When Does Universal Start Decorating For Christmas
At Orlando Informer, we work diligently to keep information up to date. This page was last updated on November 2, 2021.
Holidays 2021 at Universal Orlando
The 2021 holiday season is here, and Universal is inviting you to start "untraditional" yuletide traditions at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. 2021's festivities runfrom Saturday, November 13, 2021 to Sunday, January 2, 2022, which puts them on par with the past few years'.
Let's explore all of the joy that's to be found at Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season. We'll start with this overview page, covering the proceedings at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure and everything going on at Universal's various hotels. Then we provide three additional pages with even greater detail about Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Skip to: Universal Studios Florida | Islands of Adventure | Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter | Holiday Tour | Holiday-exclusive food and drink | Meeting Santa Claus | Holiday merchandise | Holidays premium add-ons | Universal hotels
How does Universal Studios Florida celebrate the holidays?
A good – and merry – number of Universal's Holidays celebrations can be found right at Universal Studios Florida. Two principle pieces to the Holidays at Universal Studios Florida are the Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's
The big event at Universal Studios Florida (well, outside of the Wizarding World, at least) is Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's. Guests can watch some of their all-time favorite characters in a larger-than-life manner through this parade. Characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar will all be featured, in addition to Santa himself!
Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's
In the 2020 holiday season, the parade's various floats were arranged into a wintry walk-through experience, replete with their accompanying balloons from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The man of the hour himself, Santa Claus, was still present, taking socially distanced photos with guests. He promises to return in 2021.
Universal's Holiday Character Celebration
Most of the characters from the traditional Holiday Parade – which included the casts of the Minions,Shrek, andMadagascar film franchises – arrive on floats to sing and dance for (and take more long-distanced selfies with) their throngs of adoring Christmas fans.
To learn even more about these two parade replacements, visit our dedicated page for Universal's Holiday Parade Featuring Macy's 2020.
Mannheim Steamroller holiday concerts
Mannheim Steamroller is back! Sadly, the biggest-selling Christmas artist of all time didn't return to the Universal Music Plaza stage for the 2020 holiday season. This year however, guests can attend Mannheim Steamroller concerts on December 4, 5, 11, and 12 in the evening. These concerts are included in daytime ticket admission.
Holiday Tribute Store
The fully immersive shop that is a haven for merchandise and that, now, is a must-do experience for die-hard fans has expanded once again, this time arriving at Universal's Holidays event.
The Tribute Store was originally created for Halloween Horror Nights in 2015, collecting together in one spot some of that year's various intellectual properties and pieces of merch, and was then exported to Mardi Gras earlier this year, doing much the same work. That formula has been repeated once more for Christmas, with Tribute consisting of four themed rooms: a traditional German market, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Earl the Squirrel, who has become Universal's newest sensation.
Additional holiday celebrations at Universal Studios Florida
The Blues Brothers Holiday Show
Jake and Elwood perform festive favorites like "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," "Blue Christmas," and more with snow on Delancey Street at the end of each show. The holiday edition of the Blues Brothers street party is a fan-favorite and should not be missed – even folks not familiar with the band/film will surely love this one!
Marilyn & the (Holiday) Diamond Bellas
In 2016, Universal debuted the Marilyn Monroe and the Diamond Bellas street show; the following year, the company decided to cast the fun little production in a Christmas light.
Although the same basic premise – Ms. Monroe and her girls arrive to "film" a musical routine for an upcoming picture – the yuletide-flavored version exchanges the USO bent of the original with (you guessed it) a holiday overlay. The Diamond Bella Dancers now have beautiful Santa-esque costumes that look stunning all in silver, and the second song has been replaced with the time-period-appropriate "Santa Baby."
We highly recommend sticking around for the show if you manage to catch it while strolling through the park, as it'll help put a holiday-tinged smile on your face for the rest of the day.
How does Islands of Adventure celebrate the holidays?
Islands of Adventure isn't outdone by its theme-park sibling next door – here you can (normally) find some of the most fun Christmas activities and events at all of Universal Orlando.
Grinchmas at Seuss Landing
As you likely know, Islands of Adventure has a whole island dedicated to Dr. Seuss, the classic children's author: Seuss Landing! When the holiday season hits full swing, Universal transforms this area into the whimsical world of Grinchmas (think warm fuzzies with a side of snark).
