It’s never too early to start thinking about how you want to spend the holidays! Our frog squad looks forward to our tradition — celebrating Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood at the beginning of the holiday season! Each year, we time our visit to occur on the opening weekend of Grinchmas so we can enjoy the Holiday Who-bilation, and then hop over to The Wizarding World to experience the magic of the holiday season in Hogsmeade. This year, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is joining in on the holiday fun! Holiday festivities begin Nov. 29, 2024, and continue daily through Jan. 6, 2025!
Overview of the Holidays at Universal Studios
Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the new holiday overlay at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD run daily from Nov. 29, 2024, to Jan 6, 2025. With shows, decorations and delicious food, there are so many fun holiday experiences for the Universal Studios Hollywood Christmas celebration! Here's a look at what to expect when the old Grinch sleighs into Whoville. Check the calendar before you visit to confirm park hours! Nights on which the park stays open until at least 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. usually include more showtimes.
You’ll find all of Universal decorated for the holiday season, with colorful lights, bows, ornaments and even a dusting of snow. Look for themed Christmas trees throughout the park, from dinosaurs to wizards and minions to Seuss-ian! Your favorite characters don their Santa hats or ugly Christmas sweaters and scarves to greet guests. And behold the merry (and mischievous!) minions, who also help you get into the holiday spirit.
Our hearts always grow three sizes when we visit Grinchmas and Christmas in Hogsmeade. Hold onto your wizard hats and join us for the complete guide to Universal Studios Christmas 2024.
Super Nintendo World Holidays
Celebrate in the Mushroom Kingdom with Mario, Luigi, Toad and Princess Peach! For the first time ever, this magical land will become even more magical during the holidays. A Super Star will top the tree alongside festive wreaths and two snowmen. You might just recognize said snowmen while they greet you for a special photo op.
Themed decor will adorn the land and seasonal treats will be found in Toadstool Cafe.
Plus, holiday merchandise will be available for purchase for the first time.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
In the "Harry Potter" books and movies, Harry wakes up on Christmas morning to gifts that magically appear at the foot of his bed. Hogsmeade is covered with snow and decorated with greenery and enchanted candles. Harry experiences his first-ever Christmas feast of roast turkey and mounds of side dishes and other goodies ... and now, so can you! Here’s your chance to magically transport yourself to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this season! You’d better add Universal Studios Hollywood tickets to your wish list this year so you can experience all of the Universal Studios Hollywood holiday events and magic too.
You do not want to miss one bit of this celebration, which runs daily with your regular park admission.
- Festive holiday décor — Throughout the streets of Hogsmeade, find glimmering lights, wreaths, garland and the largest bunch of mistletoe you’ve ever seen. (If you look closely, you'll see that each shop is decorated with its own holiday-themed garland!)
- The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle — This nighttime show with projections, music and dazzling lights is back again.
- Holiday Frog Choir — Ring in the holiday season with holiday songs sung by a choir of Hogwarts students and their croaking frogs.
- Holiday food — Try hot Butterbeer, the way Harry Potter and his friends enjoy it. New this 2024 season, pick up a Pumpkin Pasty from the Three Broomsticks! Seasonal foods include the English Holiday Meal with juicy turkey, gravy, sourdough stuffing, carrots, Brussels sprouts, bacon-wrapped sausage and cranberry sauce at the Three Broomsticks. It's quite tasty!
- Holiday shopping — Pick up your wizarding ornaments, stockings, figurines and tree toppers so you can take the holiday magic home with you.
You'll find showtimes posted on the Studio Directory boards around the park (located in both the Upper and Lower Lots). The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle showtimes may appear on the Universal Studios Hollywood app after 9:30 a.m. that day as well. Tap "Alerts" then the viewing information under "Park Updates" to see the show times. When we last visited, the castle show started at 6 p.m. and ran every half an hour until the park closed. Sometimes there's an early show! During the week, there are usually only one or two show times just before the park closes.
Regardless of which showtime you choose, we recommend getting in place at least 30 minutes beforehand. For the best view, head straight to the stage where the Holiday Frog Choir performs so that you can take in the magical light show in its entirety! On peak days, Hogsmeade may reach capacity during the show, and team members may stop letting guests enter Hogsmeade.
Chances are, you'll want to see The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle show and the Grinchmas tree lighting. Let's hop over to all of the naughty (and nice!) details of Grinchmas.
Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood
Some of my hoppiest holiday memories involve reading and watching Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" as a young froglet. That’s why I am always just as frogcited as the kids to ring in the Who-liday season during Grinchmas. Here is the Who (get it?), what, when, where, why and how of Grinchmas, all neatly packaged for you.
Who (Exactly!)
