While we await details regarding the Holidays at Universal for 2023, please read below about 2022’s celebration.
Holidays 2023 at Universal Orlando
- Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Visitor’s Guide & Insider Tips
- Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular 2023 – Visitor’s Guide & Insider Tips
- Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s – Visitor’s Guide & Insider Tips
The 2022 holiday season is here, and Universal invites guests to unwrap the awesome and let loose this holiday season during its Holidays celebration at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. 2022’s festivities run from Saturday, November 12, 2022 to Sunday, January 1, 2023, which puts them on par with the past few years’.
Let’s explore all of the joy that’s to be found at Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season. We’ll start with this overview page, covering the proceedings at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure and everything going on at Universal’s various hotels. Then we provide three additional pages with even greater detail about Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Unwrap big savings this holiday season toward your visit to Universal Orlando Resort by purchasing discounted theme park tickets through Orlando Informer.
Skip to: Universal Studios Florida | Islands of Adventure | Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter | Holiday Tour | Holiday-exclusive food and drink | Meeting Santa Claus | Holiday merchandise | Tickets | Holidays premium add-ons | Universal hotels
How does Universal Studios Florida celebrate the holidays?
A good – and merry – number of Universal’s Holidays celebrations can be found right at Universal Studios Florida. Two principal pieces to the Holidays at Universal Studios Florida are the Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s
The big event at Universal Studios Florida (well, outside of the Wizarding World, at least) is Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s. Guests can watch some of their all-time favorite characters in a larger-than-life manner through this parade. Characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar will all be featured, in addition to Santa himself!
Mannheim Steamroller holiday concerts
Guests can attend Mannheim Steamroller concerts on December 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7 pm on the Music Plaza Stage. These concerts are included in daytime ticket admission.
Holiday Tribute Store
The Holiday Tribute store has made a jolly return for 2022. The Tribute Store was initially created for Halloween Horror Nights in 2015, collecting some of that year’s various intellectual properties and pieces of merch together in one spot. It was then transformed for Mardi Gras, doing much the same work. That formula has been repeated once more for Christmas, with Tribute consisting of four themed rooms: Christmas in New York, Earl the Squirrel, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The golden department store facade of this season’s Tribute Store welcomes guests inside to shop for holiday merchandise. The journey begins in a room dedicated to this festive holiday in New York, most likely a nod to the area this shop is located in. Signs for Roosevelt Island, Hudson Square, Brooklyn, and the Empire State Building adorn the walls with a figure of Santa Claus standing atop a merchandise display. In this concrete jungle-themed winter wonderland, guests can find a variety of ornaments and warm-weather goods for those chilly Florida evenings.
Once you leave the streets of the Big Apple, step into a miniature Hogsmeade village to shop for gifts that the wizarding-world fan in your life will appreciate. From fantastical LEGO sets to mythical plushes, a collection of magical wares is held in this famous, snowy village duplicate.
Venture into the world of Who-ville in the third room of the Holiday Tribute Store. The decor of this shrunken home of the Whos appears to be pulled from Dr. Seuss’s original, 1957 book – How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In fact, a figure of The Grinch holds this book while dressed in his “Santy Claus hat and a coat.”
Earl the Squirrel, Universal Orlando Resort’s holiday mascot, has opened his own Christmas shop in the store’s grand finale. This festive rodent has crafted homemade signs in his very own marketing efforts to cover his domain. Earl the Squirrel photo opportunities and delicious, yuletide treats for purchase are also available outside the back of a camper replica. Here’s what Earl the Squirrel is serving up for the fa-la-la-la-la-lidays:
- Cookies & Cream Hot Cocoa Bomb – $12.00
- Peppermint Hot Cocoa Bomb – $12.00
- Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa Bomb – $12.00
- Snowman Cookie Dough Ball – $6.00
- Assorted Cookie Dough Balls – $4.50
- Tiramisu Mousse Mug – $12.00
- Eggnog Mousse Mug – $12.00
- Santa’s Chimney Novelty Cake – $12.00
- Stocking Cake with Presents – $12.00
- Chocolate Pistachio Trifle Cake – $12.00
- Holly Jolly Trifle Cake – $12.00
- Christmas Tree Cupcake – $6.00
As you exit, Earl has set up an information booth regarding the newest (and fictitious) Orlando Theme Park – Earl-ando. Signs for featured attractions hang on the wall, along with Earl-ando maps, t-shirts, and bumper stickers. The creative team at Universal Orlando Resort outdid themselves with this year’s Holiday Tribute Store theming.
