Getting to Know Holidays at Universal Orlando 2024

Trim up the tree with Christmas stuff, like bingle balls and Whofoo fluff because it is time for Holidays at Universal Orlando! This article covers all the holiday offerings – from the a live stage show of How the Grinch Stole Christmas to meeting Santa and so much more.  Universal’s holiday shows and parades operate daily from November 22 through December 31, 2024 and are included with park admission.

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida’s lavish Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s returns with dozens of dancers, characters, and parade floats. Parade highlights include the gigantic Macy’s Department Store balloons featured in the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Despicable Me, Shrek, Madagascar, and a special appearance by Santa. Halfway through the parade, Santa lights up the tree in the New York section of the park. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s performs daily at 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.; check the daily times guide for that days showtime.

In New York are the Blues Brothers, the slick duo from SNL and films, who perform a medley of Christmas favorites and re-imagined classics. Performances occur throughout the day; check the Universal Orlando app for performance times. We consider this show a fun diversion and worth your time to watch if you appreciate a good off kilter Christmas. Universal’s Holiday Tribute Store returns with new merchandise, food, and themed experiences. This year’s Tribute Store is themed to the one and only Early the Squirrel, an original Universal Orlando creation based off a real story of one mischevious squirrel. The Holiday Tribute Store is open during normal park hours.

Accio Christmas! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley celebrates Christmas with traditional English-inspired rustic decorations and a special Christmas show. In Diagon Alley, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees sing original Christmas songs such as My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas, A Witch and Wizard’s Wintry Wondrous Land, and Nothing Like a Holiday Spell.

Islands of Adventure

Seuss Landing is home to the guest’s favorite Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular show. This theatrical musical show combines elements from the 1966 How the Grinch Stole Christmas Chuck Jones TV special and the 2000 Jim Carey movie to re-tell the famous story. Grinchmas is approximately 30 minutes long and is performed daily from the late morning through the early evening. When not performing, Whos from the show and other Seuss characters roam Seuss Landing interacting with guests and posing for photos throughout the day.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade also decks the halls for Christmas with two shows. The Hogwarts Frog Choir switches up their set list to perform classic Christmas songs acapella with their amphibious companions. Shows perform throughout the day. The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle nighttime lights show projects Christmas scenes and atmosphere from the Harry Potter movies, including the Yule Ball from Goblet of Fire. The impressive advanced projection effects, spotlights, and fireworks are worth a modest wait. Shows start at dusk and run till close – use Google to determine dusk and arrive 15 minutes prior.

CityWalk & Resorts

Universal retired the themed Christmas trees and now offers a Nutcracker Hunt throughout CityWalk and the theme parks. Purchase a map and collect stamps at each store, and once your map is filled, you receive an exclusive gift. The Universal Orlando Nutcracker hunt is offered daily during participating stores’ hours.

Enjoy themed cocktails and a festive atmosphere in the Green & Red Coconut Club, located on the second floor of CityWalk, next to Bob Marley’s Tribute to Freedom. This themed overlay features craft cocktails and fun decorations in a festive atmosphere. Green & Red Coconut Club opens at 4:00 p.m. and closes at 1:00 a.m.

Universal’s hotels have Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve activities throughout the season.  Each resort features holiday meals, tree lightings, and menorah lightings while select resorts feature carolers, parties, and more. For the most up-to-date list of activities visit Universal’s Hotel Holiday Activities page.

Upcharge Experiences

Universal offers two add-on upcharge experiences during the Holidays.

Universal’s Holiday Tour is a 4 1/2 hour group tour of the Universal holiday attractions:

• Reserved seating for Grinchmas
• Meet and greet with the Grinch and Max the dog
• Photo with Santa
• Priority access to one attraction
• Private performance of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle show
• Food, snacks, and drinks

The tour price starts at $89.99 per person plus tax; park admission is not included. Tours are offered from November 28 to 19 and December 12, 15-19, 21-25, and 27-29.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-Pendous is a character meal featuring The Grinch and other iconic Seuss characters. Breakfast only runs on select days in November and December and sells out quickly, so book ahead. Reservations include the breakfast buffet and one digital photo download of a character encounter (don’t worry, your camera is still free). Adult tickets cost $58.99 per adult plus tax, and children’s tickets cost $32.99 per child plus tax.

These add-on experiences can be booked online.

TouringPlans Touring Tips

• Grab a spot for the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at least 30 minutes before show time, or 45 minutes on busy days. Parade spots around the Christmas Tree in New York fill up first; for a last-minute parade viewing spot, go to the lagoon side of the Transformers building.
• Grinchmas performs hourly from around 11 a.m. until half an hour before the park closes. Arrive 45 minutes before show time, or 60 minutes on busy days, to guarantee a seat. The first show of the day is rarely crowded, so we suggest seeing it.
• The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle starts at dusk and continuously shows every 20 minutes. We suggest arriving around dusk to see the show.

What is your favorite attraction at Holidays at Universal Orlando? Leave your answers in the comments below!