Many costumed Whos are just "who" you will find waiting to greet and entertain you during Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood. Not to mention, the Grinch himself and even his dog, Max, will be present. Meet Cindy Lou Who and her many Who friends, from the tall to the small, as they are walking around, posing for pictures and making guests laugh.
The Grinch has become quite popular and chatty since his heart grew three sizes, so visit and take a photo with him early — lines grow throughout the day. We brought him a treat — an onion! It led to a toadally fun interaction with him.
Max, being a real dog, does not have much to say, so his line is quite short, and he leaves earlier than the Grinch. We recommend visiting the Grinch in the morning shortly after he arrives for the shortest line. And if you send the Grinch a postcard listing some of your good deeds, donations will be made to help support tutoring for homeless youth! This year, the Grinch will also be meeting in the Lower Lot for passholders on select dates!
The Grinch steals the light from the tree — and the show — for the tree lighting. But his growing heart makes him put the light back, and you can enjoy the tree in all its wonder. Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood is the most Grinchful time of the year at the park. You can’t miss him! We have a whole post on how to meet the Grinch this year (since he does pop up in a few locations).
What
There is so much to celebrate during the Who-lidays. You can meet the Grinch, Max and other Who citizens. Holiday music sets the tone. During the day, you can catch Storytime with Cindy Lou.
Catch the all-new Who-Bee Doo-Wops Musical Performance. Whoville’s newest musical sensation will have you rocking out to hip-swinging, bell-ringing holiday classics. It takes place during the day (on weekends and peak days).
Starting when it gets dark enough on select nights (5:30 p.m. on the night we visited but maybe 6 p.m. during the week), the Whos (along with the Grinch) gather on stage for the Christmas tree lighting for the Whoville Christmas tree. The lighting occurs about every 30 minutes. Each lighting is followed by a brief snowfall. The lighting has a new show and the tree has a new expanded backdrop.
Visit the craft area, where you and your little Whos can make paper ornaments to decorate the Grinchmas tree or to take home as a free souvenir. You can also visit the Whoville post office to mail a merry postcard sharing three good deeds.
In terms of holiday treats, there are some Grinchy treats, such as green cotton candy, giant Grinch doughnuts and mini doughnuts to buy. Find other holiday favorites in the Grinchmas area! Bite into one of the yummy Who-liday cookies. You'll also find cinnamon rolls, sugar cookies and a special Grinch-inspired cupcake!
Sip on flavored hot chocolate drinks (great for warming up when it gets dark) and other festive beverages such as the Grinch Heart Lemonade. Adults can enjoy spiked hot cocoa and hot buttered rum.
You'll also find a Cocoa Cookie, Whoville Present Cookie, Who Pudding, 2 Sizes Too Small Cupcake and a Max Dog hotdog!
When
When can you experience Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood? Daily, Nov. 29, 2024 through Jan. 6, 2025.
While the tree lighting is now the main event at night, you and the tadpoles can enjoy the Who-Bee-Do-Whops and Storytime with Cindy Lou during the day. Look for carpet circles on the ground for the tadpoles to sit and listen to storytime! Keep in mind that the Who-Bee-Do-Whops are only available during peak days of this Who-liday celebration.
The Frog Family likes to hop in and out of the Grinchmas Who-bilation in the Upper Lot throughout the day. We love meeting the various Who characters — they are so funny! Look for signs with all of the Who-liday event times posted at Grinchmas entrances so you can plan accordingly. There are lighter crowds during the day than at night. You'll also encounter lighter crowds during the week in early December than closer to the holidays. But you'll still want to visit Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood during the night, starting at 5:30 p.m. The lights after dark make the whole scene even more festive and beautiful. Be sure to visit on a night with evening hours in the park after it gets dark.
Where
You’ll find Grinchmas in the Upper Lot in Universal Plaza. (When you enter the park, walk straight ahead and you’ll see it on your left — followed by Hogsmeade on the right). Grinchmas is just a hop, skip and a jump away from The Wizarding World, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (where you can also meet minions and other "Despicable Me" characters) and Super Silly Fun Land. It's also around the corner from the The Secret Life of Pets ride. This makes Grinchmas one of the most fun times of the year at Universal Studios for young tadpoles!
Why
Why go to Universal Studios Hollywood at Christmas time? It’s toadally fun, of course. Where else will you see a Seuss-ian wonky Christmas tree and real-live Whos? The Grinch is hilarious now that he's not trying to ruin your holiday (and he’s green, right? Can I get a ribbit, ribbit for my favorite color?!). It's something new to try at Universal and provides holiday fun for the whole family. Snowfall in Southern California is already pretty magical, but snowfall in Whoville is even more amazing. After visiting Grinchmas, hop on over to the Wizarding World for a cup of hot Butterbeer or a holiday dinner. Yum! Check out more details about the best food and drinks in the Wizarding World.
