Macys Holiday Parade & Other Christmas Events At Universal Studios Florida
Whether youre hoping to indulge in a buffet of seasonal treats or Christmassy entertainment, youll find it at Universal Studios Florida.
Just like the Macys Thanksgiving Parade is one of the highlights of Turkey Day, with its supersized balloons ushering in the festive season, Universals Holiday Parade featuring Macys is one of the stars of Universal Studios during Christmas. Floating past every night at 5:30 PM , Macys Holiday Parade not only incorporates their famous balloons. It also stars cheery dancers and lovable characters like those from Shrek, Madagascar and Despicable Mes Minions. Unfortunately, since guests are unable to actually meet Santa at Universal Studios Florida in 2021, this is the only place that guests will be able to spot jolly old St. Nick at Universal Orlando this year.
The Holiday Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida is another holiday headliner and your destination for Christmas-themed merchandise, yuletide treats and other seasonal swag. Here youll find a tempting selection of Universals festive food items and souvenirs sprinkled throughout four themed rooms, including:
- Ornaments and plushies at Santas Workshop
- Squirrel-inspired knick-knacks and sweet treats like fudge, cookies, spiced nuts, macarons and hot cocoa bombs at Earl the Squirrels Christmas Curios Museum & Emporium
- Grinchy gear at the Whoville Sanitation Department
- And Wizarding World merchandise at Harry Potters Yule Ball
How Crowded Is Universal Studios At Christmas
If you go during the first two weeks of December, you can expect a low to moderate crowd level. However, if you want to wait until the week before or week of Christmas, then youre going be there during the most busiest time of the year.
Believe it or not, many solo travelers and families enjoy visiting both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure on Christmas Day as their way of celebrating the holiday. So, please be mindful of that when deciding to go on this holiday.
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Christmas At Universals Endless Summer Resort Dockside Inn And Suites
Once youre done exploring the Surfside Inn and Suites, its time for you to head over to Universals Endless Summer Resort Dockside Inn and Suites and partake in their holiday activities.
Be sure to make your reservations in advanced on OpenTable or call .
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Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Christmas Celebration
Christmas wishes are realized! Muggles can enjoy Hogsmeade & Diagon Alley with festive Christmas decorations. There is food and drink related to the holidays. The highlight of Orlando Christmas in Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the Christmas show that takes place at Hogwarts Castle.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley
In Universal Studios Florida, Diagon Alley and London are transformed with festive décor and brilliant lighting. You can savor a hot Butterbeer, and the atmosphere is brimming with excitement as Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees have a special show prepared just for the occasion.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade
embraces the holiday spirit as the shops are festively decorated with garland and lights. The Frog Choir sings seasonal melodies and hot Butterbeer, a seasonal favorite, is served.
Christmas In The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
You know that feeling you get when you watch a “Harry Potter” movie with your family while drinking hot cocoa on a snowy winter night? That’s the feeling you’ll get when you see Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando goes all out with the level of detail. Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida both feature festive Christmas decorations including garland and lights along the buildings and streets of the Wizarding World.
Be sure to take a closer look at the decorations outside of each storefront! For instance, Madam Malkin’s in Diagon Alley sports pink ribbon bows that match the color of Hermione’s Yule Ball dress in the display window. The London waterfront is also decked out in traditional Christmas lights and garland as if you’ve magically been transported to the city itself. We highly recommend visiting during the day so you can notice all of the small details and returning at night to see everything lit up!
If you’re planning to see all of the holiday festivities in both parks on one day, get a viewing spot for the Holiday Parade in Universal Studios right on the streets of Hollywood! That’s where the parade starts, so by the time the last float passes you, you’ll have just enough time to speed-hop over and catch the fireworks in Islands of Adventure before the park closes. We arrived at the holding area in Hogsmeade at 6:30 p.m. and caught the show 10 minutes later.
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The Holidays Are Returning To Universal Studios Orlando
I know we are in the middle of the Halloween season, however holiday news is now being announced and I cant help but get excited for the next holiday season to arrive! Holidays at theme parks are usually pretty magical, and this year we are extra excited about celebrating over Universal Orlando because Grinchmas is back as well as special holiday decor at Harry Potter World starting November 13 through January 2!
The Awesomest celebration of the season is from Nov. 13, 2021 to Jan. 2, 2022.
Universal Orlando Resort
Over at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the streets of Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley and London will be adorned with themed decorations, garlands and lights and the sounds of holiday-themed performances fill the air. You will of course be able to enjoy hot Butterbeer while listening to Christmas carols from the Frog Choir and the holiday hits of Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. Nothing sounds more magical to me than celebrating the most wonderful time of year right in the midst of magic, wizards, and wizarding drinks and treats! You will also not want to miss out on the projection display of holiday magic on the Hogwarts Castle inspired by the Harry Potter films!
