The holiday season is fast approaching and it’s one of the Professor’s favorite times to visit a theme park. There’s just something extra special about combining a visit to an immersive theme park with the magic of the season. Universal Orlando Resort has easily one of the best holiday celebrations in Central Florida with elaborate decorations, special performances, a holiday parade and more. As the resort has rapidly expanded in the recent past, their holiday offerings have grown as well adding hotel celebrations and a Christmas overlay to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This year’s festivities take place from November 16th to January 5th. Let’s take a look at all of the ways you can celebrate the holidays on your next visit!
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Christmas is a special time in the Wizarding World. As the special season is referenced in almost all of the Harry Potter books and films, it’s no surprise that Universal Orlando Resort pulls out all of the stops to bring the magic of the holidays to both lands. Since 2017 Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley have been covered in elaborate decorations, special holiday performances, a holiday-themed castle lights show, Christmas merchandise, and of course hot Butterbeer!
In Universal Studios Florida’s Diagon Alley, the Singing Sorceress Celestina Warbeck adds a special seasonal flair to her daily musical review, singing selections from her Christmas album “Nothing Like a Holiday Spell”. In Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, guests can enjoy an amphibious serenade of holiday songs with a wizarding twist from the Frog Choir. Both shows perform multiple times daily and are included in park admission.
The decorations at both lands of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are some of the most impressive in any theme park. Almost every building is lit up with Christmas lights, garland, and wreaths. This is especially magical at the snow-covered Hogsmeade area. The decorations reach into the shops and dining locations as well, with each spot having specially themed lights and decor.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s biggest and best add-on for the holidays occurs nightly at Hogwarts Castle. During the holiday season, the popular Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle changes to The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. As with the regular show, Universal uses the latest technology to present an enchanted display that transforms the castle into various scenes and even features characters from the films. The show is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit and is not to be missed. The show usually occurs nightly, although there are currently no posted showtimes.
Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s
In its original form as the Macy’s Holiday Parade, this cavalcade of seasonal cheer featured balloons used in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade that happens yearly in New York City. in 2017 the parade got an upgrade to include some new elaborate floats with Universal properties like the Minions and Madagascar. These new additions combined with dancers, holiday music and an appearance from Santa Claus have made the parade a hit with families. The parade happens nightly during the holiday season at either 5:15 or 5:30 pm. For December 24 to 30, the parade moves to 8:30 pm.
Guests wanting to add to their Holiday Parade experience can take advantage of two special dining packages. The Festive Flavors Holiday Buffet is an all-you-care-to-enjoy meal including seasonal desserts, plus access to exclusive viewing areas for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration. There is also the Sweets & Sounds Dessert Party offering seasonal desserts and savory bites in a special viewing area for the parade, followed by exclusive viewing near the stage for Mannheim Steamroller in concert. The Festive Flavors Buffet is $69.21 for adults, and $47.91 for children (plus tax). The Sweets & Sounds Dessert Party is $53.24 for adults, and $31.94 for children (plus tax).
Grinchmas at Seuss Landing
Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure transforms each holiday season into Who-ville from the beloved How the Grinch Stole Christmas book and films. The land itself gets a full Christmas makeover with colorful and fantastical decorations as well as added interactions with the Whos as they prepare for their favorite time of year. The celebration’s premiere event occurs multiple times daily at the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. This live-action retelling of the classic Christmas tale stars the Grinch and the townspeople of Who-ville with music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller. Although the show happens many times during the day, it can be quite popular especially closer to Christmas. The Professor recommends getting to the lineup area at Circus McGurkus early for a good seat.
Grinchmas Character Breakfast
The Grinch brings his special blend of mischief to your morning meal with a buffet breakfast featuring the green holiday hater and some of Who-ville’s most festive inhabitants. The Grinchmas Character Breakfast happens at Circus McGurkus Cafe Sto-pendous in Seuss Landing throughout the holiday season. Guests can enjoy interactions and photos with the characters while enjoying a spread of classic breakfast offerings. Each dining party will also receive a digital download of their photo with the Grinch. This dining experience runs $37.26 for adults and $22.35 for children (plus tax). Advance reservations are required.
Mannheim Steamroller Holiday Concerts
On select nights throughout the holiday season, Universal Studios Florida welcomes the best selling holiday artist of all time Mannheim Steamroller. The popular synthesizer-based orchestra performs classic holiday songs with dazzling lights at the park’s Music Plaza Stage. Performances are included in park admission, and there is an open lawn with first-come, first-serve seating. For this reason, the Professor recommends grabbing a spot early. Although we don’t have specific showtimes yet, we do know that the performances will take place in the evenings on the following dates:
November: 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30
December: 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
The onsite hotels of Universal Orlando Resort aren’t left out of the seasonal fun. Guests staying at these hotels can look forward to many experiences to enhance their holiday visit. The hotels are decorated with holiday touches including giant Christmas trees themed to each hotel’s style. Guests staying on November 29th can experience these trees first lightings of the season. Every hotel offers both a special Thanksgiving day meal as well as one for Christmas day. During Hannukah, guests can take part in a special nightly Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Select hotels have added activities like ornament making, stocking deocrating, and storytelling on dates closer to the Christmas holiday. Most hotel activities are complimentary, but some like the ornaments and stockings come with a small added fee.
If you need help planning your perfect holiday escape, contact our friends at Key to the World Travel® for a free, no-obligation quote for your next trip. Click here.
Photos Courtesy Universal
Heather is the proud owner of Theme Park Professor and Winds in the East Travel. For over 10 years, she has been covering everything from the latest merchandise to breaking news for her readers. As a New York native, Heather makes sure to visit the Orlando parks a few times a month, especially during the colder months. After all, what’s the point of having a Walt Disney World Annual Pass if you don’t use it?
Heather is a self-proclaimed Potterhead and also visits the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort multiple times a month. So, “Wands up!” for all the fellow Potterheads out there!
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