Additional holiday celebrations at Universal Studios Florida
The Blues Brothers Holiday Show
Jake and Elwood perform festive favorites like “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “Blue Christmas,” and more with snow on Delancey Street at the end of each show. The holiday edition of the Blues Brothers street party is a fan-favorite and should not be missed – even folks not familiar with the band/film will surely love this one!
Marilyn & the (Holiday) Diamond Bellas
In 2016, Universal debuted the Marilyn Monroe and the Diamond Bellas street show; the following year, the company decided to cast the fun little production in a Christmas light.
Although the same basic premise – Ms. Monroe and her girls arrive to “film” a musical routine for an upcoming picture – the yuletide-flavored version exchanges the USO bent of the original with (you guessed it) a holiday overlay. The Diamond Bella Dancers now have beautiful Santa-esque costumes that look stunning all in silver, and the second song has been replaced with the time-period-appropriate “Santa Baby.”
We highly recommend sticking around for the show if you manage to catch it while strolling through the park, as it’ll help put a holiday-tinged smile on your face for the rest of the day.
How does Islands of Adventure celebrate the holidays?
Islands of Adventure isn’t outdone by its theme-park sibling next door – here you can (normally) find some of the most fun Christmas activities and events at all of Universal Orlando.
Grinchmas at Seuss Landing
As you likely know, Islands of Adventure has a whole island dedicated to Dr. Seuss, the classic children’s author: Seuss Landing! When the holiday season hits full swing, Universal transforms this area into the whimsical world of Grinchmas (think warm fuzzies with a side of snark).
Every nook and cranny of this wintry wonderland is filled with yuletide decorations and a whole cast of Who-ville residents eager to share their season’s greetings with guests. The Grinch himself even makes appearances at Honk Honkers, begrudgingly allowing guests to take photos with him. Universal Orlando Resort is utilizing a virtual line system for this highly coveted meet-and-greet opportunity this year. Virtual line drop times vary between 8:45 – 9:15 AM and requires guests to be within CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, or Islands of Adventure for access.
Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
At Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure, the popular Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is brought to life in the heartwarming live stage show, “Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular,” starring The Grinch and the Whos from Whoville. Grinchmas is part of Universal Orlando Resort’s Holidays celebration and features live entertainment that the whole family can enjoy.
If you would still like to get more information on this usual highlight of Universal’s Holidays, you can visit our dedicated page to the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast is slated to return to Islands of Adventure for this year’s Universal Orlando’s Holidays. This dining experience offers the opportunity to dine on delicious breakfast items at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous while in the company of Whos and the one and only Grinch. In addition to a delightful who-ville feast, guests will receive access to one digital download photo from this experience.
This character breakfast is $41.99 (plus tax) for adults and $26.99 (plus tax) for children.
What is Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Due to popular demand, Universal offers a full-blown Christmas party at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – at both Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida.
In addition to both lands being decked to the hilt with decorations, garlands, and Christmas lights, you can also experience exclusive food and entertainment (including holiday songs by the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck). The star of the holidays at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, the projection-mapping show that is a festive version of The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle.
Just like Universal’s Holiday Parade or Grinchmas, the wizarding Christmas celebration is included in general theme-park admission.
