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 2023 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. 2023’s festivities run from Friday, November 17, 2023 to Sunday, December 31, 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 2, 3, 9, and 10 on the Music Plaza Stage. These concerts are included in daytime ticket admission.
Universal Studios Florida’s Holiday Tribute Store
Universal Studios Florida’s Holiday Tribute Store has made a jolly return for 2023. 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: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Seuss Landing, Earl the Squirrel, and a cozy Christmas at home.
The post office facade of this season’s Tribute Store welcomes guests inside to shop for holiday merchandise. This year’s tribute store journey begins in the world of Harry Potter, where parcels tower above shelves and owls eagerly await their next delivery. Shop for gifts that the wizarding-world fan in your life will appreciate, like cozy sweaters, plush creatures, and the finest wands outside of Ollivanders Wand Shop.
Journey further to enter the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. The residents of Whoville are shipping their wrappings and cheer as Christmas draws near. But beware, for signs of The Grinch’s most recent visit may be found on the ground.
Amidst the holiday packages, don’t forget to treat yourself to a sweet indulgence or two. Here’s what The Whos have on the menu:
- Macaron – $3.75
- Cookie Dough Ball – $6.00
- Cookie – $6.50
- Cupcake – $7.00
- Cookie Sandwich – $9.00
- Brookie – $10.00
- Cocoa Bomb – $12.00
- Cake – $13.00
- Trifle Cake – $13.00
- Tart – $13.00
- Jar Cake – $20.00
Earl the Squirrel, Universal Orlando Resort’s holiday mascot, is embarking on his next business venture – a brand-new holiday delivery service. The epicenter of his festive operations? None other than Tribute Store, with boxes overflowing in every corner.
The grand finale of The Holiday Tribute Store welcomes you home, all decked out in Christmas splendor. Step into a Christmas wonderland as you explore the interior of the house, adorned with squirrel wallpaper, photos from Earl’s worldly travels, and a decorated tree covered in letters to Santa Claus. Venture further to explore the exterior of this home, adorned with festive garlands, dazzling ornaments, and charming vintage holiday decor.
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 Confisco Grille while in the company of Whos and the one and only Grinch.
This character breakfast is $58.99 (plus tax) for adults and $32.99 (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 light bites and desserts paired with a Grinch and Max meet and greet, reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a photo op with Santa Claus, priority access to an attraction, 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 19 through December 30.
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
TODAY Cafe
Gingerbread Cream Pie – $5.99
Pistachio Petit Gateaux – $6.49
Peppermint Mocha Petit Cake – $6.49
Holiday Pinecone – $7.49
Butter Pecan Yule Log – $5.49
Yule Enjoy, Battery Park
Make it a combo by adding savory butternut squash soup or creamy tomato soup for $4.99
Turkey Dinner Sandwich – $12.99
Artesian cranberry bread, roasted turkey breast, brie cheese, orange cranberry aioli
3 Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich – $11.99
Rustic panini bread, sharp cheddar muenster, and mozzarella cheese, tomato bacon jam
“VBLT” Sandwich – $12.99
Rustic panini bread, smoked tempeh bacon, Divina tomatoes, arugula, vegan pepper jack, tomato aioli
Chocolate Pressed S’mores – $10.99
Chocolate brioche, marshmallows, chocolate ganache, marshmallow cream, graham cracker crumbs
Mel’s Drive-In Classic Cheeseburger – $13.49
Lettuce, tomato, secret sauce, served with chips
Hot Treats, Battery Park
Earl’s Salted Caramel Acorn Bomb – $9.49
Chocolate acorn-shaped shell filled with salted caramel, mini marshmallows, served with hot chocolate
Premium S’mores Hot Chocolate – $5.99
Hot chocolate, toasted jumbo marshmallow, chocolate ganache, graham cracker
EggNog Bar, Battery Park
Classic Nog – $15.50
with Bacardi 4year aged rum
Non-Alcoholic Nog – $7.00
our home-made nog mix
Fire Nog – $14.75
with Fireball Cinnamon whiskey
Wine & Canned Drinks, Battery Park
Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon – $10.00
Noble Vines Chardonnay – $10.00
Brooklyn Brewery Winter IPA – $12.00
NÜTRUL Cranberry Seltzer – $11.25
London Taxi Hut
Jacket Sweet Potato – $10.99
roasted sweet potato with maple butter, dried cranberries, vegan feta cheese, candied pecans and pomegranate seeds
Central Park Crêpes
Holiday Cookie Butter Crepe – $11.99
Cinnamon cookie butter mascarpone, shortbread cookies, whipped cream
