Universal Studios Japan is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special holiday event, Universal Holiday Wonders ~Discover U!!!~, running from November 13, 2026, to January 17, 2027. The winter season will feature festive food, seasonal entertainment, returning favourites, and special experiences designed to bring families closer together.
Light Up the Night and Joy of Lights
Light Up the Night ~Christmas Celebration~ returns to Gramercy Park this winter, bringing colourful winter costumes, live singing and dancing, snow, lights, and holiday music to the New York area. The approximately 30-minute show will run from November 25, 2026, to January 11, 2027, with the number of performances varying by day.
Joining the show this year is the return of The Joy of Lights, which will be presented for the first time in nine years. The approximately 10-minute show uses light, music, and guest-submitted messages to share heartfelt feelings for loved ones, with snowfall during the finale.
Both shows will take place at Gramercy Park, with a special viewing area available for guests who want a closer view of the performances.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will once again be transformed for winter, with Hogsmeade Village receiving additional seasonal decorations and Hogwarts Magical Nights ~Winter Magic~ returning to Hogwarts Castle.
The approximately 10-minute mapping show will feature winter scenes and magical effects across the castle. The holiday programme runs from November 13, 2026, to January 17, 2027.
The Hogwarts Castle Walk, introduced as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, will also continue through January 17, 2027.
Holiday Entertainment
Seasonal entertainment will return throughout the park, including the Minion Jingle Bellow Meet & Greet, where the Minions appear in winter outfits. Charlie Brown and Friends will also be found dressed up for the Christmas season.
Universal Wonderland ~Let’s Smile Together!~ will invite guests to dance and interact with characters including Hello Kitty, Snoopy, and Elmo, while Power of Rock ~Holiday Rockin’!~ returns with live singing and dancing set to winter songs.
Universal Food Festival
The popular Universal Food Festival returns for the holiday season, expanding to its largest scale yet with more menu items and dining areas across the park. Guests can enjoy holiday dishes at decorated restaurants, character-inspired foods, and easy-to-eat treats from food carts throughout Universal Studios Japan.
Snoopy, Elmo, and friends will also make surprise appearances in designated food festival areas, giving guests the chance to enjoy their meals alongside characters dressed in holiday costumes.
The festival runs from November 13, 2026, to January 17, 2027, with participating restaurants to be announced at a later date.
Super Nintendo World 5th Anniversary Finale
Super Nintendo World will continue its 5th anniversary celebrations with a new limited-time sticker experience. Guests can search for scattered Super Stars throughout the area and return them to the crew to receive a special commemorative sticker featuring Mario, his friends, and colourful Yoshis. The special sticker will be available from November 12, 2026, to January 11, 2027.
25th Anniversary Holiday Offers
Several limited-time ticket options will be available for Universal Studios Japan’s 2026 holiday season.
The Holiday Kids Free Pass starts from ¥8,400, including admission for one adult and one accompanying child aged 4 to 11. The ticket is available to residents of Japan for visits from November 13 to December 30, 2026.
A special viewing area ticket for Light Up the Night ~Christmas Celebration~ and The Joy of Lights starts from ¥1,700 and is available for performances from November 25, 2026, to January 11, 2027.
The [25th Anniversary Special] Universal VIP Experience Group Tour ~Super Nintendo World “Winter Version”~ starts from ¥29,000 and includes access to the special viewing area for Light Up the Night ~Christmas Celebration~, along with 25th anniversary merchandise exclusive to VIP tours.
For the ultimate experience, the Universal VIP Experience Private Tour ~The Ultimate Luxury Plan~ starts from ¥949,800. Limited to one group per day, the private tour includes a dedicated guide, special dining, private rides on popular attractions, and character greetings. Separate park admission is required for the special viewing area and VIP Experience options.
Universal Holiday Wonders ~Discover U!!!~ runs at Universal Studios Japan from November 13, 2026, to January 17, 2027.
Images provided by Universal Studios Japan
HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling.
MINIONS TM & © 2026 Universal Studios.
© Nintendo
TM and © 2026 Sesame Workshop
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TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
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More on Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan Guidebook
Are you planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan? If so, you need our digital guidebook! Our guidebook is the most comprehensive resource available, covering everything you need to know about the park, including Super Nintendo World, Express Pass, hotels, restaurants, attractions, shows, seasonal events, and more! With our guidebook, you’ll be an expert on Universal Studios Japan before you even set foot in the park. You’ll know what to expect, where to go, and what to do. You’ll also be able to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time at the park.
Stress-Free Japan: Book with Klook
Make the most of your trip to Japan with these exclusive offerings from our trusted affiliate partner, Klook. From making bullet train reservations with ease to fully private tours, you can save time and money on your trip. I’ve used Klook since 2016, and it is my go-to booking platform for anything in Japan!
- Japan Shinkansen & Train Tickets
- JR Pass for All of Japan
- Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
- Asakusa Kimono Rental & Photo Shoot (Kimono Rental Ange)
- Mt. Fuji Private Customizable One Day Trip from Tokyo
Book Your Flight
I use Google Flights & Momodo to find affordable flights. Another great way is to sign up for Going to get notifications of cheap airfares, which happens often in Japan. You’ll sometimes stumble on cheap flights to Kansai International Airport.
Buy Your Shinkansen Tickets (Bullet Train)
Getting around Japan by the world-renowned bullet train, known as the Shinkansen, is incredibly fast, reliable, and affordable for visitors. You can travel from Tokyo to Osaka in just over 2 hours. Get the JR Rail Pass to save a ton of money on the bullet train for your trip.
Book Your Hotel
Universal Studios Japan has affordable accommodations that are steps away from the park and have easy access to Osaka. I recommend checking prices through Booking.com followed by the hotels directly. Sometimes, you’re able to score some incredible deals. Here’s a short list of hotels at Universal Studios Japan I recommend.
- The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan – You’re directly in front of the Park gates and have instant access to Universal CityWalk Osaka. The rooms are gorgeous, with restaurants and even a Lawson (Japanese convenience store).
- The Singulari HOTEL & SKYSPA – Attached to the train station is a fantastic hotel for those who want a comfortable, clean, and stylish place to sleep. After a long day at Universal Studios Japan, the rooftop sento (public bath) is excellent for unwinding and relaxing.
- Hotel Universal Port – This is an excellent hotel for the Minion fan in your family, only a 5-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan. It also boasts the largest breakfast buffet in Japan, a must during your visit.
Buy Your Tickets & Express Pass
In advance, save time and stress by buying your tickets and Express Pass for Universal Studios Japan.
Stay Connected
Universal Studios Japan only offers free Wi-Fi at the park’s entrance. That’s not enough to stay connected and share your day with everyone back home on Instagram to give them FOMO. Here’s how you can stay connected while travelling in Japan.
- Pocket Wi-Fi – If you’re travelling with a group or have multiple devices, this is your best and most affordable way to stay connected to the internet. Pick up and drop off at the airport. Easy.
- Japan SIM Card – If you have an unlocked phone and need a Japanese phone number, this is the best and easiest way.
Get Yourself Travel Insurance
While travelling aboard, having travel insurance protects you against injury, cancellations, illness, and other things you can never predict. Whenever I travel, I always budget for travel insurance to protect myself. I’ve used it, and I’m so glad I had it. My recommended companies are SafteyWing and World Nomads for travel insurance.
Learn More about Universal Studios Japan
Don’t forget to study our in-depth destination guide on Universal Studios Japan for more information on this beautiful park in Osaka.
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