Get detailed, in-depth information on everything wizarding-yuletide-related in our dedicated page to Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Universal’s Holiday Tour
Guests looking to immerse themselves in the seasonal cheer at Universal Orlando Resort theme parks can register for Universal’s Holiday Tour. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy various festive-filled activities, such as a hot cocoa bar paired with a Grinch and Max meet and greet, reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a photo op with Santa Claus, and an exclusive, after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle to end their evening.
Pricing for this tour starts at $79.99. The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates from November 13 through January 1.
What are the exclusive food and drinks at Universal during the holidays?
General food and drink offerings at Universal Orlando
While most of the yuletide culinary roster at Universal Orlando can be found at the Holiday Tribute Store, there are still a few other items spread throughout the resort (and, additionally, some of Tribute’s items can also be found elsewhere). We have the full list here
Holiday Food in Universal Studios Florida
Battery Park, Universal Studios Florida
Food Options
Chocolate Pressed S’Mores – $10.49
Chocolate brioche filled with ganache, marshmallow cream, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs
Peanut Butter Fluff ‘N’ Stuff – $10.49
Creamy peanut butter, raspberry jelly, and marshmallow cream
VBLT – $11.49
Smoked tempeh bacon, Divina tomatoes, arugula, vegan pepper jack cheese and tomato aioli
Turkey Dinner – $11.49
Pressed artisan cranberry bread filled with turkey and brie cheese, served with a side of turkey gravy
Beverages
Earl’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Acorn Bomb – $8.99
Salted caramel filled acorn shaped hot chocolate bomb, served with hot chocolate
Hot Chocolate – $3.99
Mulled Wine – $13.00
Classic Nog – $14.50
Deluxe Nog – $15.50
Fireball Nog – $14.25
Non-Alcoholic Nog – $6.50
Food Truck in Production Central, Universal Studios Florida
Nashville Mac N’ Cheese – $11.99
White cheddar cheese mac n’ cheese shells, battered chicken, Nashville style spicy sauce, scallions
Golden Mac N’ Cheese – $11.99
White cheddar cheese mac n’ cheese shells, battered chicken, golden bbq sauce, scallions
Pork Belly Mac ‘N Cheese – $12.99
White cheddar mac n’ cheese shells, sweet potato pork belly hash, bourbon pecan sauce
Food Truck in San Fransisco, Universal Studios Florida
Chicken Philly – $14.99
Marinated seared chicken with sautéed green peppers, mushrooms, onions, and white cheddar cheese sauce, served with seasoned curly fries
Cheesesteak Philly – $14.99
Seared shaved beef, loaded with sautéed green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and yellow cheddar cheese sauce, served with seasoned curly fries
Vegan Philly – $14.99
Roasted balsamic marinated Portobello mushrooms, sautéed onions, vegan pepper jack cheese, vegan secret sauce, served with seasoned curly fries
TODAY Cafe
Linzer Mini Cake – $5.49
Peppermint Cheesecake Pop – $5.49
Eggnog Igloo
Oreo Mousse Glacier – $5.49
Hot Cocoa Macaron – $5.49
Pecan Pie Cake – $6.49
Chocolate Peppermint Cake – $5.49
Orange Cranberry 3-Tier Mini Cake – $6.49
Earl’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Acorn Bomb – $8.99
San Francisco Pastry Company
Coconut Matcha Tree – $6.99
Chocolate Cherry Yule Log – $5.99
Mitten Sugar Cookie – $3.79
Gingerbread Whoopie Pie – $5.49
Holiday Food in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Croissant Moon Bakery
Vegan Butter Snowflake Cookie – $3.79
Grinch Vanilla Mini Cake – $5.49
Ornament Sugar Cookie – $3.49
Hop on Pop in Seuss Landing, Islands of Adventure
Grinch’s Heart on a Pillow – $6.49
Grinch Ice Cream Sandwich – $6.29
Grinch Cookies – $3.79
Grinch Hot Chocolate Bomb w/ Hot Chocolate – $8.99
Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-Pendous
Roast Beef Sandwich – $16.99
French onion soup-dipped Roast beef, meatloaf, secret sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, mini meatloaf sandwich on a pretzel bun
Holiday Food at CityWalk
Fresh Eats at CityWalk
Mitten Sugar Cookie – $3.79
Ornament Sugar Cookie – $3.79
How do I meet Santa Claus at Universal Orlando?
