You don’t want to go into 2026 regretting not doing anything fun for New Year’s Eve, do you? Of course not! That’s why you’re spending it at Universal CityWalk in Universal Orlando Resort, where there’s a full lineup of fun specially tailored to ring in the new year like never before. From vibrant live entertainment to more food offerings than you can count on hand, you’ll want to make sure your New Year’s Eve celebration is at Universal CityWalk.
New Year’s Eve Entertainment at Universal CityWalk
When it comes to New Year’s Eve, Universal CityWalk doesn’t take the celebration lightly. The fun begins December 31, 2025, at 4 p.m. and ends January 1, 2026, at 2 a.m., and what’s in store is sure to hype you up for the new year! Here’s our full New Year’s Eve 2026 event timeline:
- From 4 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., enjoy live entertainment on the Waterfront Stage with a DJ set until 8 p.m.
- More DJs bring the party to life on the Promenade (pathway from Green & Red Coconut Club to Universal’s Great Movie Escape) from 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. with a Throwback Dance Party from 12 a.m. – 2 a.m.
- Listen to the live band Zee-R perform four 45-minute shows at 8:45 p.m., 9:45 p.m., 10:45 p.m., and 11:45 p.m.
- Celebrate the new year at midnight with light pyrotechnics above Pat O’Brien’s and a confetti storm on both the Promenade and Plaza Stage.
More than just a night filled with vibrant entertainment, there will also be interactive stilt walkers around Universal CityWalk to set the vibe right, as well as mirror ball stilts on the Plaza Stage to welcome the new year!
Once the clock strikes 12 a.m., the fun is far from over; stay and celebrate by venturing up the Promenade to any of our lively venues that are staying open for the occasion.
Enjoy the Show with Sip & Bites at VIVO Italian Kitchen
We get it. Sometimes New Year’s Eve events can get a little crowded. But did you know there’s an easy way to get a front-row seat to all the festivities and enjoy the best Italian food Universal CityWalk has to offer? It starts with Sip & Bites at VIVO Italian Kitchen.
What is Sip & Bites, you ask? Exactly as it sounds! Sip & Bites is a ticketed New Year’s Eve event on the patio at VIVO, where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat, bite-size portions of some of your favorite VIVO dishes accompanied by a champagne toast at midnight.
More than just a cozy place to sit and eat, the VIVO patio is conveniently seated right next to the Plaza Stage in CityWalk — so from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on December 31, 2025, you can have dinner and a show to celebrate the occasion! Here’s what tasty appetizers will accompany the countdown to 2026 this New Year’s Eve:
Bruschetta
What better flavors to bring into the new year than those of a classic Bruschetta? These small delights pack a big punch of savory heirloom tomatoes on a crispy grilled crostini topped with fresh basil.
Shrimp Cocktail
You may know shrimp cocktail, but you don’t know VIVO’s Shrimp Cocktail. This tangy citrus fennel poached shrimp is served with a rich grappa (Italian pomace brandy) cocktail sauce to bring a taste unlike any other.
Short Rib & Risotto
Short Rib & Risotto just sounds like something you’d eat on New Year’s Eve — and looks even better, too. Welcome in the new year with a tender braised beef short rib and a red wine demi served with a side of sweet butternut squash risotto.
Ravioli
It’s time to talk about one VIVO dish I’ll never shut up about: the Ravioli. When it comes to house-made chicken and pesto ravioli served with garlic Florentine sauce and chili oil, what’s not to love?
Mini Meatballs
Arguably the most popular appetizer on VIVO’s menu (only smaller), the Mini Meatballs come dressed in a flavorful marinara sauce and garnished with basil. I could eat these all day, every day.
Trio of Desserts
Make it a New Year’s resolution to try the Trio of Desserts at VIVO this December 31! This trio includes a fluffy tiramisu, creamy black forest trifle, and a decadent fig and amaretto panna cotta.
Call the restaurant at (407) 224-3663 or go online today to book your 8 p.m. reservation for December 31, 2025, at VIVO Italian Kitchen!
More New Year’s Eve Tastes Around Universal CityWalk
If you prefer the hustle and bustle of Universal CityWalk’s New Year’s Eve environment but don’t want to skip out on good food, you can make a pitstop (or three) at various food carts serving up hearty flavors that invoke that New Year’s spirit! Here’s what you’ll find at each cart:
Breadbox Food Cart
- Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Antojitos Food Cart
- Street Elote made with lime crema, cotija, Tajín, chili powder, cilantro, and crumbled spicy cheese-corn snacks
- Tacos with your choice of al pastor, chicken tinga or nopales topped with diced onions, cilantro, pickled cabbage, and chipotle aioli
- Mexican Baked Potato with your choice of chicken tinga or pork carnitas topped with queso, pico de gallo, Oaxaca cheese, and cilantro
Bob Marley’s Food Cart
- Off the Grill with your choice of beef, chicken, prawns, or plant base with black pepper bammy (traditional Jamaican cassava flatbread) and pomegranate barbecue sauce
How excited are you to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Universal CityWalk? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
Must be 21 or older with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.
The post Ring in the New Year at Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort appeared first on Discover Universal.
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Ring in the New Year at Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort was originally published on December 23, 2025 at 10:00AM by Yasmene Warren from Universal Orlando Blog. Far Beyond Infinity Travel Blog takes no responsibility for errors in syndicated content.
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