There’s nothing better than the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort. In fact, it’s my favorite time to visit the theme parks. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is decked out in holiday lights and it’s finally cold enough to drink hot butterbeer. The Grinch is out greeting guests and showing that his heart has, in fact, grown three times. And my personal favorite, Earl the Squirrel is out and about taking pictures with fans.
Every 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 holiday celebrations are part of regular park admission. That means there are no expensive separately ticketed events to factor in when planning your trip to Universal Orlando Resort.
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort this holiday, you’re going to want to keep reading for all of the cant-miss highlights, plus everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
A VERY DISNEY CHRISTMAS: A guide to Walt Disney World’s holiday celebrations
When Do the Holidays at Universal Orlando Start in 2024?
This year, the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort officially kick off on November 22, 2024, and go through December 31, 2024. The celebration brings a host of activities, shows, and unique character meet-and-greets to the two Universal Orlando Resort theme parks. And if you’re staying at a Universal Orlando hotel, you’ll get to see all of the fun decorations for the season at your accommodations too.
Before you enter the parks, check out Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is a great place to get into the holiday spirit before you even walk into the parks. From November 29 through December 28, you can meet the holiday icon Earl the Squirrel at CityWalk Plaza. If you don’t know the story of Earl, they say a squirrel made a nest in one of Universal Orlando‘s Christmas trees and ate through some of the wires. Well, a short while later, a stuffed squirrel was put into the tree as a joke, and now Earl is the Mariah Carey of Universal Orlando.
MAKE MEMORIES: 25 best family vacation spots in the U.S. for all ages
As night falls, the party starts at The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club, where there’s lively entertainment and themed holiday cocktails. I love going here after the parks close for a nightcap, but it can get crowded on weekends. If you’re looking for somewhere else to enjoy some holiday treats you can also find them at Bigfire, VIVO Italian Kitchen, and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.
Christmas in 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 get all decked out for the holiday season with sparkling lights and strands of garlands. And of course, Hogwarts Castle is always in full holiday mode this time of year as well. Walking through the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade is one of my favorite things to do during the festive season because the smell of hot butterbeer fills the air, and as night falls the lighted garland brings a warm ambiance to the park. Be sure to grab a gingerbread or peppermint-flavored treat to go with your hot butterbeer.
WHERE TO STAY: 9 cheap theme park hotels in Orlando near Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld
As you walk through the two Harry Potter lands, you’ll be able to listen to the carols from the Frog Choir made up of Hogwarts students and their froggy friends. You might also spot Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees singing a few holiday tunes. When night descends upon the Wizarding World, gather your family at the base of Hogwarts Castle for The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. It’s a breathtaking show of holiday moments from the Harry Potter films projected onto Hogwarts Castle that plays intermittently throughout the night until the park closes. I like to watch the later showings because they’re often less crowded.
Catch a glimpse of The Grinch at Seuss Landing during the holidays at Universal Orlando
At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you can meet the Grinch at Seuss Landing. Check the Universal Orlando Resort app for exact times and meeting locations, but this is one thing I never miss when I go to Universal Orlando for the holidays. The mean green one may have a heart two sizes too small, but he loves meeting guests and making their hearts grow with joy and laughter. This time of year, the Grinch is nearly as popular as Santa himself, so the meet-and-greet line does get very long very quickly. I would suggest getting into the line as early as possible, including waiting around for the line to start forming during the early entry period at Islands of Adventure.
FLORIDA FUN: 7 unique Florida attractions that are just as much fun as the theme parks
Over at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is a musical retelling of Dr. Seuss’ classic story featuring music by Mannheim Steamroller. All the Who’s down in Who-ville gather each day to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. Grinchy-Claus tries to use his dog Max to keep Christmas down, but the Who’s grab their pantookas to prove to the Grinch that Christmas, perhaps, means just a little bit more.
My family loves this show and the Grinch truly makes the performance, even if he is upstaged by a live dog playing Max. After watching Grinchmas, take your time wandering through Islands of Adventure’s Seuss Landing. This land is always a bright display of primary colors, but adding the additional holiday ornamentation transforms it into a yuletide marvel.
Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s Balloons at Universal Studios Florida
During Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, more than 30 fanciful balloons fly high above the streets right past their own Macy’s department store façade on Universal’s New York City-themed backlot, including a few of the iconic balloons that grace Manhattan along the actual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route. The parade runs nightly during the holiday season, so be sure to check the Universal Orlando Resort app for the exact times. I like to line up about 30 minutes before the parade to get a good spot. I like watching the parade in front of Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride because you get a great view of the Christmas Tree as the floats and balloons glide by.
WATER WORLDS: 7 best Orlando water parks for every age group
Kids delight with the music, dancers, and floats laden with characters such as the Minions from Despicable Me, Penguins from Madagascar, and Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey from Shrek. Of course, the star of any holiday parade is Santa Claus, and he flies over rooftops in his sleigh to wrap up this Universal Orlando holiday parade.
Holiday Tribute Store is a must-see during the holidays at Universal Orlando
Located in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida, the Tribute Store features immersive rooms that change each year. Each room has merchandise and seasonal treats to swipe up faster than the Grinch stealing presents from the Who’s.
GO BANANAS: The ultimate guide to Universal Orlando’s Minion Land on Illumination Avenue
I love trying the treats that are available inside the Tribute Store. There’s often a big glass case of them and it can be hard to decide which one to get, so I also think of one that would travel well back to the hotel or back home if it had to be in my backpack all day.
Universal Holiday Tour
Universal’s Holiday Tour is a VIP guided tour of both theme parks that includes meet-and-greets with the Grinch and his dog Max, a chance to see Santa, reserved seating for Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, an after-hours viewing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, light bites and drinks, and priority access to one pre-selected attraction. The tour starts at $80 per person.
The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast
If you like to kick off your morning with a character breakfast, consider The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast. Tickets for the breakfast are $59 per adult over 10 years old, and $33 for kids ages three to nine. The meal takes place at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous where the Grinch and some friends from Whoville will make an appearance.
BEST TRIP EVER: 50 best family vacation ideas for all ages
The sit-down meal has themed food and classic breakfast options. Reservations are required. I would do this breakfast if you want a guaranteed meeting with the Grinch; otherwise, I would opt to wait in line during regular park hours to see him.
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort hotels
There are plenty of perks to staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, and during the holidays it’s even better because all eight of the hotels are decked out in festive decor. On actual holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, you can find special menus at the resort’s restaurants. When it comes to entertainment, there’s no shortage either. Throughout the season you can enjoy everything from tree lightings and Hannukah menorah lighting ceremonies to strolling carolers.
