Can you imagine spending the holidays with the Grinch, wizards in Hogsmeade, and giant parade floats galore? Well that’s what you’ll get when discovering the holiday happenings for Christmas at Universal from November 17, 2023 through December 31, 2023.
The yuletide season is finally here and I am so happy to be able to spend another year with my loved ones.
Just in case you’re visiting central Florida or even if you are a local, I wanted to give you some alternative holiday options for celebrating this festive time of year.
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Visiting the 2023 Universal Orlando Christmas Festivities at a Glance:
- Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will take place daily from November 17th to December 31, 2023!
- Be sure to check out The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle
- Explore all of the magical Universal Orlando Christmas decorations that are sure to lift your spirits this season.
- Get a photo with the Grinch during Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure
- Join in the festive spirit as your favorite characters come alive in their holiday outfits.
- Enjoy the majestic floats of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
- Capture the most incredible photo with a group of your beloved Universal Orlando Hipster Friends all decked out in their festive holiday attire!
- Upgrade your day with Universal’s Holiday Tour
- Eat your way through the holiday treats (my favorite thing to do)!
Keep reading to get a full guide on how to conquer this Universal Orlando holiday event like a pro!
Celebrating Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort
The magic of the holiday season is in the air and there’s no better place to be than in Orlando. With so many theme parks to choose from, each one has to bring its A-game for the Christmas season.
AND Universal Orlando definitely does that!
From enjoying fun interactions with one of Dr. Seuss’s classic characters, to the enchanting Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios, there’s something for everyone at this resort.
In this festive guide, we’ll go over:
- Things to Do for Christmas at the Universal Orlando Resort Theme Parks
- How to Celebrate the Holidays for FREE at the Universal Orlando Hotels
- What to Expect During the Holidays at Universal
- Understanding Just How Crowded it is for Christmas at Universal
- Tips to Make the Most of Your Day
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4 Things to Do at Islands of Adventure for Christmas
Islands of Adventure was once rumored to be Universal’s answer to Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park.
This concept has since changed, making Islands of Adventure stand on its own by leading parks in having the top thrill rides.
It has enhanced its popularity in the magnificent theming found in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Islands of Adventure is located in the Universal Orlando Resort and is just a quick ten minute walk from Universal Studios or a short ride on the Hogwarts Express.
Hipster Power Tip: When planning out your time at Universal for the holidays, I suggest doing the first part of your day at Islands of Adventure then Universal Studios in the afternoon.
1. Celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Hogsmeade
Whether you’re a fan of the boy wizard or not, you’ll be engulfed in the holiday magic come to life inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade.
The village of Hogsmeade is perfectly decorated with charming garland and lights as the students of Hogwarts serenade Muggle guests with classic Christmas carols.
You’ll also be able to enjoy seasonal food and drinks while you’re there!
Be sure to enjoy a hot Butterbeer™ while listening to the holiday tunes from the Frog Choir.
To cap off your Harry Potter Christmas, you’ll be treated with a spectacular projection show to showcase the holiday spirit inspired by J.K. Rowling’s stories on the Hogwarts castle.
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
2. Say Hi to the Grinch during Grinchmas
Enjoy Christmas at Universal Orlando by partaking in the holiday season with the Grinch.
Celebrate the Christmas season in Islands of Adventure in Who-ville. The holiday spirit can be felt all across Seuss Landing as all of the Whos come out to partake in the Christmas festivities with you!
Plus, their interactions are top-notch which is something that I truly enjoy during Grinchmas. And the best part about it is that it’s included with your Theme Park Ticket or Annual Pass.
You may even be lucky enough to see the Grinch and the characters of Who-ville roaming throughout Seuss Landing in Islands of Adventure.
Don’t forget to watch the retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas live on stage at Universal Orlando Resort.
The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is a special holiday showing of the classic tale How The Grinch Stole Christmas. It features music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller and a score composed by Chip Davis.
