What do the Grinch, Super Mario and Harry Potter have in common? Universal holidays 2024
The holidays will be here before you know it, and now we know how both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are celebrating.
Both destinations are bringing back Grinchmas and Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but not quite in the same way. Other offerings, like the first-ever holiday overlay at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Super Nintendo World, will also be location specific. But they’re all either included with standard park admission or in a few cases, available outside of the parks.
Here’s what fans should know about Universal’s holiday plans in California and Florida.
Does Universal Studios celebrate Christmas?
Yes, but not just Christmas. Both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood celebrate Grinchmas, inspired by “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Universal Orlando’s year-round Seuss-themed land, Seuss Landing in Universal Islands of Adventure, gets decked out for the holidays. Throughout the season, guests can meet the Grinch and see him with a whole cast of other Whos in the very popular “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” stage show.
Universal Studios Hollywood doesn’t have a permanent Seuss land, but Universal Plaza transforms into Whoville for the holidays with playful decorations and a 65-foot-tall Grinchmas tree. Guests can decorate ornaments in a craft area, listen to a singing quartet’s “Who-liday” tunes, meet Dr. Seuss and Max, and hear a retelling of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” from Cindy Lou Who.
What are the dates for Grinchmas 2024?
Universal Orlando’s resort-wide holiday celebrations, including Grinchmas, run Nov. 22 through Dec. 31.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Grinchmas and other holiday celebrations run Nov. 29 through Jan. 6.
Is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter decorated for Christmas?
Yes. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter looks positively magical draped with garland and holiday lights. At night, Hogwarts Castle also lights up with the projection show “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.”
During the day, guests can hear special holiday performances by the Frog Choir at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees give holiday performances at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Holidays in Super Nintendo World
This year, for the first time, Universal Studios Hollywood says, “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will welcome guests to celebrate the holidays in the Mushroom Kingdom alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad.”
Guests can look forward to a Super Star-topped Christmas tree, a photo opp with Mario and Luigi snowmen, seasonal bites at Toadstool Cafe, and themed holiday merchandise.
Is there a parade at Universal Studios Orlando?
Yes. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s rolls through Universal Studios Florida nightly throughout the holiday season, pending weather.
It features dazzling live performers, intricately decorated floats, and massive balloons, including Illumination characters from films like “Despicable Me” and “Shrek.”
The parade culminates with Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the park’s 80-foot-tall Christmas tree.
What else does Universal do for the holidays?
Universal Studios Florida will have a highly themed Holiday Tribute Store, which is an immersive attraction unto itself for many fans.
Beyond the parks, guests can get in the spirit at Universal CityWalk, the shopping, dining, and entertainment complex open to the public on both coasts. On select nights, guests will find live bands and DJs at 5 Towers, and street performers throughout CityWalk in California. In Florida, CityWalk guests can meet Universal Orlando holiday icon Earl the Squirrel on select dates from Nov. 29 through Dec. 28, catch live entertainment in the seasonally themed Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club, and more.
Universal Orlando Resort hotels will also celebrate with “Christmas tree lightings, Hannukah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers” and special menus on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
How much does it cost to go to Universal Studios?
Tickets for Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure start at $119 and vary by date.
Universal Studios Hollywood tickets start at $109.