Many guests ask the question, “Where can we meet Santa at Universal Orlando?” Last year, the only place to see Santa is on his float on the Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. We will keep our eyes open for Father Christmas and his whereabouts in 2022.
What’s the exclusive merchandise at Universal during the holidays?
Universal has long released exclusive merchandise as part of its yuletide celebrations, but it really started to up the ante in this regard over the last few years, especially when Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was ushered in. This year, Earl the Squirrel has been the first to take over the aisles at Universal Orlando Resort.
Here’s what guests can purchase in the Universal Legacy Store in CityWalk:
- Earl the Squirrel Plaid Hoodie: $60.00
- Earl the Squirrel Long Sleeved T-Shirt: $33.00
- Earl the Squirrel Black Hoodie: $37.00
- Earl the Squirrel Pom Beanie: $25.00
- Earl the Squirrel Earmuffs: $25.00
- Earl the Squirrel Crew Socks: $17.00
- Earl the Squirrel Pillow: $45.00
- Earl the Squirrel Blanket: $60.00
- Earl the Squirrel Pin: $11.00
- Earl the Squirrel Gift Tags: $8.00
- Earl the Squirrel Ornament: $12.00
Our favorite green, mean holiday fiend also has a plethora of merchandise options. From plushes to backpacks, these items will make your heart grow three sizes.
We found this collection of merchandise at Islands of Adventure Trading Company:
- Grinch Sleigh Loungefly: $79.00
- Grinch Loungefly: $82.00
- Grinch T-Shirt: $25.00
- Grinch Mug: $15.00
- Grinch Plush: $22.00
Beyond these items, guests can find holiday merchandise across the resort. The best place to shop for these items is the Holiday Tribute Store. Each room is full of seasonal items and holiday accessories that will complete any visit to Universal Orlando Resort during the holidays.
What ticket should I get during the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort?
Lucky for you, Orlando Informer offers a plethora of discounted theme park ticket options. Take advantage of big savings this holiday season by purchasing a discounted park-to-park ticket, which allows you to visit both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure on the same day.
What are the Holidays premium add-ons at Universal Orlando?
Holiday Tree Hunt
Introduced in 2019 (and spawning a scarecrow spinoff for Halloween), the Holiday Tree Hunt has returned again in 2022.
The basic premise remained the same: find the Christmas trees (some in Universal Studios Florida, some in Islands of Adventure, and a couple in CityWalk), collect the stamps that are located next to each, and then work your way to one of three shops (Park Plaza Holiday Shop in USF, Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe in IOA, or Universal Studios Store in CW) to receive a “festive holiday gift”: a special tree ornament. The twist comes in the fact that the stampable “treasure map” – and, thus, the holiday prize at the end – has to be purchased for $12.00.
Just seeing the Christmas trees really is worth the effort, whether you opt to buy the corresponding brochure or not – each is beautiful and brilliantly themed, whether that be to the Marvel superheroes or Jurassic Park.
Holiday Tree Hunt 2022 – photo gallery
Green & Red Coconut Club
The holidays continue into Universal CityWalk Orlando’s transformed Red Coconut Club – temporarily named Green & Red Coconut Club for the season. The halls of Red Coconut Club are decked with red and green decor for this festive overlay while bartenders are serving up delightful drinks that are cause for a round of holiday “cheers.” You can read our full analysis here.
How do Universal’s hotels celebrate the holidays?
In many ways, the various celebrations at the four open Universal Orlando hotels, though small individually, are the collective heart of the resort’s Holidays festivities.
