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What better way to bring together minions, wizards, toys and more than during Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort? Even the Grinch can't resist the cheer. After all, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year (right?!)! During the holiday season, from Nov. 22 to Dec. 31, 2024, Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spread holiday cheer throughout Seuss Landing, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Much of the main entertainment returns year after year, but we always notice new details in the decor to keep things fresh. Best of all, the Universal Orlando Christmas events are included with regular Universal Orlando admission.
Overview of the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
With terrific temperatures, decadent decor, scrumptious snacks and endless entertainment, the holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year at Universal Orlando Resort. From the theme parks to the hotels, you'll find jolly festivities everywhere you go. That means you don't even need a park ticket to partake in the resort-wide celebrations!
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
You know that feeling you get when you watch a "Harry Potter" movie with your family while drinking hot cocoa on a snowy winter night? That's the feeling you'll get when you see Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando goes all out with the level of detail. Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida both feature festive Christmas decorations — including garland and lights — along the buildings and streets of the Wizarding World.
Be sure to take a closer look at the decorations outside each storefront! For instance, Madam Malkin's in Diagon Alley sports pink ribbon bows that match the color of Hermione's Yule Ball dress in the display window. The London waterfront is also decked out in traditional Christmas lights and garland as if you've magically been transported to the city itself. We highly recommend visiting during the day so you can notice all of the small details and returning at night to see everything lit up!
Our fellow froggies, the Frog Choir, perform special concerts in Hogsmeade with Christmas songs straight from the spell books, as well as muggle holiday tunes such as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Inside Diagon Alley, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees get in the holiday spirit with a special show. Listen for four original songs, including the super-catchy "My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas." These shows tend to not draw crowds until they've already started. Every view is good, but even if you only arrive five minutes early, you can still usually sit down on the ground right next to the stage.
The true showstopper of Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the projection-mapping show on Hogwarts Castle. "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle" is eight minutes long and plays intermittently from dusk until park close each night. Muggles and wizards alike will be absolutely dazzled to see the castle come alive! There are breathtaking scenes with Hogwarts students dancing at the Yule Ball, Arthur Weasley's flying Ford Anglia plowing into snowmen and more! Even if you aren't a fan of the usual "Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle" show, we recommend catching the Christmas show. It's gorgeous and captures the unique holiday fun you see in the "Harry Potter" films. We're so hoppy it's returning once again this year!
If you have a park-to-park ticket and are planning on seeing the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy's (more on that down below!), get ready to huff it from Universal Studios to Islands of Adventure as soon as Santa passes you if you also watch to catch this castle projection show. (Do not rely on the Hogwarts Express!) We set up camp for the parade right in front of Sahara Traders and were able to make the 6:40pm showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. The walk (while stopping for some necessary nighttime photos) was just about 20 minutes.
Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure
It wouldn't be Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort without Grinchmas! Seuss Landing is the most spectacularly decorated of them all, with so many baubles and tinsel wrapped around just about everything.
The viral verdant sourpuss himself will arrive at Universal Islands of Adventure for some holiday fun, as well! The green guy brings his signature snark during a special meet and greet in his lair at Honk Honkers. Once again, the meet and greet uses a standby queue. Because of The Grinch's superstardom, we saw wait times go up to 200 minutes bright and early in the morning. However, throughout the day, we began to see the wait drop with a 150 minute wait at 12:30 p.m. and a 75 minute wait at 5:45 p.m. before eventually hitting capacity just before park close.
Meanwhile, Who-ville citizens are usually out and about, walking through the land or strolling through The Street of the Lifted Lorax. Throughout the day, you'll see them gathered by the entrance of Seuss Landing near Port of Entry. All of them will hoppily pose for photos with you!
One of our favorite holiday offerings is the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular! In this whoot of a show, talented performers bring the Seuss favorite to life through song and dance. If you'd like to attend, plan to be in line at least 30 minutes ahead of showtime, even if there aren't huge crowds. You do need to walk a fair distance to the theater where it takes place (a space that was previously occupied by Blue Man Group). While definitely a tadpole-centric show, it's still a blast for any fans of the Grinch, who spits out hilarious one-liners. (And OMG ... Max is played by an adorable, live dog. What a good boy!)
