NOTE FROM THE WRITER: Before I write anything I’d like to mention that the day I visited the park was on a sold out Saturday, so any complaints about it being jam packed should be taken with a grain of salt.

Things To Do

Universal Studios is always a magical destination, especially for visitors outside Southern California. Add a sprinkle of holiday magic, and it becomes an unforgettable treat—both figuratively and literally. Known for its visually stunning attractions, Universal doesn’t disappoint with its Christmas decorations.

While the entire park shines with festive charm, the Whoville setup in the plaza is the true showstopper. At its center stands a stunning 65-foot-tall, bendy Christmas tree. This whimsical centerpiece is visible from nearly every corner of the park and is sure to spread holiday cheer. But the magic doesn’t end there—this year, the Christmas spirit extends all the way to Super Nintendo World for the very first time!

Grinchmas

In the plaza, you can meet beloved Whoville characters, including the Grinch himself and his dog Max! The Grinch, portrayed by a talented actor, channels Jim Carrey’s iconic version perfectly, delivering a hilarious and unforgettable performance.

At 5:30 PM and various times throughout the evening, the Mayor of Whoville, Cindy Lou Who, and the Grinch host a delightful tree-lighting ceremony. Complete with artificial snowfall, it’s a festive spectacle you won’t want to miss. Pro tip: Arrive early! Crowds gather fast, and spots fill up quickly. For the 6:15 PM show, I arrived right after the 5:30 PM show ended and still found myself in the back. Plan ahead if holiday festivities are a priority.

Beyond the performances, indulge in Grinch-themed treats or get creative by decorating your own Christmas ornament.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Beautiful Light Show (Sorry about my view)

The holiday spirit also shines in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. During the day, enjoy the Frog Choir’s charming performances on the Triwizard stage. For Harry Potter fans, it’s a simple yet delightful experience that adds to the park’s magic.

After sunset, gather around Hogwarts for the enchanting light show. This spectacle transforms the castle with dazzling projections that will leave you awestruck, wondering how it’s even possible. With multiple showtimes each evening, you’ll have plenty of chances to find the perfect viewing spot. However, arriving early is still your best bet. If there’s one holiday event at Universal Studios you shouldn’t miss, it’s the Hogwarts light show—it’s pure magic.

Super Nintendo World

Although Super Nintendo World is relatively new, it’s exciting to see it getting festive touches this holiday season. However, when I say “a little bit of love,” I mean it quite literally. Outside the entrance pipe, you’ll find a holiday wreath, a Christmas tree, and Mario and Luigi snowmen. Inside, holiday decorations are sparse, and the festive food options are limited to the Toadstool Cafe—which, unfortunately, is nearly impossible to snag a seat at, especially on busy days like Saturdays.

In short, while the holiday additions are a nice touch, you won’t miss much if you don’t make it down to Super Nintendo World during your visit.

Drinks & Treats

Universal Studios is brimming with limited-time holiday drinks and treats that you simply must try during your visit. My personal favorites are all drinks, starting with the Grinch’s Lemonade. This apple-flavored, tart mocktail is not only delicious but comes with a light-up Grinch heart for an extra festive touch. It’s equal parts flashy and refreshing!

Over at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a stop at the Three Broomsticks for a Hot Butterbeer is an absolute must. Be careful—it’s served piping hot—but the rich, warm flavors elevate the classic Butterbeer experience to a whole new level.

For those 21 and older looking to indulge in something a bit stronger, don’t miss the Winter Mojito at Isla Nu-Bar. This unique flavor combination might sound unusual at first, but trust me—it’s worth it. Plus, you get to keep the stylish tiki cup as a souvenir!

Of course, that’s not all the festive treats there are, at the Minion Cafe, you can grab a festive holiday Minion cookie, while various shops around the park offer a variety of Grinch-themed treats to satisfy your sweet tooth, like the 2 Sizes Too Small Cupcake!

Feedback

The holiday season is a busy time for vacationing, and many visitors flock to Universal Studios while in California. When I arrived at the park, I was greeted by a "Sold Out" sign, so I knew I was in for a shoulder-to-shoulder experience—and I wasn’t wrong. The park was the most crowded I’ve ever seen it. If you think Halloween Horror Nights gets packed, it doesn’t even come close to the holiday rush.

One of the biggest challenges during this season is the sudden spike in attendance, and it definitely shows. Some areas of the park felt chaotic, with crowds so dense it was hard to move without taking a leap of faith and hoping your group could keep up. On the flip side, since most people were focused on the holiday-themed activities, ride wait times were surprisingly manageable for a sold-out weekend.

However, I did find myself wishing for more holiday touches in some of the additional experiences, especially the Tram Tour. While our tour guide was fantastic and shared as many Christmas-related facts as she could, there wasn’t much holiday magic incorporated into the tour itself. It felt like a missed opportunity to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Verdict

Universal Studios during the holiday season is nothing short of magical. From the stunning Whoville plaza with its iconic 65-foot-tall, bendy Christmas tree to the enchanting Hogwarts light show, the park truly comes alive with festive cheer. Highlights like Grinchmas, complete with meet-and-greets, tree-lighting ceremonies, and whimsical snowfall, add unforgettable charm. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter also shines, offering everything from live Frog Choir performances to the awe-inspiring castle light show that feels straight out of a movie.

While Super Nintendo World’s holiday touches are minimal, the park makes up for it with a fantastic lineup of festive drinks and treats. The Grinch’s Lemonade, Hot Butterbeer, and Winter Mojito were standouts that I’d highly recommend.

Admittedly, the sold-out crowds made navigating some areas a challenge, and I wish experiences like the Tram Tour had embraced more holiday elements. That said, ride wait times were surprisingly manageable, and the overall holiday atmosphere was well worth the visit.

Despite a few small drawbacks, I had an amazing time immersing myself in Universal’s festive magic. If you’re planning a holiday trip, this is one destination that should definitely be on your list!