How
How should you approach Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood? Hit the Grinch line as early as you can, and then hit the Studio Tour and your must-see rides in the Lower Lot early in the day. Then, return to see the tree lighting and snowfall. Note that the Grinch leaves his post to do the tree lighting show every half an hour in the evening (on days with longer park hours).
Festive Food and Seasonal Flavors at Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk
We love trying seasonal foods, treats and beverages during the holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Besides the yummy-themed holiday foods available in The Wizarding World and Grinchmas areas, you can also enjoy other fall food items throughout Universal Studios Hollywood. Plus, new this year, you can enjoy new holiday-themed treats at Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World!
In addition to food and fun novelties in the park, CityWalk restaurants offer special holiday sips and bites:
- Voodoo Doughnut has seasonal flavors and adorable present and gingerbread men donuts.
- Antojitos Cocina Mexicana serves up a variety of festive-themed drinks and foods.
- Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen has a new seasonal milkshake, Wintermint Spice Shake, available both at the Foundry milkshake bar and in the dining room.
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew offers a tasty holiday Martini.
- Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville whips up a creamy and joyful drink with its Co-co-Colada.
- VIVO Italian Kitchen offers an assortment of flavorful drinks, as well as new themed foods.
New Year's Eve at Universal Studios Hollywood
There is a New Year's Eve party on Dec. 31, 2024 called "EVE." You can enjoy multiple party areas with music, dancing, treats, drinks and souvenirs. DJs spin an eclectic medley of music from pop, rock and hip-hop to EDM and Latin music. Guests can enjoy unique photo opportunities available throughout the theme park, and capture memorable moments from the night in front of a sparkling backdrop. The countdown to the new year ends in a dazzling fireworks display across the nighttime sky. Winter snowfall and confetti bursts add excitement to designated areas.
These festivities are included in your theme park ticket and allow you to access select rides and attractions during the park's extended hours (until 2 a.m.). The New Year's party festivities began at 9 p.m. Tickets are now available for purchase through Universal's website!
Tips for the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
Here are our tips for maximizing your time during the Universal Studios Hollywood holiday events — consider them an early Christmas present from us:
- Know the park hours before you arrive. You'll want a weekend or holiday week to see all the entertainment.
- Arrive early!
- Plan to stay until the park closes.
- Catch snowfall inside the Universal Studios Store and during the tree lighting!
- Visit during weekends in the first half of December for the lightest crowds but full entertainment.
- Use the Mobile Food & Drink Ordering (via the Universal app) to order some holiday foods in advance at locations such as Jurassic Cafe, Three Broomsticks and Mel's Diner. It's a time saver!
- Consult the Alerts section of the app as of 9:30 a.m. the day of your visit (or ask employees in the Wizarding World) for the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle showtimes.
- Be sure to check the Grinchmas signs for the tree lighting, musical entertainment and story times.
- Bring a sweatshirt or Hogwarts robe and scarf — even if it's warm and sunny during the day, it can cool off significantly at night.
- If there are multiple Hogwarts Castle shows, see a later one for lighter crowds, or hop in place an hour before the first show to hopfully catch a bonus early show.
- Stay at a nearby hotel.
- Enjoy the CityWalk musical entertainment and Christmas tree, with 200,000 choreographed LEDs that move to the music! Voodoo Doughnut offers holiday creations.
- Check out the Hanukkah décor in the window of Saul & Sons New York Deli and Market façade in the Upper Lot.
- Try holiday treats, but save room for the English Holiday Meal and hot Butterbeer in The Wizarding World.
- Purchase a Universal Express Ticket so you can fit everything in.
- Take advantage of Single Rider lines and Child Switch service (the app shows which attractions these are available for).
- Enjoy the Jurassic World Christmas tree in the Lower Lot (as well as the minion tree in Super Silly Fun Land and many other colorful trees near Despicable Me Minion Mayhem).
- Check out the Studio Store on your way out of the park at closing. You might just catch some magical indoor snowfall over the Wizarding World section!
Even though the earlier and weekday dates of Grinchmas are not as crowded as peak times near holidays and weekends, the park hours are much shorter on weekdays in early December. The closing times vary from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the season. A shorter night can definitely cut the fun off early. You'll want to plan to fit it all in. Having Express access on any of those days can help you experience more of the park. You want to hit all the seasonal entertainment, rides and shows no matter which day you visit.
What are you most looking forward to during Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood 2024? Share a tip or two in the comments below. If you're looking for a hoppin’ deal on Universal Studios tickets or lodging in the Los Angeles area, Undercover Tourist offers discount hotel rooms near Universal Studios Hollywood. Beat the traffic and save time by staying nearby. Merry Grinchmas and Hoppy Who-lidays!
Related: Universal Studios Hollywood Tips to Maximize Your Time
Related: How to Meet the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood
Hoppy planning!
