OPEN Brief: This guide covers the festivals, holiday celebrations, and separately ticketed parties at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando. It shows the dates, what’s included with regular admission, and what needs its own ticket.
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, through November 21
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, select nights through December 22 (separate ticket)
- Disney Jollywood Nights, select nights through January 5, 2027 (separate ticket)
- SeaWorld Orlando Christmas Celebration, select dates through January 4, 2027
- Coming soon: Holidays at Universal Orlando (November 14) and EPCOT Festival of the Holidays (November 27)
When Do Orlando Theme Park Events Happen?
Short answer: Orlando’s theme parks run events year-round. Spring brings EPCOT’s arts and garden festivals and Universal’s Mardi Gras. Late summer and fall bring Food & Wine and Halloween events. The holidays run from early November into early January. Festivals are included with park admission, while the Disney parties and Halloween Horror Nights need a separate ticket.
| Season | Events | Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Holidays Nov. to early Jan. |
EPCOT Festival of the Holidays (Nov. 27–Dec. 30), Holidays at Universal (Nov. 14–Jan. 3), SeaWorld Christmas Celebration (select dates Nov. 6–Jan. 4) | Included with admission |
| Holidays Nov. to early Jan. |
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (select nights Nov. 8–Dec. 22), Disney Jollywood Nights (select nights Nov. 7–Jan. 5) | Separate ticket |
| Winter & Spring Jan. to June |
EPCOT Festival of the Arts, EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, Universal Mardi Gras, SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival | Included with admission |
| Late Summer & Fall Aug. to Nov. |
EPCOT Food & Wine Festival, SeaWorld Spooktacular | Included with admission |
| Late Summer & Fall Aug. to Nov. |
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Halloween Horror Nights, SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream | Separate ticket |
Dates shown are for the 2026–27 season. Calendar updated November 9, 2026.
What Events Are at Walt Disney World?
Short answer: Walt Disney World runs four festivals a year at EPCOT, included with park admission. It also holds separately ticketed evening parties at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios for Halloween and the holidays.
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What Events Are at Universal Orlando Resort?
Short answer: Universal Orlando holds Holidays at Universal from mid-November to early January and Universal Mardi Gras in spring, both included with admission. Halloween Horror Nights runs in the fall at Universal Studios Florida and needs a separate ticket.
What Events Are at SeaWorld Orlando?
Short answer: SeaWorld Orlando holds its Christmas Celebration from early November to early January and the Seven Seas Food Festival in spring, both included with admission. In the fall, daytime Spooktacular is included, while nighttime Howl-O-Scream needs a separate ticket.
Orlando Theme Park Event FAQs
What’s the difference between an EPCOT festival and a ticketed party?
EPCOT festivals, like Food & Wine and Festival of the Holidays, are included with regular EPCOT admission. Ticketed parties, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights, need their own ticket. They’re held at night after the park closes to day guests.
Do ticketed event nights sell out?
Yes. Popular nights for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, and Halloween Horror Nights often sell out weeks ahead. Buy as soon as your travel dates are set.
Can you enter the park early with a party ticket?
Yes, for the Disney parties. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets allow entry to Magic Kingdom from 4:00 PM. Jollywood Nights tickets allow entry to Hollywood Studios from 5:30 PM, and the party runs 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
Which holiday events are included with regular admission?
EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays, Holidays at Universal Orlando with Grinchmas and the Macy’s parade, and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration are all included with regular park admission on event dates.
