UniversalParksBlog News for January 11th, 2026

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Universal Orlando Resort just announced its entire schedule for 2026.

Do you know what that means? Oh yes, we have Halloween Horror Nights dates!

HHN

Oh, and there’s even a Speculation Map already floating around, too.

So, this is a UniversalParksBlog News update you need to read.

Welcome to 2026!

Well, it’s 2026, and you should be used to it by now. We’re more than ten days into the new year.

In fact, there’s only 348 days until Christmas! Okay, that matters more to me than to you.

Other side

Or maybe not. Universal Orlando Resort has already confirmed its holiday season schedule.

I’m dead serious. The holidays begin on November 14^th and run through December 30^th.

Photo: Universal

You can be standing in line to meet the Grinch in just 311 days! That’s wild, isn’t it?

I know that it feels like you were just doing that, mainly because you probably were.

Universal Orlando

Christmas was only a couple of weeks ago, but time constantly moves forward.

So, we’re hurtling toward all the big events of 2026. What did 2025 really do for any of us anyway?

Photo: Universal

Seriously, though, I love that Universal has already confirmed its big dates for 2026.

We just learned a lot over the past few days in addition to the big stuff we already knew.

Photo: Universal

For starters, Rock the Universe will return on January 23^rd and 24^th…and Switchfoot is appearing this year!

A few weeks later, an event with an entirely different vibe comes back for 2026.

Mardi Gras, which is pretty much the antithesis of a Christian music festival, debuts on February 7^th.

As usual, the event lasts about two months, ending on April 4^th.

Photo: Universal

Also, as usual, you can and should purchase Mardi Gras Float, Ride and Dine Experience.

Otherwise, let’s be honest. You’re never gonna get to ride that parade float, which would be a tragedy.

Let’s Talk Halloween Horror Nights

Death Eaters

While Grinchmas has exploded in popularity, let’s be honest that it’s not the main course.

At Universal Studios, the event that matters the most is Halloween Horror Nights.

Shipyard 32

Universal just revealed the dates for 2026, and it’s sooner than you think!

You can check out the new Houses starting on August 28^th and keep visiting through November 1^st.

Photo: Universal

Yes, this is a glorious configuration wherein we get HHN events in August AND November!

Okay, it’ll probably be three of them at most, but we’ll take what we can get, right?

Photo: Halloween Horror Nights Wiki Fandom

By the way, this year’s HHN is going to be a bigger deal than ever due to what it represents.

This is the 35^th anniversary of HHN! So, Universal will go all-out for this particular event.

Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando

The press release promises that an “unleashing (of) an all-new slate of terror.”

I have no idea what that means, but it sounds violent and upsetting, and I’m so happy about that.

Photo: themeparkinsider.com

Since HHN is just 231 days away (it’s right around the corner!), the mystics have already done their thing.

Each year, a wizened few post a Speculative Map about what to anticipate at HHN.

Photo: Universal

Here’s an Instagram link to this year’s map. Now, let’s use it for what it’s for: speculation!

Fans have already locked on to the idea that a Hellraiser House is in the offing.

Given the recent conclusion of Stranger Things, a climactic House for it seems fitting, too.

Some people sound convinced that Universal will do a Sinners House as well.

I don’t necessarily believe that one, but I so badly want it to be true. Sinners was my favorite film of 2025.

By the way, an It/Welcome to Derry House is also a hot topic right now. Keep reading our site to learn more.

Universal Miscellany

Today Show

I’ve got one other huge story to cover this week, and it’s the one Kristin Sabol discussed the other day.

Park Hopping at Universal Orlando will legitimately be better than ever this year.

Attractions Magazine

As of now, certain multi-day ticket packages include Park Hopping as an option.

Well, they always did, but now the Park Hopping option includes Universal Epic Universe!

Epic

So, you can visit the park just like you would Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Please pay attention to the fine print in Kristin Sabol’s article to avoid any potential misunderstandings.

Circling back to the annual calendar, Universal revealed a couple of other tidbits, too.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will introduce some limited-time offerings throughout 2026.

Photo: Universal

What’s the big deal? Well, it’s the 25^th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone!

Okay, it’s the 25^th anniversary of the first film, not the first book, but still.

Photo: Universal

We’re getting Butterbeer Season out of this, an event that lasts from March 1^st through May 31^st.

Then, Back to Hogwarts runs from August 1^st through September 1^st. It’s a back-to-school thing.

Photo: Universal

We’re also getting Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle and roaming Death Eaters as part of the event.

Finally, Passholder Appreciation Days presented by Coca-Cola returns from August 15^th through September 30^th.

Universal

So, there’s the entire 2026 theme park calendar right there!

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Image: Universal