Nov 1, 20234 min read

A Magical Who-liday! Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort!

However you holiday, you do Yule! Let your festive side free and join in the fun at Universal Orlando Resort! With something for all ages, no one will be wanting for fun! The best thing about Christmas at Universal Orlando is the different themes and fandoms that are represented, so there’s truly something for everyone! Join the celebration of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, enjoy huge balloons at Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and laugh along to the Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular. Holidays at Universal runs from 17 November-31 December 2023 during park hours! All festive experiences are included in your standard park ticket, unless otherwise stated.

Family smiling surrounded by festivities at Universal Studios Florida

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

Stroll the streets of Hogsmeade™ in Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley™ in Universal Studios Florida, basking in the festive décor and holiday cheer. Enjoy a hot Butterbeer™ while both the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees put a holiday spin on their performances. At the end of your night, congregate with your fellow witches and wizards in front of Hogwarts™ castle to see the magic of the holidays as the castle lights up with festive cheer! Make sure you have your Park-to-Park ticket to ride the Hogwarts™ Express between the two parks to experience all the magic!

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

If you’re a fan of parades, especially the ones with gigantic balloon floats and festive charm, this is the attraction for you! With the extravagance of the famous parades in New York City, gather along the streets of Universal Studios Florida to catch larger-than-life balloons floating through the streets, along with appearances by the Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me and some of your favourite characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar films.

Grinchmas™

Seuss Landing™ is decorated with holiday charm, where you can join the Whos of Who-ville as they celebrate the magic and fun of Christmas. Or join the maven of mischief himself, the Grinch™, as he does his best to bring a level of mischief and snark to the holiday period - you might even be able to snap a photo with him if he’s amenable. To celebrate the season Who-style, enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular.

Add more Merry to your Christmas!

If you want to add a little more magic to your festive holiday, Universal Orlando has some added extras you can purchase in addition to your park ticket. To access the extras below, you must have a valid park-to-park admission ticket that is valid for the date of your tour or breakfast.

Universal's Holiday Tour

See the season come to life with an exclusive meet and greet with the Grinch™ and his dog Max, reserved show seating, tasty food, private meet and greet with Santa, an after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle and much more. The tour takes place on select dates from 19 November-30 December. Reservations are required. Tickets start from US$79.99+tax.

The Grinch™ & Friends Character Breakfast

Join the mean, green one himself and the Whos too for a morning feast at Confisco Grille. Start your day with a sit-down meal of festive food and fun for everyone. There are very limited tickets still available, select dates from 17 November-27 December. Tickets start from US$58.99+tax for guests aged 10+, and US$32.99 +tax for guests aged 3-9 years.

Keep the festivities going

In addition to the usual perks of staying onsite at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, the resorts will have extra special festive décor and experiences to keep the magic going. Below is a highlights list of one attraction per hotel - check the Universal Orlando Resort website for the full list of offerings from each resort.

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby

Resort: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Date: Thursday 7 December-Friday 15 December 2023

Time: Sundown (visit or call the concierge or front desk for times)

Price: Complimentary

Christmas Day Brunch in The Kitchen

Resort: Hard Rock Hotel®

Date: Monday 25 December 2023

Time: 7am-2pm

Price: Adults US$75, Children (ages 3-9) US$35, kids under 3 free (tax and gratuity not included)

Christmas Day Buffet in Islands Dining Room

Resort: Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Date: Monday 25 December 2023

Time: 11am-4pm

Entertainment: Musician, hula dancers and balloon artist.

Price: Adults US$75, Children (ages 3-9) US$35, kids under 3 free (tax and gratuity not included). Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just US$21 more (tax and gratuity not included).

Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse

Resort: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Date: Monday 25 December 2023

Time: 7am-11am

Price: Adults US$29, Children (ages 3-9) US$16, kids under 3 free (tax and gratuity not included). Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for just US$21 more (tax and gratuity not included).