Find answers to all your Holiday Matsuri questions! If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us at info@holidaymatsuri.com.
Holiday Matsuri offers several badge options to fit your schedule and budget:
Single Day Passes:
VIP Badge: $300
Forever Festive Badge: $1,800
Prices are subject to increase as the convention date approaches, so we recommend registering early!
2025 Badges can be purchased at holidaymatsuri.com/badges
You can register online through our website at holidaymatsuri.com/badges. The registration process is simple:
Pre-registering online is highly recommended to avoid lines and potentially save money, as prices may increase closer to the event.
Yes! We offer early badge pickup details on early badge pickup will be released closer to the convention!
2025 Badges can be purchased at holidaymatsuri.com/badges
Lost badges can be replaced for a fee by visiting Registration. You’ll need to present a valid photo ID that matches the name on the original registration. Please take care of your badge as it’s your access to all convention areas!
Holiday Matsuri does not provide refunds for badges. This policy is also posted in the ticket description on the website when purchasing your badge. If you’re uncertain about your ability to attend, we recommend waiting until closer to the convention date to purchase your badge.
For pre-registration online, we accept:
For at-door registration, we accept:
We do not accept personal checks, money orders, or cryptocurrency.
2025 Badges can be purchased at holidaymatsuri.com/badges
All attendees age 6 and up require a badge for entry. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Please ensure all members of your party have appropriate badges before arriving at the convention.
2025 Badges can be purchased at holidaymatsuri.com/badges
If you plan to attend special ticketed events, you can purchase your tickets online in advance or onsite at Registration, subject to availability. Tickets for popular events often sell out quickly, so we recommend purchasing them online as soon as they become available.
Currently, Holiday Matsuri does not offer group discount rates for general attendees. All badges must be purchased at their listed prices regardless of the number of people in your group.
2025 Badges can be purchased at holidaymatsuri.com/badges
Badges can be redeemed by any party as long as they present the QR code provided in the confirmation email and the badge has not already been redeemed. The name on the order does not need to match the person redeeming it, but once claimed, the badge is non-transferable.
Badge pickup information including location and hours will be released closer to the convention!
2025 Badges can be purchased at holidaymatsuri.com/badges
To pick up your pre-registered badge, please bring:
2025 Badges can be purchased at holidaymatsuri.com/badges
Registration information including location and hours will be released closer to the convention!
For safety and comfort, Holiday Matsuri may implement attendance caps. If we approach capacity, announcements will be made on our website and social media channels. We strongly recommend pre-registering to guarantee your spot at the convention. Special badge types such as Forever Festive Passes and VIP Badges have limited quantities.
Yes, all programming rooms have designated accessible seating areas but please note program rooms fill up quickly, and all seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reserved seats and saving of seats for attendees not yet arrived is not permitted. Accessibility seating may not be available if you wait until the last minute to get to the room. Please check the schedule and plan your day accordingly, keeping in mind the popularity of many events, lines form well in advance of the scheduled program time, and seating will begin in advance of any event start time. We recommend arriving early.
Yes, accessible parking is available:
The West Parking Lot offers the most accessible spaces closest to Holiday Matsuri events.
We have partnered with several hotels near the Orange County Convention Center to offer discounted rates for attendees. Our partner hotels include:
The Hyatt Regency is our main host hotel and hosts many of our late-night events and activities. Staying at one of our partner hotels provides the most convenient convention experience.
Hotel Information can be found by visiting Holidaymatsuri.com/hotels
Holiday Matsuri has partnered with EventPipe to make booking your hotel stay easy and secure!
To reserve a room in our official room block:
💡 Pro Tip: Rooms sell out fast! We recommend booking early once the block opens to secure your preferred hotel and dates.
For help with your hotel reservation, the EventPipe support team is available at hotels@holidaymatsuri.com and ready to assist you.
For help with your hotel reservation, the EventPipe support team is available at hotels@holidaymatsuri.com and ready to assist you.
Venue Address: 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
By Car:
Public Transportation:
From Partner Hotels:
Parking is available at the Orange County Convention Center:
Parking Prices will be released closer to the convention.
No shuttle is provided between the connected hotels and the Orange County Convention Center.
The Hyatt Regency Orlando, Rosen Centre, and Rosen Plaza are physically connected to the West Concourse of the convention center via covered walkways or pedestrian bridges, making it easy to walk between your hotel and the event without the need for transportation.
If you’re staying at an offsite or nearby hotel not directly connected, we recommend using rideshare services, carpooling, or checking with your hotel to see if they offer their own local shuttle service.
