Visiting Universal Orlando is always a great experience, and it’s even more magical during the Holiday season. Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are two of the best theme parks in the world, and next year, Santa Claus is bringing us an early gift with the opening of Epic Universe, which promises to be just as incredible as its predecessors.
Christmas at Universal Orlando is a little different from what you might expect, and that’s a good thing! If you’re looking for a classic meet-and-greet with Santa Claus or want to see Mickey in a Santa outfit, Disney World has you covered. But at Universal, the holidays come with a unique twist. Alongside Santa, you’ll find the Grinch spreading his signature holiday mischief, festive celebrations in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, exciting new shows, fun surprises, and much more.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Christmas at Universal Orlando, including:
- When Does Christmas Take Place at Universal Orlando?
- When Is the Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando During Christmas?
- Are There Any Paid, Separate Christmas Events at Universal Orlando?
- Special Christmas Events at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
- The Universal Holiday Tour
- Meeting Santa Claus at Universal Orlando
When Does Christmas Take Place at Universal Orlando?
The Christmas events at Universal Orlando start a bit later than those at Disney World and also end about a week earlier. In 2024, for example, the festivities will run from November 22 to December 31. However, Christmas decorations usually start appearing during the first few weeks of November, even though the official events don’t begin until later in the month.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Universal Orlando During Christmas?
What we mentioned in our previous guide to Christmas at Disney World and Disneyland also applies here. Christmas - much like New Year’s Eve - can get incredibly crowded during Christmas week, especially on December 25. Lines for popular attractions like the VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s can stretch on for hours.
In addition to the crowds, ticket prices during this time are among the highest of the year. While celebrating Christmas on December 24 or 25 is undoubtedly magical, you’ll need to consider whether it’s worth braving the overwhelming crowds.
If I had to choose the best time to visit Universal Orlando for Christmas, I’d recommend the first two weeks of December. During this period, the crowds are much more manageable, you can enjoy the festive decorations throughout the parks, experience all the major Christmas events, and even save a bit on tickets compared to visiting during Christmas week.
Are There Any Paid, Separate Christmas Events at Universal Orlando?
No, there aren’t any. That’s great news because all the extra holiday events are included with the price of your standard ticket. You can enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, adorned with garlands and Christmas lights, meet the Grinch, and much more, all without spending extra.
Special Christmas Events at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
Universal Studios
Diagon Alley, the famous Harry Potter area located in Universal Studios, is wonderfully festive during Christmas. The wizards and sorcerers have, of course, taken great care to make the area magical just for you. Diagon Alley looks incredible during the holiday season, adorned with garlands, lights, and storefronts decorated in the most festive ways.
Here are the highlights of Christmas at Universal Studios:
- Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's: We all love a parade, and an exclusive one that only happens during the holiday season is even better. This year, this special event takes place daily from November 22 to December 31, and features characters from beloved franchises like Minions, Madagascar, and Shrek, all dressed in festive gear. You’ll also get to see good ol’ Santa in his very own car, waving to guests and spreading holiday cheer.
- Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees: Diagon Alley looks incredible during Christmas, featuring brand-new shows for guests. One of these shows stars Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, performing four original songs. Fans of Harry Potter will recognize that Celestina Warbeck is Molly Weasley’s favorite singer, so this is your chance to see if they’re really as good as she claims!
- Holidays Tribute Store: Need to stock up on Christmas tree decorations or buy new presents? This special store has everything you need for the holiday season, with items from popular franchises like Harry Potter, the Minions, and more. Even if you don’t plan on making a purchase, it's worth stopping by just to soak in the festive atmosphere.
Islands of Adventure
- Grinchmas: If the Macy’s Parade is the highlight of Christmas at Universal Orlando, then Grinchmas takes the crown at Islands of Adventure. Dr. Seuss Landing is beautifully decorated with garlands, and special/rare characters walk around all day, ready to take pictures with guests. You can meet the Grinch at Honk Honkers from park opening until closing, but be warned: the queues can be extremely long, often reaching up to 200 minutes during the early morning hours. You can also catch the special Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular live show (check your Universal app for specific times).
- Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous Character Dining: I know, it's a pretty quirky name, but it's Grinch-related, so that makes sense. This character dining experience, available only during the holidays, takes place at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous inside Seuss Landing. You can enjoy breakfast with characters like the Grinch for $65 per adult and $35 per child.
- The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle: This one is simply great - a projection show that takes place on Hogwarts Castle from dusk until park closing. It lasts about eight minutes, and the lights and special effects truly bring the entire castle to life. You’ll also spot some fun Easter eggs along the way.
The Universal Holiday Tour
Universal Orlando offers a fantastic option for those who want to experience everything the parks have to offer without worrying about missing any special events. The Universal Holiday Tour starts at $89 and also requires a 1-Day, 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket, as you’ll be moving between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
This tour includes:
- A meet & greet with the Grinch and Max
- Reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular at Islands of Adventure
- An after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle
- A meet & greet with Santa Claus at Universal Studios
- Small food and beverage samples in Universal Studios
- Priority access to Villain-Con Minion Blast in Universal Studios (subject to availability)
Meeting Santa Claus at Universal Orlando
Unlike Walt Disney World, meeting Santa Claus at Universal Orlando can be a bit tricky.
His appearances vary each year, and in 2024, you can catch a glimpse of him during the Macy’s Parade at Universal Studios or by booking the Universal Holiday Tour for an exclusive meet & greet.
There’s no information about meeting Santa elsewhere, whether at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, or Universal’s CityWalk. However, you can meet the Grinch dressed as Santa during the Grinchmas event, which might be the next best thing to a Santa meet & greet!
