We Learned a Little More about the Universal Orlando Holidays Celebration

The Holidays celebration at Universal Orlando Resort starts on Friday, November 17, 2023. This week, we learned a little more about it. We even heard a rumor about The Grinch.

Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration offers a wonderful time for guests to enjoy the holiday season at a theme park. Most of the holiday activities involved with this event are included in the price of admission.

Universal Orlando Resort’s annual Holidays celebration officially kicks off this Friday. This seasonal event invites guests to set their festive side free with many merry experiences across Universal Orlando Resort.

Beginning November 17 and running daily through December 31, guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of year at Universal Orlando Resort as they enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, a delicious assortment of festive-themed fare, an all-new incredibly themed Holiday Tribute Store and so much more.

Festive Experiences at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure

Guests visiting Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure can unleash their holiday spirit as they experience a mix of merry and mischief across the theme parks. Some of the holiday activities include:

• Exploring the wizarding holiday wonderlands of both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then capping the night with the wondrous spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
• Meeting the mean, green one himself – the Grinch – and reveling in the spirit of Grinchmas with a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” during “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” at Universal Islands of Adventure
• Gazing in awe at the larger-than-life balloons, festive holiday floats and beloved characters that wind the streets of Universal Studios Florida during Universal’s Holidays Parade featuring Macy’s
• Enjoying the sounds of the season with live performances by the top-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, at Universal Studios Florida on December 2, 3, 9, and 10.
• Earl the Squirrel

Shop the All-New Holiday Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida

The whimsical Holidays celebration continues with this year’s newly themed Tribute Store, “Universal Tribute Store and Post,” which captures the warm spirit of gift-giving during the holiday season. The post-office-themed store includes rooms inspired by the Hogsmeade Owl Post, Who-ville Post Office and Earl’s Garage Delivery Hub – full of seasonal treats and merchandise like Christmas at Hogwarts sweatshirts, and an interactive snowy owl plush, a Grinch plush backpack and popcorn bucket, an Earl the Squirrel spirit jersey and plush, and so much more. Guests can also browse select items from Universal’s assortment of holiday merchandise and purchase online by visiting www.Shop.UniversalOrlando.com.

New Things We Learned This Week About Holidays celebration at Universal Orlando

Most of the holiday features mentioned above are similar to the ones experienced Universal Orlando visitors expect. However, we learned more about the holiday food and beverage. Also, we keep hearing a specific rumor about the Grinch.

Delight in Holiday-Themed Treats

Guests can savor a taste of the holidays with delicious specialty food and beverage offerings inspired by fan-favorite holiday characters along with returning seasonal flavors such as:

• Holiday Loaded Vegan Sweet Potato
• Turkey Dinner Sandwich
• Earl’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Acorn Bomb
• Grinch-themed treats like Grinch Cookies, a Grinch Ice Cream Sandwich, and a Grinch Hot Chocolate Bomb.

Also, at Universal CityWalk, guests can enjoy the all-new Letters to Santa Holiday Shake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. This shake contains coquito ice cream, dulce de leche, and a chocolate Christmas card.

Grinchy Rumor for Universal Orlando Holidays celebration

One last thing we will mention as something learned this week pertains to the mean one, The Grinch. For some reason, people love to have their photo taken with The Grinch. Several methods have been used for this in the past during the Holiday celebration. This year, we keep hearing that the virtual queue system previously used will not happen this year to meet The Grinch. This is a welcome surprise for many guests unable to meet The Grinch last year. However, Universal Orlando Resort has not confirmed this yet.

Universal Orlando Resort offers plenty of holiday activities to enjoy. We will be at Universal Orlando to enjoy these festivities and, of course, the food. Will we see you there?