Universal Studios Hollywood Holiday Guide & Fun News!

The holidays have arrived at Universal Studios Hollywood. The festivities at USH feature Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas, two “separate but equal” celebrations that, despite the relatively small footprint of the park’s Upper Lot, never step on each other’s toes. In this holiday guide, we take a look at the seasonal celebrations in the park, plus catch up on the latest news on the hill. 

This year, both holiday celebrations take place daily from Nov. 25, 2022, through Jan. 1, 2023, with Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter centered in Hogsmeade Village and Grinchmas confined to Universal Plaza. Let’s take a look at the festivities taking place at USH.

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The rooftops in Hogsmeade are snowy year-round, but during the holidays, everything feels a bit extra special. Shopkeepers in the magical village decorate their stores with twinkling white lights and seasonal-themed garland, including white Hedwig-esque feathers at the Owl Post, trim from Hermione’s Yule Ball gown at Gladrags Wizardwear, and colorful candies at Honeydukes sweet shop.

The Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter celebration also includes daily performances by the a cappella Frog Choir featuring Hogwarts students performing harmonized holiday songs with amphibian accompaniment. After the show, the singers (and their frogs) are available for photo ops.

Here’s one of the Frog Choir songs I recorded to give you a flavor of the fun: 

When darkness falls, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” light and projection show illuminates the façade of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry daily with Christmas-themed images from the Harry Potter movies, including ghost carolers, the elegant Yule Ball, and a colorful “commercial” for holiday gifts available at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, all accompanied by John Williams’ iconic score.

Performance times for the Frog Choir and “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” show can vary, so be sure to check the entertainment schedule (or ask a team member) on the day you visit.

Here’s some archive video of the Hogwarts Castle Christmas show we took a few years ago: 

Grinchmas

During the whimsical celebration inspired by the classic Dr. Seuss Christmas story, guests can meet The Grinch and his faithful dog Max.

There are also plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle with friendly local Whos, including the Mayor of Who-ville himself.

Also make sure to pay a visit to the Who-ville Post Office, where the Postmaster will deliver hand-written postcards to the mean one that describes the three good deeds that made your heart grow three sizes.

The best part? For every postcard sent, Universal Studios Hollywood will make a donation to Schools on Wheels, an organization that provides tutoring to homeless kids.

Guests can also write “Happy Who-Years” notes to “friends they haven’t met yet,” which the postmaster will deliver to those celebrating the holidays away from home, including members of the military.

…and if you’re lucky one of the friendly local Whos will be on hand to help.

This year, two all-new shows join the Grinchmas Who-bilation celebration, including the new daytime performance headlined by the Who-ville Welcome Committee, who lead a fun, interactive show that includes kid volunteers from the audience.

But that’s not all! During Storytime with Cindy Lou at the Who-ville schoolhouse, the smallest Who in Who-ville reads the story that started it all.

After dark, a new Wholiday Holiday Tree Lighting show features Cindy Lou Who and the Mayor of Who-ville, along with the Grinch who arrives onstage with a flourish (and bathed in Grinch-green light). But have no fear, the show still culminates in the lighting of the 65-foot topsy-turvy “Grinchmas” tree accompanied by a snowfall flurry.

The tree fully lit up is quite a spectacle to behold.

If you’ve experienced the Grinchmas tree lighting in the past, you’ll likely be as “Who-bilant” as I was to find out that several rows of bench seating have been added across the entire width of the stage, so even wee Whos will be able to see the shows.

Insider Tip: If you don’t mind standing, you can position yourself directly behind the last row of benches for a “Who-tastic” unobstructed view – or as my son accurately described it: first row mezzanine).

Times for all the Grinchmas activities and performances are posted daily in Who Plaza.

Did You Notice?

The Grinch is posing for photos in front of the actual Tree Trimming Truck from the 2000 “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” movie starring Jim Carey. Two other picture cars from the movie on display in Who Plaza are a Who-ville Family Sedan (located by the Who-ville schoolhouse) and a Who-ville Police Car (located just outside the Plaza on the schoolhouse side).

Universal Holiday-Themed Character Meet & Greets

The Grinch isn’t the only character posing for photos in his holiday best. Guests can also snap selfies with Shrek, Princess Fiona, and Donkey from the Shrek movies; Poppy and Branch from the Trolls movies, and Hello Kitty, who’s dressed for the holidays in bow-to-toe pepperminty cuteness.

Universal Holiday-Themed Food and Drinks

The star of the holiday show at Universal Studios Hollywood is most certainly hot butterbeer, which is available at Three Broomsticks and Hogs Head Pub, but if Harry’s favorite wizarding world beverage isn’t your “cup of tea,” there are other sweet holiday treats that will surely fit the bill.

There are also two holiday-themed Popcorn Buckets available: A Grinch Popcorn Bucket for $24.99 and a Holiday Minion Popcorn Bucket for $28.99.

Universal Studios Hollywood Holiday Merch

It’s no surprise that a large portion of Universal Studios Hollywood’s holiday merchandise is Grinch-themed, but as the mean one would say, Christmas should be all about him. 