Seemingly every nook and cranny of this wintry wonderland are filled with yuletide decorations and a whole cast of Who-ville residents who happily interact either among themselves or with guests. The Grinch himself even makes appearances, begrudgingly allowing guests to take photos with him.
Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
This stage-production retelling of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas was suspended last year. But now it returns in its entirety, featuring live song, dance, and humor that brings a fresh take on the classic story.
If you would still like to get more information on this usual highlight of Universal's Holidays, you can visit our dedicated page to the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.
The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast
This dining experiencing offers the opportunity to dine on delicious breakfast items while in the company of Whos and the one and only Grinch. Once again, due to COVID-19, The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast was cancelled in 2020. We will keep you posted on whether or not this experience returns!
What is Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Due to popular demand, Universal offers a full-blown Christmas party at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – at both Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida.
In addition to both lands being decked to the hilt with decorations, garlands, and Christmas lights, you can also experience exclusive food and entertainment (including holiday songs by the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck). The star of the holidays at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, the projection-mapping show that is a festive version of The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle.
Just like Universal's Holiday Parade or Grinchmas, the wizarding Christmas celebration is included in general theme-park admission.
Get detailed, in-depth information on everything wizarding-yuletide-related in our dedicated page to Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
What are the exclusive food and drinks at Universal during the holidays?
General food and drink offerings at Universal Orlando
While most of the yuletide culinary roster at Universal Orlando can be found at the Holiday Tribute Store, there are still a few other items spread throughout the resort (and, additionally, some of Tribute's items can also be found elsewhere). We have the full list, including locations and prices, here:
- Nutella Cheesecake Reindeer Pop – Croissant Moon Bakery, Universal's Islands of Adventure
- "Red Hot" Holiday Shake – The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, Universal CityWalk
- Hot Chocolate Bomb – TODAY cafe, Universal Studios Florida or an all-new
- Grinch-themed Hot Chocolate Bomb – Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop, Universal's Islands of Adventure
- Vegan Brownie – San Francisco, Universal Studios Florida or Croissant Moon Bakery, Universal's Islands of Adventure.
Holidays at Universal – food and drinks photo gallery
How do I meet Santa Claus at Universal Orlando?
Reminder: This information is from the 2020 holiday season.
2021's menus have yet to be announced!
Many guests ask the question, "Where can we meet Santa at Universal Orlando?" It's a great one because the answer is not obvious.
However, Santa was still encountered at the Holiday Experience Featuring Macy's Balloons for some socially distanced photos, as we've already touched upon.
What's the exclusive merchandise at Universal during the holidays?
Reminder: This information is from the 2020 holiday season.
2021's selections have yet to be announced!
Universal has long released exclusive merchandise as part of its yuletide celebrations, but it really started to up the ante in this regard over the last few years, especially when Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was ushered in. We didn't notice much that was both new and exclusive in 2020, however, even with the presence of the first-ever Holiday Tribute Store; the biggest item is perhaps a series of Harry Potter stockings, scarves, and ties in Tribute that can be custom embroidered. The cost is an extra $15, and it takes approximately three hours; just please be aware that there are limitations to what you can put on the stocking, and the service is only applicable to those pieces that are purchased that same day.
Care to see what else is usually on hand? Here's a look at what we've found over the past few years:
What are the Holidays premium add-ons at Universal Orlando?
Holiday Tree Hunt
Introduced in 2019 (and spawning a scarecrow spinoff for Halloween this year), the Holiday Tree Hunt will return again in 2021.
The basic premise remained the same: find the Christmas trees (some in Universal Studios Florida, some in Islands of Adventure, and a couple in CityWalk), collect the stamps that are located next to each, and then work your way to one of three shops (Park Plaza Holiday Shop in USF, Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe in IOA, or Universal Studios Store in CW) to receive a "festive holiday gift": a special tree ornament. The twist comes in the fact that the stampable "treasure map" – and, thus, the holiday prize at the end – has to be purchased for $9.95.
Just seeing the Christmas trees really is worth the effort, whether you opt to buy the corresponding brochure or not – each is beautiful and brilliantly themed, whether that be to the Marvel superheroes,Jurassic Park, or The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen's steampunk milieu.
Holiday Tree Hunt 2020 – photo gallery
Holiday Tree Hunt 2019 – photo gallery
How do Universal's hotels celebrate the holidays?
