Universal Orlando’s parks stay open later during Thanksgiving week, Christmas week and New Year’s Eve. Here are the hours for Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe.
If you are planning a holiday trip to Universal Orlando, the calendar matters more than usual this year.
Universal Orlando’s three theme parks run shorter hours for much of November and December, but stay open later during the busiest holiday weeks, Disney Fanatic reports. Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe all follow slightly different schedules.
Here is a breakdown of what Universal had posted, park by park and week by week.
What are Universal Orlando’s hours for Thanksgiving week?
Thanksgiving week brings longer park days. From Sunday, Nov. 22, through Thursday, Nov. 26, the parks are scheduled to run these hours, according to Disney Fanatic:
Universal Studios Florida: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Islands of Adventure: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Epic Universe: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
On Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28, Universal Studios Florida closes at 8 p.m., while Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe close at 9 p.m.
What are the hours in early December?
Hours drop back after Thanksgiving. On most days from Nov. 30 through mid-December, Universal Studios Florida is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Islands of Adventure for 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Epic Universe for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Disney Fanatic reports.
On Dec. 17 and 18, Epic Universe stays open until 9 p.m., while the other two parks close at 7 p.m.
Those 7 p.m. closings come early in the evening, since the sun sets around 5:30 p.m. in Orlando in December. Guests who want to see the holiday lights after dark will have a little time, but not much.
What are Universal’s hours for Christmas week?
The parks stay open later starting Saturday, Dec. 19. All three close at 9 p.m. from Dec. 19 through Dec. 21, according to Disney Fanatic.
On Dec. 22 and Christmas Day, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., while Epic Universe runs 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
From Dec. 27 through Dec. 30, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe stay open until 10 p.m., and Universal Studios Florida closes at 9 p.m.
What are Universal’s New Year’s Eve hours?
New Year’s Eve is the longest day of the season. On Thursday, Dec. 31, Disney Fanatic reports these hours:
Universal Studios Florida: 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Islands of Adventure: 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Epic Universe: 10 a.m. to midnight
That gives Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure 16 hours of operation, and Epic Universe 14 hours.
What holiday events are at Universal Orlando this year?
Holidays at Universal Orlando run from Nov. 14, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, with events included in park admission.
Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter return, along with the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Epic Universe is celebrating with decorations in Super Nintendo World and Snoggletog festivities in How to Train Your Dragon, Isle of Berk.
Earl the Squirrel is also back in the Universal Studios Florida Christmas tree, and this year he moves.
Can Universal’s hours still change?
Yes. Universal often extends hours as dates get closer, based on crowd levels. The hours above were posted in late October, so some days may now run later.
Always check the Universal Orlando app or website for the latest times before your visit.
What is the best time to visit Universal for the holidays?
If you want long park days, Thanksgiving week and the week after Christmas give you the most time. Those are also the most crowded weeks of the season.
Early December offers shorter days but lighter crowds. Many guests find that a good trade, especially if they use Early Park Admission or an Express Pass to see more in less time.
Will you visit Universal Orlando this holiday season? Tell us which park you plan to spend the most time in.
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:
Disney Fanatic (Oct. 27, 2026), the November and December park hours
Universal Orlando Resort (2026), the holiday season dates and events
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