Visiting Universal Orlando for Christmas

Visiting Universal Orlando for Christmas

Visiting Universal Orlando for Christmas

This article is your complete guide to visiting Universal Orlando during Christmas time! Christmas time at Universal Orlando offers the most perfect weather for enjoying a hot butterbeer and taking in the sights of Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We also love the Macys holiday parade, Grinchmas in Islands of Adventure Park, and checking out all of the amazing Christmas decorations throughout the parks and hotels. So, let’s dive into this guide and discover everything about Universal Studios Orlando Christmas in 2024!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

 Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

What Does Universal Orlando do for Christmas?

There is so much to see and do at Universal Orlando Resort during Christmastime, which begins this year on November 22nd, 2024, and runs through December 31st, 2024. Guests can enjoy Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s featuring some of their favorite characters including Despicable Me, Shrek, Madagascar, and even Santa Claus. We also love to explore Seuss Landing during Grinchmas, which is decorated with the same holiday charm and cheer as it appears in Dr. Seuss’s Who-ville. Or you can head into Hogsmeade to watch the Hogwarts Castle transform for the Magic of Christmas projection show. Guests can also purchase their multi-day Universal Orlando tickets from The Park Prodigy to get early park admission to Universal Orlando to spend even more time in the parks!

Islands of Adventure during Christmas

• Grinchmas – Seuss Landing completely transforms into Who-ville filled with warm fuzzy feelings and a side of sarcasm. This holiday event is a full experience from shows, meet and greets, and exclusive decor!
• Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular – The Grinchmas Show at Universal is a live retelling of the classic tale, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and it stars the one and only Grinch with recorded music.
• Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast – This is a special ticketed buffet at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous, and is by far the most popular Universal Orlando character dining experience. You can meet the Grinch, his faithful dog Max, and all of our Whoville favorites.
• Meet the Grinch – Fans of this quirky creature will get the opportunity of an exclusive meet and greet. But that’s not all! Making special guest appearances are the Grinch’s dog, Max, and Cindy Lou Who and her many Who friends.
• Hogsmeade at Christmas – If you are a Harry Potter fan, you know the warm, fuzzy feeling Harry and his friends feel around the holidays. That’s why celebrating Christmas at Harry Potter World has to be a bucket list item.
• Hogwarts Magic of Christmas -This show brings beautiful snowy nights, Harry Potter movie scenes, Christmas decor and so much more! The Hogwarts Castle Christmas show is absolutely beautiful and should not be missed!
• Hogwarts Frog Choir – The Frog Choir in Hogsmeade performs a mix of traditional holiday songs and original wizarding carols for all muggles and wizards alike.

Universal Studios Florida during Christmas

• Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s – This parade is full of beloved characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, Madagascar, and even Santa Claus! All are accompanied by stunning floats and balloons direct from New York City’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kicking off each evening at dusk, this parade weaves its way through the Hollywood area and around the park, creating a magical 20-minute spectacle.
• Christmas in Diagon Alley – Diagon Alley is fully decked out in holiday cheer and trimmings! Catch Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. Listen to them belt some of the Wizarding World’s favorite Christmas tunes!
• Universal’s Holiday Tree Hunt – A festive holiday scavenger hunt that happens in both parks as well at Universal CityWalk. You can purchase a scavenger map at almost any retail location for $10. Redeem the map for a Holiday Tree Hunt-themed ornament!
• Holiday Tribute Store – Universal Creative Team goes above and beyond to create a merchandise store like no other. Visit the Tribute Store in Universal Studios for holiday merchandise and themed food.
• Christmas Concerts – You can watch 3 amazing concerts for the holidays at Universal. On your next visit, make sure to check out The Blues Brothers Holiday Show, or Marilyn Monroe and the (Holiday) Diamond Bellas.

Universal Orlando CityWalk during Christmas

• Universal CityWalk Holiday Decorations – From festive garland to twinkling Christmas lights, Universal CityWalk is full is holiday decor!
• Mistletoe Pines Village – This charming Christmas village popped up full of photo ops, food items, beverages, and retail locations.
• Limited Time Christmas Menus – Notable holiday menu items we love are the doughnuts from Voodoo Doughnuts and the amazing shakes from Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.
• Universal’s Holiday Tree Hunt – A festive holiday scavenger hunt that happens in both parks and at Universal CityWalk. You can purchase a scavenger map at almost any retail location for $10. Redeem the map for a Holiday Tree Hunt-themed ornament!