You can also celebrate in Seuss Landing, which will be transformed into a holiday wonderland full of themed décor like oversized candy canes, Christmas trees, wreaths and tinsel. The resident Whos will be spreading Who-liday joy as they gear up for their favorite holiday.
The Magic Of Christmas At Hogwarts Castle In Hogsmeade
This show debuted in 2017 and it’s back for the holiday season at Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure!
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle includes lights, music, and projections on the castle of Hogwarts which makes for a stunning display.
Check the entertainment schedule on the Universal Orlando app for daily times or ask the nearest park employee. Typically, the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle show will begin in the evening and run every 30 minutes until park close. But on nights that the park closes early, there may only be one show. Make sure you find out the time in advance so you don’t miss it for your Universal Orlando Christmas!
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Watch The Universals Holiday Parade Featuring Macys
Im so happy to announce that the fan-favorite, Universals Holiday Parade featuring Macys, is back this year!
This is absolutely one of my favorite things to do at Universal Studios for Christmas. Not only is the parade top-notch, you get to feel as if youre truly in New York watching the actual Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade.
During this parade, youll get to see gigantic balloons floating in the air with characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar. Youll even get to see the man himself, Santa!
Holidays At Islands Of Adventure
What this park lacks in a holiday parade it makes up for with spectacular decorations. Seuss Landing is one of my favorite places to explore this time of year. No other theme park land has more decorations. Here at Seuss Landing even the snack carts and ride signage are decorated.
Some people overlook the little truffula tree forest with The Lorax, but don’t miss it. This little walk-through area is precious at night. Surround yourself in the glow of the holiday lights as you take a quick stroll among the truffula trees.
The big highlight here is the live performance of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. If you and your love enjoy The Grinch or live theater, this is a fun, heartwarming production. Plus it is included in theme park admission. You will need to plan to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of the performance time to get a seat. Also note that this show has moved to a new location, inside the former Blue Man Group theater.
Just across the bridge and through the Lost Continent, you’ll arrive at Hogsmeade Village. The steam of the Hogwarts Express train welcomes you. Each magical shop has decorations that match the theme of the shop. There is garland everywhere and every lampost dons a festive wreath. Don’t miss the Owl Post’s covered sitting area, which has a lovely collection of decorations and is a nice place to sit and relax for a spell. Islands of Adventure is also home to the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.
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When Does Grinchmas Start At Universal Orlando
During the holiday season, Seuss Landing is decorated with the same holiday charm and cheer as it appears in Dr. Seusss Who-ville. The Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular is an event loved by both kids and kids at heart . The Grinchmas Show at Universal is a live retelling of the classic tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and it stars the one and only Grinch with recorded music. Fans of this quirky creature will get the opportunity to meet him for an autograph and photo-op.
But thats not all! Making special guest appearances are the Grinchs dog, Max, and Cindy Lou Who and her many Who friends.
Universal Grinchmas Showtimes Grinchmas runs every day from November 13th January 2nd, 2022. Showtimes will be posted in Universal Orlandos mobile app, and are subject to change.
We are hoping that the lighting of the Whoville Christmas tree returns. This happens every 30 minutes, once it is dark enough, and all the Whos and the Grinch celebrate together. It is one of the few shows in Florida that is followed by a brief snowfall!
It Was The Perfect Time To Sip On The Popular Hot Butterbeer
Although Universal made this once-seasonal drink a permanent fixture earlier this year, my winter visit was the ideal time to savor the hot butterbeer.
As the temperatures finally cooled in central Florida, I found myself reaching for this version as opposed to the standard and frozen varieties.
It’s quite sweet, with notes of butterscotch, but it’s a great seasonal beverage in place of hot chocolate.
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Go On A Holiday Christmas Tree Hunt
To celebrate the season, you can go on a holiday tree hunt to search for 15 holiday-themed trees scattered throughout the shops in the theme parks and CityWalk.
Once you completed the hunt and collected your stamps, youll be eligible to receive an exclusive Holiday Tree Hunt-branded ornament.
Unfortunately, this Christmas tree scavenger hunt is not free and you will have to purchase the Holiday Tree Hunt brochure. I still think that its a holiday must-do at the Universal Orlando Resort.
Where To Stay: Gaylord Palms Resort In Kissimmee
Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee hosted us during our visit. Its a convenient base for visiting Universal Orlando, and Gaylord hosts their own holiday extravaganza. Enjoy a live show by performers from Cirque Dreams accompanied by music, lights, and a giant Christmas tree. Gaylord Palms is also home to ICE!, a walk-through tent featuring beautiful ice sculptures and five ice slides. In the Alpine Village you can go snow tubing, visit with Santa, and try more family-friendly activities.
