From the magic of Christmas at Hogwarts to performances by Mannheim Steamroller, there is no place like Universal Orlando Resort around Christmas time! Download the Universal app before arriving and take advantage of everything both parks offer.
Your park-to-park day starts at Islands of Adventure! Arrive at Universal property by 8:30 a.m. to better your chances of scoring a little quality time with the Grinch via the virtual queue in the Universal app. Spots are limited and fill up quickly; if you don't get a virtual queue time, refresh the app throughout the day for last-minute openings. Head over to Seuss Landing, where local Whos stroll the streets spreading Who-liday joy! By 10:45 a.m., be in line for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. This live retelling of Dr. Seuss's classic holiday tale will make your heart grow three sizes as you delight in the Whos' hilarious antics! Each performance lasts about 30 minutes, and seating is limited. Arrive early to secure your spot in line.
With a belly full of laughs and Who-liday cheer, stroll over to Hogsmeade for lunch and a hot Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks. Festive decorations line the village streets, and the Frog Choir fills the air with holiday tunes. A quick ride on the Hogwarts Express takes you to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. The musical stylings of Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees welcome you as you step off the train. A walk down the winding paths of Diagon Alley, decorated to the brim for the season, makes the perfect mid-afternoon stroll.
You exit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and head to the Holiday Tribute Store for a unique shopping experience. Outside the store, search for Earl the Squirrel inside Universal's enormous Christmas tree! Legend says a little squirrel, nicknamed Earl by the entertainment team, caused havoc on the Christmas tree a few years back by chewing on electrical wire. Since 2015, Earl the Squirrel has been hidden inside the giant Christmas tree holding a strand of blue lights. Once inside the Holiday Tribute Store, you can enter Earl the Squirrel's Christmas Museum & Emporium for delicious treats!
With your holiday shopping complete, find the perfect parade viewing spot along New York and Production Central streets by 5:00 p.m. to catch Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's! The 30-minute parade starts around 5:30 p.m. and features larger-than-life balloons and your favorite characters from Shrek, Despicable Me, and Madagascar. Wave hello to the big man himself; Santa closes the parade with his elves, reindeer, and the iconic Macy's star balloon!
Get off your feet and ride the Hogwarts Express back to Islands of Adventure for The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle! This magical holiday show features lights, music, and projections. The stunning display starts at dusk and runs every 20 minutes until the park closes. For a truly magical experience, book Universal's Holiday Tour, which includes reserved seating to the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular and an after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle!
Want to skip the lines and throw the to-do list out the window? Contact a Fairy Godmother Travel expert today! Our travel agents will happily book your Universal Orlando Vacation Package, which can include early access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Now, that's a perfect holiday!
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