Are Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort Celebration Worth It?

The Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort celebration runs from November 22 through December 31, 2024.  Is it worth the visit?

The Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort celebration enables guests to enjoy a festive parade, holiday treats, the Wizarding World projection show, and meet the Grinch. This year’s event involves much of the holiday fun usually associated with Universal Orlando Resort.

Regarding whether it is worth a visit, the price is the best reason to visit Universal Orlando during the holiday season. Most holiday celebration special activities at Universal Orlando’s theme parks are included with standard admission.

This contrasts sharply with the holiday event activities at Walt Disney World. Disney fans must purchase tickets to an after-hours event to see a nighttime parade and other winter holiday activities. The only exception is the parade, which happens for all Magic Kingdom guests during the last few days of December. Of course, those days are the busiest times of year to visit Walt Disney World. If willing to brave the year’s largest crowds, the Disney parade can be viewed during those days for the price of park admission.

What Do the Holidays at Universal Orlando Have to Offer?

Besides the price advantage, Universal Orlando Resort presents guests with several unique opportunities to celebrate the holidays. For many visitors, it begins with Harry Potter. Adding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas to the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks changed the Orlando tourism market.

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter happens at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade come alive during the winter holiday season with joyful decorations.

Guests should expect to see plenty of garland and twinkling lights enhancing the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Hot Butterbeer, the popular Wizarding World beverage, fits the setting well for many guests.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers special performances during the holiday season. In Hogsmeade, the Frog Choir treats guests to festive, magical music. Over in Diagon Alley, the magical musical sensation Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees draws guests in with unique holiday music and dance numbers.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

When darkness falls in Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, guests gather for the nighttime projection show on Hogwarts Castle. This spectacle returns this year. During the projection show, guests will see elements from the “Harry Potter” films. “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” projection show happens nightly during the holiday season from dusk until the park closes.

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

Over at Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s happens nightly. Guests must plan carefully to see the Wizarding World projection show and the parade on the same night if they have park-to-park access.

During the parade, characters from Illumination’s “Despicable Me,” DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” and “Madagascar” appear. Also, giant holiday balloons travel the parade route at Universal Studios Florida. The parade concludes with Santa Claus lighting the 80-foot Christmas tree in Universal Studios Florida. In fairness, Santa Claus does this as he passes by the tree in the New York area of the theme park. As a result, that area makes an excellent viewing area.

Suppose your visit to Universal Orlando does not allow you to stay for the parade in the late afternoon or early evening at Universal Studios Florida. In that case, you can get a glimpse of the experience. If you cannot stay for the holiday parade, you still have the chance to interact with the parade performers. Several hours before parade time, many parade performers will appear around the giant Christmas tree.

Earl the Squirrel and the Holiday Tribute Store

In addition to enjoying holiday-themed food and beverages, guests can shop for seasonal merchandise. Universal Orlando Resort creates a limited-time Holiday Tribute Store that makes a great place to buy merchandise. Each year, the team at Universal Orlando creates a brand-new Holiday Tribute Store. These walk-through merchandise stores have become attractions all by themselves.

The Holiday Tribute Store involves the Universal Orlando holiday icon Earl the Squirrel. This icon will have a meet-and-greet spot for guests to see him. Over the last few years, the legend of Earl the Squirrel has grown from a squirrel in a tree, possibly chewing on holiday lights, to a theme park character who runs his own holiday business each year.

Guests can also enjoy a scavenger hunt across the theme parks and Universal CityWalk Orlando this year. The Earl the Squirrel-inspired Holiday Nutcracker Hunt is all-new for 2024

Who Would Like to Visit Who-Ville?

The Seuss Landing area of Universal Islands of Adventure turns into Who-ville from the Dr. Seuss classic work. Citizens of Who-ville wander around the land during the holiday celebration.

A trip to Universal Orlando Resort during the holiday season brings the special advantage of seasonal character interactions. The Seuss Landing area transports visitors to Who-ville. The entire area reflects Martha May’s decorating style. Within this area, one observes oversized candy canes, bending Christmas trees, wreaths, and beautiful tinsel ornaments. While walking this area, the merry Whos will interact with you. Some mini-shows and games may be played with the Whos. The Whos “unofficially” appear throughout the land from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day of the holiday season event.

