The holidays have officially arrived at Universal Orlando!

We’ve been so excited experiencing all the holiday offerings in Disney World, from special snacks, to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, to Jollywood Nights and beyond, but now it’s time to focus in on Universal! There are so many wonderful attractions and special holiday events to explore around the theme parks this year, so without further ado, let’s get into everything you can check out this year!

The holidays at Universal will start on November 22nd and run through December 31st this year, and most of these offerings can be enjoyed for FREE with your park ticket!

Islands of Adventure

Hogsmeade is decorated for the holiday season with tis festival decor, garland, lights, and more. Plus, you can grab a hot butterbeer on those chilly morning and evenings to warm you up.

You’ll also get to see The Frog Choir perform some classic holiday tunes throughout the day as well!

The highlight of the day though happens when night falls, which is when you can get a spot to see “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle!” This is a projection and pyrotechnics show on the Hogwarts Castle that happens each night (subject to change without notice) and features Christmas moments and holiday cheer inspired by the Harry Potter characters and stories.

Over at Suess Landing, you’ll want to stop by to see the land turn into Grinchmas! Rare characters wander around the land, and you 100% have to stop by and watch the wonderful show only available this time of year, the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.”

If you’re willing to wait in a hefty line, you also have the chance to meet the Grinch himself! This wait time is often well over an hour each day, so be prepared to wait a while.

That’s all for Islands of Adventure, but don’t worry, there’s more to explore in Universal Studios!

Universal Orlando

The biggest attraction in this park is the spectacular parade, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s! Yes, this incredible parade has MASSIVE holiday floats, just like you see in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s truly a sight to see, and something you won’t want to miss.

You’ll also get to see Santa Claus light up an 80-foot-tall Christmas tree in “New York” during the parade, and there really is nothing else like it! Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Earl the Squirrel though — he happens to peep out of the tree from time to time.

And, you’ll get the chance to see some great live entertainment with holiday overlays throughout the park such as:

• The Beat Builders
• The Blues Brothers
• Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley

There are also TONS of exciting food and drink offerings available only for the holidays.

Don’t forget to check out the merchandise collection available in the Holiday Tribute Store!

And we can’t forget about the meet and greets you can find around the park! One of our absolute favorites is Earl the Squirrel — we have to stop and say hi every time.

Hey, Earl!

Additional Offerings

Spanning across both parks and Universal City Walk, you can take part in The Holiday Nutcracker Hunt, which is new this year.

If you’re looking for the ultimate experience and are willing to shell out the cash for it, then you’ll love Universal’s Holiday VIP Tour! This is a journey throughout both parks that lasts multiple hours and includes things like:

• An exclusive meet and greet with the Grinch and his dog, Max
• Reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”
• Small plates, delectable desserts and non-alcoholic beverages included in your fee at Universal Studios
• A meet and greet opportunity with Santa
• Getting to see “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” after hours!
• Priority access to Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast

You can book this experience online now for select dates November 25th through December 29th. Pricing begins at $79.99 per person and separate theme park admission with a minimum 1-day park to park ticket is required to experience all there is to offer.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast also makes a return this year to Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Suess Landing! This exciting breakfast includes items like green eggs and ham, Cindy-Lou Who’s Belgian Waffles, and so much more. This experience is available on select dates starting November 22nd through December 30th for $58.99 per adult and $32.99 per child (ages 3-9).

CityWalk

We’re not done yet! CityWalk is joining the holiday spirit with special entertainment and dining opportunities at the following locations:

• A holiday meet and greet with Earl the Squirrel during select dates between November 29th through December 28th at CityWalk Plaza
• The Red Coconut Club is turning into The Green & Red Coconut Club — enjoy live entertainment and themed holiday cocktails!
• Assorted holiday food and beverage offerings at Bigfire and VIVO Italian Kitchen, a seasonal milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen, and more

Universal Hotels

The hotels are getting in on the fun this year too! Each one is decked out in holiday decor to really ring in the season, and you can expect special dining menus to be available for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and to ring in the New Year.

Additional experiences such as Christmas tree lightings, Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers, and more will also be available throughout the season, but they’ll be subject to each hotel. We encourage you to ask the front desk when you arrive at your hotel to see what activities will be taking place while you’re visiting!

There’s so much to explore this holiday season, it’s hard to experience it all, but that’s why we’re here! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Universal holiday news to help you plan your upcoming trip.

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What are you most looking forward to this holiday season at Universal Orlando? Tell us in the comments!

The post EVERYTHING Happening at Universal Orlando During the Holidays first appeared on the disney food blog.