"Universal Christmas Joy"

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has unveiled its plans for the upcoming holiday season with the launch of a brand-new Christmas event, “Universal Christmas Joy”. This year’s theme, “Decorate Your Own Happiness”, encourages guests to embrace a new way of celebrating the season - by choosing experiences that let them create joy for themselves, rather than relying on others.

Highlights of the 2025–2026 Christmas Season

Universal Christmas Food Festival (First-Ever!)

For the first time, USJ will host the Universal Christmas Food Festival, featuring festive markets and seasonal menus inspired by beloved characters including Snoopy, Sesame Street friends, and Hello Kitty. Guests can enjoy hearty winter dishes and whimsical holiday treats while exploring beautifully decorated areas of the park.

• Dates: November 4, 2025 – January 4, 2026

• Christmas Market: until December 30, 2025

• Locations: New York Area’s Christmas Market, Hollywood Area’s Studio Stars Restaurant

Light Up the Night – Christmas Celebration (New Night Show)

The brand-new Christmas Night Show will combine music, dance, snow effects, fireworks, and dazzling projections for a heartwarming celebration. Beloved characters such as Hello Kitty, Snoopy & Charlie Brown, and the Sesame Street gang will appear alongside singers and dancers in a grand finale where lights, candles, and lanterns illuminate the night sky.

• Venue: Gramercy Park (New York Area)

• Duration: 30 minutes, twice daily

For closer access, guests can purchase tickets to a reserved viewing area for 'Light Up the Night'. Tickets go on sale September 19, 2025, for ¥2,100 and provide prime spots near the Gramercy Park stage.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Winter Magic

Back by popular demand, the Hogwarts Castle Mapping Show will transform the wizarding world into a breathtaking winter wonderland. From snowy owls delivering gifts to magical snowmen, the show captures the wonder of the holidays in true Potter fashion.

Special Greetings & Holiday Performances

• Minions in Christmas costumes return with an expanded greeting experience at Minion Park.

• Universal Wonderland’s friends, including Charlie Brown, Elmo, and Hello Kitty, will dance and sing Christmas songs with guests.

• The rock-inspired stage show Power of Rock: Holiday Rockin’! adds an energetic seasonal twist.

Universal Party Returns to the Peacock Theater

For the first time in three years, the Universal Party - previously a corporate-exclusive program - will be open to individual guests in a Christmas edition. With festive decorations, live entertainment, and holiday menus, this two-hour event offers another way to experience USJ’s “super happiest” Christmas.

The performances are limited-date events:

• Dec 4 (Thu), Dec 5 (Fri), Dec 11 (Thu), Dec 18 (Thu), Dec 19 (Fri)

• Then daily from Dec 22 (Mon) through Dec 29 (Mon)

• Approx. 120 minutes

• 2 performances per day (11:00 / 16:00)

Ticket price:

• Adults: ¥10,900 and up

• Children: ¥9,900 and up

• (All seats reserved)

Ultra-Luxury VIP Experience

For the ultimate treat, USJ introduces the Universal VIP Experience Private Tour – Luxury Plan, limited to one group per day. This exclusive package includes:

• Private guided tours

• Luxury dining at Parkside Grill

• Special greetings and access to restricted areas after closing hours

• Deluxe accommodations at either Imperial Hotel Osaka or The Park Front Hotel at USJ

• Price: from ¥1,049,800 (for up to 4 guests, depending on date)

Note: A separate Studio Pass or Annual Pass (admission ticket) is required to enter the park.

You can buy your tickets here on the official website.