There’s a specific moment every year when the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort quietly come to an end—and this year, that moment arrived overnight.
January 4 served as the final evening of Universal’s holiday celebration. The last Macy’s Holiday Parade rolled through Universal Studios Florida, Santa Claus made his final seasonal appearance, and the parks glowed one last time with festive décor. By the morning of January 5, the shift was complete.
Holiday decorations were largely removed, seasonal elements disappeared, and three familiar faces officially stepped away from daily appearances. For guests arriving that morning, the change was immediate and unmistakable.
The Grinch, Earl the Squirrel, and Santa Claus were gone.
The End of a Holiday Tradition
Universal’s holiday season is known for being immersive and character-driven. These limited-time appearances don’t simply enhance the experience—they define it. That’s why their absence feels so noticeable once the season ends.
Unlike some theme parks that allow holiday offerings to linger into January, Universal draws a clear line. When the holidays are over, the parks reset quickly and completely.
January 5 marks that reset.
The Grinch Returns to the Offseason
At Islands of Adventure, The Grinch concluded his seasonal run.
During the holidays, his meet-and-greet becomes one of the most popular character experiences at Universal Orlando. Guests plan their days—and sometimes entire trips—around the chance to see him. Long wait times are expected, and the interaction itself has become a signature part of Universal’s winter celebration.
Once the holiday décor comes down, however, The Grinch steps away entirely. Universal does not gradually phase out the experience or extend it into January. When the season ends, so does his appearance.
Earl the Squirrel Quietly Exits
Over in Universal Studios Florida and CityWalk, Earl the Squirrel also stepped away for the season.
Earl has grown into a surprisingly strong symbol of Universal’s holidays. His presence signals that the season is officially underway, and his themed décor and merchandise have earned him a loyal following among fans.
As of January 5, Earl’s seasonal elements were removed, restoring CityWalk and Universal Studios Florida to their year-round look. For many guests, his absence is one of the clearest signs that the holidays have officially ended.
Santa’s Final Wave
The conclusion of the Macy’s Holiday Parade brought with it the final appearance of Santa Claus.
Santa’s role in the parade has long been one of Universal’s most meaningful holiday moments, especially for families visiting during the season. January 4 marked the last opportunity to see him make his way through the park as part of the celebration.
Once the parade concluded, Santa’s daily appearances ended as well—no overlap, no extended run.
A Swift Transition Back to Normal
Universal’s fast transition may feel abrupt, but it’s part of the resort’s broader strategy. Seasonal offerings are designed to be limited, creating urgency and anticipation year after year. The clean break allows Universal to move forward operationally while preserving the special nature of its holiday events.
For guests who visited on the final night, January 4 now feels like a moment worth remembering. For those who arrived on January 5, the absence of these characters can come as a surprise.
The good news is that none of these icons are gone permanently. Based on past years, The Grinch, Earl the Squirrel, and Santa Claus are all expected to return when Universal’s holiday season begins again later in the year.
Until then, their departure officially closes the book on another holiday season at Universal Orlando—one that ended not with a spectacle, but with a quiet, overnight change.
