The Ultimate Guide to the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

November 10, 2024

The holiday season is coming to Universal Orlando Resort, and there’s magic, sparkle, and joy around every corner. This year, Universal is pulling out all the stops with festive decorations, live performances, and unique holiday experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the holidays at Universal, from must-see shows to delicious treats.

Step into the Magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

Both Hogsmeade™ and Diagon Alley™ are decked out with enchanting holiday decor during the season, capturing the festive charm of the wizarding world. As you stroll through, you’ll see twinkling lights and garlands adorning the shops, with seasonal touches in every window.

• Hogsmeade: In this snow-covered village, the Frog Choir performs seasonal wizarding carols that add to the magical ambiance. Enjoy the cheer as Hogwarts students (and their singing frogs) bring you classic wizarding holiday tunes.

• Diagon Alley: Over in Universal Studios Florida, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees put on a lively holiday show. Known as the “singing sorceress,” Celestina’s festive performance is a must-see with fun and catchy wizarding holiday hits.

• The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle: At the end of the day, you can catch this breathtaking projection show, which illuminates the castle with holiday-themed lights and music. The lights, music, and magic make this an unforgettable holiday experience.

  
  

Don’t Miss Hot Butterbeer™: As you make your way through The Wizarding World, make sure to warm up with a hot Butterbeer™. This drink is a cozy favorite that captures the magic of the wizarding world and feels just right as you soak up the holiday cheer.

Grinchmas™ Comes to Life at Seuss Landing

For a fun and whimsical experience, Grinchmas™ at Seuss Landing is a must. The entire area transforms into the world of Whoville, decorated with quirky, colorful displays that bring Dr. Seuss’s beloved tale to life.

• Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular: This live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic story, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” is packed with humor, music, and heart. The cast and music bring the story to life in a way that’s perfect for both kids and adults, reminding us all of the true meaning of Christmas.

• Meet the Grinch: Seize the opportunity to meet the Grinch himself! He’s always ready with a bit of sass, making this a memorable experience (and a great photo op). The character interaction is a highlight of the season, bringing smiles to fans of all ages.

  
  

Pro Tips: Grinchmas shows and meet-and-greets are popular, so check the schedule in advance to secure your spot and get there a bit early for the best view.

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

One of the season’s show-stoppers is Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, held at Universal Studios Florida. This parade includes giant balloons, festive floats, and your favorite characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar. Of course, Santa Claus himself makes a grand appearance to officially kick off the season.

• Parade Highlights: The parade’s Macy’s-style balloons are iconic, bringing a touch of New York’s holiday parade right to Florida. Between the larger-than-life balloons, incredible floats, and Santa’s arrival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

  
  

Viewing Tips: Arrive about 30 minutes early to find a good spot, as the parade draws a crowd. The parade takes place in the evening, so you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful lights as they illuminate the park and the holiday decorations all around.

Holiday Entertainment and Seasonal Shows

Throughout Universal, there are plenty of smaller shows, live music performances, and even some holiday surprises in every corner.

• Holiday Tribute Store: This seasonal pop-up store has a fan-favorite themed setup that changes each year. Filled with holiday decor, unique merchandise, and seasonal items, it’s a great place to pick up gifts or exclusive Universal holiday memorabilia.

• Live Jazz and Carolers in New York: Over in Universal Studios’ New York section, live jazz performances and street carolers bring a warm, classic holiday feel that’s reminiscent of Christmas in the big city. The atmosphere here makes it feel like you’re really in a bustling, festive New York.

  
  

Shopping Tip: The Tribute Store features limited-edition Universal holiday merchandise and unique holiday decorations you won’t find anywhere else, so it’s a great spot for a holiday keepsake.

Enjoy Holiday Treats and Festive Dining

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without delicious seasonal treats, and Universal’s parks and CityWalk are filled with options to satisfy your cravings.

Holiday Milkshakes at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium: Over at CityWalk, indulge in the exclusive, decadent holiday milkshakes from The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. These limited-edition milkshakes bring festive flavors, creative toppings, and plenty of holiday cheer, making them a perfect treat to enjoy while you take in the seasonal sights.

Festive Foods: Seasonal snacks include gingerbread cookies, peppermint hot chocolate, and hearty holiday-inspired meals throughout the parks. Plus, Universal’s on-site hotels join in the celebration with special holiday menus!

Hot Butterbeer™: Available at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, this rich, warm version of the fan-favorite Butterbeer™ is perfect for a chilly evening.

Christmas in New York and Holiday Lights Throughout the Park

Universal recreates the festive holiday vibe of New York City, giving visitors a taste of that big-city charm with holiday lights, jazz, and sparkling decorations in its “New York” area. Strolling through this area, you’ll find the park filled with holiday lights, wreaths, and street performers who add a lively, joyful spirit.

• Decorative Highlights: The New York section of Universal Studios is especially beautiful in the evening when the lights are shining bright, bringing a special kind of holiday cheer.

  
  

Perfect Photo Ops: The holiday lights and decor in New York make it one of the best spots for photos, so don’t miss the chance to capture a few holiday moments with your loved ones here!

Ticket Information and Event Costs

Most of Universal Orlando’s holiday events are included with standard park admission, meaning you can enjoy the holiday magic without additional fees. Some seasonal shows, such as The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle or Grinchmas, are exclusive to specific parks, so you may want to consider a park-to-park ticket if you’d like to experience all of Universal’s holiday offerings in one day.

• One-Day Tickets: Pricing begins around $109 per person for a single park.

• Park-to-Park Tickets: These tickets allow you to explore both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure in one day, which is ideal for experiencing all the holiday events across both parks. Prices typically start at about $164 per person.

• Seasonal Passes: For those planning multiple visits, seasonal passes offer a good value and allow you to experience the holidays and other Universal events throughout the year.

  
  

Plan Your Holiday Visit for Maximum Magic

To make the most of your holiday experience, download the Universal Orlando app for real-time updates on showtimes, wait times, and dining reservations. Since holiday events can get crowded, an early start and a bit of planning will help you cover everything on your list and avoid long waits.

With so much holiday magic at Universal Orlando Resort, this season promises to be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Gather your family, embrace the festive spirit, and experience the magic that only Universal can offer. We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing holiday adventure!

For additional details, up-to-date schedules, and ticket information, check out Universal’s holiday events page.