Universal Orlando is ready to kick off the Holiday season.
From November 14 through January 3, 2021, guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a slew of new entertainment and celebrations that have been adjusted for guest safety.
Returning this year is Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are adorned with themed decorations, garlands, and lights. Guests can hear both magical and Muggle Christmas carols from the Frog Choir, and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees returns to sing her Holiday hits. There will also be seasonal treats, holiday eats, and beverages – including the return of the fan-favorite, Hot Butterbeer. Unfortunately, the popular nighttime projection show – Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts – will not be featured this year due to adjustments of safety due to the pandemic.
The popular Grinchmas show will also be taking the year off; and while the show will not be held, the mean one will still be featured this year. The Grinch will make appearances throughout Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure, as he continues to try and find ways to steal holiday cheer. In addition, the merry Whos from Whoville will be making appearances to spread Who-liday cheer.
Another adjustment due to the pandemic is the loss of parades, so Universal has adjusted with a new offering. Now, guests will have the opportunity to get up-close with larger-than-life parade balloons and floats like never before during Universal’s Holiday Experience featuring Macy’s Balloons. Guests will stroll along a picturesque pathway where they’ll encounter elaborate floats and stunning balloons inspired by everything from iconic holiday staples like reindeers and the Nutcracker, to characters from popular animated films, including the mischievous Minions from Illumination’s “Despicable Me” and “Minions” films, Gingy, The Gingerbread Man, from DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” movies and the penguins from DreamWorks Animation’s “Madagascar” franchise. It all culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus and the opportunity to take a socially-distanced portrait.
During Universal’s Holiday Character Celebration, guests can celebrate the holiday season with the Minions and other beloved characters from Illumination’s “Despicable Me” and “Minions” films, and with DreamWorks Animation’s treasured family of Shrek characters and King Julien and the crew from the “Madagascar” franchise. Guests will sing and dance along with some of their favorite characters as they arrive aboard incredibly-festive parade floats, then perform special holiday show moments that the entire family will enjoy. Afterward, guests will have the chance to take socially-distanced photos of themselves with the characters and floats.
A brand-new Tribute Store dedicated to the Holidays that will debut at Universal Studios Florida for the holiday season. Located in the New York area of the park, the store will be featuring four immersive rooms – including one inspired by Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch – stocked with a variety of new merchandise and delicious seasonal food items. Guests can also browse Universal’s assortment of Holidays merchandise and make purchases online by visiting www.shop.UniversalOrlando.com
Other Holiday festivities include:
Holiday Tree Hunt – Guests who purchase the Holiday Tree Hunt will embark on a search for 16 holiday-themed trees scattered throughout various merchandise locations in the theme parks and CityWalk. Guests will receive a brochure that outlines the participating locations, where they’ll have to collect stamps to mark their visit to each stop. Those who successfully complete the entire hunt will receive an exclusive Holiday Tree Hunt-branded ornament.
Holiday Treat Trail – Guests can participate by grabbing a complimentary Holiday Treat Trail brochure that outlines a list of specialty food and beverage menu items across select dining venues. Those who purchase all qualifying items will receive a special sweet treat.
Universal Orlando continues to implement its enhanced health and safety procedures and guidelines focused on “screening, spacing and sanitization,” and those practices will be applied to all experiences taking place during the destination’s Holidays celebration.
Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.
