Universal Kids Resort Debuts New Family Holiday Tradition

A new holiday tradition is coming to Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.

From November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027, the first-ever holidays at Universal Kids Resort will bring beloved characters, thousands of twinkling lights and an interactive wonderland with Santa in a jolly celebration for kids and families.

Holiday Experiences include:

• A winter wonderland leading to Santa transforming into an interactive winter wonderland featuring twinkling snow lights and an enchanted winter forest. Families can explore the festive setting before visiting Santa, who will greet guests and pose for photos through December 24. Families can also stop for photos at the Universal Kids Resort sleigh.
• A magical tree lighting ceremony features a 40-foot Christmas tree where families can meet Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse” in the Isle of Curiosity. The celebration includes a dance party set to “Meowy Christmas” from the hit series.
• Holiday character encounters include The Penguins of Madagascar, joining fan-favorite characters, SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, and Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse” all decked out for special holiday-themed meet-n-greets.
• Letters to Santa: Kids can write their holiday wishes to Santa with a little help from Universal Kids Resort Play Ambassadors sending them on their merry way through a special holiday mailbox.
• Seasonal Merchandise showcases Illumination's lovable Minions in their holiday best while the DreamWorks Animation Shrek the Halls collection offers holiday fun for every ogre fan.
• Holiday Bites and Sips feature Holiday Pizza, available to hotel guests at Curiosity Café in Universal Kids Resort Hotel, Poppy’s Holiday Poutine at Trolls Eatz! in DreamWorks’ TrollsFest, Holiday treats at Swamp Snacks: In DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp including Gingy, Shrek’s favorite gingerbread man cookie, and a Holiday Shrekzel with powdered sugar and peppermint chocolate dipping sauce. Purrfect Hot Chocolate with whipped topping and cinnamon sugar is available at Comidas y Leche in DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar.

Families can extend the celebration with a stay at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel. Steps from the theme park, the hotel features 300 rooms and family suites, a dedicated park entrance and Early Park Admission one hour before the park’s official opening.

Holiday operating days and hours vary, with the park remaining open as late as 9 p.m. on select dates.  

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