Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood: A Whimsical Winter Escape
Stepping into Universal Studios Hollywood is like stepping into another world. The hustle and bustle of daily life fades away, and you find yourself completely immersed in the magic of the park.
That feeling is amplified during the holidays, where every corner seems to sparkle with joy and excitement. Families laugh together, couples hold hands under festive lights, and friends like me and mine get to relive childhood wonder with big grins and wide eyes.
One of the first things that struck me was the joy radiating from visitors—families in matching Grinchmas attire, superfans of Mario and Luigi proudly sporting their favorite characters on hats and shirts, and everyone ready to embrace the season. The energy was contagious, and it set the tone for an unforgettable day.
The holiday magic is everywhere. At SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, the Mushroom Kingdom has been transformed into a festive wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, themed décor, and the most adorable snowmen—one decked out as Mario and the other as Luigi. Inside, the exclusive holiday treats at Toadstool Café are a must-try, and we even picked up some holiday-themed merchandise to remember the day (made me the greatest Aunt in the world to my nephew).
Next, we wandered into Grinchmas™, which is every bit as whimsical and fun as you’d imagine. Meeting the Grinch and his dog, Max, is a highlight not to be missed, but the real star of the show is the towering 65-foot Grinchmas tree. It lights up three times nightly in a jaw-dropping production filled with music, laughs, and a snowfall flurry that left everyone in awe. Who-ville’s holiday spirit is truly infectious—especially when the Who-ville players break into their lively doo-wop tunes!
Of course, no trip to Universal Studios Hollywood is complete without visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Hogsmeade™ feels especially magical during the holidays, with twinkling garlands and wreaths adorning the shops. We sipped on frozen Butterbeer (the ultimate holiday indulgence) and watched “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle,” a breathtaking light show that makes the iconic castle come alive with holiday splendor. It’s the kind of experience that brings a smile to all ages.
One surprise highlight of the day was spotting the construction of the new “Fast & Furious” ride. Even though it’s still in progress, the glimpse of what’s to come had us buzzing with excitement. This upcoming attraction is going to blow visitors away—it’s clear Universal Studios Hollywood is constantly leveling up its game.
As night fell and the park glittered under festive lights, I couldn’t help but reflect on the joy of the day. Pro tip: With the holiday season drawing big crowds, treat yourself to a Universal Express pass—or go all-in with the VIP experience. Trust me, it’s worth it! If you’ve been good, Santa should definitely approve. Also, bring a light jacket because it gets chilly after sunset.
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood runs daily through January 6 and is included in your park admission. From the cheer of Grinchmas to the enchantment of Hogsmeade, there’s something for everyone to love. Whether you’re making memories with family, friends, or even flying solo, this winter wonderland is guaranteed to fill your heart with joy and your day with unforgettable magic.
For more information, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Happy holidays, and here’s to the magic of the season!
Written by Demetria Johnson
