The holidays might look a little different at the Universal Orlando Resort this year, but visitors won't miss the icons they've come to expect from Universal's holiday celebrations.
The resort announced its holiday celebration plans today. Here's the line-up:
A first-ever Holiday Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida's New York land — in the same location as the Mardi Gras and Halloween tribute stores. Universal calls it "a winter wonderland featuring four immersive rooms - including one inspired by Dr. Seuss' The Grinch - stocked with a variety of new merchandise that will make perfect holiday gifts, plus delicious seasonal food items."
Universal's Holiday Experience featuring Macy's Balloons — This new experience replaces the annual holiday parade, but the main difference between the productions seems to be that it'll be you moving this year instead of the floats and balloons. Consider this a walk-through version of the parade, still featuring many of the same characters and franchises, including a socially distanced appearance by Santa.
Universal's Holiday Character Celebration — It's a holiday-themed version of Universal's modified character parade, with "holiday show moments" by characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar, followed by physically distant photo ops.
The Grinch and Who-liday Characters — Dr. Seuss' holiday characters will be appearing in Islands of Adventure's Seuss Landing this holiday season, in lieu of the annual musical show.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — The Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees will be singing their holiday shows in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, respectively. And holiday menus will return, including Hot Butterbeer. But there's no announced holiday light show on Hogwarts Castle.
The annual Mannheim Steamroller concerts also are off the schedule this year, as Universal Orlando continues to promote safe physical distancing within its parks, which means no large, packed-in crowds for performances. But the parks will be decorated for the season and Universal will be offering holiday promotions, such as a "Holiday Tree Hunt" and "Holiday Treat Trail," which can get participating guests a special holiday ornament and treat. (Purchases are required.)
The big promotion remains Universal's buy-two-days-and-get-three-days-free deal, which is available on our travel partner's Universal Orlando tickets page.
The Holidays at Universal Orlando start November 14 and run through January 3, 2021.
* * *
We wanted you to read this article before we make our newsletter pitch, unlike so many other websites. If you appreciate that — and our approach to covering theme park news — please sign up for our free, three-times-a-week email newsletter. Thank you.
This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.