Want to spend even more time with the maven of mischief? Then book a table at The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure. Start your day alongside the Grinch and other favorite characters from Seuss Landing while dining on delicious breakfast items such as Green Eggs and Ham and Cindy-Lou Who's Belgian Waffles. This plated breakfast takes place in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous on select dates beginning Nov. 22 through Dec. 30, 2024, for $62.82 (tax inclusive) per adult and $35.13 (tax inclusive) per tadpole (ages 3-9). Make your reservation for this festive feast over the Universal Orlando website.
Epic Holiday Offerings & Entertainment at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's
The highlight of Christmas at Universal Orlando (for us, at least!) is Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. You can catch some of your favorite Universal characters making holiday mischief, including the minions, Shrek and more. And of course, jolly ol' Santa typically makes an appearance at the parade's finale to light up the Christmas tree. (Be sure to smile and wave to the brand new Christmas Kowalski balloon in the Madagascar unit of the parade this year!)
If you want a prime spot for Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's in front of the tree, get in place at least an hour early on busy nights. This is especially true on weekends. Our favorite spot is usually across the street from the tree next to Revenge of the Mummy. From this spot, you can watch as Santa lights the tree. Since the parade begins near Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show and starts its journey down the streets of Hollywood, you'll first see the parade about 15 minutes after the official start time. The parade kicks off daily at 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Annual passholders can enjoy a reserved viewing area in front of Mel's Drive-In Restaurant, which opens up about an hour before the parade, and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have little ones under 10, there's a Lil Stars viewing area in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop in Hollywood.
Earl the Squirrel Meet and Greet
Earl the Squirrel comes out of his hiding spot in the big Christmas tree to meet guests near the directly across from Cafe La Bamba! You can confirm his meeting times in the Universal app, though typically he'll be out about once an hour from 9:15 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.
You'll also be able to find the nutty squirrel on select dates from Nov. 29 to Dec. 29 at CityWalk Plaza.
Holiday Tribute Store
The Universal Tribute Store has stocked up with seasonal merchandise once again this year across four festively-adorned rooms inspired by Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and fan-favorite character, Earl the Squirrel. Be sure to grab Earl's very own storybook, "The Tale of Earl the Squirrel," as you're doing your holiday shopping!
Holiday Nutcracker Hunt
Brand new in 2024, take part in the Holiday Nutcracker Hunt. This thrilling scavenger hunt will take you across Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk. Pick up your map and ornament at any participating location to get started. Our favorites were the dilophosaurus nutcracker in the Jurassic Park Discovery Center and the Frankenstein and Gill-man nutcrackers from Five & Dime!
Additional Holiday Entertainment
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled. Everyone is celebrating the holidays all across Universal Orlando Resort! We spotted a garland-decked Bluesmobile making its way from Hollywood to New York with Jake and Elwood in tow, Marilyn and the Diamond Bellas giving a special seasonal performance over at Mel's Drive-In and the Beat Builders jamming out to holiday classics. As we were making our way out of the Tribute Store, we noticed some elves dancing and posing for photos in front of the giant Christmas tree and as we were heading out of the night, we caught soulful sounds of a holiday singing group over on the fountain stage in CityWalk!
The Universal Holiday Tour
Want to experience all Universal Orlando has to offer this holly jolly season? There's no better way than The Universal Holiday Tour. This glistening guided tour includes:
- An exclusive meet and greet with the Grinch and his faithful dog, Max
- Small plates, delectable desserts and nonalcoholic beverages in Universal Studios Florida
- Reserved seating at the "Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular" in Universal Islands of Adventure
- An exclusive meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida
- An after-hours showing of "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle"
- Priority access to Universal Studios Florida's newest attraction, Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast (subject to change and based on availability)
The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning Nov. 25 through Dec. 29, 2024, and can be booked by visiting the Universal Orlando website. Pricing begins at $85.19 per person (tax inclusive) and a separate 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket is required.
Festive Food and Drinks During the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
Drinking Butterbeer is a must-do whenever you visit the Universal parks (did you know there are six different versions?). While you can now get hot Butterbeer year-round, there's no better time to enjoy a delicious cup than when the temperature starts dropping. Think more along the lines of hot chocolate (but butterscotch) rather than a carbonated cream soda, which is what the classic, cold Butterbeer tastes like. You can find it inside The Leaky Cauldron, Three Broomsticks, Hog's Head Pub and The Hopping Pot.
All around Universal Orlando Resort, there are specially-themed holiday food and beverages, such as the Peppermint Cheesecake Bar, Pistachio Holiday Wreath, Roasting Chestnuts Mont Blanc and Grinch-themed treats, such as Grinch Cookies!
