Universal’s Christmas traditions continues at Universal Orlando as the Holidays return for the 2019 season. From November 16, 2019 to January 5, 2020, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, with returning favorites, such as Grinchmas, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
After retooling the Holiday offerings a couple of years back, a lot of what’s new this year was “fine-tuning” and expanding on their current offerings as Universal continues their efforts to establish the Holidays as a new tradition for families.
Grinchmas returns for its 19th year. A staple of the Holidays at Universal since 2000; this year, Blake Braswell has taken over as show director for the stage show, which has received updated choreography. Other than that, it’s the same ol’ Grinch we’ve come to love, with just a little “fine-tuning”. Around Seuss Landing, the fun, whimsical decorations return, which helps ad
You can also make a reservation to enjoy breakfast with the Mean One himself. Located inside Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous at Islands of Adventure, guests can sign-up for a separately ticketed breakfast on select dates (tickets for this festive breakfast are now available). Guests will enjoy a breakfast buffet while also having the chance to meet and take photos with the Grinch.
Universal continues to up their themed food & treats for their special events, which was a big focus for this year again. The line-up features lots of special meals and one-of-a-kind sugary goodies, which will definitely satisfy those looking to indulge their sweet tooth. We can, and probably will, spend a majority reviewing the food & drink alone. This year, Universal will be offering a traditional Holidays meal of a mixed green salad, herb-roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, roasted potatoes, sautéed & steamed vegetables, served with a flaky-crusted apple pie for dessert. The Holiday meal will be available at Classic Monsters Café in Universal Studios and Thunder Falls Terrace in Islands of Adventure.
Over in Islands of Adventure, guests can find Grinchmas chocolate cupcakes in Seuss Landing – decorated to look like the Grinch, himself. Of course, Hot Butterbeer has returned to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the season. CityWalk is also getting some specialized items, especially specialty cocktails – including the “Gingerbread Mon’” at Bob Marley’s, the “Snow Globe” at Pat O’ Brien’s, as well as a variety of other seasonal mixed drink offerings throughout the complex.
New this year, Universal Orlando will offer an all-new “Sweets & Sounds Dessert Party” experience on select nights starting November 16 through December 15, which will give guests and dessert lovers alike something to cheer about. Tickets for adults are $49.99 plus tax, and tickets for children (ages 3 – 9) are $29.99 plus tax. Separate theme park admission is required.
Christmas at the Wizarding Worlds of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade is a must-see, as the streets, storefronts, and rooftops are adorned in themed decorations, garlands, and lights. The must-see of all the Holiday offerings remains to be the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. The nighttime show combines projection mapping, fireworks, and more to really capture the spirit of a Wizarding Christmas. Guests can still enjoy special holiday-themed performances by the Frog Choir in Hogsmeade while Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees continue with their “Holiday Spell” over in Diagon Alley.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s offers more than 30 larger-than-life balloons and floats, along with hundreds of performers, Universal characters, and finally, is capped off by Santa himself lighting up the huge Christmas tree in New York. Don’t forget to look for the squirrel hidden inside the tree!
The offerings Universal has added the past few years have really allowed the parks to be a must-visit during the Holiday season, and it’s exciting to think of the possibility that the Holiday offerings will grow beyond what they currently offer. With the success of Halloween Marathon of Mayhem, we’re hoping next year sees the addition of a Christmas version of the lagoon show. One thing we also hope is added is more Christmas decorations around Islands of Adventure. Universal Studios is decked out, where it really feels like Christmas everywhere – from the decorations to the entertainment; while at Islands, it’s all reserved to the right side of the park, inside Suess Landing and Hogsmeade.
New this year is the Holiday Tree Hunt, which can found around both parks and CityWalk. Guests are encouraged to visit each of the 14 themed Christmas trees and get a stamp. After collecting all 14, guests will receive a special ornament. All of the trees are playfully themed, with some standouts – especially the Avengers Tree, Jurassic Park Tree, and the Mummy Tree.
Guests can also enjoy performances from Mannheim Steamroller on select weekends, enjoy the Blues Brothers performing Christmas hits, and Marilyn Monroe and the Diamond Bellas get in on the Holiday fun.
If you’re looking to bring the Holidays home with you, Universal is offering an assortment of unique merchandise to purchase – including Honeydukes and Chocolate Frog themed ornaments from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and More than 30 Grinch themed items including pajamas, t-shirts, ornaments and more.
The Holidays at Universal Orlando has become one of the must-dos in recent years, celebrating new and classic traditions. The Holidays offerings run daily from November 16 to January 5, 2020. For more information, show times, tickets, or reservations, visit UniversalOrlando.com
For more videos from the Holidays around Universal, make sure to visit our YouTube channel.
