Events, L.A. Local
Dec 9, 2021

Universal Studios Hollywood Transforms For The Holiday Season

It’s that time of the year again when fun turns a bit magical at Universal Studios Hollywood.

We had a magnificent day at the park checking out their Grinchmas activations and the beautiful new holiday lightshow at Hogwarts as part of their “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” Hogsmeade village is packed with holiday goodies and events like the a cappella Frog Choir featuring Hogwarts students who perform their harmonized holiday themed songs, you can find them on the platform before Hogwarts. Three Broomsticks still has the best food on-site at the park, and they’ve vamped up their menu with holiday favorites, don’t forget to grab a hot butter beer inside, it’s one of the only places you’ll find it in the park. The castle light’s are our favorite, with big light show finishes off with fireworks, and you can catch it nightly in half-hour increments.

Meanwhile, over in Who-ville you can have meet and greets with The Grinch and one of our favorite details was being able to visit the Who-ville Post Office to write and send a postcard to The Grinch. For every postcard mailed, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Discover a Star Foundation will make a donation to School on Wheels which benefits homeless youth in Southern California. So, of course we popped in to send off a friendly greeting, and maybe a present request or two…

There is also a really fun Topsy-turvy “Grinchmas” tree, twisting and turning over 65 feet in height with nightly tree lighting accompanied by a snowfall flurry and a performance.

Our favorite ride at the park continues to be The Mummy, and while we were down there we couldn’t helo but notice the Nintendo World is coming to Universal! You’ll have to stop by the lower lot to check out the progress on the build. From a birds eye view of lining up in the upper lot to ride The Simpsons ride we spied a rather large looking rollercoaster being built…or maybe not? You’ll have to pop by and let us know if it looks like a rollercoaster build is underway.

 “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas,” which runs daily from Friday, November 26 through Sunday, January 9. (note: holiday dates have been extended to January 9!)

Also for public safety: Anyone 12+ must be prepared to show proof of full FDA or WHO approved COVID-19 vaccination (a full 14 days after final dose was administered), or a negative test taken within 72 hours of visit, prior to entry to the theme park. Persons ages 18+ must also show photo ID. Face coverings are required at all times – both indoors and outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. For more information, including what kind of negative test will be accepted (note: no home tests), please visit: https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/operations-safety-updates.