Tips on Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood This Holiday Season
This holiday season, join the Grinch at a Who-tacular celebration to enjoy the music and fun of Grinchmas and so much more now thruough January 1, 2024.
Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood this holiday season? Now through Monday, January 1, 2024, Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood features “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” and the spectacular dazzling light projection transformation of HogwartsTM castle through “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” as well as “Grinchmas,” featuring a Who-lebration of fun fit for the Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos. Holiday programs are included in the price of theme park admission.
Along with all the seasonal offerings like food and merchandise, the lot is decked out with holiday decor, Hello Kitty is wearing her Xmas ensemble and the spirit of the season has even made its way into Citywalk.
If you are planning a visit soon, here are a few things to know before you go:
Download the Universal app! There you will find showtimes, ride wait times, menus and if you are not familiar with the lot... where everything is. You can also set up reminders for shows to help plan your day.
The tree lighting shows fill up fast and once capacity is met, they close the area off so plan accordingly. Along with a quick appearance by the Grinch and the tree lighting there's also snowfall aka snop. Tip: grab a hot beverage or treat to enjoy while you are waiting.
Stop by and see Max, it’s definitely a fun meet and greet and the line moves very fast. Location: In the Plaza
The Grinch meet and greet, IYKYK There are 3 locations to meet him this year. 1. In the Plaza, this will have the longest line and imo, not the greatest backdrop this year 2. Upon exiting the Studio Tour, (my top recommendation) or 3. If you are a passholder, there's a dedicated location on the lower lot above the Jurassic Cafe. This is a limited time offering, last dates are December 9-10 from 12-6pm.
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle Show
I recommend getting lining up at the turnstiles before they officially open, once you enter head straight for the lower lot and experience Mario Cart (if that's on your must do list), the rest of the lower lot and then head back up. If you are there just for the holidays activities, head straight for the Grinch meet and greet! That line gets very long very quickly.
Meet and Greet With Max
Express is the best way to knock it all out during this very busy time of the year. You can always upgrade upon arrival if you didn’t purchase it in advance. Dress in layers, it gets chilly in the evening. Finally, Must see! If you never experienced The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle Show, I highly recommend it. Be sure to enter the area well in advance, standing room only.
Comfort foods and themed holiday fare are also available throughout the park: Crispy BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Slow Roasted Turkey Sandwich with Fries, Chili, Butternut Squash Soup and Clam Chowder in Bread Bowl, Turkey Quesadilla, Smoked Brisket Sandwich, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Spiral Croissant, Pumpkin Spice Spiral Croissant, Sleigh Bells Irish Sour, Rudolph’s Red Rita, Hot Apple Toddy, Hot Espresso Martini, Make it Snappy Santa and Mrs. Claus’ Cinnamon Delight.
We tried the Tiny Diamond Shake: Vanilla soft serve ice cream blended with Oreo cookies, whipped topping and finished w/ edible silver glitter $10.00 and the Gingerbread Whoopie Pie: Whoopie pie w/ marshmallow filling topped w/ a gingerbread cookie $6.99. Both from Mel's Diner (upper lot) and both sharable!
Huge thanks again to our Partners at Universal Studios Hollywood for providing us with tickets! This is hands down our favorite time of the year to visit. If you are not an Annual Passholder, check out the deals they currently have. I always recommend getting the Gold level at the very least since it offers parking.
Save up to $50* on an Annual Pass Online
Experience the excitement of Universal Studios Hollywood again and again by saving up to $50 on an Annual Pass! Available online now through 3/13/2024.
