Is there anything better than spending time with kids during the holiday season? The end-of-year fun is great for adults, sure, but it’s absolute magic for kids. Twinkle lights? Enchantment. Presents? Actual sorcery. Santa Claus? Legitimate, undeniable proof that sorcery is real.
To capture that spirit, in November and December, Universal Kids Resort will become a vector of holiday joy for families. While Texas isn’t known for its snowfall, the theme park is getting a wintry makeover for the season. Here’s what you need to know:
- Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas is celebrating the holidays from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
- The theme park will transform into a winter wonderland, including trees with twinkling lights, a Letters to Santa station and a chance to meet Santa.
- In Isle of Curiosity, Gabby of “Gabby’s Dollhouse” will sport holiday decor, and the Madagascar Penguins will appear for meet and greets.
Want to know more about making Universal Kids Resort a part of your family holiday tradition? Here’s what’s happening during the holidays at the theme park.
It’s a Winter Wonderland
From November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, stepping into Universal Kids Resort will be a playground for holiday magic. With trees donning twinkle lights throughout the park and Play Ambassadors at the ready to keep the holiday spirit high, the whole theme park is getting Christimas-ified.
The bulk of the winter fun is centering on Isle of Curiosity, the first land you encounter in the park. Here, you’ll find a 40-foot Christmas tree (with a tree lighting ceremony every evening at dusk!), as well as stilt walkers, carolers and additional performers to keep the vibes merry and bright. At the Letters to Santa station, kids can sit a spell and pen their list to Kris Kringle — and then mail it his way.
Is this your first time exploring this theme park? Read up on everything to know before you go to Universal Kids Resort.
Limited-Time Photo Ops
It wouldn’t be the holidays at Universal without characters getting in on the fun, would it? Isle of Curiosity is the permanent home of Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” a genuine celebrity to the under-10 crowd. Special for the Yuletide season, Gabby will don her adorable holiday outfit — make sure you snag a selfie with her. Guests can also enjoy a tree-lighting ceremony each night, featuring Gabby’s Meowy Christmas dance party. We simply cat wait.
Universal Kids Resort is also hosting some very special guests from cooler climates this holiday season! The Penguins from the “Madagascar” films will be sitting pretty in Isle of Curiosity, complete with an ice-themed set-up. Now that Universal Kids Resort has gotten its winter wonderland makeover, it’s finally the perfect temperature for these hilarious and adorable birds. Pose with them for a photo before they get back to whatever secret mission they’re currently working on.
And remember how your kid sent Santa a letter? They can also meet the big guy himself! Mosey over to the Universal Kids Resort Theater (located inside DreamWorks’ TrollsFest), which will be recast as an enchanted winter forest, for a chance for your little one to meet Santa Claus! You can grab timeless photos of your kids with Santa. That’s the stuff that lasts a lifetime.
Universal-Exclusive Holiday Merch
Looking to stuff the stockings of the Universal fans in your life this season? Universal Kids Resort has an all-new lineup of holiday merch. This includes apparel, accessories, collectibles, home decor, ornaments and more from fan-favorite franchises. (Select items are available online at shopUniversal.com.) Ticking names off your holiday shopping list: Yet another reason to visit Universal Kids Resort during the most wonderful time of the year.
Make sure you catch all of the cozy, twinkly, Santa-y holiday feels this holiday season at Universal Kids Resort. I have a feeling you’re about to experience your family’s newest can’t-miss holiday tradition.
What are you most excited to do over the holidays at Universal Kids Resort? Let us know in the comments below.
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