Universal City, California – Celebrities from the worlds of film, television and music will help Universal Studios Hollywood guests celebrate the holiday season—and encourage families to read together—with nightly readings of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” during the theme park’s 18-day “Grinchmas” celebration, beginning December 11 and 12 and continuing daily from December 18 through January 2, 2011.

Among the first celebrities set to appear at the event are “True Blood” star Stephen Moyer on Dec. 11 and Jeffrey Tambor, who portrayed the Mayor of Whoville in the blockbuster film, “Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” on Dec. 12. Other stars include recording artist Brandy on Dec. 18, actor Fred Willard and “Tonight Show” band musical director, Rickey Minor on Dec. 19, and Joey Lawrence and Tippi Hedren on Dec. 20. More information, including the celebrity reading schedule and holiday promotional offers, will be available at www.universalstudioshollywood.com.

“Grinchmas” at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., will enliven the holiday season with the Grinch, his faithful dog Max, tons of fresh snow and a “Whoville Whobilation” at the original movie sets where the classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” was filmed.

“Grinchmas” will immerse guests in a festive holiday atmosphere. A whimsical, curving “Grinchmas” tree will tower 60 feet above the center of a snow-covered “Grinchmas” winter wonderland and will be lit in a nightly tree-lighting ceremony that will feature a colorfully costumed “Whoville” choir caroling and spreading holiday cheer. The Grinch and Max will be on hand to meet fans and take memorable holiday photos. Families will also be able to enjoy traditional winter fun, romping together in a playground of snow and building their own snowmen.

“Grinchmas” will also provide fans of the blockbuster movie a close-up view of the original “Whoville” film sets, featured in the classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour. As the tram rolls to a stop amid the fanciful “Whoville” buildings, guests will experience a one-of-a-kind performance by “Whoville’s” residents re-enacting favorite scenes and songs from the film.

“Grinchmas” is included in the price of theme park admission.

Guests who attend Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Grinchmas” celebration will be able to purchase the “Buy a Day and get 2011 Free” annual pass, a tremendous value allowing them to visit Universal Studios Hollywood throughout the coming year.
Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.

ABOUT DR. SEUSS ENTERPRISES, L.P. The primary focus of the Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. is to protect the integrity of the Dr. Seuss books while expanding beyond books into ancillary areas. This effort is a strategic part of the overall mission to nurture and protect the relationship consumers have with Dr. Seuss characters. Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) said he never wanted to license his characters to anyone who would “round out the edges.” That is one of the guiding philosophies of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. Audrey S. Geisel, the widow of Dr. Seuss, heads Dr. Seuss Enterprises.