Our favorite Universal Orlando Christmas decorations

• Universal’s Gigantic Christmas Tree – The 65-foot tall curved Christmas tree that feels like it’s taken directly out of the Dr. Seuss books!
• Shrek Holiday Float – Part of the Macy’s parade at Universal, this float weighs in at almost 30,000 pounds!
• Grinchmas Transformation – Seuss Landing gets completely transformed into a Grinch-y Christmas Wonderland!
• Hogsmeade at Christmas Time – There is absolutely no feeling like walking the streets of Hogsmeade with snow-capped rooftops, Christmas garland, and a warm Butterbeer.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Christmas at Disney World 

When Does Universal Orlando Christmas Start?

Christmas at Universal Orlando in 2024 will begin on November 22nd and run daily through December 31st, 2024! During this time, guests can expect to enjoy spectacular decorations, such as Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s in Universal Studios Florida, Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure park, and a nighttime show at Hogwarts castle.

When Does Christmas Start at Universal Studios Orlando?

• November 22nd – December 31st, 2024

Related Post: Complete Guide for the Best Harry Potter Christmas at Universal Orlando

Universal Resort Hotels at Christmas 

That’s right! The parks aren’t the only place to celebrate Christmas at Universal Orlando in 2024. All official Universal Orlando resorts participate in holiday festivities with wreaths, trees, garlands, and bows. Below is just a list of our favorite resorts and holiday experiences to visit for the holiday season! These resorts are definitely part of our Universal Orlando Christmas guide for a reason and are worth planning for your trip. The best part is that for a limited time, guests can save up to an extra $250 on their Universal Orlando vacation package by booking with The Park Prodigy!

Best Universal Orlando Resorts for the Holidays 2024

• Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Along with all of Universal’s hotels, this resort participates in a Menorah lighting ceremony during Hanukkah! This event happens nightly during the holiday starting at 6 pm.
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Catch the tree lighting ceremony on the Harbor Piazza all season long. Or stop into the resort closer to Christmas to listen to the Strolling Holiday Characters in the main hotel lobby.
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – Our favorite holiday meals happen at this resort. Amatista Cookhouse hosts a Christmas Day breakfast buffet with delicious breakfast items from 7-11 AM and a Christmas Day buffet from 11 AM – 9 PM. There’s also a feast-filled celebration when it comes to Universal Studios Florida Thanksgiving.
• The Hard Rock Hotel – This resort has the perfect dining options for Universal on Christmas Day. Enjoy Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day brunch, or Christmas Day dinner all at The Kitchen Restaurant.

Related Post: Ultimate Comparison of Universal Orlando’s Premier Hotels

Universal Orlando at Christmas FAQ

Q: When Does Universal Studios Decorate for Christmas 2024?

A: Universal Orlando begins decorating for Christmas in Islands of Adventure at the end of October. However, official holiday festivities like the Universal Holiday Parade and Grinchmas do not begin until November 22nd, 2024.

Q: Is Universal Open on Christmas 2024?

A: Yes! Both Universal Orlando parks are open on Christmas Day.

Q: When Does Universal Studios Decorate for Christmas?

A: Universal Orlando will have all parks decorated by November 22nd. Historically, Universal starts to decorate for Christmas as soon as Halloween Horror Nights comes to an end on November 4.

Q: Is Universal CityWalk Decorated for Christmas?

A: The answer is absolutely yes! From festive garlands to twinkling Christmas lights. CityWalk is fully decorated for the holidays!

Q: What is Mistletoe Pines Village at CityWalk?

A: A new feature that we hope to see return this year! This charming Christmas village popped up full of photo ops, food items, beverages, and retail locations.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! All guests who purchase their tickets from The Park Prodigy will get Early Park Admission to Universal Orlando! This could save you a ton of time in the parks and avoid buying express passes!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!