Don't froget to head to Mistletoe Pine Ski Lodge The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club where you'll be able to enjoy live entertainment and holiday cocktails from Nov. 22 to Dec. 22 on Wednesdays through Sundays and daily from Dec. 23 to Dec. 31. After a long day on the slopes, unwind with après-ski-inspired vibes, classic holiday traditions and a trip upstairs to Earl's Tree Lounge and Coca-Cola Bar. The Green & Red Coconut Club is open from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Also be sure to hit up Bigfire and VIVO Italian Kitchen where you'll find assorted seasonal food and beverages and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen where you'll find the Ugly Sweater Shake, complete with vanilla ice cream with spiced streusel, mini marshmallows, holiday sprinkles and an ugly sweater sugar cookie.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Any time of year, we absolutely love staying on-site at Universal's fabulous resort hotels, but especially during the holidays. Expect all of the Universal Orlando hotels to be decked out for the holidays, and look out for tree and menorah lightings. Plus enjoy all the trimmings at Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The hotels even offer specially ticketed buffets. Some of the hotel holiday celebrations include live music, hula dancers, balloon artists and even bowling.
If you want to experience the Universal Christmas events during the busiest times, we highly recommend purchasing Universal Express Passes no matter where you stay. You can save money when you purchase this add-on to theme park admission for regular Universal Express (which gives you access one time per participating ride) or Universal Express Unlimited. If you stay on-site at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, you'll receive the Unlimited Express benefit for all of your party for your entire length of stay. Watch out for the expected busiest days using our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar. We recommend purchasing Universal Express the week of Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and on weekends. We cannot underestimate this benefit!
If you can't shell out for the Universal Express hotels, jump over to Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Endless Summer - Surfside Inn and Suites or Universal Endless Summer - Dockside Inn and Suites. While they don't offer Unlimited Express, these hotels (and all of Universal's hotels) offer one-hour early admission to a select park. If you stay on-site, you can get a hop on experiencing Christmas in the Wizarding World's holiday magic with Early Park Admission! What's even more magical is to book your Universal Orlando hotel room at a discount, so hop to it!
New Year's Eve at Universal Orlando Resort
If you're looking for something to do when the clock strikes midnight, Universal Orlando offers several different ways to ring in the new year with festivities at CityWalk and throughout the theme parks — which will both be open through midnight on Dec. 31. Head to Universal Studios Florida for live entertainment or Universal Islands of Adventure for hype squads full of music and characters!
Over in CityWalk, the Crenshaw Duo will be performing live music on the Waterfront Stage at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., followed by the Zee-R Band at 8:45 p.m., 9:45 p.m., 10:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. A DJ will be spinning tunes on the Promenade from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and a Midnight Celebration will take place at the Promenade and Plaza at 12 a.m. You'll also find featured food and drink items at various venues.
Additionally, all of the hotels will host a special New Year's Eve or New Year's Day meal. Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort even hosts a New Year's Eve Spectacular that includes face painting, a balloon artist and a live DJ. This event is complimentary for Cabana Bay Beach guests only. Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort, Sapphire Falls Resort and Aventura Hotel will also host their own celebrations.
Our Top Tips for the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
With so much hoppening at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure during the holidays, you may be wondering, "Which ticket should I get?" We're very big fans of the Park-to-Park option. With the two parks so close together, it's easy to hop back and forth. The Park-to-Park option offers maximum flexibility to enjoy it all. And it's the only way to experience the Hogwarts Express. So if you want to experience Christmas in the Wizarding World at Hogsmeade and then hop right over to extend the merry in Diagon Alley, you'll need the Park-to-Park ticket.
If you need some palm trees and sun with your Christmas vacation, you'll need to find it poolside this season. Universal Volcano Bay water theme park is usually open in the winter. Don't let the time of year trick you. It's still plenty warm in sunny Florida (especially for you snowbirds) and the hotel pools are heated. (Check out all of our discount Universal Orlando ticket options, and don't froget, we offer discounts on the Universal Orlando hotels too!)
Ready for Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season? Pick the best dates to visit using our Orlando Crowd Calendar. Check out our Orlando planning timeline for a stress-free family vacation during the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort and other destinations. And be sure to add Universal Express Passes to your tickets to skip the lines!
Related: Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Events
Hoppy planning!
