Universal Studios Hollywood unwraps spectacular holiday entertainment with the return of Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and more. It's all happening now through January 6th! Click here to purchase tickets. We have visited Universal Studios every December since 2016 and I am here to share with you why it is my favorite time to visit and why you should go this holiday season!
It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at The Entertainment Capital of L.A. as Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk deck the halls with a wintry calendar of festive holiday experiences and an array of delectable treats that families and friends far and wide can enjoy. Make sure you take your photo at the famous Universal Studios globe. You can find this right at the park entrance.
I highly suggest getting the Universal Express ticket. It is valid for express access to each ride, attraction and seated show. Express access is a separate line with a shorter wait time at each ride, attraction or seated show.
The whimsical spirit of the holidays transforms Universal Studios Hollywood into a winter wonderland bringing merriment and cheer to families and friends this festive season as the theme park ushers in seasonal favorites, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas and so much more.
Hogsmeade village rings in Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with jubilant décor of twinkling lights, magical garlands and cheerful wreaths. The Frog Choir's traditional holiday a cappella performances will resonate with joy, as visiting witches and wizards wander through the village shops in search of enchanting gifts and exclusive keepsake items. A stroll through Hogsmeade wouldn’t be complete without a cup of Butterbeer that guests can enjoy in a choice of hot, cold or frozen or the chance to indulge in seasonal holiday fare at Three Broomsticks.
As twilight settles each evening, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle will illuminate a mesmerizing light projection show that bathes Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in a spellbinding display of color and radiance. The majestic castle will become a canvas of enchanting imagery, bringing to life the magic of the season. Accompanied by a captivating medley of music from the Harry Potter film series, this immersive experience will infuse the air with a symphony of festive sounds, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Don't miss a cappella Frog Choir featuring Hogwarts students who perform their harmonized holiday themed songs.
Beginning at dusk each night, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle dazzles with stunning imagery and animation as the impressive light projection show illuminates Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, bringing the iconic Hogwarts castle to life and infusing the land with the sounds of an arrangement of music from the Harry Potter film series.
Also in The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, make sure you ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (my favorite ride) and Flight of the Hippogriff. You can also cast spells throughout Hogsmeade. Experience Ollivanders Makers of Fine Wands where you can see a wand choose a wizard. Then cast spells with your own wand throughout Hogsmeade. Wave your wand, recite the spell and watch the magic unfold.
Universal Plaza, located at the heart of Universal Studios Hollywood, brings its centerpiece Who-holiday festivities to life with the spirited Grinchmas Who-bilation. Who-cheer and Who-fun will come to life in the whimsically vibrant town of Who-ville, complete with colorful décor, lively entertainment and festive activities.
The sensational Who-inspired doo-wop singing quartet makes a grand return, bringing their legendary sounds and Who-liday cheer. With their infectious rhythms and lively performances, this fabulous quartet will sway Whos and guests alike as they croon to toe-tapping renditions of beloved Who-liday classics. After they perform you can get a photo with this sensational crew.
A towering 65-foot-tall Grinchmas tree will stand whimsically at the heart of Who-ville, adorned with hundreds of vibrant ornaments and thousands of shimmering LED lights. This signature, topsy-turvy marvel will create a captivating focal point for the festivities as nightly tree-lighting ceremonies accompanied by a burst of cascading snow mark the evening.
Grinchmas activities will include photo opportunities with the Grinch and his faithful dog Max, story time with Cindy-Lou Who, who shares the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas with guests young and old, and a visit to the Who-ville post office to mail a joyous postcard sharing three good deeds.
There are so many amazing attractions and rides at Universal Studios Hollywood like Transformers The Ride 3D, Revenge Of The Mummy, Jurassic World The Ride (I suggest you wear a poncho unless you want to get wet), The Simpsons Ride, and so much more! Make sure you visit with all the characters too! That is our favorite part!!
In Springfield you can enter the world of The Simpsons like never before and visit downtown Springfield. Enjoy a Genuine Clown Endorsed Meal at Krusty Burger, grab a Homer sized helping of donuts at Lard Lad and imbibe at Moe's Tavern. You can also meet your favorite Simpsons characters in Springfield. My personal favorite place to eat in Springfield is Luigi's! We also love Bumblebee Man's Taco Truck.
Spirited holiday décor and festive whimsy 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. There is so much to ride, play and eat in Silly Fun Land.
I loved this Minion Christmas tree and the Minion Cafe is a great place to eat. The Minion Cafe is so bright and fun! You can find grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken, nachos, salads, desserts and more.
Don't miss The Secret Life Of Pets: Off The Leash. It is adorable. We are huge fans of both the movies and we love the ride. Get ready to take a stroll along the cleverly themed Pets Place which will bring you in front of Katie’s NYC apartment building where the innovative The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash ride resides. This all-new tech-savvy adventure inspired by Illumination’s blockbuster The Secret Life of Pets films, answers the question, What are your pets really doing when you’re not at home? This impressive new ride combines 64 technologically-advanced animated figures with hyper-realistic media and projection mapping designed to take guests on a journey to meet some of their favorite Illumination characters from the movies, including Max, Snowball, Gidget, Chloe and Duke, along with a host of other animal friends, who have all been transformed and transported into the live-action world. From blinking eyes to eyebrow movements, from head tilts to head nods, from moving mouths to smiles, from ear curls to lip curls, from full torso twists to physically walking, the depth of mobility and function programmed within each of these loveable characters creates an experience unlike any other theme park ride. You can watch a video of the ride here.
They decorated the entire NYC area leading up the ride and it is beyond festive and adorable. We loved it. So many great photo spots.
Super Nintendo World takes you into the world of Super Mario. Battle Team Bowser on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, dine at Toadstool Cafe, and level up with Nintendo themed merch from the 1-UP Factory store. Click here for a blog post all on Super Nintendo World. We were so excited to explore this world again.
Super Nintendo World will welcome guests to celebrate the holidays in the Mushroom Kingdom alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad. A tree adorned with a Super Star topper, festive wreath and two snowmen one donning a red Mario hat and scarf and the other a green Luigi hat and scarf will greet guests for a memorable photo op.
Make sure you take the time to explore Universal CityWalk. There is so much to see and do. You can eat, shop, explore, play and so much more! There is even a movie theater. You could spend all day just exploring Universal CityWalk. Click here for a list of restaurants and shops. Right now at the movie theater they have costumes from the movie Wicked and fun photo backdrops inside and outside the park for Wicked The Movie.
All of this holiday fun at Universal Studios Hollywood is included in the price of theme park admission. Make sure you download the official park app. Navigate the theme park and Universal CityWalk with interactive maps, wait times, show times and more all in the palm of your hand.
Here are a list of ride:
The Studio Tour (Upper Lot)
Flight of the Hippogriff (Upper Lot)
Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey (Upper Lot)
Dreamworks Theater Featuring Kung Fu Panda (Upper Lot)
Jurassic World The Ride (Lower Lot)
Revenge of the Mummy The Ride (Lower Lot)
Silly Swirly Fun Ride (Upper Lot)
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (Upper Lot)
The Secret Life Of Pets: Off The Leash (Upper Lot)
The Simpsons Ride (Upper Lot)
Transformers The Ride 3D (Lower Lot)
We absolutely love Universal Studios Hollywood. If you are planning on visiting and have questions about the park, rides, attractions, food, etc. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
