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Anyone can “Ho-ho-ho” and “Fa-la-la” for the holidays. But if our guests want to scream, laugh and shout their jingle bells off, they've got to awesome up their holiday at Universal Orlando Resort, where we do the holidays big time.

Earl the Squirrel Virtual Assistant

“During the Holiday season, Guests using the Official Universal Orlando Resort App’s Virtual Assistant can choose to chat with Earl the Squirrel to get information about Universal Orlando’s attractions, resorts, the Holidays celebration – and even learn more about the beloved squirrel himself. Guests can also choose to chat directly with a Team Member on the Virtual Assistant at any time.”

How can I talk to a regular Team Member instead?

“Guests can request assistance by typing "Team Member" to connect with a live agent. 

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s​

Guests will gaze in awe as beloved pop culture-inspired stories from Illumination’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar fill the streets of Universal Studios Florida during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. These beloved stories come to life as larger-than-life balloons, colorful holiday floats and hundreds of jolly performers embark on a picturesque journey that culminates in a stunning finale including a special appearance by Santa Claus and the lighting of the magnificent 80-foot Christmas tree.

Daily from November 17 – December 31 | 5:30pm* (Will last approximately 45 minutes) 

Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios Florida

The top-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, will return to Universal Studios Florida to get guests into the holiday spirit with live performances on December 2, 3, 9 and 10.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s even more Holiday cheer to be found around every corner at Universal Orlando Resort with a wide variety of additional, unique add-on experiences.

Music Plaza will open around 5:15pm – 6pm to allow Guests to enter. 

Holiday Themed Character Encounters​

Show and Meet & Greets

Main: The performers will have a Meet & Greet after the parade at the Universal Orlando Store’s Intersection from 7pm to 7:30pm*.

Despicable Me: The performers will have a Meet & Greet at the Illumination Theatre from 4pm to 4:30pm*.

Madagascar: The performers will be located at the Big Tree in the New York area. They will perform a show from 3:35pm to 3:40pm* and have a Meet & Greet from 3:40pm to 4:05pm*.

Shrek: The performers will be located at the Mel’s Drive In intersection. They will perform a show from 4pm to 4:05pm* and have a Meet & Greet from 4:05pm to 4:30pm*.

Toy: The performers will be located at the Big Tree/57th Street in the New York area. They will perform a show from 3:30pm to 3:35pm* and have a Meet & Greet from 3:35pm to 4pm*.

Santa: The performers will be located at the Big Tree in the New York area. They will perform a show from 3:10pm to 3:15pm* and have a Meet & Greet from 3:15pm to 3:40pm*.

Universal’s Holiday Tour

Guests can enjoy a guided tour that gives them special access to all the beloved holiday entertainment experiences taking place across the destination, including:

Universal’s Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning November 19 through December 30, 2023 and can be booked by visiting www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays. Pricing begins at $79.99 per person (plus tax) and separate theme park admission with a 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket is required.

Annual and Seasonal Passholders can get a $10 off discount per ticket per passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass. Tickets for passholders can be purchased by calling 1-866-346-9350 or by visiting the UOAP Lounge in Universal Islands of Adventure. Regular Seasonal and Power Pass blockout dates apply. Learn more by clicking here

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure

The popular dining experience, “The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast,” allows guests to start their day with a delicious breakfast and fun appearances by the Grinch and other favorite Dr. Seuss characters.

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast takes place in Confisco Grille in Universal Islands of Adventure on select dates November 17 through December 27 for $58.99 + tax per adult and $32.99 + tax per child (ages 3-9) and can be booked by visiting www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.

Premier and Preferred Annual Passholders can receive a 20% discount on purchases of The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast for select dates by calling 407-224-7554.

Grinchmas™​

Revel in the spirit of Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure where the Grinch stars in the live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.”

Seuss Landing will transport guests into a whimsical atmosphere decked out with oversized candy canes, twisty Christmas trees, stunning tinsel ornaments and more. There will even be appearances from the Whos from Who-ville and a special photo opportunity that brings guests face-to-face with the mean, green one himself, the Grinch.


Who character appearances throughout Seuss Landing.

Grinch™ Meet & Greet​

Grinch™ Meet & Greet and photo opportunity at Honk Honkers (near the exit of The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™).

Standby Line: The Grinch™ Meet & Greet will not be available through Virtual Line, but there will be a standby line for Guests.

Entrance: The entrance will be on Sneetch Beach (past the coke freestyle machine/restrooms). Spots are Limited! The queue is designed to hold five to six hours of Guest in the line. Once the line has filled it will close for the remainder of the day. 

Operation Times: park open to park close.

Queue can be closed for capacity when maximum wait time is reached.Meet and Greets are continuous from park open to park close.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

Holiday magic fills The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade transform into a wizarding holiday wonderland overflowing with festively themed décor, lights, garland and more. The nighttime spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” returns to Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure bringing to life a stunning projection show highlighting Christmas moments and holiday spirit inspired by the beloved characters and stories of the “Harry Potter” films.

The Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs also returns to Hogsmeade with a special holiday-themed performance, plus guests can groove to the music of the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensation, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, in Diagon Alley. 


The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle Nightly from dusk to Park close.

Holiday Merchandise

From Christmas ornaments to hats, scarves and more, Guests can shop their jingle bells off at Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe in Islands of Adventure and Park Plaza Holiday Shop in Universal Studios. Here are some of the special items Guest will be able to purchase. 

The Holiday Celebration Continues at Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando’s Hotels

Guests can keep the celebration going at Universal CityWalk with seasonal food and beverage and special entertainment. Plus, all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels will be decked out with festive décor that enhances each hotel’s theme – and the whole family can indulge in holiday feasts and activities. Special menus will be available at Universal hotels for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, and there will also be menorah lighting ceremonies and more. Select hotels even offer special holiday entertainment like Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers. Guests can now save 20% 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.