Universal Orlando’s 2020 Holidays Celebration with The Grinch, Harry Potter, and More Starts Nov. 14 .. #UniversalOrlando #UniversalHolidays

- Michelle Snow

Universal Orlando's 2020 Holidays Celebration

Universal Orlando celebrates the holidays with Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an all-new Holiday Experience featuring Macy’s Balloons, the Mean, Green One Himself – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, and more, from November 14 through January 3, 2021.

New this year, guests will have the opportunity to get up-close with larger-than-life parade balloons and floats like never before during Universal’s Holiday Experience featuring Macy’s Balloons.

Guests will stroll along a picturesque pathway where they’ll encounter elaborate floats and stunning balloons inspired by everything from iconic holiday staples like reindeers and the Nutcracker, to characters from popular animated films, including the mischievous Minions from Illumination’s “Despicable Me” and “Minions” films; Gingy The Gingerbread Man, from DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” movies; and the penguins from DreamWorks Animation’s “Madagascar” franchise.

It all culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus, and the opportunity to take a socially-distanced portrait with him.

Universal Orlando's 2020 Holidays Celebration

Also at Universal Studio Florida, Universal’s Holiday Character Celebration allows guests to celebrate the holiday season with the Minions and other beloved characters from Illumination’s “Despicable Me” and “Minions” films, and with DreamWorks Animation’s treasured family of Shrek characters and King Julien and the crew from the “Madagascar” franchise. Guests will sing and dance along with some of their favorite characters as they arrive aboard incredibly-festive parade floats, then perform special holiday show moments that the entire family will enjoy.

Afterward, guests will have the chance to take socially-distanced photos of themselves with the characters and floats.

Returning for 2020, guests can enjoy Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch and Who-liday Character Appearances over at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Plus, spanning both parks, muggles and budding wizards can enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

The streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley will become beautifully adorned with themed decorations, garlands and lights as the sounds of special holiday-themed performances fill the air throughout the lands. Guests can hear both magical and Muggle Christmas carols from the Frog Choir comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs, as well as the unique holiday hits of one of the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensations, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.

Universal Orlando's 2020 Holidays Celebration

There will also be seasonal treats, holiday eats, and beverages – including the highly-anticipated return of the fan-favorite, hot Butterbeer.

Speaking of treats, guests can also enjoy a Holiday Treat Trail by grabbing a complimentary brochure that outlines a list of specialty food and beverage menu items across select dining venues. Those who purchase all qualifying items will receive a special sweet treat.

There will also be a Holiday Tree Hunt (for a fee), scattered throughout various merchandise locations in the theme parks and CityWalk, and plenty of holiday-themed merchandise at the brand-new Holiday Tribute Store inside Universal Studio Florida.

Each hotel at Universal Orlando will also feature festive flourishes and decorated Christmas trees to get guests into the holiday spirit, and offer special Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve dining options

Holidays Celebration events and character appearances are included with admission to the parks, unless otherwise noted. Special ticket deals currently running include the limited-time “Get 3 Days Free When You Buy 2 Days” offer that is available for purchase through January 6, 2021, and the “Get 3 Days for $55 per Day plus tax” offer for Florida residents that is available for purchase through December 17; as well as savings on select annual and seasonal passes.

For more details, or to purchase admission and vacation packages, visit UniversalOrlando.com.

[Photos courtesy Universal Orlando]


About Michelle Snow

Michelle is the owner and editor of CitySurfing Orlando. She also owns Zengrrl.com, is a freelance writer specializing in travel and entertainment, has authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida, and is head editor/writer at TheDisneyBlog.com. She's lived in Orlando near Walt Disney World since 1995, and still finds there's so much fun to be had in Central Florida.
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