The Holidays are here at Universal Studios Hollywood – transforming the park into a whimsical, winter wonderland! Running daily through Sunday, December 29, visitors will be able to experience seasonal favorites, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas.”
Although we don’t celebrate Christmas (religiously), we still wanted to experience the magic. And guess what…we loved everything about it. Since Winter Break is around the corner, Universal Studios Hollywood makes the perfect place for some family time! If you’ve never been to Universal Studios Hollywood with the kids, check out my guide with kids post.
Don’t forget to grab a Studio Map!
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
Grinchmas
Located in the Plaza area near the entrance, you’ll find Who-ville. Just follow the sound of a Who-ville resident DJ spinning music. The Who-lebration has whimsical decor, that’ll make fun Holiday opps! Who-ville Whos are also ready to strike a pose with you (you’ll seem them walking around). But there is a line to snap a pic with The Grinch and his faithful dog, Max…so be prepared for a long wait.
This season, there’s an all-new state-of-the-art, topsy-turvy “Grinchmas” tree, twisting and turning over 55 feet in height. The tree is adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of white and multi-colored LED lights choreographed to music.
Be sure to come back for the “Grinchmas” tree lighting ceremony. You’ll feel like you’re in The Grinch movie, its a lot of fun! The ceremony takes place every evening, accompanied by a snowfall flurry. There’s multiple ceremonies throughout the evening, just take note of the times listed inside Who-ville.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Okay, I’m a big Harry Potter fan and couldn’t wait to step inside Hogsmeade village to check out the seasonal decor and entertainment. But first, I had to head straight to Hog’s Head for hot Butterbeer. Because why not.
On our way to the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ and Flight of the Hippogriff™ rides, we caught a musical performance from the a cappella Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant throaty frogs, singing holiday themed songs.
As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle”illuminates Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with colorful imagery and impressive dimensional animations that dance across Hogwarts castle in tandem to a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies.
Potterheads will love the wide selection of custom-made Christmas ornaments created especially for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” Collectibles include a decorative Hogwarts castle snow globe, Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the four houses, wizard card ornaments, unique tree topper and house pennant garland.
With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the California Neighbor Pass makes the perfect holiday gift, providing guests with the opportunity to experience 175 days of fun for $149 when purchased online. Visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.
More Holiday Magic
Spirited holiday décor and festive whimsy will also permeate throughout the theme park, bringing a crew of very merry and mischievous Minions to “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” to gleefully spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages.
CityWalk
As you leave the park, don’t forget to stop by to see Universal CityWalk’s spectacular 40-foot tall Christmas tree. It’s glistened with 200,000 LED icicles choreographed to the lights and sounds of the season. CityWalk’s iconic, dancing water fountain with over 230 individual power jets will project streams of choreographed water into the air complemented by red and green LED lights and an array of holiday-themed music.
The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood is included in the price of theme park admission.
More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free. More information available at
www.CityWalkHollywood.com.
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