The holiday season is fast approaching and I think we could all use a little extra cheer this year! Luckily for theme park fans, an otherwise disappointing 2020 is ending with a number of yuletide celebrations at Central Florida’s major resorts. Universal Orlando Resort is helping ring in the season this year with a new modified version of their usual holiday festivities. From November 14 to January 3 guests can enjoy a wide variety of holiday experiences throughout the resort. From a Wizarding World Christmas to a fantastical Who-liday at Seuss Landing, there’s a lot to fill you with holiday cheer, so let’s take a look at all of this year’s offerings.

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Christmas has always held a special place in the stories of Harry Potter. Every book and movie features the holiday season as one of the most magical times of the year. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal lets fans step inside those scenes and experience the magic of Christmas in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village. Since 2017 the Wizarding World lands at both Universal parks have been awash in elaborate decorations, holiday performances, Christmas merchandise, and hot Butterbeer!

The decorations in both lands of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are some of the most festive and elaborate in any theme park. Almost every inch of these lands is decorated with lights, garland, wreaths, and a few magical touches. This is especially effective in the year-round snow-covered Hogsmeade Village. The decorations aren’t just outside though and can be found in the shops and dining locations as well, with each area having its own lights and decorations.

For 2020, guests can enjoy the return of Muggle and magical Christmas carols as sung by the Frog Choir in Hogsmeade as well as special holiday-themed performances from the Singing Sorceress Celestina Warbeck in Diagon Alley. These shows are a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and are performed multiple times daily. At this time Universal has not announced whether The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle light show will return for this year. We will be sure to update this guide if showtimes are announced.

Grinchmas at Seuss Landing

One of the most iconic Christmas stories of the last decade has been Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This classic tale of learning the true meaning of Christmas has been a beloved classic since the late 50s and has endured the years and changing times becoming an integral part of many families’ Christmas celebrations. Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure lets guests join the Whos for a Christmas season transforming the area into Who-ville during the holidays. The land itself gets a full Christmas makeover with colorful and fantastical decorations as well as appearances by the Whos as they prepare for their favorite time of year.

Adding to the merriment is the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. This live-action retelling of the classic Christmas tale stars the version of the Grinch and the townspeople of Who-ville from the live-action film, with music by Mannheim Steamroller. The show usually happens many times during the day, but it can be quite popular so we recommend getting in line early for your desired showtime.

Universal’s Holiday Experience featuring Macy’s Balloons

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

The holiday merriment doesn’t end at the theme parks, and guests staying at a Universal Orlando Resort will find holiday touches at every onsite hotel. Some hotels even offer special holiday dining experiences like a Christmas eve dinner or Christmas day breakfast.

Hard Rock Hotel

• Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Dinner in The Kitchen
  Date: Thursday, December 24, 2020
  Time: 5pm – 11pm
  Price: $59* [*tax and gratuity not included]
• Christmas Day Family-Style Breakfast in The Kitchen
  Date: Friday, December 25, 2020
  Time: 7am – 11am
  Price: $29* adult; $15* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
• Christmas Day Prix Fixe Dinner in The Kitchen
  Date: Friday, December 25, 2020
  Time: 5pm – 11pm
  Price: $59* [*tax and gratuity not included]

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

• Traditional Christmas Day Dinner in Islands Dining Room
  Date: Friday, December 25, 2020
  Time: 11am – 9pm
  Price: $49* adult; $17* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
  [*tax and gratuity not included]. Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $15 more.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

• Christmas Day Meal Special in Bayliner Diner
  Date: Friday, December 25, 2020
  Time: Noon – 11pm
  Price: $18.99* adult; $9.99* child (ages 3 – 9); $3.50* add-on dessert [*tax and gratuity not included].

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort

• Traditional Christmas Day Meal at Beach Break Café
  Date: Friday, December 25, 2020
  Time: Noon – 11pm
  Price: $13.99* adult; $7.99* child (ages 3 – 9) [*tax and gratuity not included].

This is a great time to plan your perfect vacation! Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands. Contact our friends at Key to the World Travel® for a free, no-obligation quote for your next trip. Click here.

Photos Courtesy Universal

Professor Heather

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!