The holidays have begun at Universal Orlando resort! You can celebrate in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, watch the Who-liday staring the Grinch and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s from Nov. 12, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023.
At Universal Studios watch actual balloons from the Macy's parade along with the Minions from Despicable Me and some of your favorite characters from Shrek and the Madagascar films.
In Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure watch Hogwarts castle light up each night and check out the rest of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios all decked out for the holidays. Be sure to try a hot Butterbeer and watch the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees as they feature holiday themed performances.
You absolutely must visit Seuss Landing and partake in Grinchmas in Islands of Adventure. The decorations alone are worth seeing!
The Who's wander around and spread holiday cheer.
Be sure to check showtimes and watch the Who-liday Spectacular which is a live retelling of the classic tale The Grinch with music by Mannheim Steamroller.
Check the Universal Orlando app or look outside of Honk Honkers for a QR code and join the Virtual Line to meet The man of mischief himself The Grinch! You'll want to move quick if you want to join the virtual queue as spots are known to sell out quick for the day.
Afraid you'll miss out on the queue, then make a reservation for The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous. Included is a breakfast buffet and a digital download from one of the character interactions. Available on select days from November 12 thru December 29th, 2022. $41.99 Ages 10+ and $26.00 per child.
Or purchase tickets for the Universal Holiday Tour. It includes a meet and greet with the Grinch, reserved seating for the Who-liday Spectacular, a private Santa meeting with 1 digital download, priority access to one attraction, after hours showing of the Magic at Hogwarts light show and small plates and hot cocoa from Circus McGurkus. You will need a 2-park park to park ticket and prices start at $79.99 per person.
And there is so much more to enjoy!
Check out the Tribute Store which is themed as a department store with four themed areas; vintage NYC, Wizarding World in Winter, Who-ville and Earl the Squirrel's Village.
Purchase a brochure and partake in a scavenger hunt for the Holiday Tree Hunt across both parks and CityWalk.
Try some holiday treats or purchase a refillable popcorn bucket in the shape of one of your favorite characters.
And check out live performances by Mannheim Steamroller on The Music Plaza Stage at Universal Studios on December 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7pm.
Do you know the story of Earl the Squirrel? He's named after a real squirrel who took up residence in one of the decorated holiday trees. He was quite mischievous by repeatedly chewing the string of lights causing it to go out. What started out as initially a stuffed squirrel as a nod to him in the next years tree has turned into a full fledged holiday mascot!
Ready for a holiday adventure? It's not too late to surprise the family with a holiday vacation to Universal Orlando or even start preparing for next Christmas! Reach out to one of the many experiences travel advisors at Coasters & Castles Travel for your next vacation!
Melissa Lenox is a Gold Level Vacation Specialist and blog editor with Coasters & Castles Travel. She is a former entertainment cast member, loves Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, Chip 'n Dale, great food and planning trips for others! Follow her on her pages below or contact her at mlenox@travelcnc.com to plan your next adventure!