Hipster Power Tip: Be sure to roam Seuss Landing throughout the day to chat with Whovians walking around in their BEST Christmas outfits!
3. Have Breakfast with the Grinch
Come face-to-face with the man himself, the GRINCH!!!
Breakfast with the Grinch and other Seuss Landing characters is a separately-ticketed experience on select dates at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous and you must have already paid for park admission to participate.
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast starts on November 17, 2023 and continues until December 27, 2023.
The cost for this holiday experience is $58.99 (plus tax) for adults and $32.99 (plus tax) for children.
You can book this experience by by visiting www.universalorlando.com/holidays.
4. Do a Holiday Tour at Universal Orlando Resort
If you’re a fan of doing behind-the-scenes tours at Universal, then you’ll enjoy this popular Christmas experience.
According to Universal, The Universal’s Holiday Tour is an exclusive guided tour of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure available on select dates beginning November 19 through December 30, 2023 and can be booked by visiting www.universalorlando.com/holidays.
What’s included with the Holiday Tour at Universal Orlando?
- A chance to meet the Grinch and his dog, Max, while enjoying small bites, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages
- Reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” in Universal Islands of Adventure
- A meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida
- An exclusive, after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure to complete the night’s festivities
This fun experience starts at $79.99 (plus tax) and separate 2-Park 1-Day Park-to-Park admission is required.
8 Things to Do for Christmas at Universal Studios Orlando
If your idea of Christmas is spending time in Central Florida with family at the Universal Orlando Resort, then you’ve chosen the perfect place.
Among the coasters, magic, and fairy-tales are some of the best holiday happenings right here in the theme park capital of the world.
Learn how to find your perfect vacation home rental in Orlando by Clicking HERE!
1. Watch the Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
I’m so happy to announce that the fan-favorite, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, is back this year!
This is absolutely one of my favorite things to do at Universal Studios for Christmas.
Not only is the parade top-notch, you get to feel as if you’re truly in New York watching the actual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
During this parade, you’ll get to see gigantic balloons floating in the air with characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar. You’ll even get to see the man himself, Santa!
Recommended: 27 Most Festive Things to Do in Orlando for Christmas
2. Enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley
Join wizards, witches, and Muggles in the festive streets of Diagon Alley. This can be your own way of having a Harry Potter Christmas at Universal Studios.
So, sit back, relax with a hot Butterbeer™ while enjoying the holiday tunes of the famous Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.
Hipster Power Tip: Please remember that you’ll need a Park-to-Park ticket to ride the Hogwarts™ Express and visit both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ (Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade).
3. Meet Santa Claus
This year you will have the chance to meet Santa Claus with the opportunity of receiving one My Universal Photos digital download.
I believe that every holiday event must give you the opportunity to meet the big guy himself and Universal Orlando delivers on that requirement!
4. Go on a Holiday Christmas Tree Hunt
To celebrate the season, you can go on a holiday tree and Christmas decorations hunt to search for the holiday-themed trees scattered throughout the shops in the theme parks, hotels, and CityWalk.
While you’re taking in all of the Universal Orlando holiday decor, be sure to snap a selfie and use hashtag #UniversalHolidays on your social media!
Editor’s Update: I’m still waiting on Universal to announce if the official Christmas Tree hunt is returning this year.
In the past, you would search for 15 decorated Christmas trees throughout the resort.
Once you completed the hunt and collected your stamps, you’d be eligible to receive an exclusive Holiday Tree Hunt-branded ornament.
Unfortunately, this Christmas tree scavenger hunt was not free and you would’ve paid for the Holiday Tree Hunt brochure. I still thought that it was a holiday must-do at the Universal Orlando Resort.
5. Visit the Holiday Tribute Store
The Holiday Tribute Store is returning this year and I’m soooo happy!
This year’s festive shop will feature four themed rooms inspired your favorite holiday memories.
