Universal Orlando Resort has announced when its Holiday celebrations will begin. Next month, the park will host several new experiences, while also turning some of its more iconic areas into holiday experiences.
Beginning November 22 and running through December 31, 2024, Universal Orlando Resort will offer up a “merry slate of festive experiences inspired by beloved characters and stories,” ranging from things Christmas-themed decorations at The Wizard World of Harry Potter to the appearance of the Grinch and others.
Alongside the festive celebrations, Universal Orlando’s hotels will also be decked out in holiday decorations and other “seasonal experiences,” including things like offering up The Universal Holiday Tour and The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.
Full list of Universal Orlando Resort holiday celebration activities
The full list of experiences coming to Universal Orlando Resort for their holiday experiences is as follows:
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure
With festive décor, garland, and twinkling lights adorning the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, guests will be surrounded by holiday magic as they explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this holiday season. Guests can grab a Hot Butterbeer and enjoy special holiday-themed performances by The Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant frogs, in Hogsmeade, or dance along with the hit-sensation Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley. And as night falls in Hogsmeade, the nighttime spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” returns – bringing to life an awe-inspiring projection show on Hogwarts castle highlighting Christmas moments and holiday cheer inspired by the cherished characters and stories from the “Harry Potter” films.
Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure
Guests can enjoy a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in the beloved stage show, “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” Plus, Seuss Landing will transport guests directly to Who-ville, where they’ll be surrounded by whimsical holiday décor and enjoy special appearances from the Whos and even get a chance for a photo opportunity with the mean-one himself – the Grinch!
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida
Beloved pop culture-inspired stories and characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar – along with cherished holiday traditions – come to life as larger-than-life balloons and colorful holiday floats during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. And capping off the picturesque parade is a special appearance by Santa Claus and the magnificent lighting of a grand 80-foot Christmas tree in Universal Studios Florida.
The holiday festivities don’t stop there. Guests will also be able to enjoy themed food and beverage, shop seasonal merchandise from an all-new Holiday Tribute Store, enjoy meet and greets with their favorite characters who are also in the holiday spirit – including the fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel, and take part in an all-new Holiday Nutcracker Hunt that will take them on a scavenger hunt across Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk.
The Universal Holiday Tour (available for an additional cost)
Guests can enjoy a guided journey through popular holiday experiences across the destination with The Universal Holiday Tour, which includes:
An exclusive meet and greet with the Grinch and his faithful dog Max;
Small plates, 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 November 25 through December 29, 2024, and can be booked by visiting www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays. Pricing begins at $79.99 per person (plus tax) and separate theme park admission with a 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park