There’s even a dedicated Grinchmas store in CityWalk for any of your non-park day Grinchy gift needs.

In a clear bid to steal some of the Grinch’s thunder, the Simpsons have their own holiday merch.

Other Happenings on the Hill

Sure, we all love the holidays, but there are also noteworthy non-holiday-related things going on in Universal City. Let’s catch up on the latest news around Universal Studios Hollywood.

Two Popular Attractions Closing in January

Fans of Universal’s Animal Actors and the Special Effects Show will definitely want to plan a park day before both attractions permanently close on Jan. 8, 2023.

According to Universal, the two shows (as well as the Production Central Store) are closing to make way for a” future expansion” (though they’ve also said “future attraction”). So far, that’s all we know – and with the grand opening of Super Nintendo World set for early 2023, that’s likely all we’ll know for a while.

Of course, that hasn’t stopped us from speculating about what’s moving into the prime Upper Lot real estate once it’s vacant. Take a look at some of the rumors we’ve heard in the article below:

We heard a rumor… About Universal Studios Hollywood!

New Exclusive Shopportunity at Universal CityWalk

In September 2022, a new first-of-its-kind retail destination – UNIVRS – opened in the Universal Studio Store at Universal CityWalk Hollywood (adjacent to the theme park’s main entrance), embracing “get it before it’s gone” drop culture through limited-edition merchandise inspired by Jurassic Park, E.T., Jaws, Universal Monsters, Felix the Cat, The Minions, and more.

But what exactly does drop culture mean?

In this case, the store developed by Universal Products & Experiences “drops” exclusive merchandise in limited quantities every few months, with these products available only at the UNIVRS store.

 

“Universal UNIVRS celebrates casual and super fans who are looking for elevated, character-inspired merchandise that’s influenced by popular fashion trends seen around the world,” said Universal Products & Experiences President Vince Klaseus. “With new, limited-edition collections released every few months – and only available at Universal CityWalk – shoppers will continue to be surprised by new styles and the store’s fresh take on apparel, accessories and collectibles.”

UNIVRS also highlights international and local artists through exclusive merchandise, including Marylou Faure from the UK and SAMBYPEN from Korea, who both created streetwear designs inspired by “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”

In addition, L.A.-based artist Jason Keam created a mural for the store that celebrates the 40th anniversary of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (artwork from the mural was also incorporated in exclusive apparel and totes).

“This is a one in a million opportunity for me to celebrate the epic classic, E.T., through my creative lens,” said Jason Keam. “Growing up in Southern California, much like the kids in the film, I craved inspiration, friendships and adventure all the while staying connected to my family and community. My hope is that my artwork and involvement in this project conveys a playful spirit, sense of wonder and connection to our homes, no matter the galaxy.”

UNIVRS merchandise highlights include:

• Numbskull’s Rubber Road (UK) collectible ducks featuring rubber ducks as characters from popular NBCUniversal film and TV brands, such as Good Luck Trolls, Illumination’s Minions, Jaws, Back to the Future, and others.

• Kid Robot collectible 11” figures showcasing Illumination’s Minions
• The classic black and white Felix the Cat appears in a variety of colors and patterns in a varsity-style aesthetic across beanies, skirts, shirts, jackets, sweaters, tees, and more.
• Good Luck Trolls combine with positive affirmations and tie-dye for a collection of sweatshirts, sweatpants, tees, and totes.

• Short and long-sleeve unisex tees featuring various artwork of iconic NBCUniversal characters, such as JAWS, Big Lebowski, Hot Stuff, Richie Rich, Fast & Furious, The Breakfast Club, Universal Monsters, and more
• Unisex apparel and totes showcase iconic black and white film imagery and iconography from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment classics such as E.T., Jurassic Park, and Back to the Future.
• Skate decks featuring colorful artwork inspired by brands like Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, E.T., and Minions

Construction Walls Are Down at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen in Universal CityWalk

In more delicious CityWalk news, the construction walls are finally down at the west coast location of the popular Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, signaling the “early 2023” opening is right on schedule.

With only three locations in the world— Orlando, Beijing, and soon Los Angeles (and all exclusively at Universal CityWalk) — Toothsome offers extensive brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. But let’s be honest, the real draw comes from the “Chocolate Emporium” part of the name, in the form of over-the-top desserts and milkshakes like this chocolate coffee concoction I could barely make a dent in at Toothsome in Orlando.

Let’s Hear From You!

Who’s ready to celebrate the holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood?! What would you most look forward to? Meeting the Grinch? Seeing the magical projection show on Hogwarts Castle? Sampling hot Butterbeer or a Grinch Donut? Or, like me, are you planning to do all of the above? Let us know in the comments below…

 

More SoCal Theme Park Holidays

If you’re in a spirited holiday mood, SoCal theme parks are the perfect place to soak in the season. Take a look at this handy guide to see what each park offers for the holidays:

SoCal Theme Parks: Very Merry Holiday Guide!

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