PHOTOS & VIDEOS: We’re Kicking Off the Holidays at Universal Orlando!

By Rachel Franko
Posted on Posted on

We can almost smell the Hot Butterbeer, because the holidays have ARRIVED in Universal Orlando!

Happy Holidays!

Of course, there’s lots to see, do, and eat for the holidays across the parks. And, we’re here to give you a look at them ALL! So, if you’re ready to step into Universal’s very own winter wonderland, we’re giving you a look at the first day of the holiday season!

Be sure to refresh this post throughout the day to see our latest updates, we’ll be adding all the holiday goodness as soon as we spot it! 

Park Entrances

At the entrance of Universal Studios, you’ll find a whole holiday set up! The outside is ready for Universal’s Holiday Parade, and the festive decor welcomes guests to the park.

Once you enter Islands of Adventure, you’ll see festive decor all around!

Hogsmeade

For our festive tour of Universal Orlando, let’s start with the holiday celebration in the Wizarding World!

Hogwarts Castle!

Our first Harry Potter stop was Hogsmeade, which is one of the major holiday destinations at Universal Orlando!

Hogsmeade

At Hogsmeade, you’ll be able to admire the holiday decor outside shops like Zonko’s…

Zonko’s

…Honeyduke’s…

Honeydukes

…and the Hogsmeade Train Station! 

The Hogsmeade station!

Who doesn’t love to see snow around Hogsmeade?

You can also enjoy the Hogwarts Toad Choir singing festive tunes near Hogwarts Castle.

The Toad Choir

Remember all the Yule Ball outfits from Goblet of Fire? Well, you can get ornaments based on each one, plus some other Yule Ball-inspired ornaments.

Yule Ball Ornaments

You can also grab cozy winter gear based on the Hogwarts house of your choice!

Stay cozy in style!

If you’re looking to wrap up some gifts, try out the Hogwarts House Ribbon! 

Ribbon!

If you’ve been waiting for your Hogwarts letter, you’re in luck! There’s a Hogwarts Letter Ornament with your name on it.

We’re still waiting for our letters!

Diagon Alley

Over at Diagon Alley in Universal Studios, you’ll find plenty of festive decorations!

Diagon Alley

All the shops are decorated for the season with a festive look like the pinecone-adorned garland of Shutterbutton’s!

Shutterbutton’s

If you stop by King’s Cross Station, you’ll see festive wreaths and other Muggle holiday decor.

King’s Cross

Even Borgin and Burke’s in Knockturn Alley got in the holiday spirit!

Borgin and Burke’s

Grinchmas

In Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure, you can enjoy Grinchmas, the annual celebration of the holidays where you can meet the Whos, enjoy treats, and of course, see the Grinch himself!

Seuss Landing!

At the beginning of the day, quite the line gathered up to meet with the man of the hour…

The line for the Grinch!

…the Grinch!

This year, there’s a meet-and-greet and photo op just like in years past, just with a few health and safety modifications.

It’s him!

In Seuss Landing’s outdoor areas, you can also meet the Whos of Whoville!

The Whos!

Plus, the Whos are caroling and interacting with guests…

…making for a fun festive time where you can get in on the action!

The Universal Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s

The Universal Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s is the holiday parade for Universal Studios, featuring live entertainment, floats, and giant balloons, just like the ones in a Macy’s parade!

Throughout the parade, you’ll be able to spot characters from films by Illumination, like the Minions!

Plus, there’s plenty of Dreamworks goodness, with Shrek characters like Gingy getting the Macy’s giant balloon treatment!

And of course, what would a holiday parade be without snoap (snow made of soap) and Santa? 

Eats and Treats

Over in Seuss Landing, we tried two new festive treats: the Grinch Ice Cream Sandwich for $5.99…

Yum!

…and A Holiday Punch for $4.19!

Festive!

The Tribute Store

Over at the Tribute Store, you can see themed areas featuring Santa’s Workshop and other immersive experiences!

Earl the Squirrel has a Sweet Treats shop inside the Tribute Store where you can grab some goodies!

Plus, you can enjoy the Yule Ball from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with a fully immersive version of the holiday party!

And of course, there’s also a Whoville section of the store, extending the magic of Grinchmas to Universal Studios park!

Stick around to see a look at everything we find for the holidays in Universal Orlando throughout the day! And, you can stay tuned with All Ears for the latest Universal entertainment and news coming soon!

Click Here to See All the Holiday Entertainment to Universal Orlando!

What are you looking forward to seeing the most in Universal for the holidays? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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Rachel Franko

Rachel Franko has been going to Disney Parks since she was a baby, and her love of Disney has only grown into a SLIGHT obsession since! She's been writing for AllEars since 2019 and loves sharing the magic with all the readers. When she's not writing, you can catch her heading to Disney and Universal Studios with a heart full of dreams and a backpack full of themed ears!

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