Previous year’s Holiday Tribute Store were so AMAZING! There were rooms dedicated the Grinch’s Lair and the Yule Ball from the Harry Potter films!
To say that I was excited for that Holiday Tribute Store is an understatement. If you know Universal, then you know that they ALWAYS go all out in their seasonal tribute store.
Last year’s Holiday Tribute Store was dedicated to Santa’s workshop which allowed us to search for Earl the Squirrel, shop to our heart’s delight, and feast on the sweet Christmas treats!
Check out the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store Tour here!
6. Go Christmas Shopping at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
Don’t forget to go Christmas shopping at many of the on-site stores located in the Universal Orlando Resort.
But if you want to take your holiday gifting up to the next level, then be sure to visit the year-round Universal Orlando Christmas shops in both parks:
- Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe in Islands of Adventure
- Park Plaza Holiday Shop in Universal Studios
Recommended: 25 AMAZING Things to Do in Florida at Christmas
7. Eat ALL OF THE Holiday Food at Universal Orlando Resort
Create your own Christmas Food Festival at Universal Orlando by tasting your way around both theme parks and CityWalk!
Eating all of the holiday food at Universal is one of my favorite things to do on my solo trip!
A few favorites are returning this year, but check out a few items that I’m looking forward to trying below (final details pending for 2023):
- Grinch-Themed Treats (available in Seuss Landing): Includes a Grinch Hot Chocolate Bomb, a Grinch Ice Cream Sandwich, and Grinch cookies, among others.
- Santa’s Cookies and Milk “Shake” (available at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen): Milkshake with Santa’s Cookies and Milk “Shake,” complete with cookie butter & vanilla ice cream, mini chocolate chip cookies, and topped with a delicious chocolate Christmas tree and sprinkles.
- Nutty Nog: Creamy, frozen eggnog base
- Deluxe Nog: Holiday drink served with Bacardi 8
- Fire Nog: Cinnamon-cream treat using fireball cinnamon whiskey
- Voodoo Doughnut: This popular Orlando food spot will offer new flavors this year such as the gingerbread cake doughnut, the green-glazed holiday gift doughnut and the marble cake wreath doughnut
- Hot Butterbeer: One of the MOST POPULAR treat is available in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter all year long, but it’s waaaaay more special during Christmastime!
8. End Your Day with the Mannheim Steamroller
Be sure to cap your EPIC Universal Orlando day off by watching and listening to the best-selling holiday artist of all time, the Mannheim Steamroller.
The Mannheim Steamroller will bless you with some of the most amazing holiday sounds of the season!
You can watch the live performances at the Music Plaza Stage on the following nights: December 2, 3, 9 and 10 of 2023.
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
36 Things to Do for Christmas at Universal Orlando Hotels (AND SOME ARE FREE!)
It doesn’t quite feel like the holidays until you made a trip to the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels at Christmas!
And just like your touring adventure through the Disney Resort hotels, you can do the same at Universal.
They decorate all of the resort in holiday décor complete with holiday feasts and activities for you to participate in. This is a budget-friendly way to experience Christmastime at Universal.
The on-site hotels of Universal Orlando Resort will be offering a variety of holiday happenings for the season that are listed below.
Christmas at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is hosting a number of holiday events for all ages to enjoy this year! Let’s go through what you can expect:
- Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Tuscan Ballroom: Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. with live music ($80 for adults and $35 for children ages 3–9)
- The Thanksgiving Menu in Mama Della’s Ristorante: Thursday, November 24, 2023 from 5 p.m to 10 p.m. with Opera singers and strolling musicians ($65 for adults and $25 for children ages 3–9)
- Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby: Thursday, December 7—Friday, December 15, 2023 starting at sundown (FREE)
- Strolling Holiday Carolers in the Lobby (and throughout hotel): Wednesday, December 20—Sunday, December 24, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (FREE)
- Christmas Day Buffet in Tuscan Ballroom: Monday, December 25, 2023 from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. ($80 for adults and $37 for children ages 3 – 9). View the menu here.