The Orange County Convention Center is approximately 13 miles (20-25 minutes driving time) from Orlando International Airport. Transportation options from the airport include:
Yes! You’ll find numerous dining options:
Inside the Convention Center:
Inside the Hyatt Regency:
Within Walking Distance:
Orlando in December typically features pleasant temperatures with average highs around 73°F (23°C) and lows around 52°F (11°C). While it’s generally mild, evenings can get cool, especially if you’re wearing cosplay that doesn’t provide much warmth. We recommend bringing layers and a light jacket. Rain is possible but less likely than during summer months. The convention center and hotels are climate-controlled, but prepare for temperature changes when moving between buildings.
Yes, Orlando offers several public transportation options:
The I-RIDE Trolley is particularly convenient for convention attendees, with an unlimited ride pass available for $5 per day or $7 for a 3-day pass.
Yes, both Uber and Lyft operate extensively throughout Orlando, including the convention center and surrounding hotels. Dedicated pickup and drop-off areas are located at the convention center’s main entrances. Wait times are typically short, but may increase during peak convention hours and late night after events conclude.
Yes, there are numerous restaurants within walking distance of the convention center and partner hotels:
Pointe Orlando (across from the convention center):
Along International Drive:
Most restaurants in the area are accustomed to convention attendees and cosplayers.
Yes, our partner hotels are cosplay-friendly and welcome appropriate costumes in public areas. However, please be mindful of the following:
The Hyatt Regency Orlando, as our headquarters hotel, is particularly accommodating to cosplayers.
Holiday Matsuri features a diverse range of programming, including:
The full schedule will be released approximately before the convention.
Our signature events include:
These events are included with your badge unless otherwise noted as a ticketed event.
The full schedule will be available through multiple channels approximately 2-3 weeks before the convention:
Schedule updates during the convention will be posted on our social media channels and mobile app.
To attend 18+ events:
Acceptable IDs include valid non expired driver’s licenses, passports, and military IDs. non government issued IDs are not accepted. No exceptions will be made for anyone without proper identification, regardless of apparent age.
Yes! More information including panel applications and requirements will be released later this year.
Yes, most of our guests will hold autograph sessions throughout the weekend. Some important points about autographs:
Check the specific guests table for the most up to date information regarding their signings.
Our gaming areas include:
Information about gaming areas will be available:
Yes! Holiday Matsuri offers numerous contests including:
Most contests require pre-registration, either online before the convention or at the designated area during the convention. Check our website for specific contest rules, entry deadlines, and registration information.
Yes! Holiday Matsuri features many musical performances including but not limited to:
Check the schedule for specific performance times and requirements.
For special ticketed events:
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. You must have your badge to use your event tickets.
Yes, our tabletop gaming area features:
The tabletop area hours will be released closer to the convention.
Yes, Holiday Matsuri has a manga library where attendees can relax and read from our collection of manga. The library:
The manga library is a quiet space perfect for taking a break from the busy convention.
All costumes are subject to review by staff, who may request modifications if necessary. For the most up-to-date cosplay and dress code guidelines, please visit our Convention Policies page at holidaymatsuri.com/policies
Yes! Holiday Matsuri hosts several cosplay competitions:
For most contests:
Registration typically opens 1-2 months before the convention and may also be available on-site until slots fill up. Check our website for contest rules and registration information.
Yes, makeup and body paint are allowed with these guidelines:
Remember that makeup application can be time-consuming, so plan accordingly.
For the most up-to-date cosplay and dress code guidelines, please visit our Convention Policies page at holidaymatsuri.com/policies
For the most up-to-date prop and cosplay guidelines, please visit our Convention Policies page at holidaymatsuri.com/policies
Yes, but with some considerations:
We recommend bringing a handler/assistant to help navigate with particularly large or unwieldy costumes.
For the most up-to-date cosplay and dress code guidelines, please visit our Convention Policies page at holidaymatsuri.com/policies
Information regarding entry to our Winter Cosplay Championship and Holiday Runway Competitions will be released later this year.
Exhibit Hall/Artist Alley Hours:
Hours for the Exhibit Hall & Artist Alley will be released closer to the convention.
Early access is available for VIP badge holders 30 minutes before general opening each day. Hours are subject to change; check the final schedule for any updates.
Information on Exhibitor and Artist Alley Applications will be released closer to the event.
Prohibited items include:
All merchandise must comply with U.S. laws and regulations. Holiday Matsuri staff reserves the right to request removal of any items deemed inappropriate or in violation of our policies.
Yes, ATMs are available within the Orange County Convention Center for your convenience. They are located:
Please note that ATM fees may apply. Many vendors and artists accept credit/debit cards, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or in case of technical issues.
