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Home / Blog / Theme Park Tips & Planning / A ~Froggy~ Festive Guide to Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort 2024

A ~Froggy~ Festive Guide to Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort 2024

by Mommy Frog on October 31, 2024
6431 Orlando

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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, 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. The Universal Orlando Christmas events are included with regular Universal Orlando admission.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Whoville Citizens

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

Universal Orlando Christmas - Hogwarts Express

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 of 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!

Universal Orlando Christmas - Frog Choir

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 sit down on the ground right next to the stage.

Universal Orlando Holidays - The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

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!

Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure

Universal Orlando Christmas - Grinch

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. Last year, the meet and greet used a standby queue. Because of The Grinch's superstardom, we saw wait times go up to 180 minutes. However, on opening day, we got in line at 3:45 p.m. when the wait time was reading 100 minutes. Luckily, we only ended up waiting an hour!

Meanwhile, Who-ville citizens are usually out and about, walking through the land or strolling through The Street of the Lifted Lorax. On opening day, we saw the majority of them gathered by the entrance of Seuss Landing near Port of Entry. All of them will hoppily pose for photos with you!

Universal Orlando Christmas - Who-liday Spectacular

One of our favorite holiday offerings, though, 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 like 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

Universal Orlando Holidays - Santa in the Holiday Parade

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.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Shrek and Fiona in Universal's Holiday Parade

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

Universal Orlando Holidays - Earl the Squirrel

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. 28 at CityWalk Plaza.

Holiday Tribute Store

The Universal Tribute Store is stocking up with seasonal merchandise once again this year. Check back later for all the festively fun deets!

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.

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 platers, delectable desserts and non-alcoholic 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

Universal Orlando Christmas - Hot Butterbeer

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.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Grinch Cookie

All around Universal Orlando Resort, there are specially-themed holiday food and beverages! This year, don't froget to head to The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club where you'll be able to enjoy live entertainment and holiday cocktails. Also be sure to hit up Bigfire and VIVO Italian Kitchen where you'll find assorted seasonal food and beverage and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen where you'll find a sweet seasonal milkshake.

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.

Universal Orlando Christmas - Cabana Bay Beach Resort Christmas Tree

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!

Universal Orlando Christmas - Loews Royal Pacific Resort

If you can't shell out for the Universal Express hotels, jump over to Universal's Cabana Bay Beach ResortUniversal's Endless Summer - Surfside Inn and Suites or Universal's 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. Ring in the New Year with festivities at CityWalk and throughout the theme parks — which will both be open through midnight on Dec. 31.

Additionally, all of the hotels will host a special New Year's Eve or New Year's Day meal. Universal's 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. Portofino Bay and the Hard Rock Hotel will also host their own parties.

Our Top Tips for the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Christmas - Dapper Winter CityWalk

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're planning to see all of the holiday festivities in both parks on one day, get a viewing spot for the Holiday Parade in Universal Studios right in front of Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show. That's where the parade starts, so by the time the last float passes you, you'll have just enough time to speed-hop over and catch the castle show in Islands of Adventure before the park closes without being blocked off by the parade route! We recommend walking through CityWalk in front of Hard Rock Cafe Orlando and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen instead of waiting for the Hogwarts Express.

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!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
View Comments

Comments

Dec 6, 2022 at 10:51 a.m.
Jackie Says...

Christmas in Universal would be a dream!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 10:36 a.m.
Sabrina Boatright Says...

I have always wanted to visit Universal for the holidays but J can never find the time. After reading this blog I am going to look to visit in 2023.

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 10:34 a.m.
SaraG Says...

Mannheim steamroller would be so fun!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 10:25 a.m.
Shirley Boothe Says...

Love all the information. Thank you and Merry Christmas

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 10:23 a.m.
Amber Hannon Says...

I’d love to go see Grinchmas at Universal.

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 10:19 a.m.
Tonia Says...

Going during the Holiday Season would be so magical

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 10:19 a.m.
Jodi Says...

Christmas anything!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 10:06 a.m.
Graeme Wharton Says...

The best time is Halloween

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 9:03 a.m.
Sokha Nop Says...

Throughoutly detailed the Trip

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 8:24 a.m.
Donelle Says...

Christmas time is the best!!! Cool and comfortable and beautiful lights!!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 8:19 a.m.
Paul Says...

Visiting during Christmas would be absolutely magical.

