Vacations at Universal Orlando: our Christmas 2024 guide
There’s nothing better than vacationing at Universal Orlando Resort. In fact, this is my favorite time to visit theme parks. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is decked out in Christmas lights and it’s finally cold enough to drink warm Butterbeer. The Grinch is welcoming guests and showing that his heart has actually grown three times. And my favorite, Earl the Squirrel, is taking photos with his fans.
Each year, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure get into the holiday spirit with special celebrations and fan-favorite annual traditions. Even better for families on a budget, holiday celebrations are part of regular park admission. This means there are no expensive separately paid events to consider when planning your trip to Universal Orlando Resort.
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort this holiday, you’ll want to keep reading for all the can’t-miss highlights, plus everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
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When does Universal Orlando vacation start in 2024?
This year, the holiday at Universal Orlando Resort officially begins on November 22, 2024 and continues through December 31, 2024. The celebration brings a host of unique activities, shows and character meet-and-greets to both Universal Orlando Resorts. theme parks. And if you’re staying at a Universal Orlando hotel, you’ll also be able to see all the fun decorations of the season in your accommodation.
Before entering the parks, check out Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is a great place to get into the holiday spirit before even strolling through the parks. From November 29 to December 28, you can meet holiday icon Earl the Squirrel at CityWalk Plaza. If you don’t know Earl’s story, it is said that a squirrel made its nest in one of Universal Orlando’s Christmas trees and ate through some of the wires. Well, shortly after, a stuffed squirrel was placed in the tree as a joke, and now Earl is the Mariah Carey of Universal Orlando.
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As night falls, the party begins at the Green & Red Coconut Club at the Red Coconut Club, where lively entertainment and themed holiday cocktails are offered. I love going there after the parks close for a nightcap, but it can get crowded on the weekends. If you’re looking for another place to enjoy holiday treats, you can also find them at Bigfire, VIVO Italian Kitchen, as well as The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are both decked out for the festive season with twinkling lights and fairy lights. And of course, Hogwarts Castle is also always in vacation mode this time of year. Walking the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade is one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season, as the smell of warm Butterbeer fills the air, and as night falls at night, the light garland brings a warm atmosphere to the park. Be sure to grab a gingerbread or peppermint treat to go with your warm Butterbeer.
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As you stroll through the two Harry Potter countries, you can listen to the Christmas carols of the Frog Choir made up of Hogwarts students and their frog friends. You might also catch Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees singing some holiday tunes. When night descends on the wizarding world, gather your family at the foot of Hogwarts Castle for The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. This is a breathtaking spectacle of holiday moments from the Harry Potter films projected onto Hogwarts Castle and broadcast intermittently throughout the night until the park closes. I like to watch later sessions because there are often fewer people.
Take a look at the Grinch at Seuss Landing during the holidays at Universal Orlando
At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you can meet the Grinch at Seuss Landing. Check the Universal Orlando Resort app for exact meeting times and locations, but this is one thing I never miss when I go to Universal Orlando for vacation. The green villain may have a heart that’s half too small, but he loves meeting guests and making their hearts grow with joy and laughter. This time of year, the Grinch is almost as popular as Santa himself, so the line gets long very quickly. I would suggest getting in line as early as possible, especially while waiting for the line to start forming during the early entry period at Islands of Adventure.
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At Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is a musical retelling of the classic Dr. Seuss story with music by Mannheim Steamroller. All the Who’s of Who-ville come together every day to celebrate Christmas in their own way. Grinchy-Claus tries to use his dog Max to keep Christmas down, but the Who take their pantookas to prove to the Grinch that Christmas, perhaps, means just a little more.
My family loves this show and the Grinch really performs, even if he is overshadowed by a live dog playing Max. After watching Grinchmas, take your time to wander through Seuss Landing from Islands of Adventure. This earth is still a bright display of primary colors, but adding additional holiday ornamentation transforms it into a Christmas wonderland.
Universal Holiday Parade with Macy’s Balloons at Universal Studios Florida
During Universal’s holiday parade featuring Macy’s, more than 30 whimsical balloons fly above the streets right in front of the facade of their own Macy’s department store on the New York-themed Universal’s backlot, including a few iconic balloons that adorn Manhattan along Macy’s Thanksgiving Day. Parade route. The parade runs every night during the holiday season, so be sure to check the Universal Orlando Resort app for exact times. I like to wait in line about 30 minutes before the parade to get a good seat. I love watching the parade in front of Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride because you have a great view of the Christmas tree as the floats and balloons slide by.
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Children love the music, the dancers and the floats loaded with characters such as the Minions of Despicable MePenguins Madagascarand Shrek, Fiona and Donkey from Shrek. Of course, the star of any Christmas parade is Santa Claus, and he flies over the rooftops in his sleigh to conclude this Christmas parade at Universal Orlando.
Holiday Tribute Store is a must-have while vacationing at Universal Orlando
Located in New York’s Universal Studios Florida district, the Tribute Store offers immersive rooms that change every year. Each room contains merchandise and seasonal treats to swipe faster than the Grinch stealing presents from the Who’s.
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I love trying the treats available in the Tribute Store. There is often a big display of them and it can be difficult to decide which one to choose, so I also think about which one would travel well to the hotel or home if it had to sit in my backpack all day .
Universal Holiday Tour
Universal’s Holiday Tour is a VIP guided tour of both theme parks that includes meet-and-greets with the Grinch and his dog Max, a chance to see Santa, reserved seating for Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, an outdoor screening of The Magic opening hours. Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, snacks and light drinks and priority access to a pre-selected attraction. The tour starts at $80 per person.
The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast
If you like to start your morning with a character breakfast, consider the Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast. Breakfast tickets are $59 for adults over 10 and $33 for children ages three to nine. The meal takes place at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous where the Grinch and some friends from Whoville will make an appearance.
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The sit-down meal features themed dishes and classic breakfast options. Reservations are required. I would make this breakfast if you want a guaranteed encounter with the Grinch; otherwise, I would choose to wait in line during normal park hours to see it.
Vacations at Universal Orlando Resort hotels
There are many perks to staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, and during the holidays it’s even better because all eight hotels are decorated in festive decor. On public holidays like Christmas and New Year, you can find special menus at the resort’s restaurants. When it comes to entertainment, there’s no shortage of that either. Throughout the season, you can enjoy everything from tree lighting to Hannukah menorah lighting ceremonies to strolling carolers.
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