2024 Holidays at Universal Orlando Begins November 22
Holidays at Universal Orlando, the Resort’s holiday celebration, runs from November 22 through December 31, 2024. My family couldn’t have planned this any better! We’ll be there on opening day. Well, it wasn’t really planned. It was pure luck. But I’ll take it!
The Holidays at Universal Orlando features plenty of greatness, like The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Add-on experiences like The Universal Holiday Tour and The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast are also available. Finally, Universal’s hotels will be decked out for the holidays and offer special holiday events.
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Park Experiences
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure
As evening falls, Harry Potter fans will want to grab a Hot Butterbeer and stake out a spot for The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. The projection show highlights “Christmas moments and holiday cheer inspired by the cherished characters and stories from the Harry Potter films.”
During the day, guests will enjoy holiday décor in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Fans of festive music and amphibians should take in a holiday performance by The Frog Choir in Hogsmeade. Finally, Diagon Alley will feature a dance party with Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.
Grinchmas
No Universal land is better suited for Christmas than Suess Landing!
“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!”
You might be waiting a long time to get that photo with the Grinch, however. If you’d rather admire the Grinch from afar, you can check out the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Universal’s iconic holiday parade returns with characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar. The finale includes “a special appearance by Santa Claus and the magnificent lighting of a grand 80-foot Christmas tree in Universal Studios Florida.”
Food and more
Guests can also enjoy holiday food and beverages, purchase seasonal merch from the Holiday Tribute Store (more on that soon), and hang out with characters, including Earl the Squirrel. Universal will also unveil the all-new Holiday Nutcracker Hunt, a scavenger hunt that will take them across Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk.
Add-on experiences
The following are available for an additional cost.
The Universal Holiday Tour
The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates from November 25 through December 29, 2024. Prices begin at $79.99 per person (Annual and Seasonal Passholder discounts are available). That’s very reasonable for what you get:
- 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)
Guests can purchase on the Universal Orlando website.
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure
Want to eat like a Who? Then you should book 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.”
This character breakfast takes place in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous on select dates beginning November 22 through December 30. Prices are $58.99 per adult and $32.99 per child (ages 3-9).
Guests can book by visiting Universal’s website. 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.
Additional holiday festivities
Holiday Celebrations at Universal Orlando’s Hotels
Universal hotels will be decked out with holiday décor. Hotel restaurants will have special menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Finally, guests can enjoy special holiday celebrations, including Christmas tree lightings, Hannukah menorah lighting ceremonies, and strolling carolers.
Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is offering holiday menus and specialty entertainment.
- Guests can enjoy live entertainment and themed holiday cocktails at The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club
- 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
My family will be visiting Universal Orlando Resort on the first day of Holidays at Universal Orlando. We’ll try to take in as much as we can and report back!
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