Wondering which on-site Universal Orlando hotel you should at during the Holiday season?

if  you're planning on spending multiple days, I recommend that you stay at one of the Universal Orlando hotels. You’ll not only be able to get into the parks early, a valuable head start, but depending on which resort you stay at, an Express Pass may also be included in your stay.

This can really come in handy as crowds levels during this time of year are typically very high and can compare to those during peak summer holiday’s like the 4th of July. Finding the perfect place to stay during your Orlando Holiday vacation can really make a huge difference during your visit.

Read on to check out what each hotel has to offer during the Holiday season.

What To Expect at Universal Orlando’s Hotels During The Holidays

The Holiday Season at Universal runs through December 31, 2024.

Every on-site hotel at Universal Orlando embraces the festive spirit! Universal Orlando's on-site hotels offer a selection of free and paid experiences, like special holiday meals (breakfast, brunch or dinner buffets) on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

While all of the hotels have slightly different free holiday offerings, most will have a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Each hotel will offer free cookies in their lobbies at certain times throughout the season. You can also take advantage of the free Holiday kids’ crafts, activities, and additional live music performances. 

Prime Value Universal Orlando Hotels

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Bright and airy retro Christmas vibes.

• Watch The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in the Bayliner Diner

  • Thursday, November 24, 2024

• Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowling 

  • Price: $16.99 (plus tax) per person. That includes shoe rental.

  • Valid for 45 minutes (1 - 3 bowlers) or 75 minutes (4 - 6 bowlers) of lane time.

• Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony

• Winter Wonderland and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby

  • Friday, November 25, 2024 from: 4–6:30 pm

  • Featured at different times throughout - skaters, Santa meet and greet, live band, tree lighting, musician, hot chocolate and cookies.

• Christmas Day Meal Special in Bayliner Diner

  • Price: $19.99* adult; $10.99* child (ages 3 – 9) 

  • Turkey, stuffing, cranberry compote, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuit.

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Fresh and modern vibes.

• Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby

• Christmas Day Meal Special in Urban Pantry

  • Price:$25* adult; $14* child (ages 3 – 9)

  • Menu: Slow-roasted prime rib with jus or horseradish cream, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, garlic creamed spinach, dinner roll (ADD: pumpkin pie for $4 more per person).

• Rooftop New Year’s Eve Celebration (separately ticketed event)

Value Universal Orlando Hotels

Early Park Admission - Guests can access one of the three amazing theme parks up to an hour before park opening.

Complimentary transportation to and from the parks.

Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts –Dockside Inn and Suites 

Escape to the perfect sunset and save with the lowest rates I’ve seen for an on-site Universal Orlando Hotel. 

•  Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby

• Christmas Day Meal Special in Pier 8 Market

  • Price: $17* adult; $10* child (ages 3 – 9)

  • Menu: Oven roasted turkey with house-made cranberry compote, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and roll.

• New Year’s Eve Meal Special at Dockside’s Pier 8 Market

  • Price: $18* adult; $10* child (ages 3 – 9)

  • Menu: Herb encrusted New York striploin served with red wine au jus, oven roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus and biscuit.

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

Here you can enjoy the surf lifestyle and save with extra-affordable rates this Holiday season.

• Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby

• Christmas Day Meal Special in Beach Break Café 

  • $17* adult; $10* child (ages 3–9) 

  • Menu: Honey glazed ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and roll.

• New Year’s Eve Meal Special at Beach Break Cafe

  • $18* adult; $10* child (ages 3 – 9) 

  • Menu: Herb encrusted New York striploin served with red wine au jus, oven roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus and biscuit.

Preferred Universal Orlando Hotels

Early Park Admission - Guests can access one of the 3 theme parks up to an hour before park opening. Complimentary transportation to and from the parks.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Spend your holiday in the heart of the tropics. Looking for the best on-site food? Strong Water Tavern has the best tapas and drinks around!

• Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse

  • Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

  • Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for $21 more.

• Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby

• Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse

  • Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

  • Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for $21.

• Christmas Day Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse

  • Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

  • Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for just $21.

• New Year’s Eve Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse

  • Price: $90* adult; $45* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

  • Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for $21 more.

• Strong Water Tavern New Year's Eve Celebration

  • Price: $120* adult

Premier Hotels

FREE Universal Express Unlimited - Premier hotel guests get free Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Early Park Admission - Guests can access one of the 3 theme parks up to an hour before park opening. Complimentary transportation to and from the parks.

Hard Rock Hotel 

The perfect choice for those wanting to Live like a rock star this holiday season.

• Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Avalon Ballroom

  • Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

• Thanksgiving Day Buffet in The Kitchen

  • Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

• Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby

• Christmas Tree Lighting in the Lobby

• Christmas Eve Family-style Dinner in The Kitchen

  • Price: $65* adult; $30* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

• Christmas Day Brunch in The Kitchen

  • Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

• New Year’s Day Acoustic Brunch

  • Price: $49* adult; $19* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

  • Entertainment: Live music

• New Year's Eve Lobby Party (separately ticketed event)

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

The perfect choice for those wanting a South Seas escape during they Holiday vacation to Universal. Royal Pacific has a ton of instagram worthy photo spots.

• Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Buffet in Jake’s American Bar

  • Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3 

  • Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for $21 more.

• Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Islands Dining Room

  • Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

  • Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for $21 more.

  • Entertainment: Musician, hula dancers and balloon artist.

• Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby

• Christmas Day Buffet in Islands Dining Room

  • Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

  • Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for an $21.

• Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet in Jake’s American Bar

  • Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

  • Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for an extra $15.

• Wantilan New Year’s Eve Luau

  • Price: $99* - $119* adult; $39* - $59* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

• New Year's Eve Dessert Celebration in Tahitian Room.

  • Price: $40*; child under age 3 complimentary

• New Year’s Day Breakfast Buffet in Islands Dining Room

  • Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

  • Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for $21 more.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Capture memorable holiday moments in an Italian-inspired backdrop. When you enter Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel, you’re greeted by the lobby Christmas tree that's so tall it barely fits under the lights!

• Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Trattoria del Porto

  • Price: $80* adult; $37* child (ages 3–9); complimentary under age

• Holiday Harbor Nights on the Harbor Piazza

  •  Spend an evening beside the  harbor drinking select wines and trying unlimited gourmet food samples from the hotel's restaurants. Live music and traditional opera performances included

  • $109* VIP; $79* Standing Harbor; $850 Table (up to 10 people

• Strolling Holiday Carolers in the Lobby & throughout hotel

  • Monday, December 19–Saturday, December 25, 2022

• Christmas Day Buffet in Trattoria del Porto

  • Price: $80* adult; $37* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3 

• Christmas Day Menu in Mama Della’s Ristorante

  • Price: $65* adult; $20* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

  • Entertainment: Opera singers and strolling musicians

• Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby

  • Free!

• Holiday Cookies & Beverages in the Lobby

  • Free!

• Kids’ Holiday Crafts & Activities in the Lobby

  • Free!

• New Year's Eve Party on the Piazza

  • Enjoy a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration featuring gourmet foods, desserts, beer*, wine*, a live DJ and dancing.

  • Price: $180* adult; $130* child (ages 10 – 20); $45* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3

I would highly suggest staying at a Premier Universal Hotel if visiting the week of Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and on weekends. The complimentary Universal Express Passes are so key during the busiest times of the year!