The Universal Orlando Resort will officially kick of the Holiday season on November 18th. This year guests can witness the magic of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the very first time. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will debut all-new balloons and incredible live entertainment. Love Dr. Seuss? Uncover the true meaning of the Holiday season with Grinchmas. Here are 6 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at Universal Orlando.

The kids love Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure. Photo Credit: Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando is the place to be this Holiday season. Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, the Grinch, or simply love a great Holiday parade, there is something for everyone this year at the Universal Orlando Resort. You can enjoy all of the Holiday festivities at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure with the price of an admission ticket. The resort-wide Holiday celebration will take place from November 18th through January 6th.

Celebrate the Holidays at Universal Orlando

1.  Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

First of all, Christmas is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter  for the very first time this Holiday season. Universal Orlando will bring incredible Christmas moments inspired by the Harry Potter series to life. If you’re a fan (like me) this is HUGE! Guests will have an opportunity to see, feel and taste what it’s like to celebrate Christmas in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.

Celebrate the Holidays at Universal Orlando by walking the streets of London, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley surrounded with festive Holiday décor. Ornate garlands and lights will line the streets of the Wizarding World, while each storefront will feature their own uniquely-themed decorations.

In addition to the decorations guests will enjoy holiday themed foods and beverages as well as live performances by the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.

Hogwarts castle will be magically brought to life each night with state-of-the-art projection mapping and lighting. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Harry Potter series, this is probably the most anticipated Holiday event in the Orlando area.

2.  Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

The Macy’s Holiday Parade fills the streets at Universal Studios Orlando. Photo Credit: Universal Studios

Love watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Rather than watch it on television, why not experience it first hand at Universal? While you won’t actually watch from the streets of New York, you will feel as though you are really there.

This year, Universal Orlando is partnering with Macy’s to bring a brand-new parade to the park. Featuring over a dozen new larger-than-life balloons and over 15 uniquely themed floats, the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is sure to bring Holiday cheer.

The Minions, in addition to other characters from Despicable Me, Madagascar and Shrek will make appearances in the parade. Another highlight – the appearance of Santa Claus himself.

3.  Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular

If you’re like me you grew up watching The Grinch Who Stole Christmas on television each Holiday season. This wonderful story about the true meaning of Christmas is brought to life at Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

The “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” will feature a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss Holiday classic with the merry Whos from Who-ville.

Guests will enjoy the live music and entertainment when they celebrate the Holidays at Universal Orlando. Photo Credit: Universal Studios

4.  The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

In addition to the the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, you can attend a special Holiday buffet breakfast with The Grinch.  Due to popularity, The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, located at the Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, requires a special ticket.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast will be held from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. on the following dates:

November 18-19, 24 & 26; and

December 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, and 20-25

Children love to be silly with The Grinch. Photo Credit: Universal Studios

Tickets are on sale now online for $34.99/adults and $20.99/children, plus tax. Hurry and make your reservations soon so you don’t miss out on this Holiday character meal.

5.  Live Performances by Mannheim Steamroller

Another perk to celebrating the Holidays at Universal Orlando – seeing Holiday music sensation, Mannheim Steamroller, perform live.  Mannheim Steamroller will perform cherished renditions of Christmas classics live at the Music Plaza Stage in Universal Studios Florida on the following dates:

November 18, 19, 25 & 26; and

December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17

Celebrate the Holidays at Universal Orlando. Photo Credit: Universal Studios

6.  Holidays at Universal’s On-Site Resort Hotels

There is no better way to experience Universal Studios Orlando than by staying in one of their 5 amazing on-site resort hotels.

Universal Orlando has three (3) Deluxe Resorts: Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Royal Pacific Resort, along with two (2) Value Resorts: Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Sapphire Falls.  Another Value Resort, the Aventura Hotel, will be opening at Universal Orlando in August 2018.

This year the Universal resort hotels will feature uniquely themed Holiday decorations and offer special Holiday activities such as tree lightings and menorah lightings.

Many people choose to spend the actual holidays in Universal. As a result, the on-site hotels will offer special Holiday buffets on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Eve.

7.  EVE – New Year’s Eve at Universal CityWalk

Ringing in the New Year at Universal Orlando? You can dance the night away at EVE, Universal CityWalk’s New Year’s Eve celebration. Featuring the largest dance floor in Orlando, live entertainment, signature drinks and food, EVE is guaranteed night of fun.

Due to the popularity of this event special tickets are required to attend EVE. Tickets will be going on sale soon.

Special Discount Packages

Since everyone loves a good deal, make sure to book your Holiday visit at Universal Orlando by November 30th to take advantage of a special discount. Currently you can enjoy a 3-park 2-day Park-to-Park ticket with TWO DAYS FREE. Tickets provide access to all three of Universal Orlando’s theme parks including the new Volcano Bay water theme park.

In addition, this special ticket offer can be combined with reservations at either a Universal On-Site Resort Hotel or a Universal Partner Hotel.

So, what are you waiting on? Contact your travel agent today to secure your reservation to celebrate the Holidays at Universal Orlando. Don’t have an agent? You can request a no-obligation quote by clicking here.