There’s nothing better than a vacation at Universal Orlando Resort. In fact, this is my favorite time to visit the theme parks. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is decked out in holiday lights and it’s finally cool enough to drink hot butterbeers. The Grinch greets the guests and reveals that his heart has tripled in size. And my personal favorite, Earl the squirrel, posed for pictures with fans.
Each year, both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure get into the holiday spirit with special celebrations and fan-favorite annual traditions. Even better for families on a budget, the celebration is part of regular park admission. This means there are no expensive individual events to purchase tickets for when planning your trip to Universal Orlando Resort.
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort this holiday, you’ll want to keep reading for all the must-see highlights and everything you need to know to get the most out of your visit.
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When does Universal Orlando vacation start in 2024?
This year, the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will officially begin on November 22, 2024. and continue until December 31, 2024. The celebration brings a variety of events, shows and unique character encounters at two Universal Orlando theme park resorts. And if you’re staying at a Universal Orlando hotel, you’ll be able to see all the fun decorations of the season in your accommodations, too.
Before entering the parks, check out Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is a great place to get in the holiday spirit before you even hit the park. From November 29 to December 28, you can meet holiday icon Earl the Squirrel at CityWalk Plaza. If you don’t know Earl’s story, they say a squirrel made a nest in one of Universal Orlando’s Christmas trees and chewed through some wires. Soon, a stuffed squirrel was placed on the tree as a joke, and now Earl is Universal Orlando’s Mariah Carey.
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As night falls, the party starts at The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club, featuring lively entertainment and themed holiday cocktails. I like to go here after the parks close for a nightcap, but it can get crowded on the weekends. If you’re looking for somewhere else to enjoy your holiday treats, you can also find them at Bigfire, VIVO Italian Kitchen, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.
Christmas at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are decorated with twinkling lights and strings of garland for the festive season. And of course, Hogwarts Castle is always in full swing at this time of year. Walking down Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade is one of my favorite things to do during the festive season, as the smell of hot butterbeer fills the air, and as night falls, the lit garland creates a warm atmosphere in the park. Don’t forget to grab a gingerbread or mint flavored treat to go with your hot butterbeer.
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As you stroll through the two lands of Harry Potter, you will be able to listen to the carols of the Frog Choir, made up of Hogwarts students and their frog friends. You might also catch Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees belting out some holiday tunes. As night falls on the wizarding world, gather the family at the base of Hogwarts Castle to witness the magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. This spectacular show of holiday moments from the Harry Potter films is projected onto Hogwarts Castle and plays intermittently throughout the night until the park closes. I like to watch later screenings because they are often less crowded.
Catch a glimpse of the Grinch at Seuss Landing during your Universal Orlando vacation
At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you can meet the Grinch at Seuss Landing. Check the Universal Orlando Resort app for exact meeting times and locations, but this is one thing I never miss when I go to Universal Orlando for the holidays. Evil Green may have a heart two sizes smaller, but he loves to meet guests and make their hearts grow with joy and laughter. At this time of year, the Grinch is almost as popular as Santa himself, so the waiting line gets long very quickly. I would suggest getting in line as early as possible, including waiting for the line to start forming during Islands of Adventure’s early entry period.
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At Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is a musical retelling of the classic Dr. Seuss story with music by Mannheim Steamroller. All the Who’s down in Who-ville get together every day to celebrate Christmas in their own way. Grinchy Claus tries to use his dog Max to stop Christmas from happening, but Who pulls out his punches to prove to the Grinch that Christmas might mean a little more.
My family loves this show and the Grinch really does a great job even with a live dog replacing him as Max. After watching Grinchmas, take your time wandering around Seuss’ Islands of Adventure landing. This land is always a vibrant display of primary colors, but adding some extra holiday decorations transforms it into a holiday wonderland.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s Balloons at Universal Studios Florida
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s features more than 30 whimsical balloons flying high above the streets right past their very own Macy’s department store front at Universal’s New York theme park, including several iconic balloons that grace Manhattan during the actual Macy’s Thanksgiving Route advice The parade runs nightly during the holiday season, so be sure to check the Universal Orlando Resort app for exact times. I like to get in line about 30 minutes before the parade to get a good seat. I love watching the parade before Revenge of the Mummy Ride because you get a great view of the Christmas tree as the floats and balloons slide by.
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Children will be delighted by the music, dancers and merry-go-round filled with characters such as the Minions from Ugly mePenguins from Madagascaras well as Shrek, Fiona and Donkey from Shrek. Of course, the star of any holiday parade is Santa Claus, and he flies over the rooftops on his sleigh to cap off this Universal Orlando Holiday Parade.
The Holiday Tribute Store is a must visit during the holidays at Universal Orlando
Located in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida, the Tribute Store features exciting rooms that change every year. Each room has merchandise and seasonal treats that can be collected faster than the Grinch stealing presents from Who’s.
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I love trying the treats that the Tribute Store has. They’re often in a big glass case and it can be hard to decide which one to get, so I’m also thinking about one that would be good to carry back to the hotel or home if it’s been in my backpack all day.
Universal holiday tour
The Universal Holiday Tour is a VIP guided tour of both theme parks that includes a meet and greet with the Grinch and his dog Max, a chance to see Santa, reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, an after-hours viewing of The Magic Christmas at of Hogwarts Castle, light snacks and beverages, and priority access to one pre-selected attraction. The tour starts at $80 per person.
The Grinch and Friends breakfast
If you like to start your morning with a character breakfast, check out The Grinch & Friends Breakfast with Characters. Breakfast tickets are $59 for adults over 10 and $33 for children ages three to nine. The meal takes place at the Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous, where the Grinch and some friends from Whoville will appear.
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The sit-down meal includes themed dishes and a classic breakfast. Reservation required. I would make this breakfast if you want a guaranteed encounter with the Grinch; otherwise, I’d wait in line during regular park hours to see it.
Vacation at Universal Orlando Resort hotels
Staying at Universal Orlando Resort offers many benefits, and during the holidays it’s even better because all eight hotels are decked out in holiday decor. For real holidays, such as Christmas and New Year, you can find special menus in the resort’s restaurants. In terms of entertainment, there is no shortage either. Throughout the season, you can enjoy everything from tree lighting and Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremonies to Christmas carolers.