Before you know it, Halloween will be behind us, and the last Halloween Horror Nights will have passed at Universal Orlando.
That means one thing…the holiday season is coming soon! Universal recently shared that the holiday season will start this year on November 21st and run through January 4th. However, Universal also shared everything you’ll be able to see and do at the parks this holiday season — and even Epic Universe will have some holiday surprises this year!
Universal Orlando has planned a ton of holiday fun for visitors throughout the holiday season, which will include festive decor at Universal Orlando hotels, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and even in Epic Universe. Yes, Epic Universe will be getting in the holiday spirit with decorations in select worlds. SO exciting!
Let’s break it down in the parks. You’ll be able to celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in all THREE parks, including decor at Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, and the Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. You’ll also be able to enjoy a hot mug of Butterbeer and shop seasonal wizarding merchandise.
In Hogsmeade, you’ll also be able to see special holiday performances by The Frog Choir, while Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees will be performing in Diagon Alley. The nighttime show, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” will take place every night with projections on Hogwarts Castle and special effects.
At Islands of Adventure, you can celebrate all things Grinchmas in Seuss Landing. “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” will be returning this year, which is a live retelling of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Of course, you can also meet the Grinch and grab some photos with him. Don’t forget to enjoy the holiday decorations throughout Seuss Landing, too.
The Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will also return this year to Universal Studios Florida. This parade features massive balloons, holiday floats, and appearances by the Minions and other characters. Oh, and Santa will be there, too, to help light Universal’s 80-foot Christmas tree.
Okay, let’s get back to Epic Universe because the Ministry of Magic isn’t the only land there to get the holiday treatment. Celestial Park will also get seasonal lighting and decorations.
Want to add on even more fun holiday experiences in Universal? Here’s your chance. You can take a guided tour of Universal’s holiday offerings across Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure on the Universal Holiday Tour. This tour also features:
- An exclusive meet-and-greet with The Grinch and Max
- Reserved viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
- Reserved seating area for “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”
- Cookie decorating, light bites and non-alcoholic beverages;
- An exclusive meet and greet photo opp with Santa at Universal Studios Florida
- Priority access to one pre-determined attraction at Universal Studios Florida
The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates during the holiday season and can be booked online. Prices start at $79.99 per person plus separate theme park admission. Annual Passholders can get a $10 discount per ticket.
You can even have breakfast with the Grinch at the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Islands of Adventure. You’ll get to eat things like green eggs and ham quiche, Mrs. Toffee Apple Dapple Cluck Crunch Chicken Sandwich, Betty Lou Who Ricotta pancakes, and more, while meeting with the Whos and the Grinch. This experience is available on select dates during the holiday season for $58.99 for adults and $32.99 for children ages three through nine.
Want MORE holiday happenings? You might want to head to CityWalk, where you can indulge in some holiday food and drinks.. In addition, the Red Coconut Club will become the Green and Red Coconut Club with festive decor, live entertainment, and holiday cocktails. This year’s theme is the “Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge.” Upstairs, you can meet with Earl the Squirrel. Note that Earl will also be available for meet and greets on select dates in CityWalk Plaza.
Universal hotels will also be getting in on the holiday festivities with fun decor, as well as special menus and holiday buffets for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. There will be Christmas tree lightings, Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers, and more.
Okay, let’s talk New Year’s Eve. You can ring in the New Year with celebrations at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, Universal CityWalk, and all 11 Universal Orlando hotels. Universal promises to announce more later.
So if you’re looking to celebrate the holidays in Florida, Universal Orlando might be a great choice for your holiday vacation getaway.
Stay tuned to DFB for more.
Universal Confirms MAJOR Changes Coming to Islands of Adventure Park
Have you ever visited Universal Orlando for the holidays? Share your experience with us in the comments!












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