Portofino Bay Hotel
Christmas Day Buffet in Trattoria del Porto
- Date: Sunday, December 25, 2022
- Time: 12pm – 9pm
- Price: $80* adult; $37* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3 [*tax and gratuity not included]
- Reservations: OpenTable; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, December 18 and Monday, December 26, 2022, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Strolling Carolers in Lobby
- Date: Monday, December 19 – Saturday, December 25, 2022
- Time: 7 pm – 9:30 pm
- Price: Complimentary
Christmas Day Menu in Mama Della’s Ristorante
- Date: Sunday, December 25, 2022
- Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
- Price: $65* adult; $25 child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3 [*tax and gratuity not included]
- Entertainment: Opera singers and strolling musicians
- Reservations: Resy; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200
- Notes: Special Christmas Day meal will be offered. Regular menu items available.
Hard Rock Hotel
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, December 18 and Monday, December 26, 2022, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Day Brunch in The Kitchen
- Date: Sunday, December 25, 2022
- Time: 7 am – 2 pm
- Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3 [*tax and gratuity not included]
- Reservations: Resy; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-2200
- Menu
Royal Pacific Resort
Christmas Day Buffet in Islands Dining Room
- Date: Sunday, December 25, 2022
- Time: 11am – 9pm
- Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
[*tax and gratuity not included]. Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $21 more. - Reservations: OpenTable; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-3200
- Menu
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, December 18 and Monday, December 26, 2022, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet in Jake’s American Bar
- Date: Sunday, December 25, 2022
- Time: 7 am – 11 am
- Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3 [*tax and gratuity not included]. Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $21 more.
- Reservations: Resy; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-3200
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, December 18 and Monday, December 26, 2022, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse
- Date: Sunday, December 25, 2022
- Time: 7 am – 11 am
- Price: $25* adult; $15* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
[*tax and gratuity not included]. Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for just $21 more. - Reservations: Resy; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-5200
Christmas Day Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse
- Date: Sunday, December 25, 2022
- Time: 11 am – 9 pm
- Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
[*tax and gratuity not included]. Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for just $21 more. - Reservations: Resy; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-5200
- Menu
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby
Nightly between Sunday, December 18 and Monday, December 26, 2022, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Day Meal Special in Urban Pantry
- Date: Sunday, December 25, 2022
- Time: 5 pm – Close
- Price: $25* adult; $14* child (ages 3 – 9) [*tax and gratuity not included]
- Menu: Slow-roasted prime rib with jus or horseradish cream, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, garlic creamed spinach, dinner roll (ADD: pumpkin pie for $4 more per person).
Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, December 18 and Monday, December 26, 2022, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Day Meal Special in Bayliner Diner
- Date: Sunday, December 25, 2022
- Time: Noon – 11pm
- Price: $21.99* adult; $11.99* child (ages 3 – 9) [*tax not included]
- Menu: Turkey, stuffing, cranberry compote, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuit (ADD: pecan or pumpkin pie for $4.50 more per person)
Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, December 18 and Monday, December 26, 2022, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Day Meal Special at Beach Break Café
- Date: Sunday, December 25, 2022
- Time: 2 pm – 10 pm
- Price: $18* adult; $10* child (ages 3 – 9) [*tax not included]
- Menu: Herb-encrusted New York striploin served with red wine au jus, oven-roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus, and biscuit
Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, December 18 and Monday, December 26, 2022, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Day Meal Special at Dockside’s Pier 8 Market
- Date: Sunday, December 25, 2022
- Time: 2 pm – 10 pm
- Price: $17* adult; $10* child (ages 3 – 9) [*tax not included]
- Menu: Honey glazed ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, and roll
What about the parks and Universal CityWalk?
The restaurants at the parks and Universal CityWalk offer an incredible variety of wonderful food, but they don’t typically have buffets or special events for Christmas, even when there isn’t a pandemic going on. Instead, they tend to offer a few holiday-themed items in addition to their regular menus. To learn what they may be offering this year (and to possibly book a table), visit our dining reservations page for contact information.
This wraps up our overview of the 2022 holiday festivities at Universal Orlando. Be sure to check out the navigation links below to continue planning your visit.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your friends at Orlando Informer!