- The Christmas Day Menu in Mama Della’s Ristorante: Monday, December 25, 2023 from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. ($65 for adults and $25 for children ages 3-9).
Christmas at the Hard Rock Hotel®
Enjoy the holidays like a rock star this year! Check out all of the holiday events happening at the Hard Rock Hotel below:
- Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Avalon Ballroom: Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. ($29 for adults and $16 for children ages 3 – 9)
- The Thanksgiving Day Buffet in The Kitchen: Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. ($75 for adults and $35 for children ages 3 – 9). View the menu here.
- Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby: Thursday, December 7—Friday, December 15, 2023 starting at sundown (FREE)
- Christmas Day Brunch in The Kitchen: Monday, December 25, 2023 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. ($75 per adult and $35 for children ages 3 – 9). View the menu here.
Christmas at Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Enjoy the holidays in the South Seas at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Check out this year’s offerings!
- Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Buffet in Jake’s American Bar: Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. ($29 for adults and $16 for children ages 3 – 9) with all-you-care-to enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $21 more
- The Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Islands Dining Room: Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a musician, hula dancers and balloon artist ($75 for adults and $35 for children ages 3 – 9. Plus adults ages 21+ can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $21 more.) View menu here.
- Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby: Thursday, December 7—Friday, December 15, 2023 starting at sundown (FREE)
- Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet in Jake’s American Bar: Monday, December 25, 2023 from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. ($29 for adults and $16 for children ages 3 – 9 with all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $21 more for adults 21+).
- Christmas Day Buffet in Islands Dining Room: Monday, December 25, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($75 per adult and $35 for children ages 3 – 9. You can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $21 more for adults 21+). View the menu here.
For a no obligation, FREE Universal Vacation Quote, you can fill out the form with The Park Prodigy by Clicking HERE!
Christmas at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Enjoy the holiday season at Universal Orlando in a tropical way at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.
- Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse: Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. ($29 for adults and $16 for children. Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $21 more for adults 21+)
- The Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse: Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. ($75 for adults and $35 for children ages 3 – 9. Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for just $21more for adults 21+). View menu here.
- Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby: Thursday, December 7—Friday, December 15, 2023 starting at sundown (FREE)
- The Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet in Jake’s American Bar: Monday, December 25, 2023 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. ($29 for adults and $16 for children ages 3 – 9. Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $21 more for adults 21+)
- Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse: Monday, December 25, 2023 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. ($27 for adults and $16 for children ages 3 – 9. Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for just $21 more for adults 21+)
- The Christmas Day Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse: Monday, December 25, 2023 from 12 a.m. to 9 p.m. ($75 for adults and $35 for children ages 3 – 9. Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for just $15 more). View the menu here.
Christmas at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Enjoy a special holiday dinner at Bayliner Diner with traditional Yuletide favorites including turkey, stuffing, cranberry compote, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli and biscuits.
Don’t forget to explore the Cabana Bay Beach Resort and partake in the nostalgic holiday festivities!
- Thanksgiving Day Meal Special in Bayliner Diner: Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. You’ll enjoy turkey, stuffing, cranberry compote, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy, and biscuits. You can ADD pecan or pumpkin pie for $5.50 more per person (Cost $21.99 for adults and $11.99 for child ages 3 – 9)
- Watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Bayliner Diner: Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 9 a.m. (FREE)
- Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowling in Galaxy Bowl: Thursday, November 23, 2023 from noon to close; Call (407) 503-4230 to find out price.
