REVIEW: The 2023 Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood

The Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood have arrived. The park invited us to the park for a special event to check out everything they have to offer this season.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Returning for the season is the Christmas overlay of Hogsmeade Village. The snow-capped shops and restaurants are complimented perfectly with Christmas lights and decorations that feel natural in the setting.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

The main attraction for the Hogsmeade is the returning favorite “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.” This is a projection-mapped show—synchronized with lights, and music from the film series, and even some fireworks—that captures the spirit of the season with flair.

The viewing area is standing room only, so be sure to line up early to get a good spot to see The Magic of Christmas Hogwarts Castle.

Grinchmas

Grinchmas has returned and the citizens of Whoville are out and about at Universal Studios Hollywood ringing in the season with Who-liday cheer.

The Grinchmas offerings have expanded this year, as we were told on arrival.

Due to the high demand to meet The Grinch, he will now be taking photos with guests at three separate locations in the park: Universal Plaza, the Studio Tour Plaza, and, exclusively for AP holders, above Jurassic Cove on the Lower Lot.

The main area for all the Grinchmas festivities is located inside the Universal Plaza. Looming high above the plaza, is the tree of Whoville, with its cartoon, Seussian look recreated perfectly in a real-life setting. Around the plaza, you’ll find food and drink carts serving up specialty “Whoville” and “Grinch” themed items alongside their standard fare.

Merchandise for the event can also be found here, at stands labeled “Whomingdales.”

The Citizens of Whoville roam around the Plaza, interacting with guests young and old. Their makeup is on par with the Whos in the 2000 Ron Howard film and is a real testament to the talents and resources Universal Entertainment puts to use for these events.

Here you can also visit the Trim up the Tree Lot and decorate your very own ornament.

There are plenty of photo opportunities and meet and greets right here in the plaza. You can meet the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, and Max the Dog at various times throughout the day in their respective locations.

At the base of the Whoville tree is the main stage where three separate shows are performed multiple times a night.

Story Time with Cindy Lou Who

In Story Time, Cindy Lou Who reads the entirety of Dr. Seuss’ classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas to the audience, using voices and an adorable Grinch hand puppet to aid in her retelling.

The Who-Bee Doo Wops Show

The second performance taking place on the main stage is The Who-Bee Doo Wops Show.

This is a fantastic live-sung Doo Wop revue of Holiday tunes and songs from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The group is incredibly talented and it was a real treat to watch them perform. Don’t miss out on this show if you attend.

Tree Lighting

The last show that takes place in the Plaza is the Whoville Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The show runs a little over ten minutes and is essentially a retelling of the ending of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The citizens of Whoville gather around the stage for the annual Who-bilation and to present the Who-manitarian award to, who else, but the Grinch.

Cindy Lou, Martha May, the Mayor of Whoville join the Grinch to light the tree together, and, as it does, “snow” gently falls from above over the performers and the audience—a fitting ending for the performance.

Merchandise

In addition to the booths in the plaza, both the Universal Studio Store and the AnimationStudio Store near the entrance also have a variety of Grinch and Holiday-themed merchandise for the event.