What are some of your favorite things to do during the holidays? Will you visit the Harry Potter Christmas show at Universal Orlando Resort?
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Universal Brings Magic For Orlando Christmas
Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort pours magic into their holiday celebrations with guests of all ages each year. We recommend that you experience all of our favorite Christmas events at Universal below! Events take place November 13, 2021, through January 2, 2022, this year. What is even better, is that this is all included in your general admission tickets that you book with us, unlike Disneys After Hours Very Merriest event that will be available for an extra fee this year.
Are You Ready To Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip
If youre ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! All Park Prodigy Universal Orlando tickets will get you into the park one hour before regular park guests with Universal Early Park Admission! And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!
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Go Christmas Shopping At Universal Studios And Islands Of Adventure
Dont forget to go Christmas shopping at many of the on-site stores located in the Universal Orlando Resort.
But if you want to take your holiday gifting up to the next level, then be sure to visit the year-round Christmas shops in both parks: Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe in Islands of Adventure and Park Plaza Holiday Shop in Universal Studios.
Holiday Date Ideas At Universal Studios Florida
- Grab a drink at Finnegan’s Bar & Grill to go and enjoy the Blues Brothers holiday show with refreshments in hand.
- Stroll through the Tribute Store and take advantage of its many photo opportunities.
- Take an ornament selfie with the massive Christmas tree in the New York area, using your reflection in one of the many large ornaments.
- Claim your spot for the Universals Holiday Parade Featuring Macys near Finnegan’s so you can easily access some drinks before or after the parade.
- Head to the Hopping Pot in Diagon Alley for one of the many specialty drinks before enjoying Celestina Warbeck’s holiday performance.
Insider Tip: To view the show schedule at either park you’ll have to use the Universal Orlando app. The showtimes are not usually published on the website. Universal does a pretty good job of setting the show schedule in a way that makes it easy to hop from one show to the next.
Here’s a sample itinerary that my husband and I followed recently, each of the three shows we saw had holiday songs and decorations:
- 10:10 a.m. Beat Builders show near the edge of the New York area, towards Fast and Furious Supercharged
- 10:55 a.m. Blues Brothers show on Delancy Street in the New York area
- 11:30 a.m. Lunch at the holiday food and beverage kiosk near Central Park
- 12:30 p.m. Celestina Warbeck in Diagon Alley
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In This Festive Guide Well Go Over:
- Things to Do for Christmas at the Universal Orlando Resort Theme Parks
- How to Celebrate the Holidays for FREE at the Universal Orlando Hotels
- What to Expect During the Holidays at Universal
- Celebrating New Years Eve at Universal Orlando Resort
- Understanding Just How Crowded it is for Christmas at Universal
- Tips to Make the Most of Your Day
ORDER NOW to secure your Orlando theme park ticket reservation in the parks! GET MY TICKETS.
Christmas Day Universal Studios Orlando 2021
Universal Orlando holidays are ones to be remembered and youll be sure to. Universal Studios Orlando Christmas Parade 2021. Events take place November 13 2021 through January 2 2022 this year. The holiday season has officially begun at Universal Orlando Resort and that means the return of their holiday parade featuring Macys.
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Basics Of The Holidays At Universal Orlando
First things first, when does Universal Orlando celebrate the holidays? You can enjoy the holidays at Universal Orlando Saturday, November 13, 2021 to Sunday, January 2, 2022. This is in line with the dates for the holidays at Walt Disney World, in case you are interested.
Each Universal Orlando theme park celebrates the holidays differently. You can choose one park, or purchase a ticket with park-to-park access. Taking the Hogwarts Express train between the two parks is so much fun, and a little romantic too.
I suggest downloading the Universal Orlando app before your visit. The app allows you to browse wait times and plan more efficiently.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the holidays without needing a park ticket, there are some decorations at CityWalk, and each Universal Orlando hotel is decorated. However, you do have to pay for parking at CityWalk as well as the Universal Orlando hotels. You can park for free at CityWalk after 6:00pm. Or, plan to see a matinee movie at the Universal Cinemark, show your parking receipt, and get a parking reimbursement at the box office.
Christmas In Diagon Alley
During Universal Orlando Christmas dates, London and Diagon Alley are both uniquely themed with decorations, garlands and lights adorning the streets. The effect make Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter even more magical atmospheric than ever.
Live Shows
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees Dressed in holiday finery the singing sorceress belts out songs from the Christmas album Nothin Like a Holiday Spell. A sprinkling of snow and stage settings bring a whole new element to this popular show.
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