The mean one himself, the Grinch, will be available to meet for photos during this event. Guests should be aware that this photo opportunity will draw a significant queue. Last year, it reached a four-hour posted wait on several occasions based on its popularity.

Guests can enjoy a live retelling of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” This happens several times a day during the Holidays at Universal Orlando. This theme park stage show version is called the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” Yes, guests get to see the Grinch and Max.

More Holiday-Themed Shows at Universal Studios Florida

At Universal Studios Florida, several seasonal shows occur daily during the holiday celebration. This involves two street shows. “The Blues Brothers Holiday Show” takes over the Delancey Street area. Jake and Elwood perform festive songs with their unique charm. Guests will hear some Christmas classics. Also, guests will listen to a song about being a “snowman” that will sound like a song James Brown made famous. This show finishes with the Orlando version of snow falling.

In addition, Marilyn and her Diamond Bellas change their routine into a holiday version. Marilyn and the team enter to “film” a musical sequence for an upcoming picture. This festive edition involves full winter holiday lyrics. The outfits for the Diamond Bella look like they belong performing at a Christmas gala. In a curious twist, Marilyn “sings” the holiday classic “Santa Baby.” Usually, the ladies stick around after the show for photos.

Were You Expecting Mannheim Steamroller?

For many years, Universal Studios Florida has hosted Mannheim Steamroller concerts on select weekends during Holidays at Universal Orlando. Nevertheless, those concerts will not be occurring this year.

Holiday Celebrations at Universal Orlando Resort’s Hotels

Guests can enjoy additional holiday festivities at all the Universal Orlando Resort hotels, each decked out with festive décor. Special menus will be offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Guests can join in on holiday celebrations, including Christmas tree lightings, Hannukah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers, and more.

Guests can now save up to $450 on a four-night stay in a Garden View room at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, where they’ll also receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Florida Residents and Annual and Seasonal Passholders can save 40% at all Universal Orlando hotels on select dates.

Universal Citywalk

Universal CityWalk also gets into the holiday spirit with specialty entertainment and menu offerings at select venues. These include:

• The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club, where guests can enjoy live entertainment and themed holiday cocktails;
• A festive meet and greet with fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel during select dates from November 29 – December 28 at CityWalk Plaza;
• Assorted seasonal food and beverage at Bigfire and Vivo Italian Kitchen, and a seasonal milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen;

For more information about Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.

Holidays at Universal Orlando Upgrades

As stated previously, most holiday activities are included with admission. Still, Universal Orlando Resort offers a few upcharges for an upgraded experience. One of them is very popular and sells out very quickly each year.

The first upgrade is The Universal Holiday Tour. Guests enjoy a guided tour through all the holiday experiences at Universal Orlando. This includes, according to Universal Orlando Resort:

• A meet and greet with the Grinch and his faithful dog, Max
• Small plates, delectable desserts and non-alcoholic beverages in Universal Studios Florida;
• Reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” in Universal Islands of Adventure;
• An exclusive meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida;
• An after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle;”
• Priority access to Universal Studios Florida’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast (subject to change and based on availability).

The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select nights from November 25 through December 29, 2024. Pricing starts at $79.99. Guests should know that theme park admission is not included in the tour price. It must be purchased separately and must include park-to-park access. This tour will happen late on the theme park day and may involve staying in Universal Islands of Adventure after the park closes.

Breakfast with The Grinch

The most popular holiday upgrade at Universal Orlando Resort relates to Breakfast with The Grinch. This sells out quickly. Tickets are currently on sale from $58.99 per adult and $32.99 per child aged three to nine. This breakfast event at Universal Islands of Adventure happens on select dates from November 22 through December 30. Reservations are required.

Guests get to dine with the Grinch and other Seuss characters. The meal features a plated breakfast. Some guests may remember this breakfast being a buffet, but that is no longer true. Universal Orlando Resort stated guests can dine on items like Green Eggs and Ham and Cindy-Lou Who’s Belgian Waffles. This meal occurs inside Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal Islands of Adventure.

Holidays at Universal Orlando: What About You?

The Holidays at Universal Orlando celebration provides guests with plenty to do. Whether it is Harry Potter or the Grinch, there may be something for you! The trained staff at Universal Family Vacation can help plan your next Universal Orlando vacation fee-free for you. You can receive a free quote today on our website.