The holidays are in full force at Universal Orlando, as the annual festivities began in mid-November all across the resort! Over the years, the holidays at Universal have become a massive hit among fans, & 2023 promises to be more spirited & jolly than ever before!

Holidays at Universal Orlando run from Nov. 17th – Dec 31st, meaning you can catch all the festivities anytime between right now & New Year’s Eve! The best news? ALL of the decorations, in-park entertainment, & character meet & greets are FREE with valid theme park admission.

(c)Universal

The first big draw of Universal’s holiday celebration is “Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” Here, guests can join the celebration as Hogwarts castle lights up for the holidays and festive decor brightens up the streets of Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. Along with enchanting decorations & entertainment, guests can also enjoy a hot Butterbeer, unique to the holiday season. Along with a fantastic night-time show (keep reading for more), both the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees put a holiday spin on their performances inside the Wizarding World.

Of course, guests will fall in love with their vacation to Who-ville for the season, as Grinchmas comes alive for the season. Seuss Landing is decorated with the holiday charm and cheer of Dr. Seuss’s famous Who-ville. Get together with the resident Who’s and put a little snark in your holiday spirit with the Grinch, including the always-popular Grinch meet & greet! Guests also have the option to purchase the “Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast” add-on, which is available on select dates at Confisco’s Grille, where Grinch himself mingles with guests during their meal. The price is $59 for adults and $33 kids and can be booked directly with Universal.

(c) NBCUniversal

Another can’t-miss holiday offering is “Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.” This nightly offering is highlighted by larger-than-life balloons floating through the streets of Universal Studios Florida, just like the world-famous floats fans have come to know & love during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Universal’s version of the incredible parade also features character appearances from beloved films such as Despicable Me, Shrek, Madagascar, & more. Of course, holiday dancers line the parade route from start to finish, dancing the night away to classic holiday music! “Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s” runs nightly at 5:30pm through the end of the year.

Universal’s classic parade is far from the only must-watch entertainment during the holiday season. Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is headlined by a wonderful holiday show that lights up the night sky of Universal Island’s of Adventure. “Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” features top-to-bottom holiday projections on the Hogwarts Castle, iconic music from the films, and, best of all, Christmas fireworks. The show runs continuously from dusk until park close nightly.

Outside in the muggle world, the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” can be found just down the way at Universal Islands of Adventure. Who-ville’s most popular show is full of holiday hijinks, with a live re-telling of the classic story starring none other than the Grinch himself. This show, often running multiple times a day, also features music from the renowned Manheim Steamroller.

Speaking of Manheim Steamroller, guests can watch live performances of this award-winning group at the Universal Music Plaza Stage on four select nights (Dec 2nd, 3rd, 9th, & 10th). Manheim Steamroller is widely regarded as composers of some of the most iconic Christmas music in the world; the live event is complimentary to guests with valid theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida.

On top of all the incredibly holiday festivities listed above, guests can also partake in a wonderful add-on experience – the Universal Holiday Tour. This 4+ hour tour features complimentary snacks & drinks, special character meet & greets not available outside of the tour (including with the Big Man himself, Santa), and reserved seating/a special showing of both the “Magic at Hogwarts Castle” night-time show & the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” The tour also gives priority access to 1 ride of the guest’s choosing, & can be purchased for $80 per person.

(c)Universal

The festivities aren’t just limited to the theme parks at Universal Orlando! Guests can find unique holiday celebrations at each of the Universal Orlando hotels, plus a holiday tree hunt with Earl the Squirrel throughout Universal CityWalk.

Guests can also celebrate Hanukkah with a special menorah lighting ceremony held each night at sundown at each Universal Orlando hotel.  As a reminder of your Universal Orlando trip, check out the special Hanukkah ornaments featuring a Dreidel and Menorah available in The Holiday Tribute store in Universal Studios Florida.

Of course, the holidays at Universal are a must-see event for theme park fans on both coasts. Each year continues to get bigger & better, and 2023’s holiday season promises to be one of the best yet at the Universal Orlando Resort. Be sure to contact Theme Park Professor for help booking your very own Universal Orlando vacation.