2024 Complete Guide To The Holidays at Universal Orlando

The Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort is coming back! From November 22 through December 31, 2024. 

Here’s everything you need to know to plan the ultimate holiday visit, with experiences included in your theme park admission and options for special add-ons to elevate the magic of the Holidays.

Overview of the Holidays at Universal Orlando

As part of admission to Universal Orlando’s theme parks, you can enjoy a  slate of festive experiences inspired by beloved characters and stories – from reveling in the “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, to meeting everyone’s favorite mean, green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to watching larger-than-life floats and balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and more.

Plus, you can take your holiday festivities at Universal Orlando to the next level with a stay at one of Universal’s hotels – all of which will be decked out in holiday décor and feature seasonal experiences – or by purchasing add-on, in-park experiences like The Universal Holiday Tour and The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.

In-Park Experiences

Grinchmas at Seuss Landing in Universal Island’s of Adventure

Seuss Landing will transport guests directly to Who-ville, where they’ll be surrounded by whimsical holiday décor and enjoy special appearances from the Whos and even get a chance for a photo opportunity with the mean-one himself – the Grinch!

You can enjoy a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in the beloved stage show, “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.”

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

With festively themed décor, garland and twinkling lights adorning the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, guests will be surrounded by holiday magic as they explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this holiday season.

Guests can grab a Hot Butterbeer and enjoy special holiday-themed performances by The Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant frogs, in Hogsmeade, or dance along with the hit-sensation Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley.

The special holiday show features 4 original songs, including “My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas” and “Nothing Like a Holiday Spell.”

And as night falls in Hogsmeade, the nighttime spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” returns – bringing to life an awe-inspiring projection show on Hogwarts castle highlighting Christmas moments and holiday cheer inspired by the cherished characters and stories from the “Harry Potter” films.

Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida

Beloved pop culture-inspired stories and characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar – along with cherished holiday traditions – come to life as larger-than-life balloons and colorful holiday floats during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

At the end off the festive parade is a special appearance by Santa Claus and the magnificent lighting of a grand 80-foot Christmas tree in Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Studios Florida’s Holiday Tribute Store

You’ll also will be able to enjoy themed food and beverage, shop seasonal merchandise from an all-new Holiday Tribute Store.

There’s meet and greets with your favorite characters who are also in the holiday spirit – including the fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel, and take part in an all-new Holiday Nutcracker Hunt that will take them on a scavenger hunt across Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk.

Additional Holiday Offerings at Universal Studios Florida

Marilyn & the (Holiday) Diamond Bellas

Marilyn Monroe and the Diamond Bellas street show adds a fun little Christmas twist on their performance.

The Diamond Bella Dancers will have beautiful Santa-inspired costumes all in silver, and their second song performance has been replaced with the  “Santa Baby.”

The Blues Brothers Holiday Show

Jake and Elwood perform holiday classics like “Blue Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,”and more. My favorite part of this holiday show, is at the end, when there’s snow on Delancey Street.

HOLIDAY ADD-ON EXPERIENCES

The Universal Holiday Tour

Available for an additional cost, you can enjoy a guided journey through popular holiday experiences across the destination with The Universal Holiday Tour, which includes:

An exclusive meet and greet with the Grinch and his faithful dog Max;

Small plates, delectable desserts and non-alcoholic beverages in Universal Studios Florida;

Reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” in Universal Islands of Adventure;

An exclusive meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida;

An after hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle;”

Priority access to Universal Studios Florida’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast (subject to change and based on availability).

The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning November 25 through December 29, 2024, and can be booked by visiting www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.

Pricing begins at $79.99 per person (plus tax) and separate theme park admission with a 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket is required.

Annual and Seasonal Passholders can get a $10 discount per ticket per Passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass. Tickets for Passholders can be purchased through the VIP Call Center (1-866-346-9350) or by visiting the UOAP Lounge in Universal Islands of Adventure. Seasonal Passholder blockout dates apply.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure

Available for an additional cost, you can start your day alongside the Grinch and other favorite characters from Seuss Landing while dining on delicious breakfast items like Green Eggs and Ham and Cindy-Lou Who’s Belgian Waffles during “The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.”

The plated breakfast takes place in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal Islands of Adventure on select dates beginning November 22 through December 30 for $58.99 + tax per adult and $32.99 + tax per child (ages 3-9).

Guests can book by visitingwww.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.

Premier and Preferred Passholders can receive a 20% discount on purchases of “The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast” by calling (407)-224-7554 or purchasing in-person at the Front Gate or at Guest Services locations.Reservations are required.

Exclusive Food and Drinks at Universal Orlando During the Holidays

Check back as we wait for Universal Orlando to release information on the 2024 holiday season menu!

How to Meet Santa Claus at Universal Orlando

Last year, the only place to meet with Santa was during the Universal Holiday Tour.

The only way to see Santa Claus from a distance in the park was on his float at the end of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

Holiday Celebrations at Universal Orlando’s Hotels

You can enjoy additional holiday festivities at all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, each of which will be decked out with festive décor for the season.

Special menus will be offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s and guests can join in on holiday celebrations, including Christmas tree lightings, Hannukah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers and more.

You can also now save up to $450 on a four-night stay in a Garden View room at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, where they’ll also receive free Universal Express Unlimited ride access at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.

Florida Residents and Annual and Seasonal Passholders can also save 40% at all Universal Orlando hotels on select dates.

Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk is also getting into the holiday spirit with specialty entertainment and menu offerings at select venues, including:

The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club, where guests can enjoy live entertainment and themed holiday cocktails;

A festive meet and greet with fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel during select dates from November 29 – December 28 at CityWalk Plaza;

Assorted seasonal food and beverage at Bigfire and VIVO Italian Kitchen, and a seasonal milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen;

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Access to the in-park festivities of Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration is included with regular admission to the theme parks.

You can plan your visit with a variety of offers from Universal Orlando, including the all-new Dining Card Vacation Package, which includes theme park admission, hotel accommodations and a food and beverage dining card worth up to $1,000 to use at select restaurants and dining locations throughout the resort.

For more information about the new Dining Card Vacation Package and to purchase, click here.

For more information about Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.