- Winter Wonderland and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby: Friday, November 24, 2023 5 p.m. (FREE)
- Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby: Thursday, December 7—Friday, December 15, 2023 starting at sundown. (FREE)
- Christmas Day Meal Special in Bayliner Diner: Sunday, December 31, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. You’ll enjoy turkey, stuffing, cranberry compote, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuit Plus you can ADD pecan or pumpkin pie for $5.50 more per person. ($21.99 for adults and $11.99 for children ages 3 to 9)
Christmas at Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Be sure to hop over to the Aventura Hotel while on your Universal Orlando Resort hopping tour. You’ll enjoy lots of holiday festivities here with deliciously fresh food!
- Thanksgiving Day Meal Special in Urban Pantry: Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.. You’ll enjoy herb roasted turkey with gravy, homemade stuffing, citrus cranberry sauce, almond green beans, and dinner roll. Plus you can ADD pecan or pumpkin pie for $5.50 more per person ($21.99 for adults and $11.99 for children ages 3 – 9)
- Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby: Thursday, December 7—Friday, December 15, 2023 starting at sundown. (FREE)
- Christmas Day Meal Special in Urban Pantry: Monday, December 25, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. You’ll enjoy turkey, stuffing, cranberry compote, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuit (ADD: pumpkin pie for $5.50 more per person). Plus you can ADD pumpkin pie for $5.50 more per person. ($21.99 for adults and $11.99 for children ages 3 – 9)
Christmas at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
Time to head over to Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites to bask in the Florida sun while enjoying holiday treats and festivities.
- Thanksgiving Day Meal Special at Beach Break Cafe: Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. You’ll enjoy oven roasted turkey with house-made cranberry compote, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and roll ($17.50 for adults and $8 for children ages 3 – 9).
- Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby: Thursday, December 7—Friday, December 15, 2023 starting at sundown. (FREE)
- Christmas Day Meal Special at Beach Break Café: Monday, December 25, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Here you enjoy honey glazed ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and roll ($17.50 for adults and $8 for children ages 3 – 9).
Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
Christmas at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
Once you’re done exploring the Surfside Inn and Suites, it’s time for you to head over to Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites and partake in their holiday activities.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
- Thanksgiving Day Meal Special at Dockside’s Pier 8 Market: Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Here you’ll enjoy oven roasted turkey with house-made cranberry compote, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and roll ($17.50 for adults and $8 for children ages 3 – 9).
- Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby: Thursday, December 7-Friday, December 15, 2023 starting at sundown. (FREE)
- Christmas Day Meal Special at Dockside’s Pier 8 Market: Monday, December 25, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Here you’ll enjoy Honey glazed ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and roll ($17.50 for adults and $8 for children ages 3 – 9).
Be sure to make your reservations in advanced on OpenTable or call 407-503-DINE (3463).
8 Easy Tips for Doing Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort
Now that you know EVERYTHING that you can do this year to celebrate the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, let’s go through a few tips to make the most of your Universal Orlando Vacation.
1. Map Out Day Before You Get to Universal
Mapping out your day is a good way to make sure you’re able to enjoy each must do item. Route your path around the parks in advance by viewing the map on the Universal Orlando app.
Also, plan a route of attack and know what rides and attractions you want to experience. You can get your Universal Itinerary for adults here!
2. Choose One Universal Orlando Park and Start Early
Christmas Day at Universal is going to be super crowded. This will make you so frustrated on your solo Universal trip and if you’re with a large group, you guys may become snappy with each other.
So, sticking to one park and getting there right before the gates open is a must on Christmas day.
In the past, it was very common to see theme parks reach full capacity on major holidays like Christmas.
However, the last few years they have been busy but not as busy as we’ve seen in the peak years prior to 2020.
3. Get Universal Express Passes Before Arrival
If there’s any day that requires an Express Pass, it is Christmas Eve or Day and New Year’s Eve at Universal.
On those peak days, it gets extremely hard to do and see each attraction available at the park.
If you’re not into the whole ride thing and you’re just fine doing a ride here-and-there, then pass on the Express Pass and spend that money on some theme park food and merchandise.
4. Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel
If you can make it work, then I recommend staying at Universal Orlando Resort Hotel during the Christmas holiday.
