of Curiosity (Gabby's Dollhouse)
SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
Jurassic World Adventure Camp
Puss in Boots Del Mar
Shrek's Swamp
TrollsFest
Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
At launch, one-day tickets started at $54.99 and rose to $79.99 on peak dates. Kids 2 and under get in free. The 300-room hotel at the entrance started at roughly $300 a night, park tickets not included, and hotel guests get in an hour early.
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:
Amusement Today (Nov. 10, 2026), event dates, Santa, tree lighting, characters, food and merchandise
Laughing Place (Nov. 2026), Santa experience, food descriptions and the hotel-only pizza
Laughing Place (Nov. 2, 2026), Merry Minions and Shrek the Halls collections
Family Quest Central (Nov. 10, 2026), admission requirement, Explorer Ticket terms and closure dates
MiceChat (June 21, 2026), opening date, location, lands, ticket and hotel prices
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