Universal Orlando has unwrapped its holiday programming, which includes returning theme park favorites and expands into new Epic Universe territory.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will return to the streets of Universal Studios Florida with big balloons, themed floats, plus characters from “Shrek,” “Despicable Me” and “Madagascar.” Santa Claus brings up the rear and triggers the lighting of an 80-foot Christmas tree. The parade and other holiday programming begin their daily routine on Nov. 21, the day after Thanksgiving.
Islands of Adventure will bring “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” back on stage. In addition, visitors can interact with the Grinch and assorted Whos in the Seuss Landing section of the park. That also will be home to a new Who-ville Tree Lot, featuring “a collection of whimsical trees themed to various Dr. Seuss characters,” Universal says.
“The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” a projection show on Hogwarts Castle, will return to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at IOA. Seasonal decor will be added to Orlando’s other two Wizarding Worlds, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios and Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe. (It’s also warm butterbeer season.)
For Epic’s first holiday season, the park will install special lighting and decorations in Celestial Park, the first land that visitors walk through when entering the theme park, which opened in May.
These holiday festivities are included with regular theme-park admission. Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios also offer the Universal Holiday Tour, which includes exclusive meet-ups with Santa and the Grinch, reserved seating for shows, cookie decorating, light bites and priority access to a Studios attraction. Pricing varies between $80 and $110, depending on date, and the tour also requires the purchase of a one-day, two-park park-to-park ticket.
IOA again hosts Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous. The menu is Seuss-themed — think green eggs and ham quiche — and includes Who-ville interactions, including a Grinch spotting. The breakfast price is $58.99 ($32.99 for ages 3-9).
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Universal CityWalk’s Red Coconut Club will morph into the Green and Red Coconut Club for the season. The theme for 2025 is Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge.
Universal Orlando will have New Year’s Eve festivities at the three theme parks and 11 hotels, but details have not yet been released.
Universal’s holiday activities will run through Jan. 4.
For more information, go to universalorlando.com/holidays.
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