2024 Universal Orlando Resort Christmas Holiday Guide
By Rikki
Get ready to celebrate the holidays with thrills, fun and excitement at Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season. The Universal Orlando Resort Christmas holiday festivities kick off on Friday, November 22 and run through December 31, 2024.
During this year’s season, Guests will be able to experience “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, meeting the Grinch, during Grinchmas, and watching larger-than-life floats and balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and so much more.
Let’s get into the merriment!
In-Park Festivities
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
In both Universal Studios Florida, as well as at Universal Islands of Adventure, the season will abound! Guests will find festively themed décor, garland and twinkling lights adorning the streets of both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Make sure you pick up a Hot Butterbeer (it’s my favorite of all the Butterbeers!) and enjoy special holiday-themed performances by The Frog Choir in Hogsmeade, or enjoy a set from 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. This is an awe-inspiring projection show on Hogwarts castle highlighting Christmas moments and holiday cheer inspired by the characters and stories from the “Harry Potter” films.
Grinchmas
In Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure, Guests can enjoy a live retelling of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in the stage show, “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.”
Plus, Seuss Landing will transport guests directly to Who-ville! They’ll be surrounded by holiday décor and enjoy special appearances from the Whos! They even may get a chance for a photo opportunity with the Grinch!
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
At Universal Studios Florida, Guests can enjoy Universal’s Holiday Parade! It features beloved characters from Despicable Me, Shrek and Madagascar. In addition, there’s the incredible, larger-than-life balloons and colorful holiday floats that are inspired by the Macy’s holiday parade. There may even be a special appearance by Santa Claus! Oh and you want to make sure you don’t miss the lighting of the grand 80-foot Christmas tree.
But Wait! There’s More
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. Yes, this includes the fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel!
New this year will be the Holiday Nutcracker Hunt that will take Guests on a scavenger hunt across Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk!
Additional Holiday Experiences
The Universal Holiday Tour
For an additional cost, Guests can enjoy a guided journey through popular holiday experiences across the destination with The Universal Holiday Tour, which includes:
- 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;”
- 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 November 25 through December 29, 2024. Pricing begins at $79.99 per person (plus tax) and separate theme park admission with a 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket is required. Annual and Seasonal Passholders can get a $10 discount per ticket per Passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass.
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast
Guests can 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 during “The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.” The plated breakfast takes place in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal Islands of Adventure on select dates beginning November 22 through December 30. This character meal costs $58.99 + tax per adult and $32.99 + tax per child (ages 3-9).
Premier and Preferred Passholders can receive a 20% discount on purchases of “The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast” by calling (407)-224-7554 or purchasing in-person at the Front Gate or at Guest Services locations. Reservations are required.
Universal CityWalk
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 fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel during select dates from November 29 – December 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;
- And more.
At the 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.
Want to experience the Universal Orlando Resort Christmas Holidays this year? Right now, Guests can now save up to $450 on a four-night stay in a Garden View room at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Extra perks include that they’ll also receive free Universal Express Unlimited ride access at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Florida Residents and Annual and Seasonal Passholders can also save 40% at all Universal Orlando hotels on select dates.
Book Your Next Trip!
Want to visit the Universal Orlando Resort Christmas holiday celebrations? My partner, Jocelyn Martins at The Magic For Less Travel specializes in the art of personalized vacation planning. She provides a guest-driven, concierge level planning service. Best of all, Jocelyn’s service is provided free of charge. Click here to get your free, no-obligation quote today!
Stay tuned to A Disney World After All for more Universal Orlando Resort news.
What do you think? What are you looking forward to experiencing during the holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort? You can share with me in the comments or on social! Find me on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.
