Reading and watching Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas as a young froglet are some of my hoppiest holiday memories. That’s why I am just as excited as the kids to ring in the Wholiday season during Grinchmas. There is much to do during Grinchmas, so here is the Who (get it?), What, When, Where, Why and How of Grinchmas all neatly packaged for you in our Wholiday Guide to Grinchmas 2017 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Grinchmas 2017 at Universal Studios Hollywood

Who (exactly!)

Many costumed Whos are just “whom” you will find waiting to greet and entertain you during Grinchmas 2017 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Not to mention the Grinch himself and even his dog, Max, will be present. Meet Cindy Lou Who after listening to her read the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas. They have some pads on the ground in front of the stage for little ones. Cindy Lou’s many Who friends from the tall (on stilts) to the small are walking around, posing for pictures and performing on stage (singing and dancing).

The Grinch has become quite popular and chatty since his heart grew three sizes, so be sure to visit him and take a photo early—lines peaked mid-afternoon. Max, being a real dog, does not have much to say, so his line is quite short. We recommend visiting the Grinch in the morning shortly after he arrives for the shortest line. And if you send the Grinch a postcard promising 3 good deeds, a book will be gifted to a child in need! The Grinch must have the same magical powers at Santa Claus because we saw the Grinch ordering everyone around at the line for the Studio Tour. He also performed on the Studio Tour…all while greeting guests in the Upper Lot! Plus, he cannot stand to miss a tree lighting. So Ginchmas 2017 at Universal Studios Hollywood is the most Grinchful time of the year at the park. You can’t miss him!

What

There is so much to celebrate during the Wholidays. You can meet the Grinch or Max, sit down with Cindy Lou Who for story time, meet Who citizens and enjoy musical entertainment from the Who-ville singers and Martha May and the Who-Dolls. Shows cycle throughout the day and evening. Starting at 5:30 p.m., all the Whos (along with the Grinch) gather on stage for the Christmas tree lighting, which occurs every 30 minutes. In terms of other treats, there are some mini doughnuts to buy as well as other treats. When you visit the Grinch, you can decorate an ornament in the tree lot while you wait. Write down three good deeds on a postcard to have a book donated to your community (compliments of the Seuss family). You will also find surprise entertainment from the Who-liday singers in Who-ville during the Studio Tour.

When

You will catch sight of the Grinch and Who-ville dancers in the backlot during the hour-long Studio Tour. We recommend hitting the tour early in the day before the line gets long. The Frog Family hopped in and out of the Grinchmas Who-bilation in the Upper Lot throughout the day because something new is always happening there. We also realized different Who characters make appearances. There are signs with all the Wholiday Event times posted at Grinchmas entrances so you can make your plan. There are lighter crowds during the day than at night. Be aware that Cindy Lou’s story time only occurs during the day. The Christmas tree lighting is fun, so be sure to visit Grinchmas 2017 at Universal Studios Hollywood during the night too, starting at 5:30 p.m. The lights after dark make the whole scene and musical acts even more festive.

When can you experience Grinchmas 2017 at Universal Studios Hollywood? Grinchmas falls only on select days of December and January.

December 2017 dates are December 2-3, 9-10 and 15-31.

Where

You’ll find Grinchmas in the Upper Lot in Universal Plaza. It is just a hop skip and a jump away from Minion Mayhem (where you can meet Minions in Santa hats) and Super Silly Fun Land. This makes Grinchmas one of the most fun times of year at Universal Studios for young tadpoles! You’ll see the Who-ville dancers while you are on the Studio Tour. It is important to know where to sit before you board the tram. Aim for a seat on the right-hand side. The back of the second car and the third car on the tram should center you in front of the stage nicely.

Why

Why go to Grinchmas 2017 at Universal Studios Hollywood? It’s toadally fun. Where else will you see a Seuss-ian wonky Christmas tree that changes colors at night and real live Whos? The Grinch is hilarious now that he is not trying to ruin your holiday (and he’s green right? Can I get a ribbit ribbit for my favorite color?!). It is something new to try at Universal and provides holiday fun for the whole family. Plus, we noticed a lot more other characters than usual around the park and greeting guests (such as Shrek and Simpsons characters, along with Frankentein’s monsters, the Mummy, Sponge Bob, and Lucy about) this time of year. Other areas of the park are decorated with lights and bows and even a dusting of snow. Where else do you get to see snow and palm trees? While you are there, hop on over to the Wizarding World for a cup of hot Butterbeer, which is new this season. Yum! Click here for more on Wizarding World eats and drinks.

How

How should you approach Grinchmas 2017 at Universal Studios Hollywood? Hit the Grinch line as early as you can, then hit the Studio Tour. Return to the Grinchmas area in between other attractions, and maybe catch story time and meet some Whos. Then come back to see the tree lighting and snowfall, and watch some other musical shows. You might wait to see the Grinch at night and use your time in line to watch the tree lighting (perhaps twice!) and musical entertainment from the line. If you are visiting over the winter break at a peak time, consider getting a Front of Line pass for at least a few of your family members so you can fit everything in without standing in line all day. Who’s in?!

What are you most looking forward to during Grinchmas 2017 at Universal Studios Hollywood? Share a tip or two in the comments below. Merry Grinchmas and Happy Wholidays!

Hoppy planning!