The holidays are officially here and Universal Orlando Resort is ready to celebrate! My favorite time of year has always been the start of Fall and then leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas! The holidays at Universal looked a little different in 2020 due to Covid, but his year, Universal has brought back some of the fan favorites and continues their holiday celebrations! Universal’s holiday celebration is included with your theme park ticket or annual pass. Remember, some annual passes have blockout dates that apply during this timeframe.

Universal Orlando is celebrating the holiday season every day starting November 13th, 2021 until January 2nd, 2022.

Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s

Universal’s Holiday Parade starts on Hollywood Blvd every night at 5:30 PM. When the park closes at 6 PM, the parade will begin at 5 PM. This parade has large balloons that float through the air throughout the park as well as character floats and dancers. You will see some of your favorite characters like Minions from Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar films. This parade is about a half-hour long, so it really is worth seeing! Be sure to get a spot about an hour prior to the parade start time so that way you get a front-row seat and aren’t left scrambling to find a spot last minute. I love to sit in front of the Jason Bourne experience on Hollywood Blvd where the parade first starts to get great views down the street and with all the trees lit up. It is such a pretty sight to see! Remember, entertainment, dates, and times are subject to change without notice.

Holiday Tribute Store

Enjoy the special Holiday merchandise inside four decorated rooms with inspired food and souvenirs to purchase. If you’re looking for holiday treats, walk through all of the rooms and you’ll find a room full of delicious snacks and drinks to try! You will also find great merchandise to purchase!

Grinchmas

During the holiday season, Seuss Landing is decorated with the holiday cheer of Dr. Seuss’s Who-ville. Enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. This is a live retelling with the Grinch and showtimes are all throughout the day.

The Grinch awaits you inside the All The Books You Can Read Bookstore where he will take your photos and interact with you! Once your photoshoot is over, you will be able to get your selfie with him as well. You do have the option to purchase the photos that the Grinch takes, but if you choose to just do a distanced selfie with him, you can do that too! (That’s what I did!)

Universal’s Holiday Tour

One of the most popular holiday tours is back this year for 2021! Universal’s holiday tour takes place in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  You get to sip hot cocoa with the Grinch and meet Santa. You will also receieve reserved spots for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. You even get an exclusive on-stage holidays Q&A with the Whos. To end your night, you will get an exclusive after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. This tour runs select dates from November 21st to January 2nd. This tour is $69.99 plus tax and has limited availability. Separate Park-to-Park admission and reservations are required.

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Magic of Christmas lights up for the holidays at Hogwarts Castle, every evening from dusk until the park closes in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Be sure to enjoy a hot butterbeer while both the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees put a holiday spin on their performances.

Holiday Entertainment

Find stilt walkers, characters, singers, and dancers all throughout the park! You’ll see them dressed in their holiday best as well as hear seasonal classics!

Mannheim Steamroller

Live performances of Mannheim Steamroller take place at Universal Studios Florida Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12.

Holiday Tree Hunt

Purchase the Holiday Tree Hunt brochure to take part in a fun scavenger hunt locating Holiday trees in Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk. Once you complete the hunt, you will receive a Holiday ornament!

Separate theme park admission is required to enter the theme parks. 

Seasonal Treats

Find exclusive food and drink offerings in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure as well as Universal CityWalk! You’ll find seasonal donuts, Gingerbread shakes, pumpkin crepes, hot butterbeer, and so much more!

 

Want to plan a last-minute trip to Universal Orlando? There are still so many great deals available! It’s never too early to start planning for 2022! Contact me and lets chat!

Love and Travel Dust,

Molly