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Grinchmas, holiday parade highlight holiday season at Universal Orlando

Destination-wide holiday celebration returns Nov. 22

Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's (Universal Orlando)

ORLANDO, Fla. – Beloved characters and stories will soon come alive at Universal Orlando Resort when it welcomes in the holiday season.

Access to the in-park festivities of Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration is included with regular admission to the theme parks.

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Below is an overview of the festive excitement:

In-park experiences
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando (Universal Orlando)
  • Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Festively themed décor, garland, and twinkling lights will adorn the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in 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. 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.
  • 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: Pop culture-inspired stories and characters from “Despicable Me,” “Shrek” and “Madagascar” will be featured in 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.
Gingy gingerbread cookie (Universal Orlando)
  • Dine, shop, and search: 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.
Original Walkaround Character, Earl the Squirrel returns for the 2024 holiday season at Universal Orlando. (Universal Orlando)
Holiday add-on experiences
  • The Universal Holiday Tour: Available on select dates beginning Nov. 25 through Dec. 29, 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.
Grinchmas show at Universal Orlando Resort (WKMG)
  • The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure: Start the day with the Grinch the Whos in Seuss Landing with a breakfast consisting of green eggs and ham and Cindy-Lou Who’s Belgian waffles during “The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.”
Additional holiday celebrations across the destination
  • Holiday Celebrations at Universal Orlando’s Hotels: Guests can enjoy additional holiday festivities at all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, each of which will be decked out with festive décor for the season. Special menus will be offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s and guests can join in on holiday celebrations, including Christmas tree lightings, Hannukah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers and more.
  • Universal CityWalk: Universal CityWalk is also getting into the holiday spirit with specialty entertainment and menu offerings at select venues, including
    • The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club, where guests can enjoy live entertainment and themed holiday cocktails.
    • A festive meet and greet with fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel during select dates from November 29 – December 28 at CityWalk Plaza.
    • Assorted seasonal food and beverage at Bigfire and VIVO Italian Kitchen, and a seasonal milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen
Hannukah menorah lighting at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. (Universal Orlando)

For Universal Orlando tickets and add-on experience booking information, click here. Annual passholders can also receive discounts on holiday add-on experiences.

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