Universal Orlando reveals dates, details for Holidays celebration

ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando on Wednesday announced dates and details for its annual Holidays celebration.

This year’s festivities will kick off on Nov. 21 and run through Jan. 4.

Guests can enjoy iconic returning seasonal experiences at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure such as Grinchmas at Seuss Landing, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, along with some new offerings, all while being surrounded by festive decor — which can even be seen in select worlds at Universal Epic Universe. Holiday-themed menu items, merchandise and add-on experiences will be available as well.

Here are details on this year’s in-park experiences at this year’s Holidays celebration, according to Universal Orlando officials:

• Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Fans can look forward to holiday cheer at three wizarding world locations this season, as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic joins Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida in their themed offerings. As guests stroll through areas filled with festive garlands and luminous lights and sip hot Butterbeer, experiences await such as performances and seasonal melodies by The Frog Choir in Hogsmeade and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley, and “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” night show. Seasonal wizarding merchandise will also be available for purchase.

• Grinchmas in Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure: The popular holiday experience returns to Seuss Landing this year, as park goers can immerse themselves in Who-ville and enjoy the iconic stage show, “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” which retells Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Meet-and-greet opportunities are available with The Grinch at Honk Honkers as well, along with sightings of Whos throughout the area. There will also be a new Who-ville Tree Lot this year, filled with trees themed to Dr. Seuss characters.

• Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s: The fan-favorite parade is back at Universal Studios Florida, featuring large balloons and holiday floats. Guests can look out for appearances by the Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me, characters from DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar and more. Santa Claus will also make an appearance, as the lighting of the park’s 80-foot Christmas tree takes place.

• Holiday Décor within Celestial Park at Universal Epic Universe: Along with seasonal decor in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Universal Epic Universe guests can also take part in holiday cheer at Celestial Park, the heart of Epic Universe. Themed lighting and decorations fill the area as visitors enjoy dining, entertainment and attractions while being surrounded by Mediterranean-inspired architecture.

Add-on experiences will also be available for an additonal cost, which include The Universal Holiday Tour and The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Islands of Adventure. View additional details and book Universal Orlando’s holiday add-on experiences.

There will also be seasonal cheer throughout Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando Resort Hotels, such as themed food and beverages, decorations, special menus and buffets for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, and Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lightings. New Year celebrations will take place as well at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, Universal CityWalk and all 11 Universal Orlando hotels, which officials will reveal additional details for at a later date.