Complete Guide To The Holidays at Universal Orlando 2022

Written By Megan Hamilton
The holiday season is truly the most magical time of the year at Universal Orlando Resort. Cooler temperatures, yummy food offerings, stunning decorations,  and there's tons of family friendly entertainment options included in your park ticket to enjoy.

Curtesy of Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort offers an annual Holiday celebration, featuring Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s Balloons, Grinchmas, and more.holiday festivities inspired by some of our most cheeriest childhood stories and characters.

Festive Food and Drinks During The Holidays at Universal Orlando

Santa’s Cookies and Milk “Shake” 

An iconic holiday treat comes to life as a delectable milkshake with Santa’s Cookies and Milk “Shake,” complete with cookie butter & vanilla ice cream, mini chocolate chip cookies, and topped with a delicious chocolate Christmas tree and sprinkles.
Available at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen in CityWalk.

Earl’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Acorn Bomb

A holiday fan-favorite is back, now themed to the beloved, original Universal character – Earl the Squirrel. 
The delicious beverage consists of a chocolate acorn shell filled with salted caramel and mini marshmallows, served with Italian hot chocolate. $8.99
Available at TODAY Café and Battery Park – located alongside the lagoon near Mel’s Drive-In.

Roast Beast Sandwich

Guests looking for comfort food flavors can savor the Roast Beast Sandwich – a mini meatloaf sandwich featuring French onion soup-dipped roast beef with a cheddar cheese sauce – and even a “secret” sauce – served on a pretzel bun. $16.99
Available at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous.

Grinch-Themed Treats

Some of the traditional sweet flavors the season brings can be found in an array of unique Grinch-themed sweets, such as the  Grinch Ice Cream Sandwich, Grinch cookies, and more
You can find these at Hop on Pop in Seuss Landing, Islands of Adventure.

The Grinch Hot Chocolate Bomb 

A chocolate-shaped heart that has a dark chocolate bottom and green colored white chocolate top. On one side is a candy red heart. 
As hot chocolate is poured into the cup, the chocolate heart melts, just like the Grinch, but in this case, delicious mini marshmallows and more red candy hearts float to the top. $8.99

The Grinch Ice Cream Sandwich

Creamy vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two large, thick and chewy green-colored sugar cookies. The top is lightly dusted with confectioners sugar and is garnished with a small red candy heart. $6.29

Grinch’s Heart on a Pillow 

Red velvet heart with a mascarpone mousse on a sable cookie. $6.49

Chocolate Pressed S’mores

Consists of 2 slices of brioche bread, filled with chocolate ganache, marshmallow cream, and marshmallows. The edge of the sandwich is dipped in chocolate and garnished with graham cracker crumbs.$10.49

Turkey Dinner Sandwich

Pressed artisan cranberry bread filled with turkey and brie cheese.” This sandwich comes with a side of gravy for dipping the sandwich. $11.49
Located in Battery Park area of Universal Studios Florida.

Exclusive Holiday Drinks at Universal Orlando

For the seasonal cocktail aficionados, a selection of specialty beverages will be available in Universal Studios Florida.

Alcoholic Drinks:

  • Nutty Nog (Bacardi 4 year rum) – $14.00 
  • Deluxe Nog (Bacardi 8 year rum) – $14.50 
  • Kentucky Nog (Old Forester bourbon) – $13.50 
  • Fire Nog (Fireball Cinnamon whiskey) – $13.50
  • Mulled Wine – $13.00

Fire Nog

Non-Alchoholic drinks:

  • Non-Alcoholic Nog- $6.50
  • Hot Chocolate – $3.99
  • Grinch Holiday Punch-$4.19
    • Festive tropical sour apple punch
    • Hop on Pop, Islands of Adventure

The New 2022 Holiday Tribute Store

2020 Tribute Store Facade

The incredibly immersive Holiday Tribute Store returns with 4 themed rooms inspired by:

  • Who-ville

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

  • Earl the Squirrel

  • New York vintage holiday decor

The Tribute Store will havea variety of new merchandise– such as the new Grinchmas & Minions popcorn buckets, Grinchmas Loungefly backpack, Hogwarts House-themed holiday ornaments, Earl the Squirrel spirit jersey and more.
There’s also a variety of fun holiday treats for purchase in the Earl the Squirrel room.

2022 Holiday Popcorn Buckets

The new Minion-themed popcorn bucket is of Minion Bob, but instead of him holding his teddy bear, he's holding a snowman. Bob comes with an adjustable red strap that has Minion images screen printed.
The new Grinch popcorn bucket has him wearing a Santa hat and he sits on a red base. The bucket has a red adjustable strap. The adjustable carrying strap has “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,”  “Merry Grinchmas” and “Universal Studios” printed all over.
Guests can also browse select items from Universal’s assortment of Holidays merchandise and make purchases online by visiting www.Shop.UniversalOrlando.com.

Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s

Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s is the " big" nightly event at Universal Studios Florida. You can watch some of your favorite characters as  larger-than-life balloons and floats through this parade. Characters  Shrek, Minions, Despicable Me, Madagascar, and Santa of course.
In the 2021 holiday season, the parade’s various floats were arranged into a themed walk-through experience, with their accompanying balloons from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 
Parade Time: Always check the official Universal Orlando app each day of your visit. So far the parade has started at 5:30PM.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

There’s nothing else like celebrating Christmastime in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are both perfectly decorated with  garland and lights.
  • Enjoy the The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, the projection-mapping show featured most nights in Islands of Adventure.
  • Soak in all the holiday decorations, wreaths, garlands, and Christmas lights.
  • Holiday performances and festive outfits by the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck. 
  • Snoap during portions of Celestina Warbeck’s performance.
  • Enjoy wearing your Hogwarts robe while sipping on Hot Butterbeer sans the Florida heat.

Universal Orlando’s Mannheim Steamroller Holiday Concerts

Mannheim Steamroller brings holiday sounds of modern Christmas to Universal Studios Florida. These concerts take place on select nights, and have historically started at 7 p.m. 
The concert dates for 2022 are Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11.  
If you want a sit-down spot in front of the stage, plan to arrive early. Don't fret though, you can easily hear the music beyond the concert area, so if you're okay with seeing a songs, stop by when you have time. that night. 
Located at the Music Plaza Stage, Universal Studios Florida (Right in front of Rip Rid Rockit
Note-- Seasonal Passholders are blocked out of Universal Studios Florida on concert dates.

Holiday Entertainment At Universal Orlando- Universal Studios Florida

The Blues Brothers Holiday Show

Enjoy festive favorites  like “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “Blue Christmas,” and more with snow on Delancey Street at the end of each show. The holiday edition of the Blues Brothers street party is a  must-see.

Marilyn & the Holiday Diamond Bellas Show

You’ll hear a mix of Marilyn’s year round songs and Holiday favorites like, “Santa Baby.” The Diamond Bella Dancers wear festive Sant inspired outfits.

Earl The Squirrel Meet & Greet

Universal Orlando’s beloved Earl the Squirrel comes out of his hiding place in the tree for meet and greets near the Hello Kitty Gift-shop  throughout the day.

Holiday Entertainment At Universal Orlando- Islands of Adventure

Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular Show

A live show starring the Grinch in the telling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and it also features a talented cast of Who-ville residents. The iconic  music is recorded by Mannheim Steamroller.  You'll enjoy live songs, dance, and lots of laughter. 
Make sure to arrive 20-30 minutes prior to the showtime you want to attend.
Check the Universal Orlando app, or Sign out front for the daily showtimes.

Add On Holiday Experiences at Universal Orlando

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast is finally returning for this year’s Universal Orlando’s Holidays!
Breakfast with the Grinch a separately-ticketed experience you  HAVE to have a general park admission ticket.
This dining experience offers the opportunity to enjoy breakfast items at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous while in the company of Whos and the Grinch. 

Grinch Breakfast Pricing: 

  • Almost all the slots are already sold out. 
  • Breakfast is $41.99 (pre tax) for adults
  • $26.99 (pre tax) for children
  • Breakfast +1 digital download photo is included
Pro Tip: Make sure you print your tickets out for this experience!

Universal’s Holiday Tour

This tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy festive activities in a guided small group. 
Duration: 5 Hours

What’s included in the VIP Holiday Tour at Universal Orlando:

  • An exclusive after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.
  • Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and small bites with the Grinch!
  • Meet Santa with one My Universal Photos digital download per party
  • Priority access to one attraction (subject to Tour itinerary).
  • Reserved seating for The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
  • Small plates including cookies, Who Hash, Chicken & Waffles, Popcorn Shrimp, plus non-alcoholic beverages and a hot cocoa bar at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous.
The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates from November 13 through January 1st.

Universal’s Holiday Tour Pricing:

  • Almost all the slots are already sold out
  • Starts at $79.99 and varies depending on the night. 
  • Separate 2-Park 1-Day Park-to-Park admission is required.

Holiday Tree Hunt

The Goal: You have to find the Christmas trees (some in Universal Studios Florida, some in Islands of Adventure, and a few in CityWalk).
Collect the stamps that are located next to each, and then work your way to one of three shops (Park Plaza Holiday Shop in USF, Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe in IOA, or Universal Studios Store in City Walk) to get you “ holiday gift”. AKA a special souvenir ornament to take home. 
Note- The holiday gift/prize at the end, and has to be purchased for $12.00.

Holiday Offerings at Universal CityWalk

Green & Red Coconut Club

This past Halloween season, Red Coconut Club got a  turned into "Dead Coconut Club". Universal has give the Red Coconut Club a Holiday makeover themed to Earl the Squirrel.

(Not yet open)

Important Reminders

The 2022 Holiday season is your last chance to enjoy some iconic attractions at Universal Orlando. 
Woody Woodpecker's KidZone,  Fievel's Playland, Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, Dreamworks Destination and Shrek and Donkey's Meet & Greet are all permanently closing on Jan. 16, 2023 to make way for new unannounced additions to Universal Studios Florida.
The holidays at Universal Orlando is truly magical! You’ve picked a special time to visit the parks. I hope this Holiday guide makes planning easy and enjoyable. 
For more information about the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/holidays
Megan Hamilton
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