Celebrate the season at Universal Studios Hollywood from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027! Enjoy Grinchmas™, meet the all-new Merry Minions, explore a beautifully decorated Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, experience holiday fun at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and discover festive treats, entertainment and merchandise throughout the park. Best of all, the holiday festivities are included with regular theme park admission.
The holidays are about to become bigger, brighter and merrier at Universal Studios Hollywood! From the mischievous fun of Grinchmas™ to the magic of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, the park will be filled with festive entertainment, character encounters, seasonal treats and dazzling decorations from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027.
Even better, the holiday festivities are included with regular theme park admission or a valid Annual or Season Pass, subject to applicable blockout dates. That means guests can experience Universal’s attractions and entertainment while enjoying all the extra holiday magic throughout the park. Universal Studios Hollywood
Celebrate the Who-lidays at Grinchmas™
No holiday visit to Universal Studios Hollywood would be complete without spending time with the mean, green star of the season!
During Grinchmas™, Universal Plaza transforms into a whimsical Who-ville celebration centred around a spectacular 65-foot Grinchmas tree decorated with hundreds of colourful ornaments and thousands of sparkling lights.
Guests can meet The Grinch, pose for photos with his faithful dog Max and encounter some of the cheerful residents of Who-ville. The Grinch is known for his hilarious interactions, quick comebacks and wonderfully mischievous personality, making this one of the season’s most memorable character experiences.
The celebration also includes:
- A festive tree-lighting ceremony presented several times each evening
- A wintry snowfall flurry during the tree-lighting finale
- A live reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Cindy-Lou Who
- Musical performances from The Fah-Who 4 A’s
- A meet-and-greet opportunity with Cindy-Lou Who
- Grinchmas treats and seasonal merchandise available for purchase
Families can also visit the Who-ville Post Office, where guests can write a postcard to The Grinch listing three good deeds they have completed. There will also be an opportunity to decorate a festive Grinchmas paper ornament.
Make time to visit Universal Plaza during the day for character encounters and return after dark to see the tree illuminated and experience the evening ceremony.
Meet Illumination’s Merry Minions
The Minions are joining the festivities in an entirely new way for 2026!
Illumination’s Merry Minions will make its debut in Illumination’s Minion Land, filling the area with twinkling decorations and playful holiday details. Guests will be able to meet the Minions dressed in festive holiday attire and capture a wonderfully silly seasonal photo.
The celebration will also include indulgent holiday bites available for purchase from Minion Cafe, along with a new collection of Merry Minions merchandise.
Between the decorations, festive food and mischievous Minion encounters, this colourful new addition should be especially fun for families with younger children—and anyone who loves the Minions.
Experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
Christmas feels especially magical inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.
Hogsmeade already looks like a snow-covered village throughout the year, but during the holidays, it becomes even more enchanting. The shops and streets will be adorned with sparkling lights, seasonal wreaths and elaborate garlands inspired by the personalities of the village’s different establishments.
Guests can explore the decorated shops, search for magical holiday keepsakes and listen as the Frog Choir performs seasonal songs several times throughout the day.
Of course, no winter visit to Hogsmeade would be complete without a Butterbeer™. Guests can warm up with the popular seasonal hot Butterbeer, while the classic cold and frozen varieties will also be available.
See The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle
After night falls, Hogwarts Castle becomes the centre of a breathtaking holiday celebration.
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle transforms the castle with elaborate projections, festive imagery and music from the Harry Potter films. The show brings beloved holiday moments from the Wizarding World to life across the castle’s towers and walls.
Because this experience is presented after dark, plan to remain in the park into the evening. Showtimes and availability may vary, so check the Universal Studios Hollywood app or the park’s entertainment schedule on the day of your visit.
Level Up the Holidays at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
The Mushroom Kingdom is getting into the holiday spirit too!
During the celebration, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ will feature colourful seasonal decorations, including Mario and Luigi snowmen near the land’s entrance. A holiday tree crowned with a shining Super Star will add an extra touch of festive Nintendo fun.
Guests can explore the land, experience Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge, collect digital coins and keys with a Power-Up Band™ and look for familiar characters during scheduled appearances.
Holiday merchandise will also be available throughout the park, including inside the 1-UP Factory™ shop.
Enjoy Seasonal Food, Drinks and Merchandise
A Universal holiday celebration would not be complete without festive treats.
Guests can expect seasonal food and drinks throughout the park, including Grinchmas sweets, special items from Minion Cafe and hot Butterbeer in Hogsmeade. Holiday menus and availability can change, so check the Universal Studios Hollywood app and dining boards when you arrive.
Exclusive seasonal merchandise will also be available, including Grinchmas souvenirs, Merry Minions items, Wizarding World keepsakes, ornaments, apparel and collectibles.
Continue the Celebration at Universal CityWalk Hollywood
The festivities extend beyond the park gates into Universal CityWalk Hollywood, which does not require theme park admission.
CityWalk will feature a spectacular 40-foot Christmas tree illuminated by more than 200,000 LED lights, along with additional decorations, dining, shopping and seasonal merchandise.
On select evenings, the 5 Towers stage will host live music, DJs and interactive street performers. It is a great place to enjoy dinner, shop for gifts or extend the celebration after leaving the park.
Don’t Forget Universal’s Famous Attractions
The holiday entertainment is only one part of the experience. Guests can also enjoy the park’s popular rides, attractions and behind-the-scenes experiences, including:
- Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
- Flight of the Hippogriff™
- Jurassic World—The Ride
- TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride-3D
- Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
- The World-Famous Studio Tour
Attractions, entertainment and operating schedules are subject to availability and change.
Tips for Visiting During the Holidays
The holiday season is a popular time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, particularly around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.
To make the most of your day:
- Arrive before the park’s scheduled opening time.
- Visit SUPER NINTENDO WORLD early, especially if Mario Kart is a priority.
- Check character appearance and entertainment times when you arrive.
- Meet The Grinch earlier in the day when possible, as his line can become popular.
- Visit Hogsmeade during daylight to admire the decorations, then return after dark for the Hogwarts Castle show.
- Make time for the evening Grinchmas tree-lighting ceremony.
- Consider Universal Express during busy holiday dates.
- Download the Universal Studios Hollywood app for attraction wait times and daily schedules.
- Confirm Annual or Season Pass blockout dates before visiting.
Turn Your Visit Into a Los Angeles Vacation
Universal Studios Hollywood can be part of a complete Southern California getaway. Guests can bundle their hotel accommodations, theme park tickets and other vacation components into a Universal Studios Hollywood vacation package.
Staying near the park makes it easier to arrive early, enjoy the nighttime entertainment and explore more of Los Angeles during the same trip.
Why Visit Universal Studios Hollywood During the Holidays?
Universal Studios Hollywood brings several completely different holiday worlds together in one park. You can laugh with The Grinch, meet holiday-ready Minions, sip hot Butterbeer in a decorated Hogsmeade and explore a festive Mushroom Kingdom—all while enjoying the park’s famous attractions.
With the festivities included in regular admission, the holiday season adds even more value to a Universal Studios Hollywood visit. It is a celebration filled with humour, nostalgia, entertainment and plenty of magical family moments.
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood run daily from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Dates, entertainment, food, character appearances and operating details may be changed or cancelled by Universal without notice.
Ready to make your holidays bigger, brighter and merrier? Magical Moments Travel can help you create a Universal Studios Hollywood vacation package with accommodations, theme park tickets and personalized planning for your family’s California adventure.
