Five minutes into our visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, my kids were already asking for Butterbeer. Because, if you went to Hogwarts and didn’t get Butterbeer were you even there? : ) The park is a wondrous site to see this time of year. Every detail fuses the traditional Hollywood studio with the magic of Christmas. What I personally love about the park is how it transforms as the sun sets. Before your visit, check out our Family Guide to Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Consideration provided by Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal Studios Hollywood
As a working studio, Universal Studios Hollywood offers families a unique theme park experience. One of our family’s favorite things to do is take The Studio Tour, which offers an inside look at how movies are made, including those incredible special effects that inspire awe.
Many of the themed lands depict real-life interpretations of iconic movies and TV shows including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Silly Fun Land (inspired by Despicable Me), and Springfield (inspired by The Simpsons).
Family Guide to Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood
I grew up visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, and while much of the park feels new, there is a sense of nostalgia and familiarity every time I visit. The park is completely transformed during the holidays, complete with “snow,” twinkling lights, and a brand new, state-of-the-art, topsy-turvy “Grinchmas” tree, twisting and turning over 55 feet in height. Like every theme park in Southern California, this time of year is bustling at the park, so be sure to check out our complete guide along with our best tips for making the most of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood this season.
Grinchmas
Plan to visit Grinchmas early in the day to grab a photo with The Grinch and his faithful dog Max. The wait times increase throughout the day, so hitting this spot early in the morning ensures you’ll capture these memories without a lengthy wait time. If you are feeling festive, don your favorite ugly sweater for your photo opp with The Grinch.
During your visit, send a postcard to The Grinch, and Universal Studios Hollywood’s Discover a Star Foundation will donate to School on Wheels. Throughout the day, the Who-ville Who’s entertain families and offer plenty of opportunities for photos and autographs.
Be sure to plan a visit back to Grinchmas at sunset for their tree lighting ceremony complete with snow! The spectacular Grinchmas tree is adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of white and multi-colored LED lights and the ceremony is choreographed to music for a merry “Grinchmas” Who-lebration.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
A visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must during the holidays! This is perhaps the most visually spectacular part of the park and you do not want to miss the snow covered shops and holiday decor throughout. The quaint town of Hogsmeade village is features seasonal décor uniquely themed to each of the individual storefronts. Looking to add to your ornament collection? A wide selection of custom-made Christmas ornaments created especially for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will be available in the village. Collectibles include a decorative Hogwarts castle snow globe, Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the four houses, wizard card ornaments, unique tree topper, and house pennant garland.
During the day, the a cappella Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant frogs, entertain guests with their harmonized holiday themed songs. Performances take place directly across from Hogwarts castle. Be sure to grab a photo opp immediately following the performance.
As night falls on Hogwarts castle, a dazzling light projection spectacular brings the castle to life. The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts is a holiday spectacular which features colorful imagery and dimensional animations that dance across Hogwarts Castle to the sounds of a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies. Tip: If you can see one of their later shows, they are less crowded and opt for more pristine viewing opps. Be sure to download the free Universal Studios app for exact showtimes, which vary slightly from night to night.
All of the holiday festivities and entertainment are included with admission to Universal Studios Hollywood. Be sure to visit through December 29, 2019.
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