In many ways, the various celebrations at the four open Universal Orlando hotels, though small individually, are the collective heart of the resort's Holidays festivities.
Portofino Bay Hotel
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly during the holidays between Sunday, November 28 and Monday, December 6, 2021, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Kid-Friendly Activities
Between Monday, December 20 and Friday, December 24, enjoy holiday cookies and beverages in the lobby as well as kids' holiday crafts and activities. Both are complimentary and offered from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Between 7:00 and 9:30 pm on those same dates, you can catch live carolers throughout the lobby.
Christmas Day Buffet in Trattoria del Porto
- Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021
- Time: 11am – 9pm
- Price: $75* adult; $25* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3 [*tax and gratuity not included]
- Entertainment: Live music and face painter
- Reservations:OpenTable; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200
Christmas Day Menu in Mama Della's Ristorante
- Date: Thursday, December 25, 2021
- Time: 5:30pm – 10pm
- Price: $65* adult; $20* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3 [*tax and gratuity not included]
- Entertainment: Opera singers and strolling musicians
- Reservations:OpenTable; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-1200
- Notes: Special Christmas Day meal will be offered. Regular menu items available.
Hard Rock Hotel
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, November 28 and Monday, December 6, 2021, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Eve Family-style Dinner in The Kitchen
- Date: Friday, December 24, 2021
- Time: 5pm – 10pm
- Price: $65* adult; $30* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3 [*tax and gratuity not included]
- Reservations:OpenTable; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-2200
Christmas Day Brunch in The Kitchen
- Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021
- Time: 7am – 2pm
- Price: $60* adult; $25* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3 [*tax and gratuity not included]
- Reservations:OpenTable; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-2200
Christmas Day Family-style Dinner in The Kitchen
- Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021
- Time: 4pm – 10pm
- Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3 [*tax and gratuity not included]
- Reservations:OpenTable; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-2200
Royal Pacific Resort
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, November 28 and Monday, December 6, 2021, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet in Jake's American Bar
- Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021
- Time: 7am – 11am
- Price: $25* adult; $15* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
[*tax and gratuity not included]. Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $15 more. - Reservations:OpenTable; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-3200
Christmas Day Buffet in Islands Dining Room
- Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021
- Time: 11am – 9pm
- Price: $62* adult; $30* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
[*tax and gratuity not included]. Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for just $15 more. - Reservations:OpenTable; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-3200
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, November 28 and Monday, December 6, 2021, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse
- Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021
- Time: 7am – 11am
- Price: $25* adult; $15* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
[*tax and gratuity not included]. Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for just $15 more. - Reservations:OpenTable; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-5200
Christmas Day Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse
- Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021
- Time: 11am – 9pm
- Price: $62* adult; $30* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
[*tax and gratuity not included]. Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for just $15 more. - Reservations:OpenTable; call 407-503-DINE (3463); visit or call the concierge at 407-503-5200
Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, November 28 and Monday, December 6, 2021, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Day Meal Special in Bayliner Diner
- Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021
- Time: Noon – 11pm
- Price: $19.99* adult; $10.99* child (ages 3 – 9) [*tax not included
Turkey, stuffing, cranberry compote, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuit. ADD: Pecan or pumpkin pie (+$3.50).
Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, November 28 and Monday, December 6, 2021, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Day Meal Special at Beach Break Café
- Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021
- Time: 2pm – 10pm
- Price: $15* adult; $9* child (ages 3 – 9) [*tax not included]
Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony
Nightly between Sunday, November 28 and Monday, December 6, 2021, guests can visit the hotel lobby for a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony. Everything begins at sundown; check with the front desk for nightly times.
Christmas Day Meal Special at Dockside's Pier 8 Market
- Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021
- Time: 2pm – 10pm
- Price: $15* adult; $9* child (ages 3 – 9) [*tax not included]
What about the parks and Universal CityWalk?
The restaurants at the parks and Universal CityWalk offer an incredible variety of wonderful food, but they don't typically have buffets or special events for Christmas, even when there isn't a pandemic going on. Instead, they tend to offer a few holiday-themed items in addition to their regular menus. To learn what they may be offering this year (and to possibly book a table), visit our dining reservations page for contact information.
This wraps up our overview of the 2021 holiday festivities at Universal Orlando. Be sure to check out the navigation links below to continue planning your visit.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your friends at Orlando Informer!
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When Does Universal Start Decorating For Christmas
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