Universal Orlando Holiday Celebration Details Released for 2023

Universal Orlando Resort’s holiday celebration returns for this season with festive fun starting November 17 and lasting until December 30.

Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to set their festive side free with its destination-wide holiday celebration kicking off in November. Guests can experience a mix of merry and mischief brought to life, from holiday classics to experiences inspired by pop culture icons, creating a memorable holiday atmosphere from Friday, November 17, and running daily through Sunday, December 31.

Universal Orlando’s announcement of the winter holiday offerings happened far later this year than normal. Still, this celebration at Universal Orlando Resort for 2023 brings back many of the old favorites from previous holiday celebrations. Guests visiting during the holiday celebration should expect to enjoy several seasonal offerings like:

• The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular Show
• The Grinch character interactions
• Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s
• Chances to encounter the “Whos” in Seuss Landing at Universal Islands of Adventure 
• Holiday Food and Beverage 
• Holiday Tribute Store
• The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle Nighttime Show

Also, in case you were wondering, Earl the Squirrel will be a part of the Universal Orlando holidays. The lovable Earl will be up to his normal mischief.

More Details about Universal Orlando Holiday Event

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure

Holiday magic fills The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade transform into a wizarding holiday wonderland overflowing with festively themed décor, lights, garland, and more. The nighttime spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” returns to Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, bringing to life a stunning projection show highlighting Christmas moments and holiday spirit inspired by the beloved characters and stories of the “Harry Potter” films.

The Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs, also returns to Hogsmeade with a special holiday-themed performance. Also, guests can groove to the music of the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensation, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, in Diagon Alley.

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida

Guests will gaze in awe as beloved pop culture-inspired stories from Illumination’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar fill the streets of Universal Studios Florida during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. These narratives come to life as larger-than-life balloons, colorful holiday floats, and hundreds of jolly performers embark on a picturesque journey. The parade culminates with a stunning finale, including a special appearance by Santa Claus and the lighting of the magnificent 80-foot Christmas tree.

Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure

Revel in the spirit of Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure, where the Grinch stars in the live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.”

Seuss Landing will transport guests into a whimsical atmosphere decked out with oversized candy canes, twisty Christmas trees, stunning tinsel ornaments, and more. There will even be appearances from the Whos from Who-ville and a special photo opportunity that brings guests face-to-face with the mean, green one himself, the Grinch.

Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios Florida

The top-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, will return to Universal Studios Florida to get guests into the holiday spirit with live performances on December 2, 3, 9 and 10.

Best Reason to Visit the Universal Orlando Holiday Celebration

An excellent reason to visit Universal Orlando during the winter holidays revolves around the price paid. The cost of a theme park vacation can feel overwhelming these days. Since everything appears to be more expensive, your vacation budget gets stretched in many ways. At least at Universal Orlando Resort for the holidays, almost all these seasonal activities come included with your theme park admission.

Grinch & Friends Breakfast

Those who want to dine with the mean one himself can have breakfast with him.  This special character meal returns this year. The prices start at $58.99 for adults and $32.99 for children ages three to nine. This appears to be a significant price increase over last year. However, this event is very popular. As a result, it will most likely sell out. This buffet breakfast happens on select mornings. Guests may book this breakfast on the following dates:

• November 17-26, & 30
• December 1-3, 7-10, 13-27.

This year, the Grinch Breakfast event will happen at Confisco’s Grille instead of Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous. This price does not include admission to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. Also, reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling 407-224-3663 or by searching for tickets, then extras, then holidays in the app, you can book the Grinch and Friends Breakfast there.

The Holiday Celebration Continues at Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando’s Hotels

Guests can keep the celebration going at Universal CityWalk with seasonal food and beverages and special entertainment. Plus, all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels will be decked out with festive décor that enhances each hotel’s theme – and the whole family can indulge in holiday feasts and activities. Special menus will be available at Universal hotels for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, and there will also be menorah lighting ceremonies and more. Select hotels even offer special holiday entertainment like Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers. Guests can now save 20% on a four-night stay in the 2-bedroom suites at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites & Surfside Inn and Suites and the family suites at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Get 2 Days of Park Admission Free with a Can’t-Miss Ticket Offer

Access to Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration is included with regular admission to the theme parks. U.S. and Canadian residents can now take advantage of an incredible deal giving them five days of access to Universal Orlando Resort’s thrilling theme parks for the price of a three-day ticket to enjoy the ultimate holiday getaway. Guests also have the option to upgrade their tickets to include Universal Volcano Bay. Click here for more information and to purchase.

Special Experiences for Annual Passholders

In addition to discounts on select holiday experiences, Annual Passholders will get special access to Universal’s Holidays Parade featuring Macy’s from a viewing area just for Passholders, as well as exclusive merchandise and early access to the Holidays Tribute Store.

The Holidays celebration runs daily from November 17 through December 31 at Universal Orlando Resort and from November 24 through January 1, 2024 at Universal Studios Hollywood. For more information about Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.

With the exception of a few paid upcharges, the Universal Orlando holiday celebration makes a good value for your vacation budget. Of course, with world-class attractions like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, guests will find plenty to enjoy this holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort. Suppose you want to reduce your budget by avoiding paying for special after-hours theme park events to receive a whole holiday experience. In that case, Universal Orlando might be the best option for you this year.