Holiday Food in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Croissant Moon Bakery
Grinches Heart on a Pillow – $6.49
Red velvet heart with a mascarpone mousse on a sable cookie
Cookie Butter Petit Cake – $5.49
Butter Pecan Christmas Tree – $7.49
Oatmeal Spiced Bundt Cake – $4.99
Holiday Food at CityWalk
Voodoo Doughnuts
Penguin – $4.25
Raised shell doughnut filled with chilly peppermint milk and cookie filling made to look like a penguin
Fresh Eats at CityWalk
Red Mitten Cookie – $4.29
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 2023.
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.
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?
Please enjoy the add-on information from last year while we await additional information regarding this year’s festivities.
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
While we wait and see if Red Coconut Club will be transformed again for the holiday season, please enjoy information from last year’s celebration.
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?
Portofino Bay Hotel
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 15, 2023, 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 and throughout hotel
- Date: Wednesday, December 20 – Sunday, December 24, 2023
- Time: 6 PM – 9 PM
- Price: Complimentary
Christmas Day Buffet in Tuscan Ballroom
- Date: Monday, December 25, 2023
- Time: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Price: $80* adult; $37* 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 407-503-1200
- View Menu
Christmas Day Menu in Mama Della’s Ristorante
- Date: Monday, December 25, 2022=3
- 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 Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 15, 2023, 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: Monday, December 25, 2023
- 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 407-503-1200
Royal Pacific Resort
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 15, 2023, 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: Monday, December 25, 2023
- Time: 7 AM – 11 AM
- Price: $29* 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 407-503-1200
Christmas Day Buffet in Islands Dining Room
- Date: Monday, December 25, 2023
- Time: 11 AM – 4 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 Bloody Mary cocktails for just $21 more.
- Reservations: Resy; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200
- View Menu
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 15, 2023, 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: Monday, December 25, 2023
- Time: 7 AM – 11 AM
- Price: $29* 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 Cubanita cocktails for just $21 more.
- Reservations: Resy; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200
Christmas Day Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse
- Date: Monday, December 25, 2023
- Time: 12 PM – 4 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
- View Menu
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby
Nightly between Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 15, 2023, 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: Monday, December 25, 2023
- Time: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Price: $21.99* adult; $11.99* child (ages 3 – 9) [*tax and gratuity not included]
- Menu: Turkey, stuffing, cranberry compote, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuit (ADD: pumpkin pie for $5.50 more per person)
Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Winter Wonderland and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby
- Date: Friday, November 23, 2023
- Time: 5 PM
- Price: Complimentary
- Notes: Skaters, Santa meet-and-greet, live entertainment, tree lighting, musician, hot chocolate and cookies
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 15, 2023, 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: Monday, December 25, 2023
- Time: 12 PM – 11 PM
- 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 $5.50 more per person)
Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 15, 2023, 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: Monday, December 25, 2023
- Time: 2 PM – 10 PM
- Price: $17.50* adult; $8* child (ages 3 – 9) [*tax not included]
- Menu: Honey glazed ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, and roll
Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 15, 2023, 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: Monday, December 25, 2023
- Time: 2 PM – 10 PM
- Price: $17.50* adult; $8* 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. 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 2023 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!
