Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the holidays with seasonal favorites

Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the holidays with “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas,” starting on November 24 and running daily through January 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood

By SDCN Editor

Universal City, CA–Universal Studios Hollywood festive holidays celebration returns to the theme park with eagerly awaited seasonal favorites, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas,” beginning November 24 and running daily through January 1, 2024. All holiday activities are included in the price of theme park admission.

“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” brings the spirit of the holiday season to the village of Hogsmeade as the land is transformed with merry décor of shimmering lights, decorative garlands, and festive wreaths. Guests can take delight in special holiday a cappella performances from the Frog Choir, stroll through the village shops while sipping delicious hot Butterbeer, or savor festive fare at Three Broomsticks

Beginning at dusk each night, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” will dazzle with stunning imagery as the impressive light projection show illuminates Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, bringing the iconic Hogwarts castle to life and infusing the land with the sounds of an arrangement of music from the Harry Potter film series.

Guests can commemorate their Christmas visit to Hogsmeade Village with a variety of exclusive keepsake items available for purchase, including personalized ornaments, sweaters, scarves, and stockings.

The spirited “Grinchmas” Who-bilation also returns with an all-new daytime performance featuring the Who-Bee Doo-Wops group, Who-ville’s latest musical sensation rocking out to hip-swinging, bell-ringing holiday classics for the Whos and guests to enjoy.

The familiar and festive topsy-turvy 65-foot-tall “Grinchmas” tree, adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights will stand tall within Universal Plaza, entertaining guests with a nightly tree lighting ceremony and snowfall flurry, bringing good tidings and season’s greetings to all.

“Grinchmas” activities will include photo opportunities with the GrinchTM and his faithful dog Max, a chance to spend time with Cindy-Lou Who as she leads daily story time for young guests looking to learn “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and a visit to the Who-ville post office to mail a merry postcard sharing three good deeds.

A themed craft area will provide guests the opportunity for jolly holiday decorating by creating paper ornaments to adorn the Grinchmas tree or to take home as a holiday souvenir. Plus, a selection of themed Who-tacular sweet treats, including the Grinch Donut and hot cocoa, will be available for purchase.

Adding to the theme park activities, Universal CityWalk Hollywood will be dressed for the holiday season with spirited décor and a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree featuring more than 200,000 LED lights. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen presents a new seasonal milkshake, available both at the Foundry milkshake bar and in the dining room. The ever-popular Voodoo Doughnut will entice guests with delicious seasonal flavors to celebrate the holiday spirit. Antojitos Cocina Mexicana serves up a variety of festive-themed drinks, including Mistletoe Mule, Chestnut Horchata, and Apple Cider Margarita. NBC Sports Grill and Brew spreads holiday cheer with a tasty Peppermint Martini, and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville whips up a deliciously creamy and joyful drink with its Co-co-Colada. VIVO Italian Kitchen offers an assortment of flavorful drinks with the Winter Martini, Apple Cheer Martini, and Hot Apple Cider, which is available as a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage. Guests must be 21 years or older and have a valid photo ID to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.

For more information, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.