However you holiday, at Universal Orlando Resort, you can let loose and set your festive side free. Join the celebration of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, enjoy huge balloons at Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and laugh along to the Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular. Here is the Favorite Grampy Travels guide to how you can best enjoy the 2023 holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort.
When To Visit for the Holidays at Universal Studios
Our recommendations for the best times to visit this holiday season will be November 27th – 30th and December 4th – 7th. If a weekend in December is a must for you, the 1st – 3rd or 8th – 10th will be your best bets. If you need to go during a holiday week, or anytime you’re looking for an incredible trip for the holidays at Universal Studios, we highly recommend booking through one of our Favorite Grampy Travels agents and hiring their full concierge services to help you make the most of your time.
Can’t Miss Decorations
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
It’s always winter in Hogsmeade, but Christmas takes both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley to the next level, and you can be sure to enjoy a spectacular Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ during the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort. Make sure you grab yourself a delicious hot butterbeer during your time and stick around to see the castle display at night!
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
However you holiday, You Do Yule with a seasonal stay at one of Universal Orlando Resort’s spectacular hotels. Not only are there great packages available to make the most of your holiday your way, but you’ll also enjoy the beauty of the season through the decor of your resort, while you’re there.
The 2023 Holiday Tribute Store
We’re all anxiously awaiting the theming of this year’s tribute store, but you can be sure it will be worth the visit! Beginning in 2015 during Halloween Horror Nights, the Tribute Store (located just to the left of The Mummy: The Ride) has grown into one of the most anticipated visits for all Universal lovers. Be sure to stop in yourself during your holiday visit to the parks, and share with us some of the pics you snap.
Earl the Squirrel and Universal’s Big Christmas Tree
You won’t want to miss Universal’s Earl the Squirrel! He loves to hang out around the beautiful, giant tree in Universal Studios, where the actual Earl was first discovered. Take a closer look at the tree itself, too. Can you find him hiding inside? Let us know if you need us to dedicate a blog post to his adorable backstory!
SHOWS YOU WON’T WANT TO SKIP
Mannheim Steamroller
Make the season bright with live performances from the best-selling holiday artist of all time at Universal Studios Florida. Performances are on select nights; December 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th. Be sure to arrive to the Music Plaza Stage (in front of Rip Ride Rockit) about 20 minutes ahead of show time to ensure your spot.
The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular
You won’t want to miss the holiday party at Universal Islands of Adventure, with the fun of The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular starring the Grinch™. The show will run throughout the day, so be sure to check the app for your preferred time. Seating is first come, first served, you’ll want to line up 15-45 minutes (earlier on busier days) before show time to claim your spot.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
You will enjoy giant balloons at Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s with characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to catch the parade nightly at 5:00 or 5:30 (check the app for specific times.) You’ll want to line up 15-30 minutes before show time for the best views. But where to line up? We recommend either in front of Revenge of The Mummy: The Ride (anywhere between the queue exit and the Palace Arcade) or in front of Starbucks.
The Blues Brothers Holiday Show
Jake and Elwood come out throughout the day to perform festive favorites like “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “Blue Christmas,” and more…and you’ll even get to see it snow on Delancey Street at the end of each show! The holiday edition of the Blues Brothers street party is a fan-favorite and should not be missed – even if you’re not familiar with the band/film, you’re sure to love this high-energy performance.
Marilyn & the (Holiday) Diamond Bellas
Ms. Monroe and her girls arrive to “film” a musical routine for an upcoming picture, and you get to enjoy the yuletide-flavored routine. The Diamond Bella Dancers now show off their beautiful Santa-esque costumes and stun us all in sparkly silver.
We highly recommend sticking around for the show if you happen to catch it while strolling through the park at any point, it’s well worth a watch and is sure to leave a smile upon your face.
BE SURE TO SWING THROUGH SEUSSVILLE TO SEE…
- •The Wonderful, Terrible World of Grinchmas
- •Yuletide Decor Exploding Everywhere
- •Who-ville Residents Spreading Holiday Cheer
- •The Big Green Man Himself…The Grinch
- •The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
- •The Grinch & Friends Breakfast (at Confisco Grille)
TASTE OF GRINCHMAS…
The Grinch™ & Friends Character Breakfast
Select dates only Nov. 17th – Dec. 27th
The Grinch™ & Friends Character Breakfast is back for the holidays! Join the mean, green one himself and the Whos too for a morning feast. Start your day with a tasty sit-down meal of food and fun for everyone.
(Select days only. Separate Admission Ticket required. Does not include Theme Park Admission.)
Start your day at Confisco Grille with the Grinch™ and his Who friends.
Enjoy a tasty breakfast with themed food and breakfast favorites, too, including a non-alcoholic beverage and specialty treats.
Regular Ticket Prices: $58.99 per Adult + tax (Ages 10+). $32.99 per Child (Ages 3-9).
(Prices may vary by date.)
Reservations are required.
Want to be sure to get in on the fun? Contact one of our Favorite Grampy Travels ticketing agents today to secure your fun (and sass) filled breakfast.
AND EXPERIENCE MORE…
Universal’s Holiday Tour
Select dates, Nov. 19th – Dec. 30th
Enjoy maximum merriment on a special tour into the excitement of Universal’s holiday celebration. Experience exclusive meet and greets with Santa and the Grinch™, tasty food, and even an after-hours show included (plus more!)–this amazing adventure is filled with all the festive fun that’ll fit into an approximately 4 hours 15 minutes walking tour. Space is limited so be sure to book today.
Join Universal’s holiday tour your way:
- Exclusive meeting with the Grinch™ and his faithful dog, Max
- Reserved seating for The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular
- Light bites, desserts and more
- Priority access to one (1) attraction (subject to Tour itinerary at Universal’s discretion)
- An after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle
Book Your Christmas at Universal Studios Trip
Ready to book your incredible Universal holiday vacation to Universal Orlando Resort? Our team of expert agents are standing by to build the vacation of your dreams.
Be sure not to miss out on this incredible experience. Reach out today to reserve your spot with one of our Favorite Grampy Travels ticketing agents.
I’m Kathy, your travel planner. You can be sure I am here to make YOUR travel dreams come true. While I am loaded up with tips and tricks, I strive to make sure that all of your deepest wishes are included in your travel itinerary. I’ll do the heavy lifting for you so that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy some much-deserved downtime. To contact me and check out my full profile CLICK HERE,