Complete Guide To The Holidays at Universal Orlando 2023

The holiday season is truly one of the most magical times of the year at Universal Orlando Resort. Cooler temperatures, yummy food offerings, seasonal live entertainment,  and tons of family friendly entertainment options included in your park ticket to enjoy.

Both sides of the park are decked out with decor, there’s festive Music and food, even Universal Orlando on-site hotels get decorated.

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 & Drinks During The Holidays at Universal Orlando

CityWalk

Universal Fresh Eats

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Red Mitten Cookie(V)- $4.29
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Voodoo Doughnuts

Penguin – $4.25: Raised shell doughnut filled with chilly peppermint milk and cookie filling made to look like a penguin

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen

Santa’s Letter Milk “Shake”

An iconic holiday treat comes to life as a delectable milkshake with Santa’s Letter“Shake,” coquito ice cream, dulce de leche, a chocolate Christmas card, candy cane sprinkles, and whipped topping.

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$17.00
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Universal Studios Florida

London Taxi Hut

Jacket Sweet Potato(GS, TNS, VG)- $10.99: roasted sweet potato with maple butter, dried cranberries, vegan feta cheese, candied pecans and pomegranate seeds

San Francisco Pastry Company

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Coquito Igloo(TNS)- $7.49
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Cookie Butter Petit Cake(PS, V)- $5.49

Peppermint Mocha Petit Cake(TNS)- $6.49

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Mitten Cookie(V)- $4.29
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TODAY Cafe

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Gingerbread Cream Pie(V)- $5.99
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Pistachio Petit Gateaux(V)- $6.49
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Peppermint Mocha Petit Cake(TNS)- $6.49
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Holiday Pinecone(GS)- $7.49
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Butter Pecan Yule Log (TNS)- $5.49
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Central Park Crêpes

Holiday Cookie Butter Crepe(V)- $11.99: cinnamon cookie butter mascarpone, shortbread cookies, whipped cream

Battery Park

Yule Enjoy

make it a combo by adding savory butternut squash soup (GS, V, PNS) or creamy tomato soup (GS, V) for 4.99

3 Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich – $11.99: rustic panini bread, sharp cheddar muenster and mozzarella cheese, tomato bacon jam

“VBLT” Sandwich (TNS, VG)- $12.99: rustic panini bread, smoked tempeh bacon, Divina tomatoes, arugula, vegan pepper jack, tomato aioli

Chocolate Pressed S’mores – $10.99: chocolate brioche, marshmallows, chocolate ganache, marshmallow cream, graham cracker crumbs

Mel’s Drive-In Classic Cheeseburger – $13.49: lettuce, tomato, secret sauce, served with chips

Turkey Dinner Sandwich – $12.99: artisan cranberry bread, roasted turkey breast, brie cheese, orange cranberry aioli

Hot Treats

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. $9.49

Available at TODAY Café and Battery Park – located alongside the lagoon near Mel’s Drive-In.

Premium S’mores Hot Chocolate – $5.99: hot chocolate, toasted jumbo marshmallow, chocolate ganache, graham cracker

EggNog Bar

Classic Nog(TNS)- $15.50: with Bacardi 4-year aged rum

Non-Alcoholic Nog(TNS)- $7.00: our home-made nog mix

Fire Nog(TNS)- $14.75: with Fireball Cinnamon whiskey

Canned Drinks & Wine

Spellbound Cabernet Savignon – $10.00

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Noble Vines Chardonnay – $10.00
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Brooklyn Brewery Winter IPA – $12.00

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NÜTRUL Cranberry Seltzer(GS)- $11.25
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Universals Islands of Adventure

Grinch-Themed Treats in Seuss Landing

IOA Carts

Grinch™ Green Popcorn(GS, TNS, VG)- $28.00: First fill is free!

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Grinch™ Cotton Candy(GS, VG)- $6.00
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Grinch™ Freestyle Carrier  – $16.00

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Grinch™ Sipper – $18.00
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Red & Green Icee – $6.00
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Hop on Pop

Grinch™ Hot Chocolate Bomb(GS)- $8.99: Grinch™ themed hot chocolate with chocolate ornament filled with marshmallows and red candied hearts

Grinch™ Hot Chocolate Bomb a la carte(GS)- $5.99: chocolate ornament filled with marshmallows and red candied hearts

Grinch™ Cookies(V)- $3.79: green cake batter sugar cookies topped with a candy heart 3 sizes too small

Grinch™ Ice Cream Sandwich(V)- $6.29: vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two green cake batter sugar cookies topped with a candy heart 3 sizes too small

Croissant Moon Bakery

Grinches™ Heart on a Pillow(TNS)- $6.49: red velvet heart with a mascarpone mousse on a sable cookie

Cookie Butter Petit Cake(PS, V)- $5.49

Butter Pecan Christmas Tree(TNS)- $7.49

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Oatmeal Spiced Bundt Cake(TNS)- $4.99
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2023 Holiday Tribute Store

The Holiday Tribute Store has 4 themed rooms:

Owl Post from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
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Whoville Post Office 
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Earl the Squirrel 
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 Cozy Christmas vintage holiday decor
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The Tribute Store has a variety of new merchandise.

Fun holiday treats for purchase in the Whoville Post Office room.

2023 Holiday Popcorn Bucket

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 Balloons

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.

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

Holiday Entertainment At 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 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.

Universal Orlando Add On Holiday Experiences

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

This unique sit-down meal is now located at Confisco Grille .  You get yo hang out with the Grinch and other Whos as they visit Universal for the holidays.  

This is an awesome way to meet the grinch without having to stand in the long standby queue! The Grinch has a BIG personality and he will walk up to your table and have some fun with you. The grinch breakfast includes one plated entrée, such as Martha May's Chicken and Waffles, one nonalcoholic beverage, such as coffee, and  treats like Grinch & Max Bone cookies.

Reservations are required and must be made up to 24 hours before arrival. The price does not include admission to Universal Islands of Adventure. Your daytime admission ticket and your Character Breakfast ticket must be valid for the same calendar day.

Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast Pricing:

Grinch Character Breakfast Prices 
* $58.99 + tax per adult 
* $32.99 + tax per child (3-9)

Premier and Preferred Annual Passholders can receive a 20% discount on The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast for select dates by calling 407-224-7554.

Pro Tip: Make sure you print your tickets out for this experience!

Universal’s Holiday Tour

Universal's Holiday Tour is a  2-park, 5 hour tour includes reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a private meet-and-greet with Santa, priority access to one pre-selected attraction, an after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, light bites, desserts and more and, best of all, exclusive meet-and-greets with the Grinch and Max.

Theme park admission isn't included in the listed price, but reservations and separate park admission are required. Note, your park-to-park admission and Universal's Holiday Tour ticket must be valid for the same calendar day.

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

* Reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.
* Exclusive Meet and Greets with the Grinch and his faithful dog, Max.
* Light bites, desserts, and more.
* Private Meet and Greet with Santa
* Priority access to one (1) pre-selected attraction 
* An after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates from November 17 - December 31

Universal’s Holiday Tour Pricing:

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 given the Red Coconut Club a Holiday makeover.

Important Holiday Reminders

The Hogwarts Express will be closed for scheduled refurbishment December 10-16th 2023.

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