A Magical & Grinchy Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood!

It’s Christmas planning time at the theme parks and Universal Studios Hollywood is offering a familiar, but charming, event this holiday season.  We visited during Universal’s Annual Pass Holiday Park Takeover on November 28th and had a fantastic time. Read ahead for your holiday guide to Wizards and Whos. 

The holidays began at Universal Studios Hollywood on November 24th and run through January 1st, 2024. There are two distinct Christmas celebrations at Universal Studios Hollywood: Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas in the Central Plaza. One is tasteful and one is zany, but both are joyful holiday treats. Let’s take a look at Universal Studios Hollywood Christmas.

Universal Studios Hollywood Christmas in Hogsmeade

There’s Christmas magic in Hogsmeade — the wizarding kind. The village is decked out in its holiday finest. 

If you’re lucky, you may catch the Frog Choir out singing with their deep, rumbly frogs (well, they’re technically toads). During the holidays, they’re the Holiday Frog Choir. 

The true magic happens in the evening, just as the sun goes down. Snow falls on Hogwarts castle and soon, a spell is cast– a Christmas spell! The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle projection show delights and enchants guests with the wizardry of Harry Potter and the sentimentality of Christmases past.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is a delightfully whimsical projection show that utilizes the castle itself in all kinds of fun and clever ways.

  

Through the magic of projection mapping, the castle appears to change shape, opening up for ballroom dancing, a flying car, and even turns into a firecracker show, courtesy of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.

This all culminates in a wonderful classic-meets-wizardry feel-good finale. Look at the size of that tree!

The castle projection show is well worth your time… but space is limited. If you find the area full, note the schedule, the show happens a few times every night. 

And our video of the show taken during the pass holder event:

As long as you are in the area, be sure to stop by the stage across from Hogwarts Castle to see the holiday Frog Choir. 

And what’s a stop in Hogsmeade without a Butter Beer?

How about three Butter Beers? The Three Broomsticks and Hogshead offers hot Butter Beer for the chilly season, along with the usual cold, frozen, and ice cream Butter Beer. We’re always a fan of Butter Beer, no matter how it’s served to us!

Universal Studios Hollywood Grinchmas

The Whos down in Whoville take over the central plaza and fill it with their wacky brand of Christmas cheer. At the center, of course, is the Grinch! The plaza has loads of decorations and even props from the film.

This is the place to meet the Grinch himself, who will most certainly proceed to sass and belittle you (playfully).

Keep an eye on the schedule, there are several little shows that happen in the plaza. 

We spotted story time with Cindy-Lou Who. 

And, there’s a new show this year, the Who-Bee-Doo-Whops.  

Arguably, the area looks best when it’s lit up at night, but with short park hours, you should at least plan ride the attractions during the day and then enjoy the lights at night.   

Speaking of, there’s a tree lighting ceremony and “wintery snowfall.” Times are posted on a board as you enter the plaza. 

Cindy-Lou begins the tree lighting show…

And soon the Mayor and town folk are involved as well. 

But this show wouldn’t make any sense without the Grinch himself…

The Grinch’s heart grew 3 sizes that day…

And after a bit of a mishap, the tree is eventually lit and the snow falls… 

Uni Studios Holiday Video

MiceChat’s Trevor in the Park visited in 2019 and we wanted to share this with you again as he did such a great job showing off all the fun character interaction. The event is largely the same in 2023.  

Universal Studios Hollywood Holiday Decor

Throughout the park you’ll find all sorts of clever decorations… but mostly on the upper lot. 

If you make your way into the Despicable Me attraction, they’ve added some decorations to the queue. 

Does anyone else see a hidden Mickey? 

Universal Studios Hollywood Christmas Food & Merchandise

There’s a nice selection of holiday merchandise this year. Here’s a small sample…

There were also a number of interesting looking holiday food items from bread bowls and sandwiches to holiday desserts and funnel cakes. 

The Magic of Universal Studios Annual Passes

At the moment, Disneyland Magic Keys are unavailable for new sales. But Universal’s annual passes are available right now! The park offers a number of different pass levels and has been holding special pass holder events, such as the Holiday Park Takeover event. 

For the remainder of the holiday season, pass members can take advantage of a special photo opportunity with the Grinch: Nov. 24-26, Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 2023 (Select times from 11 am-7 pm).  The photo op is located above the Jurassic Cafe on the lower lot.

Let’s Hear From You

The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood will run November 24th through January 1st this year. And don’t miss CityWalk’s celebration as well. CityWalk has a 40 foot tall Christmas tree with dazzling lights. We always enjoy Universal Hollywood’s whimsical take on the holidays. Which are you most excited for… a Who-tacular celebration or an enchanted Hogsmeade? Let us know in the comment below.

If you’ve never visited Universal Studios Hollywood at the holidays, give it a try. It’s a truly magical experience with a flavor all its own. 

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