Get Festive with Christmas at Universal Orlando in 2024

At Universal Orlando Resort, Christmas festivities are done a bit differently. 

It’s truly incomparable to anything else you can experience in the area. Whether you’re hanging out with the Grinch in the afternoon or reveling in the magic of a Hogwarts holiday after sundown, unconventional Christmas is in this year– and it’s going to be epic.  

Let’s break down what’s going on at each Orlando Resort theme park. 

Universal Studios  

Universal Studios Florida goes above and beyond in making every visitor the star of their cherished movies and TV shows. 

Their dedication to immersive storytelling isn't left behind during the holiday season; instead, it's elevated to new heights with a dazzling display of millions of twinkling lights that light up the streets.  

Towering Christmas trees, glistening garlands, and ornate wreaths grace every corner of the park. The meticulous attention to detail is astonishing, instantly transporting you into a holiday fairy tale everywhere you look. 

The Harry Potter movies and books have become Christmas classics, likely because of their magical snow-covered holiday scenes and cozy nostalgia for so many fans. Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is reimagined as a Christmas wonderland during the holidays.  

In Universal Studios, you’ll find Diagon Alley exuding Christmas spirit, like the glamorous Celestina Warbeck crooning holiday favorites. Enjoy a cup of hot Butterbeer and shop specialty Harry Potter holiday merchandise throughout the alley.  

As the sun sets, the park truly comes alive with an exhilarating nightly holiday parade, boasting authentic balloons straight from the renowned Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. These larger-than-life balloons depict beloved characters from the world of cinema and television, but the true star of this spectacle is none other than Santa Claus himself.  

Santa’s grand entrance and the illumination of the massive Christmas tree in Central Park are the hallmark of this heartwarming event, capturing the essence of the holiday season. To secure a prime viewing spot for this much-anticipated showcase, it's advisable to stake out your location early, as it's a popular attraction amongst park-goers. 

Throughout the day, Universal Studios Florida offers a diverse range of live entertainment. Acapella carolers serenade guests with timeless tunes and delightful character meet-and-greets featuring beloved holiday-themed icons keep guests of all ages enthralled.  

It isn’t just the merch and decor that reflects the holiday season; there are plenty of delicious seasonal treats and menu items to enjoy throughout the park, too. You’ll find your favorite flavors like gingerbread, peppermint, and eggnog, as well as others like sugar cookie, mocha, and pistachio across a variety of beautiful baked goods and beverages, including those that can only be enjoyed by guests 21+.  

You’ll also likely see plenty of holiday cheer spread around the brand new DreamWorks Land in Universal Studios, where you’ll find friendly faces from favorites like Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. Minion Land will be another fun spot to find beloved minions embracing a new holly-jolly persona. 

Universal’s Islands of Adventure  

Next door to Universal Studios Florida, the party continues at Islands of Adventure. This thrilling theme park transforms into a festive wonderland from late November to early January. 

The park's iconic areas, like Marvel Superhero Island and Jurassic Park, receive a merry makeover. With as many decorations as Universal Studios, it’s a perfect backdrop for your holiday photos and a reminder that even the most classic, epic adventures can have a touch of magic.  

Islands of Adventure is also home to the whimsical world of Seuss Landing. During the holidays, Grinchmas takes over this part of the park for a whimsically delightful holiday experience.  

The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is a heartwarming live show that retells the classic story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. With jaw-dropping sets and music by Christmas legends Mannheim Steamroller, you’ll be singing along to holiday tunes and marveling at this amazing production.  

As you wander through Seuss Landing, you may even bump into a Who or two, and the sarcastic green Christmas grump himself, The Grinch. 

While Universal Studios Florida is home to Diagon Alley, Islands of Adventure boasts the beautiful Hogwarts castle perched high atop a hill in the village of Hogsmeade. The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is a spectacular projection show that lights up the castle in extraordinary Christmas cheer. You can catch the show running every 20 minutes or so during the holiday season.  

There’s also plenty of garlands and Christmas lights, as well as a Frog Choir singing seasonal melodies for you to enjoy. 

Have a Merry Stay at Rosen Inn Closest to Universal  

Universal Orlando Resort offers a unique twist on the traditional Christmas celebration. It combines immersive thrills with festive charm, making it an ideal destination for families and adventure-seekers alike.  

If you choose Universal this holiday season, give your family the gift of comfortable accommodation and state-of-the-art amenities this year by staying at Rosen Inn closest to Universal.  

As a Universal Partner Hotel, we have complimentary shuttles to and from the festivities. With so many theme park festivities to enjoy, we think there’s no better way to say Merry Christmas!