Ring in the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood!

If you’re craving holiday magic, good news: Universal Studios Hollywood is sparkling this holiday season, welcoming you into a wonder filled celebration. Think twinkle lights, cozy treats, and themed lands that go all in on the seasonal glow-up. Beloved and nostalgic traditions have returned, refreshed and waiting for you to join in the magic of Hollywood to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Here’s a breakdown of what not to miss.

Grinchmas

Walk into Universal Plaza and suddenly you’re in Who-ville, where everything is oversized, sparkly, and a little unhinged, in the cutest most nostalgic way. There’s a 65-foot topsy-turvy tree, festive shows, and the nightly tree lighting illuminating thousands of shimmering lights that make you feel like you’re in actual Whoville! Who- inspired entertainment add to the Whoville vibes making every corner of Universal Plaza filled with “Who-liday” cheer.

Do not miss meeting The Grinch, who is arguably the best character meet and greet experience in any park. Also meet Cindy Lou Who and Max, a very good boy who is the sweetest holiday angel. There are also crafts for the littles, a Who-ville Post Office, and enough Grinch-themed treats to justify wearing stretchy pants. It’s festive, it’s colorful, It’s perfect. It’s hard to resist the whole Who-bilation!

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

If you want cozy vibes, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter does not play during the holidays. Hogsmeade is covered in wreaths, garlands and freshly dusted snow capped buildings. There’s also seasonal merch – scarves, ornaments and collectible things you absolutely need for the Harry Potter fans in your life. It’s the perfect area for a slower stroll and magical photo ops. As your walking around don’t miss the Frog Choir holiday performance. At night, Hogwarts Castle turns into “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts” a magical holiday light show projected onto the Hogwarts castle that looks and feels magical as a symphony of light and sounds surround you.

Pro tip: grab a Butterbeer and live your best fantasy. Wheter you prefer it hot, cold or frozen, it’s basically Universal holiday law. (The Ice-lolly, is my personal favorite form of Butterbeer!)

 

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, But Make It Festive

Even the Mushroom Kingdom joins the party. There’s a giant holiday tree topped with a Super Star, and standing at its foot, Mario & Luigi snowmen. All throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD you’ll find the kind of whimsical décor that makes adults turn into children. Take a peek at the special holiday merchandise throughout the park as well as 1-UP Factory shop within the land.

If you’ve got a Power-Up Band, you can collect special seasonal digital stamps. From December 1 through February 28 fans can unlock the exclusive “Winter Wonder” stamp. And yes, there are exclusive holiday treats. And yes, you should get them.

Why This Should Be On Your Holiday List

Universal is such an easy win for the holidays, whether you’re taking the family, doing a friends’ night out, or just craving a dose of magic after sitting in L.A. traffic all week. It’s fun, it’s festive, and it gives you that nostalgic sparkle only a day Universal can give. Universal Studios Hollywood has SO MUCH to look forward to in 2026 with new experiences, the return of Universal Mega Movie Summer and of course, the long anticipated “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” roller coaster! Universal Studios Hollywood offers guests “the Best Day in L.A.” Annual or Season Pass making it the perfect gift for family and friends that will have them celebrating the magic of Hollywood all year long. More information available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com