Holidays at Universal Orlando: 4 Things You Can't Miss

There’s so much to love at Universal Orlando Resort! In fact, we had the chance to visit this past weekend, where we were hosted at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. Soon, I’ll have lots more information coming on this beautiful family friendly resort! But just in time for the holidays in Orlando, I wanted to share everything you can find at Universal Orlando Resort for the holidays! From the Grinch to the Mannheim Steamrollers, holidays at Universal Orlando can’t be missed!

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

This was the Universal Orlando holiday entertainment I was looking forward to the most! In fact, I’ve always loved the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and had the chance to see it in person one time. And since this parade takes place on the Streets of New York at Universal Studios Florida and features familiar aspects like large balloons and dancers, it definitely had a Thanksgiving Day feel!

Check out this description from Universal Orlando Resort:

The Minions join Santa Claus for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, a holiday favorite that also features characters from Madagascar and Shrek.

It’s part of an incredible lineup of holiday festivities throughout Universal Orlando Resort™. Put a little mischief in your merry. You’ve Never Had a Holiday Like This.

Universal’s Holiday Parade
Nov. 19 and Dec. 4: 5:15pm
Nov. 16 – 18, Nov. 20 – Dec. 3, Dec. 5 – Dec. 24; Dec 31 – Jan 5: 5:30pm
Dec. 25 – Dec. 30: 8:00 pm

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

When we dreamed of visiting Universal Orlando Resort, one of the main things we were looking forward to was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Since my kids are huge Harry Potter fans and seeing it all come to life was unbelievable. We were so happy to be able to experience the magic of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! To me, a lot of the Harry Potter movies have a holiday feel, so it just feels right to experience it in real life during holidays at Universal Orlando.

There are so many beautiful details, like wreaths and lighting and most of all, an absolutely amazing projection show on Hogwarts Castle! The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is something you need to see to believe. Be sure to head over to my Instagram highlights to see a clip of this amazing show!

In Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Hogsmeade™ embraces the holiday spirit as the shops are festively decorated with garland and lights. The Frog Choir sings seasonal melodies and there are special treats and drinks to share. As the stars begin to shine, revel in a dazzling projection of holiday spirit at The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle unfolds.

In Universal Studios Florida, Diagon Alley™ and London are transformed with festive décor and brilliant lighting. There are special holiday treats and drinks, the atmosphere is brimming with excitement and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees have a special show prepared just for the occasion.

Holidays at Universal Orlando with Mannheim Steamroller

If you’ve ever wanted to see this holiday classic in real life, you now have the chance at holidays at Universal Orlando! This beautiful Orlando holiday concert has such a beautiful backdrop. And if the sights and sounds of Mannheim Steamroller don’t put you in the Christmas spirit, I don’t know what will!

The best-selling holiday artist of all time visits Universal Studios as Mannheim Steamroller returns for live performances on select nights, included with your Universal Studios Florida admission.

Concert Dates are Saturday and Sundays
Nov. 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30
Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15

The Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular at Holidays at Universal

I’ll be honest. Historically, we haven’t been huge Grinch fans in our family. But we recently had the chance to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey at Universal Cinemark at CityWalk. And my kids, who had always said they didn’t like the Grinch, finally fell in love! And I would also have to say that the holidays at Universal entertainment that we were most surprised by was the Grinchmas fun!

The show is an absolute Broadway level stage show! We had no idea how much of a huge production this would be, and it’s an absolute must do. Although we didn’t have the chance to meet the Grinch in person, but did enjoy seeing Whos wandering through Seuss Landing, bringing Christmas cheer. In fact, you can even enjoy a special character breakfast with the Grinch and Friends as a specially ticketed add-on.

During the holiday season, Seuss Landing™ is decorated with the holiday charm and cheer of Dr. Seuss’s Who-ville. Your heart might grow three sizes as you delight in the hilarious hijinks of The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of the classic tale starring the Grinch™, featuring music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller.

You’ll even have the opportunity to meet the maven of mischief himself for an autograph and, if you’d like, purchase a photo of yourself with him.

Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular

Nov. 16, Nov 23 – Nov. 30; Dec. 14-Dec 29:
10:45 am, 11:45 am, 12:45 pm, 1:45 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm
Nov. 17 – Nov. 22; Dec. 1 – Dec. 13; Dec. 30 – Jan. 5:
11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:45 pm, 5:45 pm

Holidays at Universal Orlando

From Harry Potter to the Grinch, Universal Orlando has something for everyone in the family for the holidays! We had such a wonderful time and made so many family memories. The lights, sounds, and sights of the holidays are so immersive at Universal Orlando. You don’t want to miss celebrating Christmas at Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.