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Ring in 2026 With Fireworks, Food, and Confetti at Universal CityWalk Orlando
If your New Year’s resolution is to actually do something fun on New Year’s Eve, Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort has you covered. The celebration kicks off December 31, 2025, at 4 p.m. and runs all the way until 2 a.m. on January 1, 2026, packing the night with DJs, live bands, roaming performers, and a midnight moment that includes light pyrotechnics over Pat O’Brien’s and a confetti storm that rains down on both the Promenade and Plaza Stage.
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Throughout the evening, guests can catch live entertainment on the Waterfront Stage, dance their way down the Promenade with multiple DJs, and rock out to four high-energy sets from the band Zee-R scheduled at 8:45, 9:45, 10:45, and 11:45 p.m., with interactive stilt walkers and mirror ball performers adding extra sparkle as the countdown approaches.
For those who want a more relaxed front row experience, VIVO Italian Kitchen is hosting its ticketed Sip & Bites New Year’s Eve event from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on the patio, perfectly positioned next to the Plaza Stage so you can dine and dance at the same time. Sip & Bites includes all you care to enjoy small plates like bruschetta, citrus fennel poached shrimp cocktail, braised short rib with butternut squash risotto, house-made ravioli, and more, along with a champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are required and can be made directly through VIVO, making this a great option for guests who want guaranteed seating without missing the party.
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If wandering and snacking is more your vibe, food carts across CityWalk will be serving up crowd-pleasing bites all night long. The Breadbox cart offers grilled cheese with tomato soup, Antojitos brings street elote, tacos, and loaded Mexican baked potatoes, and Bob Marley’s cart fires up the grill with beef, chicken, prawns, or plant-based options served with black pepper bammy and pomegranate barbecue sauce. Once midnight hits, the celebration keeps rolling as venues across CityWalk stay open into the early hours, letting you dance, snack, and toast your way into 2026. Just remember that guests must be 21 or older with valid photo ID to purchase alcoholic beverages.
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