With a brand new theme park opening in May, 2025 is definitely the year of Universal Orlando Resort. And while we can’t wait to experience everything that Universal Epic Universe has in store for us, there are plenty of events throughout the year that will put Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay in the spotlight too, including both returning favourites and some brand new events too!
Here’s an overview of what’s coming to Universal Orlando in 2025:
Universal Orlando 2025 Events | |
|---|---|
Feb 1 - March 30 | Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval |
Mar 1 - May 31 | Butterbeer Season in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter |
April and May (select dates) | Volcano Bay Nights |
May 22nd | Opening of Universal Epic Universe |
Aug 29 - Nov 2 (select dates) | Halloween Horror Nights |
Nov 21 - Dec 31 | Holidays at Universal Orlando |
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
February 1st - March 30th | Universal Studios Florida | Included with park admission
The first event of Universal Orlando’s year really kicks things off with a bang! Expect nonstop floats, food, and music all Mardi Gras long at Universal Studios Florida, featuring exclusive food like Cajun mac and cheese and beignets, brand new parade floats (get ready to catch some beads!) and live concerts from acts including TLC and Joe Jonas.
Find out more about Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
Butterbeer Season
May 1st - May 31st | Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure | Included with park admission
If there’s one thing you must do when visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it’s get a Butterbeer. Whether you enjoy it hot, cold, or frozen, this season if you’re a Butterbeer fan then this is the season for you, with limited-time Butterbeer treats and desserts available across both Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure.
Top tip! Make the most of the park hopper access included with our Universal tickets to take the Hogwarts Express between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade to really make the most of this season
Volcano Bay Nights
Select nights April 19th - May 17th | Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park | Separately ticketed event
Volcano Bay Nights is an exclusive nighttime event at Universal Volcano Bay Water Park! There’ll be live entertainment, character meet and greets, and the chance to experience some of your favourite Volcano Bay slides and attractions after hours!
More details about the event and tickets will be released soon.
Universal Epic Universe
Opening May 22nd
While this isn’t a seasonal event, the opening of Universal Epic Universe is arguably THE event at Universal Orlando Resort in 2025! From May 22nd the portals will open and guests will be able to step into five incredible new worlds; Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, and How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk.
Make sure to book your Universal Orlando 3-Park Explorer PLUS 1-day Epic Universe Ticket!
Halloween Horror Nights
Select nights August 29th - November 2nd | Universal Studios Florida | Separately ticketed event
The World’s Premier Halloween Event is back!* Halloween Horror Nights is the highlight of the Universal Orlando year for many guests, and the scares will be returning to Universal Studios in August 2025. This event features terrifying haunted houses inspired by some of the most loved horror franchises, sinister scare zones and outrageous live entertainment, and of course, there’ll be exclusive food offerings and merchandise too.
We can’t wait to find out what haunted houses and scare zones will be coming to Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2025, but in the meantime check out our ultimate guide to Halloween Horror Nights 2024!
And don’t forget to sign up to our mailing list to be notified as soon as Halloween Horror Nights 2025 tickets go on sale.
Holidays at Universal Orlando
November 21st - December 31st | Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure | Included with park admission
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Universal Orlando Resort! From Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s to the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, plus Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure will be alive with festive cheer during the holiday season.
2025 is a year that can’t be missed at Universal Orlando Resort! Book your tickets today to experience these incredible seasonal events, plus all the incredible attractions and entertainment the parks offer 365 days a year.
