Fun Holiday Events at Universal Orlando
We love experiencing theme parks during the holidays. We have visited a few theme parks over the Christmas holidays and it’s always so amazing!
Some of our favorite theme park holiday visits so far are Disneyland Paris during the holidays, the Kids New Years Party at Legoland Florida, and Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, which is a fun getaway from Washington DC.
During a winter visit to Orlando, we got the chance to experience the holidays at Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and it was so much fun!
- 2023 Holidays at Universal Orlando
- When: Nov. 13-Dec. 31, 2023
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Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The one place I was excited to see during the holidays was Harry Potter World at Universal Orlando.
It’s not as festive as other places in the park, but we loved the wreath and garland decor throughout Diagon Alley and at Hogsmeade.
You can also expect live seasonal performances at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, such as the Frog Choir at Diagon Alley, and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees at Hogsmeade.
Don’t miss sampling some hot Butter Beer, which tasted amazing, and other seasonal treats.
Before you leave, make sure to pick up some Harry Potter Christmas ornaments to add to your holiday ornament collection.
*Read our guide to visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando here.
Christmas in Diagon Alley
Christmas in Hogsmeade
Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts light show
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts projection light show is definitely the highlight of the holidays at Universal Orlando.
This eight-minute show ends with a fireworks display and is so amazing, but be prepared for crowds.
The staff ropes off the parks, and the only entrance is at the main entryway at Hogsmeade during the show.
You can expect the light show to go on every 20 minutes, so get here early for a prime viewing spot close to the castle.
Universal’s Macy’s Holiday Parade
Another one of the highlights of the holidays at Universal Orlando is the Macy’s holiday parade at Universal Studios.
This holiday parade is reminiscent of Macy’s Thanksgiving parade in New York City. If you can’t make it to the one in NYC, then Universal’s Holiday parade is the next best thing.
We loved the giant-themed balloons. One of our favorite ones was the Minions and Despicable Me floats and of course the float with Santa on his sleigh.
This Holiday parade lasts a while so make sure to grab a prime viewing spot ahead of time. The best spot is by the Giant Christmas Tree by Macy’s.
Holiday Tree Hunt at Universal Orlando
Another fun thing to do at Universal Orlando during the holidays is the Holiday Tree Hunt with Earl the Squirrel Decoder Ring and New Trees.
The Holiday Tree Hunt is a fun Christmas Tree scavenger hunt with themed trees scattered throughout the parks and CityWalk.
You can purchase the brochure at participating gift shops (which costs $12.00) and go in search of all the Christmas trees at Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk.
The map shows the location of each numbered Christmas Tree, which you can use to decode Earl the Squirrel’s puzzle for a secret message.
You can redeem the map for a prize at Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe, Velocicoaster Store, Universal Legacy Store, and Park Plaza Holiday Shop.
Christmas at Seuss Landing
One of the most festive places during the holidays at Universal Orlando is Seuss Landing.
We loved all the colorful lights and festive decor, plus there is a fun holiday show that the whole family will surely love.
The Grinchmas Who-liday spectacular is a live retelling of the classic tale starring the Grinch and features music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller. This event is free with your admission tickets and is so much fun!
You can even have breakfast with the Grinch himself at The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous.
The holiday treats at Universal Orlando
The best part about the holidays at Universal Orlando is always the food and sweets.
Some of our favorite holiday treats at Universal Orlando is the Butter Beer and Pumpkin Juice at the Harry Potter World, the delectable sweets at Seuss Landing, and all the amazing desserts at Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium!
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