The Holidays are a magical time, especially at Universal Studios Hollywood. While the park provides a fantastic experience all year round, there’s something special about visiting during the Holidays. There are decorations, special events, and even Christmas dinner!
To ensure you don’t miss a thing during your time at Universal Studios Hollywood, we’ve put together a guide for the things you must-see as well as some tips for navigating the park during this time.
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Universal Studios Hollywood comes alive during the Holidays. Decorations set the scene in every direction you look and there is a range of themed events to help you get in the holiday spirit.
Even if you are only in Los Angeles for a short amount of time, we recommend making the trip to Universal Studios Hollywood to experience it for yourself. You can always drop your bags at a luggage storage facility if you have a short layover and don’t want to carry them around.
A beloved Christmas classic, the Grinch comes to life at Universal Studios Hollywood during the holidays. Meet Cindy Lou Who, Max the dog, and even the Grinch himself as they wander through the park throughout the day. The Grinch, whose heart has remained enlarged since it grew three sizes, loves meeting new people and will be more than happy to get photos with visitors.
That being said, the main event occurs when night begins to fall. The Grinch and a range of Whos grace the stage in the Upper Lot in Universal Plaza to light the Whoville Christmas Tree. The combination of holiday music and pretty lighting will be sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. It really is holiday fun for the whole family!
Enter a world of Holiday magic by taking a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Stroll down the snow-covered streets in Hogsmeade, listen to the talented Holiday Frog Choir, and experience Hogwarts in all its glory under the dazzling lights at the nighttime show. You can even enjoy a proper English Christmas dinner at the Three Broomsticks. The special holiday meal typically includes turkey, gravy, vegetables, and cranberry sauce. Don’t forget to wash it down with a hot Butterbeer!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter also offers an exceptional show throughout the holiday season that you will not want to miss. The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts typically begins at 5.30 pm, with the following sessions operating every half hour until closing. Hogsmeade gets packed during this time so make sure you arrive early to secure a good spot.
Universal Studios Hollywood leaves no stone unturned when it comes to holiday season decor. If you are looking for something truly spectacular, you can’t go past the various Christmas trees that are situated around the park. Why not get the whole family involved in some treasure hunt fun and see how many you can spot around the park? We recommend you make it to the Lower Lot to see the Jurassic World Christmas tree and Super Silly Fun Land to see the minion tree.
If you celebrate Hanukkah, head to the Upper Lot and Saul & Sons New York Deli for some excellent decorations.
Want to start your new year with a bang? Celebrate it at Universal Studio Hollywood! The park has the usual countdown with an impressive firework show at midnight. You will find good vibes across the entire park with many opportunities for dancing and drinking.
Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood is an incredible experience although it can get busy, especially as it gets closer to Christmas. We’ve put together some handy tips to make sure you and your family have the most enjoyable experience possible.
Before you visit Universal Studios Hollywood during the holiday season, check the park website. Opening hours vary throughout December and some exhibitions have different start dates. If there is a holiday-themed show you really want to see, it is best to check that it is being performed on the date of your planned visit.
There is plenty to see and do on an ordinary day at the park, let alone during the holiday season where many special performances are operating. To get the most out of your day and ensure you have enough time to squish in all the things you want to see, start your day early. Check the website for the date you are planning to visit and make sure you are entering when the gates open. Plan to stay until closing so you can enjoy the evening performance and experiences as many of the attractions as possible.
Another way to make sure you get to everything you want to see is to make a plan. Do your research by browsing the website and making a list of the attractions you would like to visit. Identify the ones that are top priority and plan out your day so these do not get missed.
If navigating hordes of people and waiting in long lines does not sound like your idea of fun, choose a weekday in the first two weeks of December to avoid peak holiday season crowds.
The app has lots of helpful information to help you navigate the park. This means you will be able to find your way to things more quickly, rather than wasting time getting lost. It also lists showtimes so you won’t miss a thing.
Universal Studios is meant to be fun, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be overwhelming. If the crowds are getting too much, find a quiet spot and take a break. Have a snack, talk to your family, and take a deep breath. You’ll feel much better.
While the app and the website display showtimes, it is best to check with staff for the most up-to-date information. This is especially important in The Wizarding World as showtimes for the Harry Potter holiday show may not be on the website.
After all of the excitement, you’ll probably fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. If you aren’t one of the lucky ones to fall into immediate slumber, be easy on yourself. It can be hard to wind down after that much stimulation even if you are exhausted. Try some meditation or even a quick yoga session to relax before bed.
There’s something special about spending a day at Universal Studios Hollywood during the holiday season. Round up your friends and family for a day out this year!
