For many, the holiday season at Universal Studios Hollywood can’t come soon enough. Closed for more than a year, the theme park happily reopened its doors to visitors in April. While attendance for Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights has been steady, the holidays will be far more family-oriented. Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood lays out the red carpet the day after Thanksgiving. Please note that a public health mandate is currently in place at the world famous theme park.
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
(800) 864-8377
www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
Dates: November 26 to January 2, 2022.
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Hogsmeade Village will be transformed in an magical way that reflects the spirit of the holiday season. In fact, Hogwarts Castle will be particularly dazzling with holiday themed music and brightly colored animations. Beginning at dusk, the light display will run approximately every 15 minutes. Visitors can also purchase holiday themed food and gifts while listening to classic Christmas carols from the Holiday Frog Choir. The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of Hippogriff ride attractions will also be operating.
Related: Visitor Guide To Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Grinchmas
Wearing a Santa hat, the Grinch returns just in time to celebrate Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood. The Grinch and his dog Max will have musical performances on selected nights and be available for photo opportunities. Additionally, visitors can marvel at the towering 65-foot Grinchmas tree in Universal Plaza. In previous years, a Christmas tree lighting was held every half hour beginning at 5: 30 p.m. Meanwhile, visitors can also enjoy Grinch-inspired treats or purchase Grinch merchandise.
Universal CityWalk Holidays
November 12 to January 2
Like Universal Studios Hollywood, CityWalk will be completely adorned with holiday decorations. A centerpiece of the popular shopping and entertainment complex will be a 40-foot tall Christmas tree with over 200,000 lights. Additionally, holiday-themed treats will be sold at CityWalk, including Grinch-shaped donuts at VooDoo Doughnuts. If that’s not enough, CityWalk will feature nightly entertainment and stores will sell holiday-themed gifts, apparel and more.
Related: Holiday Gift Ideas From Acclaimed Toy Designer John Reale
More Attractions At Universal Studios Hollywood
Although Harry Potter and the Grinch are special highlights, there are many other things to see at Universal Studios. For instance, there will be ongoing entertainment and appearances of popular Universal characters, like the Simpsons and Despicable Me. Of course, the rides and attractions will be busy. This will include Jurassic World – The Ride and Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride. Visitors can also enjoy Universal’s World-Famous Studio Tour, with a tour video hosted by the Tonight Show’s host Jimmy Fallon. Look for iconic sets like the Bates Motel and Jaws.
Related: America’s Best Places For A White Christmas
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012-2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS Radio, Engadget and Radio.com.