Celebrate the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort.

The 2019 holiday season is officially upon us and we are so excited for our favourite time of year! 

Spending the holidays at home with family and loved ones is always a treat, but if you’re looking for something truly magical, (and maybe to avoid that Boxing Day cabin fever) you couldn’t do better than Universal Orlando Resort’s Holidays Celebration. 

Universal takes the seasonal celebration to the next level and puts a twist on the traditional.  The whole family will love this incredible experience, when all of Universal Orlando is transformed into a holiday wonderland and a little mayhem and mischief is added to the merrymaking. It all begins November 16, 2019 and runs through January 5, 2020. 

Your favourite characters -- including the students of Hogwarts, the Grinch, Shrek and the Minions – are going all out to make the most wonderful time of the year the experience of a lifetime.

Here’s a look at some of what’s taking place during Universal Orlando Resort’s Holidays Celebration

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  

What Harry Potter fan has never dreamed about spending the holidays in Hogsmeade? The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, one of the most immersive theme park experiences ever created, is transformed into a wizarding wonderland for the holidays! Imagine the streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley decorated with garlands and lights while the sounds of special holiday-themed performances fill the air. The Frog Choir (made up of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs) will be performing both magical and Muggle Christmas carols, and popular Wizarding World singing sensations, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, will play their original holiday hits. Vendors will also be serving up seasonal treats and drinks, including hot Butterbeer (yum!). As night falls, guests are treated to a stunning projection of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” as Christmas moments inspired by J.K. Rowling’s stories come to life projected on the exterior of Hogwarts Castle. 

Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Behold Seuss Landing filled with the spirit of Christmas, delight in the charm and cheer of Who-ville and take in “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic tale starring The Grinch and those eternal optimists, The Whos from Who-ville. Plus, enjoy a meet and greet with the mean, green one and his friends, at The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous. The Grinch himself will be making the rounds, stopping at every table to pose for pictures and make caustic conversation with guests while everyone enjoys a delicious buffet.

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

What would the holidays be without a parade? Every day, the streets of Universal Studios will be filled with merry and mayhem for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. The Minions will join Santa Claus and more of your most beloved characters from Illumination’s “Despicable Me,” the family of Shrek and the friendship of Madagascar for a spectacular spectacle featuring more than 30 of Macy’s signature larger-than-life balloons, floats, hundreds of performers and more.

Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios Florida.

No Christmas is complete without the sounds of Mannheim Steamroller, and at Universal Studios Florida you can see them live on stage! Mannheim Steamroller returns to play the holiday hits and fill the air with the traditional sounds of the season. Take in live concerts on select nights and see why this group is the best-selling holiday artist of all time with 29 million Christmas albums sold.

Holidays at Universal Orlando Hotels.

The merriment spills over into Universal Orlando hotels, featuring seasonal décor, holiday activities, festive meals and more. At Universal Orlando Resort you’ll find accommodations for every style and budget, from casual comfort, to retro cool, rock star chic and upscale luxury. Hotels will be hosting Christmas and New Year’s dinners, menorah lightings, tree lightings, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids crafts and activities and more. Try your hand at Thanksgiving Turkey Bowling (wait…what?) go caroling or just relax in the lobby with a cookie and beverage.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Universal Orlando.

Guests can ring in 2020 with a selection of amazing New Year’s Eve celebrations. Choose from family-friendly festivities at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Orlando hotels or enjoy the adult fun at the ultimate upscale party for guests 21 and up at EVE at Universal CityWalk. More information about Universal Orlando’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will be revealed at a later time but you can be sure the revelry will be something to remember!

Book Now