Not only can you enter the parks early, but if you stay in a higher cost resort, you’ll be able to use your room key as an Express Pass.
Be sure to play with your budget to see if this tip can work in your favor.
5. Have Christmas Dinner Outside of Peak Times
Consider enjoying your holiday meal before lunchtime or right before the dinner rush.
This will allow you to take your time and enjoy the celebrations with your loved ones over a delicious feast.
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6. Celebrate Christmas at Universal the Day Before or a Week Before
If you can come the week before or a few days after Christmas Day, you’ll be able to do many of the things listed in this guide without the crowd.
All that matters is that you’ll be with the ones you love at one of the most enchanted places on Earth.
It doesn’t matter what day you celebrate as long as you understand why you’re celebrating.
Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
7. Go with Good Spirits
This is going to be a busy holiday week at Universal Orlando Resort so be patient and just enjoy the festivities happening around you.
Not many people are able to have a trip for Christmas at Universal so count yourself lucky and have fun.
8. Do a Holiday Resort Tour
You don’t have to only visit the theme parks at Universal to enjoy the holiday spirit. There are seasonal happenings occurring all over the resorts too!
You can create your own festive itinerary and check out all of the Christmas decor at each resort.
Best thing about doing this is that it’s FREE!!! You can start this year and make it a new holiday tradition at Universal Orlando Resort.
What to Know Before Your Universal Orlando Visit
Now you are almost ready for your holiday visit to Universal Orlando. Before you go, I want to answer a few of the most commonly asked questions here at ThemeParkHipster.
What time does Universal Studios open?
Universal Studios Florida is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. in the regular season and 9 a.m to 9 p.m in the peak season. However, hours may change based on the busyness of the park.
How much does it cost to go to Universal Studios in Florida?
The cost of admission starts at $119, but I like discounts so I use Groupon and The Park Prodigy to find cheap Universal Studios tickets.
What should I do first at Universal Studios Orlando?
One of the best Universal Studios Orlando tips that I can give you is to start at Diagon Alley first.
This Harry Potter-inspired area will fill up quickly making the line for the two attractions (Escape from Gringotts and the Ollivanders wand experience) extremely long.
If you’re at Islands of Adventure, then you must experience VelociCoaster or Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure first!
How crowded is Universal Studios at Christmas?
If you go during the first two weeks of December, you can expect a low to moderate crowd level.
However, if you want to wait until the week before or week of Christmas, then you’re going be there during the most busiest time of the year.
Believe it or not, many solo travelers and families enjoy visiting both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure on Christmas Day as their way of celebrating the holiday.
So, please be mindful of that when deciding to go on this holiday.
WATCH NEXT: How to Avoid the Crowd at Universal Studios?
My Final Thoughts on Doing Christmas at Universal
I hope this guide for Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort helps you plan out your trip. The holidays at both Universal parks are truly magical during this time of year.
So, don’ worry about trying to do and see everything. Just enjoy your moments exploring the attractions and save the others rides that you may not get to for another Universal visit!
Let me know what your favorite holiday event is at Universal Orlando in the comments section below.
If you enjoy this article, then you’ll love these holiday-inspired tips:
- Disney Christmas Decorations Tour
- Epcot Festival of the Holidays COMPLETE GUIDE
- Best Disney Resorts to Visit at Christmastime
- Tips for Doing Christmas at Disney World
- Christmas at Busch Gardens: FULL HOLIDAY GUIDE
- What to Do at SeaWorld for Christmas
- Universal Studios One-Day Itinerary: How to Do the Park in One Day?
- Islands of Adventure One-Day Itinerary: BEST PLAN!
- Best Photo Spots at Islands of Adventure
- Diagon Alley Complete Guide
- Best Photo Spots at Universal Studios
Until next time, Merry Christmas Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Date: December 20, 2014/Updated November 3, 2023)