The holiday season is almost here, and Universal Studios Hollywood is getting ready to celebrate in a big way! From the Grinch causing his usual holiday mischief to festive Minions, magical moments in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Christmas cheer in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, there will be plenty of reasons to visit the park this holiday season.
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood will run daily from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, and are included with regular theme park admission. That means guests can enjoy a variety of seasonal entertainment, festive decorations, special character encounters, holiday treats, and exclusive merchandise throughout the park.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Grinch, a Harry Potter enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun way to celebrate the holidays, here’s what you can look forward to this year!
Grinchmas Returns With Whoville Charm
You can’t celebrate the holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood without a little Grinchy mischief! Grinchmas is returning to Universal Plaza, transforming the area into a colorful Who-bilation filled with holiday cheer, quirky characters, and plenty of opportunities for festive fun.
The centerpiece of the celebration is a spectacular 65-foot Grinchmas tree decorated with hundreds of colorful ornaments and thousands of sparkling LED lights. It’s the perfect backdrop for holiday photos, especially when the tree-lighting ceremony brings a flurry of glistening snow to the plaza.
Throughout the season, guests can meet the Grinch himself, his loyal companion Max, and a whole collection of Whoville residents. You’ll also find live entertainment, including Cindy-Lou Who reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Who-liday performers, the Fah-Who 4 A’s, sharing their infectious holiday melodies.
There’s plenty to do beyond meeting characters and watching the entertainment, too. Guests can stop by the Whoville post office to send postcards to the Grinch listing three good deeds they’ve accomplished. You can also decorate a festive Grinchmas paper ornament to take home as a holiday keepsake.
And, of course, no Grinchmas celebration would be complete without something sweet! Seasonal treats and park-exclusive Grinchmas merchandise will be available for purchase, giving fans even more ways to bring a little Whoville magic into their holiday celebrations.
The Minions Get a Holiday Makeover
If you love the Minions, you’re going to want to make time for a visit to Illumination’s Minion Land this holiday season. For the first time, Illumination’s Merry Minions will bring festive decorations, twinkling lights, and holiday fun to the colorful land. It’s a brand-new seasonal addition that gives guests another reason to explore one of the park’s most playful areas.
The Minions will also be making special appearances in their festive holiday outfits, giving guests the chance to meet their favorite mischievous characters dressed for the season.
Feeling hungry? Minion Cafe will offer indulgent seasonal bites, making it a great stop for a holiday snack during your park visit.
And if you’re looking to add to your collection of Minions merchandise, keep an eye out for the new Merry Minions collection, featuring festive items available for purchase.
With holiday decorations, character encounters, and seasonal food, this new experience is sure to be a fun addition to the park’s holiday lineup.
Christmas Magic Returns to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
For Harry Potter fans, the holiday season is an especially magical time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will once again transform Hogsmeade into a charming winter village, complete with dazzling lights, magical garlands, and seasonal wreaths decorating the snow-covered buildings. It’s the kind of setting that makes you want to slow down, take in the details, and imagine you’ve stepped straight into the wizarding world during the most wonderful time of the year.
Throughout the day, the beloved Frog Choir will perform seasonal melodies, adding a festive soundtrack to your visit.
You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to browse the village shops for special merchandise and keepsakes. And if you’re visiting during the colder months, don’t forget to pick up a seasonal favorite: hot Butterbeer! Cold and frozen Butterbeer options will also be available for those who prefer their wizarding-world treats a little differently.
As evening approaches, be sure to save time for one of the season’s highlights: The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. This nighttime spectacular transforms the iconic Hogwarts Castle into a breathtaking holiday showcase, combining dazzling festive lights with memorable music from the Harry Potter film series.
If you’ve experienced the show before, it’s a wonderful tradition to revisit. And if it’s your first time, seeing Hogwarts Castle illuminated for the holidays is an experience worth adding to your itinerary.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Gets Festive for the Holidays
The Mushroom Kingdom is getting into the holiday spirit, too! SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature cheerful seasonal decorations throughout the land, including a festive entrance featuring Mario and Luigi snowmen standing beside a holiday tree topped with a shining Super Star. It’s a fun seasonal twist on the colorful world that guests already know and love, giving Nintendo fans another reason to explore the land during the holidays.
Be sure to check out the retail locations throughout the park for special holiday merchandise, including items available at the 1-UP Factory shop inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Whether you’re visiting to explore the Mushroom Kingdom, enjoy the attractions, or pick up something special for the Nintendo fan in your life, this festive addition is a great way to bring some holiday spirit into the experience.
The Holiday Fun Continues at Universal CityWalk Hollywood
The festivities won’t stop when you leave the theme park! Universal CityWalk Hollywood will also celebrate the season with holiday decorations, shopping, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to soak up the festive atmosphere.
One of the biggest highlights will be a spectacular 40-foot Christmas tree illuminated by more than 200,000 LED lights. It’s sure to be a popular spot for holiday photos and a beautiful way to kick off an evening at CityWalk.
If you’re planning to do some holiday shopping, the Universal Studios Store will feature a brand-new collection of seasonal merchandise. Expect apparel, accessories, collectibles, home décor, and ornaments inspired by popular franchises and holiday experiences.
There will also be live entertainment on select evenings, with the 5 Towers stage hosting an exciting mix of live music, DJ sets, and interactive street performers.
Whether you stop by before entering the park, grab a bite to eat after a day of attractions, or simply want to enjoy the holiday atmosphere, CityWalk offers even more ways to make your visit feel special.
When Can You Experience Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Ready to start planning your holiday visit? Here are the important dates to know.
Event: Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
Dates: November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027
Schedule: Daily throughout the event
Admission: Included with theme park admission
With Grinchmas, the debut of Illumination’s Merry Minions, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, festive additions to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and seasonal celebrations at CityWalk, there will be plenty to explore throughout the holiday season.
Keep in mind that individual entertainment offerings, character appearances, and activities may have specific schedules, so it’s worth checking the park’s official website before your visit.
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