While Halloween hasn't even arrived, Universal Studios Hollywood is already looking ahead to the holiday season. Park officials announced plans for festivities that will run daily from November 21 through January 3, 2027, featuring returning favorites alongside new attractions.
The annual celebration will include the return of “Grinchmas” and “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” This year will also mark the debut of “Illumination’s Merry Minions” and introduce seasonal decorations to Super Nintendo World. All holiday festivities are included with regular theme park admission, according to Universal Studios Hollywood officials.
Universal Plaza will once again transform into a holiday-themed Who-ville for “Grinchmas.” The area will feature a 65-foot Christmas tree, decorated with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Grinch, his dog Max, and various residents of Who-ville. Tree-lighting ceremonies, complete with snowfall effects, are scheduled multiple times each evening, park officials stated. Entertainment for Grinchmas will include Cindy-Lou Who reading "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and musical performances by the Fah-Who 4 A’s. Guests can also visit the Who-ville post office to send postcards of three good deeds to the Grinch and decorate holiday paper ornaments.
For the first time, Minion Land will host “Illumination’s Merry Minions.” Here, the animated characters will appear in holiday attire for meet-and-greet opportunities. The area will also be decked out with seasonal decorations, offer themed food at Minion Cafe, and feature holiday merchandise.
Over in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade village will be adorned with lights, garlands, and wreaths. The Frog Choir will perform holiday music several times a day. As night falls, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” show will light up the castle with holiday-themed projections and music from the "Harry Potter" films. Hot Butterbeer will also be available for purchase.
Super Nintendo World is also getting into the spirit with seasonal decorations. Mario and Luigi snowmen will be visible near a Christmas tree topped with a Super Star at the entrance to the Mushroom Kingdom.
Outside the theme park, Universal CityWalk Hollywood will join the festivities. A 40-foot Christmas tree, illuminated by more than 200,000 LED lights, will be a central feature. The 5 Towers stage will host live music, DJs, and street performers on select evenings, and the Universal Studios Store will offer holiday merchandise. Admission to Universal CityWalk remains free.
