The Holidays at Universal Return November 17
Universal Orlando Resort is praised for its Halloween happenings with Halloween Horror Nights. The hard ticket event is the perfect way to get in the spooky spirit and it does come at an extra cost, but the Holidays at Universal Orlando do not. I hope someone out there appreciates the play on the line from the Grinch. Anyways, the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort begin November 17 and run through December 31, 2023, and most of the happenings are included in your park admission!
No major changes are taking place this year and most of the favorites are returning. At Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will roll down the streets with massive balloons and floats featuring Shrek, Despicable Me, Madagascar, and of course, Santa Claus and the Christmas tree lighting! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be decorated with festive fare and the sounds of the holidays will ring through the air with special performances by Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. Mannheim Steamroller will return with live performances added on December 2, 3, 9, and 10. That’s just the tip of the iceberg because you’ll also find food and special experiences like The Blues Brothers Holiday Revue.
Over at Islands of Adventure, Grinchmas takes over Seuss Landing with the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular and plenty of Whos from Who-ville. You can even have breakfast with The Grinch & Friends taking place in Confisco Grille on select dates November 17 through December 27 for $58.99 + tax per adult and $32.99 + tax per child. The Wizarding World will be decorated and The Grog Choir will have a holiday-themed performance. At night, Hogwarts comes alive with The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.
For guests looking to take the holidays to the next level, Universal’s Holiday Tour will be returning. It happens on select dates beginning November 19 through December 30 with the starting price of $79.99 per person (plus tax) plus separate theme park admission including park-to-park access. The tour includes:
- A chance to meet the maven of mischief himself, the Grinch, and his dog, Max, while enjoying small bites, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages
- Reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” in Universal Islands of Adventure
- A meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida
- An exclusive, after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure to complete the night’s festivities
Beyond the parks, special food, drinks, and entertainment will be found at Universal CityWalk and the on-site hotels. You may even find Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers at select hotels, but all will have holiday touches.
If you haven’t seen the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, you don’t want to miss them. Universal is making it more affordable to experience it all with special deals like 20% off on a four-night stay in the 2-bedroom suites at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites & Surfside Inn and Suites, and the family suites at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Right now, Universal is also giving you two days of park admission free when you buy a three-day ticket giving you five total days to enjoy Universal!
