7 Must-See Christmas Events at Universal Orlando 2024
Universal Orlando goes all out for Christmas. Here are my Top 7 favorite things to do.
Universal Orlando Resort is inviting you to unwrap a season of thrills, fun, and excitement for the whole family with its destination-wide Holidays celebration, beginning Friday, Nov. 22, and running daily through Tuesday, Dec. 31. This will be the last Christmas with only 3 theme parks as Epic Universe opens this summer!
You’ll enjoy a slate of festive experiences inspired by beloved characters and stories—from reveling in the “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade to meeting everyone’s favorite mean, green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to watching larger-than-life floats and balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
I’m actually not a fan of parades in general, but I have to say this is well done. I look forward to it every year.
You can also can take your holiday festivities at Universal Orlando to the next level with a stay at one of Universal’s hotels—all of which will be decked out in holiday décor and feature seasonal experiences—or by purchasing add-on, in-park experiences like The Universal Holiday Tour and the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.
See below for an overview of all the excitement and merriment taking over Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season:
#7 Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
With festively themed décor, garland and twinkling lights adorning the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, guests will be surrounded by holiday magic as they explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this holiday season in both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Guests can grab a Hot Butterbeer and enjoy special holiday-themed performances by The Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant frogs, in Hogsmeade, or dance along with the hit-sensation Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley.
And as night falls in Hogsmeade, the nighttime spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” returns—bringing to life an awe-inspiring projection show on Hogwarts castle highlighting Christmas moments and holiday cheer inspired by the cherished characters and stories from the “Harry Potter” films.
#6 Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure
Guests can enjoy a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in the beloved stage show, “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” Plus, Seuss Landing will transport guests directly to Who-ville, where they’ll be surrounded by whimsical holiday décor and enjoy special appearances from the Whos and even get a chance for a photo opportunity with the mean-one himself – the Grinch!
#5 Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida
Beloved pop culture-inspired stories and characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar—along with cherished holiday traditions—come to life as larger-than-life balloons and colorful holiday floats during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. And capping off the picturesque parade is a special appearance by Santa Claus and the magnificent lighting of a grand 80-foot Christmas tree in Universal Studios Florida.
The holiday festivities also don’t stop there. Guests will also be able to enjoy themed food and beverage, shop seasonal merchandise from an all-new Holiday Tribute Store, enjoy meet and greets with their favorite characters who are also in the holiday spirit. These include the fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel and an all-new Holiday Nutcracker Hunt that will take them on a scavenger hunt across Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk.
#4 Universal Orlando Holiday Tour
Available for an additional cost, this tour takes guests on a guided journey through popular holiday experiences across the destination, including an exclusive meet and greet with the Grinch and his faithful dog Max; Small plates, delectable desserts and non-alcoholic beverages in Universal Studios Florida; reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” in Universal Islands of Adventure; an exclusive meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida; an after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle”; and priority access to Universal Studios Florida’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast (subject to change and based on availability).
The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning Nov. 25 through Dec. 29, 2024, and can be booked by through your Unviersal Orlando travel agent.
Pricing for the Universal Holiday Tour starts at $85.19 per person (tax inclusive) and separate theme park admission with a 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket is required.
#3 The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure
Available for an additional cost, this breakfast gives guests the chance to start their day alongside the Grinch and other favorite characters from Seuss Landing while dining on delicious breakfast items like Green Eggs and Ham and Cindy-Lou Who’s Belgian Waffles.
The Grinch breakfast takes place in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal Islands of Adventure on select dates beginning Nov. 22 through Dec. 30 for $62.82 (tax inclusive) per adult and $35.13 (tax inclusive) per child (ages 3-9). I can get this booked for you if you have a Universal Orlando package booked with me.
#2 Holiday Celebrations at Universal Orlando’s Hotels
Guests can enjoy additional holiday festivities at all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, each of which will be decked out with festive décor for the season. Special menus will be offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s and guests can join in on holiday celebrations, including Christmas tree lightings, Hannukah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers and more.
#1 Universal CityWalk Holiday Celebrations
Universal CityWalk is also getting into the holiday spirit with specialty entertainment and menu offerings at select venues, including: The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club, where guests can enjoy live entertainment and themed holiday cocktails; a festive meet and greet with the fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel during select dates from Nov. 29-Dec. 28 at CityWalk Plaza; assorted seasonal food and beverage at Bigfire and VIVO Italian Kitchen, and a seasonal milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen;
Access to the in-park festivities of Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration is included with regular admission to the theme parks. Guests can plan their visit with a variety of offers from Universal Orlando, including the all-new Dining Card Vacation Package, which includes theme park admission, hotel accommodations and a food and beverage dining card worth up to $1,000 to use at select restaurants and dining locations throughout the resort.
For more information about the new Dining Card Vacation Package and to purchase, click HERE.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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More Details Revealed on Universal Orlando’s Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular
Universal Orlando’s new nighttime will feature dancing fountains and drones.
Debuting June 14 at Universal Studios Florida, the waters of the Universal Studios Florida lagoon will come to life with an all-new nighttime show celebrating the emotional power of music by leveraging the iconic scores and scenes from blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present and future attractions.
Cinesational Soundtrack
Songs being featured in the show include Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, Jurassic World, Jaws, Shrek, Ghostbusters, Trolls, Back to the Future, Universal Monsters, Transformers, How to Train Your Dragon, E.T., Fast and Furious, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minions, The Mummy and King Kong.
Dancing fountains typically involve lighting effects, high-pressure water jets, and are choreographed to a musical score. (stock image)
Drones and 4k Projection
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular will have an impressive collection of technologies and special effects that bring the show to life.
The next-level lagoon show will feature 288 fountains that reach heights up to 131 feet, incredible 4K projection mapping, an original composition featuring newly arranged scores meticulously crafted to each scene, and more than 600 drones that fly directly over the lagoon—all coming together to envelop guests in a breathtaking display of unforgettable cinematic moments.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Universal Orlando Shares Details on Dreamworks Land - Opening Summer 2024
Rides and experiences coming to Universal Studios Florida this summer!
Universal Orlando Resort is set to introduce DreamWorks Land, a lively new themed section influenced by the popular characters from DreamWorks Animation such as Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda.
Situated within the Universal Studios Florida theme park, this extensive new land promises a wealth of entertainment for visitors of all ages, including a family-friendly roller coaster, various interactive play zones, live shows, character appearances, and other engaging experiences.
Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres: This Shrek-themed play area will feature four fun slides, wet play areas, and a playground where the kiddos can climb, bounce, and splash around as well as venture into Shrek’s outhouse.
Shrek’s Swamp Meet: You can visit Shrek’s Swamp Meet to interact with Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey, who will joke around and converse with guests, just outside of Shrek’s cottage.
Trolls Trollercoaster: Guests of all ages can take a ride on the iconic Caterbus escaping evil spiders as they speed along a bright orange and yellow track aboard this family-friendly rollercoaster.
Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp: Inspired by the hit Kung Fu Panda films, this all-new play area brings the Panda Village to life. Within both wet and dry play areas, you will have the opportunity to help the pandas wash and dry their laundry with enormous water cannons, dump buckets, giant fans and more.
Guests will also encounter fun elements throughout the experience, including an interactive gong, mischievous, giggling baby pandas, and oversized merry-go-round noodle bowls from Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop.
Universal Orlando has not set an opening date for Dreamworks Land except that it will open sometime this summer.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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