Most vendors and artists accept credit cards through services like Square, PayPal, or other mobile payment processors. However, not all vendors will accept cards, and some may have minimum purchase requirements or charge a small fee for credit card transactions. We recommend bringing cash as a backup, especially for smaller purchases.
Pop Up Lockers Provided Locker Rental Services – More Information will be provided closer to the event.
Yes! Holiday Matsuri offers convention-exclusive merchandise including:
These items will be available at the Merchandise Booth during the convention. Some items sell out quickly, so we recommend shopping early. Select items may be available online after the convention, but exclusives are typically only sold on-site.
The main differences are:
Exhibit Hall:
Artist Alley:
Both areas are open during the same hours and located near each other.
Holiday Matsuri is committed to providing a harassment-free convention experience for everyone. Harassment in any form will not be tolerated.
You can view our full list of convention policies by visiting our polices page at https://holidaymatsuri.com/policies.
Prohibited items include:
Prohibited items must be returned to your vehicle or hotel room. Items that are illegal will be reported to law enforcement.
In case of emergency:
Yes, there will be a first aid station staffed by medical professionals during convention hours. The location will be marked on the convention map and in the program guide.
Our photography guidelines include:
Yes, we have a comprehensive weapons policy: Detailed weapons policy information is available on our convention policies page holidaymatsuri.com/policies
Holiday Matsuri offers various accessibility services:
Our goal is to make the convention enjoyable for everyone regardless of ability.
If you are an attendee with disabilities, Holiday Matsuri wants to make your experience as fun and as entertaining as possible! Stop by our Accessibility desk for information and assistance with accommodations.
Mobility devices can be rented through, Scootaround. Information can be found by visiting the Scootaround page HERE
Attendees who are joining us with their Trained Service Animal companion can pick up a Service Animal Sticker at our Accessibility Desk to allow seamless access to venues.
Yes, we provide a quiet room where attendees can take breaks from the noise and crowds of the convention. The quiet room:
The location is marked on convention maps and signs.
Yes, the Orange County Convention Center is fully wheelchair accessible:
The Hyatt Regency Orlando is also fully accessible with similar accommodations.
Yes, accessible restrooms are available throughout the convention center and hotels:
If you need assistance locating the nearest accessible restroom, any staff member can direct you.
To receive accessibility identifiers:
Accessibility stickers are available for various needs including mobility, hearing, vision, sensory, and medical considerations.
We’re always looking for passionate, reliable, and friendly individuals to join our staff team!
To apply:
Visit our Staff Application page
Complete the online application form with your availability and areas of interest
Wait for a response from our team—you’ll be contacted if selected for an interview or placement
Please note:
You must be 18 or older by the start of the convention
Prior convention experience is helpful but not required
Staff are expected to be professional, communicative, and team-oriented
Applications usually open in mid-to-late summer, so check back frequently or follow us on social media for updates!
Yes! Our mobile app will be available for download approximately one month before the convention for both iOS and Android devices. The app features:
Links to download the app will be available on our website and social media channels.
You can reach us through several channels:
For specific departments, use these dedicated email addresses:
By attending Holiday Matsuri, you acknowledge and agree that you may be photographed, filmed, or recorded by event organizers or media personnel.
Yes! Holiday Matsuri partners with Pop Up Lockers to provide secure, on-site locker rentals for attendees.
Pop Up Lockers offers:
Secure lockers for storing bags, coats, and personal items
All-day access so you can come and go as needed
Convenient locations inside the convention center
Locker availability is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Pricing and rental details will be available closer to the convention.
We recommend using the lockers for bulky items, cosplay props, or extra layers you don’t want to carry around all day!
Yes! Holiday Matsuri is proud to support Gamers Outreach as our official charity partner.
Gamers Outreach is a nonprofit organization that empowers hospitalized children through video games, providing entertainment, social connection, and joy during treatment.
One of the best ways to support this cause is by attending our annual Benefit Ball—a glamorous, festive evening of music, dancing, and community.
🎟️ 100% of all ticket sales from the Benefit Ball go directly to Gamers Outreach.
Join us in spreading holiday cheer while supporting a mission that brings play and healing to children in need.
Learn more at gamersoutreach.org.
We value your feedback! After the convention:
Your input helps us improve future events. Survey participants may be entered into a drawing for free or discounted badges for next year’s convention.
Yes, children are welcome at Holiday Matsuri! Important things to know:
We recommend reviewing the schedule to identify kid-friendly events.
Yes, Wi-Fi is available at the convention:
Lost & Found Information will be updated closer to the convention
Main Convention Hours:
Specific Area Hours:
Hours are subject to change. Check the final schedule for specific event times.
For sponsorship information, email sponsors@holidaymatsuri.com or visit our Sponsorship page.