The holidays have taken over Disney World, and now Universal Orlando is getting in on the festive fun.
The holiday season at Universal officially starts on November 12th and runs through January 1st. We were invited to a media event for Universal’s Holiday Celebrations, so come along with us to see the decorations, merchandise, and treats that have arrived at the parks!
Park Entrance Decorations
When you get to the entrance of Universal Studios, you see plenty of holiday decor! There is a giant wreath hanging from the archway and garland all over.
It’s so festive before you even get in the park!
Characters
Everyone’s favorite grouchy Grinch is back this year. You can typically meet the Mean One himself at Seuss Landing.
Name a more iconic meet and greet, we’ll wait… .
The creature, the myth, the legend…THE GRINCH! 🎄🎁💚 pic.twitter.com/SaikD9STGn
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 12, 2022
We also got to meet Earl the Squirrel in his holiday best!
Grinchmas
We got to see the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular show, too!
Here’s a little glimpse at the musical!
It’s🎄Grinchmas🎄 everyone! pic.twitter.com/nh4FJGg3uI
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 12, 2022
Say hello to Cindy Lou!
Cindy Lou Who tugging at our heart strings 🥹🎄🎶 pic.twitter.com/uIH7nbMfMX
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 12, 2022
We’re excited to see the citizens of Whoville back at Universal.
Sing along with the citizens of Whoville
🎶Fahoo fores dahoo dores
Welcome Christmas🎶 pic.twitter.com/vJg7ETcndO— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 12, 2022
The Universal Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s has returned this year, too! Before the parade, we got a performance from the marching band at Riverdale High School in Fort Meyers, Florida.
Shoutout to Riverdale High School from Fort Meyers, FL! Their school band got to play before the 5:30 parade. 🥁🎺 #universalholidays pic.twitter.com/4OcULkyM4e
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 12, 2022
This parade features larger-than-life balloons along with some of Universal’s most iconic characters. Let’s get started!
#universalholidays Parade has officially begun! 🎄⭐️ pic.twitter.com/ubSgzxVtNe
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 12, 2022
King Julian from Madagascar is in the house!
The king is here…King Julian that is. 👑🎄 #universalholidays pic.twitter.com/XAwggCI08p
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 12, 2022
Shrek has an entire section of the parade with several floats and a balloon.
Shrek the halls with boughs of Dronkeys 💚🎄#universalholidays pic.twitter.com/pmPq2vSiVo
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 12, 2022
There are some classic floats in the parade, too.
Toys, toys, and more TOYS! 🧸🎁 #universalholidays pic.twitter.com/UYJaF6tKcb
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 12, 2022
Hogsmeade
Both lands in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter got a festive makeover for the season and we got to check out Hogsmeade!
You can also catch The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle show.
How magical?! 🤩#universalholidays pic.twitter.com/eAt8rAGq0u
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 13, 2022
This holiday show is only around until January and has festive projections on Hogwarts.
There are also a few fireworks in there!
And don’t forget to check out the toad choir, which performs near Hogwarts Castle. Celestina Warbeck and her Banshees also pick up a festive theme for their show.
Merchandise
And don’t forget about shopping! You can pick up a gift or two in the parks with new holiday merchandise. Over in Universal Studios, the Tribute Store has received its holiday makeover.
You can catch several themed rooms.
This included a New York at Christmas room…
…a Wizarding World of Harry Potter room…
…a Grinch room…
…and some Earl the Squirrel touches!
Even if you aren’t in the mood for shopping, you should check out this shop for the details alone.
Holiday Treats
We got a sneak peek at a LOT of holiday treats have arrived at Universal, including these Grinch Cookies…
…the Green Eggs Brownie Pops…
…the Vegan Snowflake cookies…
…a Vegan BLT…
…and the Roast Beef Slider.
Check it out!
Checking out the array of sweet and savory snacks! What would you go for?🍪🍔 pic.twitter.com/YXyP96fUxq
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 12, 2022
There’s a lot more where that came from!
Click here to see all the holiday treats at Universal Orlando.
There is SO much returning to Universal for the holidays this year — click here to learn ALL about it. And stay tuned as we give you the first look at everything from this year’s holidays at Universal Orlando.
Click here to see EVERYTHING coming back for the holidays in Disney World.
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to get the free list ranking the Harry Potter Must-dos at Universal Orlando! Click here to get started!
Will you be headed to Universal Studios for the holidays? Let us know in the comments!
Disclosure: We were invited by Universal Orlando to attend a media event for Universal’s Holiday Celebrations. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.
Tsk, Tsk. It’s a Roast BEAST Slider. Beast, I tell you!
It’s back!