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 7:56 a.m.
Tom D. Says...

Looks like fun and great place to go!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 7:50 a.m.
BekkiK Says...

Would love to see the night show on Hogwarts. Or see the grinch!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 7:22 a.m.
Becky Preston Says...

Brilliant info, thank you

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 7:16 a.m.
Audra Malawsky Says...

The Grinch?! It’s GO TIME!

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Dec 6, 2022 at 7:05 a.m.
disneylover Says...

Love the Macy's parade and have never known that Universal has a feature. Oh how I'd love to be there this year!!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 7:04 a.m.
Aeg10 Says...

Wow looks so festive and fun!

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Dec 6, 2022 at 6:30 a.m.
Virginia Alworth Says...

Love to see the pictures of the Grinch

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 6:23 a.m.
Zoe Says...

We’ll definitely try to visit Earl!

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Dec 6, 2022 at 6:22 a.m.
Jasmine A Says...

This year was my first year getting to experience universal during the holidays because of you guys! It was so much fun! ????

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 6:18 a.m.
Jasmine kamisugi Says...

I can’t wait to go!!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:45 a.m.
Tonja Poe Says...

Great tips!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:39 a.m.
Lizbeth Vazquez Says...

Grinchmas is the best Christmas !! I would love to be able to see the show.

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:28 a.m.
Elizabeth Wattrick-Krukowski Says...

Thank you for providing this extensive information and making the planning of our family vacation fun and easy

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:27 a.m.
Kaylene Reichel Says...

Great info! Love the summary graphics. Thanks!!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:21 a.m.
Tim K Says...

I'm doing Disney for the Holidays this year- I would love to see what Universal has to offer next year!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:20 a.m.
K Mar Says...

Great deal!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:19 a.m.
S.barbour Says...

Wonderful place gor you and your family

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:13 a.m.
chris reum Says...

Did the Disney Christmas and doing Universal is on the bucket list, especially with the kids love of Harry Potter.

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:13 a.m.
Marty Jones Says...

The parade would be my grandkids favorite!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:08 a.m.
Joey Says...

Thanks for the tips!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:07 a.m.
Alex Says...

One of the best places to spend the holidays! So much fun brings everyone together

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 5:06 a.m.
Lisa Says...

I want to meet the Grinch and have a hot butterbeer.

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 4:47 a.m.
Maria jordan Says...

I am ready.

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 4:46 a.m.
John Moldt Says...

Really nice contest. Winning would be fun for the twin daughters

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 4:43 a.m.
Elizabeth L Says...

Wow I had no idea there was so much to do I read the to do lists it looks so fun and exciting. If I could only try it out once in my life on a holiday it would be amazing. Meet the grinch and hear the frog choir and see all the decor me and my family would do love to do this someday.

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Dec 6, 2022 at 4:30 a.m.
Cee Edwards Says...

Christmas at Universal is on my bucket list!

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Dec 6, 2022 at 4:24 a.m.
Melissa DeFord Says...

I bet Hogwarts is stunning at Christmastime!

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Dec 6, 2022 at 4:22 a.m.
Trev Says...

Christmas time looks like so much fun!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 4:22 a.m.
Lauren Manista Says...

I've always wanted to do Universal for Horror nights, but the Holiday season sounds more and more appealing!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 4:14 a.m.
BexRex Says...

I'm totally using this to plan my holiday vacation! I'm a rookie at this, so I was excited to see this.

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 4:11 a.m.
Mandi Says...

Really would love to do a Christmas trip to see all of this!!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 4:10 a.m.
Cynthia Hepworth Says...

I've never seen Universal during the holidays, but I'd love to sometime soon!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 4:08 a.m.
Mike S Says...

Would love to visit for Christmas

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 4:03 a.m.
befrica Says...

What a charming moment to visit the parks is Christmas time! There are a lot of funny activities to do! I love the must-dos list!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 4:03 a.m.
molly Says...

Here for the food!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 3:56 a.m.
Joanna D. Says...

Gonna need to plan a visit during holidays/Christmas to check this all out one of these days!

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 3:55 a.m.
Brooke Says...

So exciting! Love it

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 3:54 a.m.
Josie Says...

One thing i love about these parks is how in character is the Grinch person ????

Reply
Dec 6, 2022 at 3:53 a.m.
Pauline L Says...

Thank you so much for the info! Planning our first family trip, and after reading you guys we might change dates !

Reply

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