Universal Unveils Dates for 2019 ‘Holidays’ Celebration

It may only be April, but Universal Orlando Resort is getting a jump on the holiday season, announcing the dates of its Holidays celebration, beginning Nov. 16 and running through Jan. 5, 2020.

Officials say guests will find a winter “fun”-derland that the entire family can enjoy, including the spectacular transformation of Hogwarts castle during “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter; meet the maven of mischief himself, The Grinch, during Grinchmas; or experience merry – and mayhem – with the Minions from Illumination’s Despicable Me and other beloved characters during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

Access to Holidays festivities are included with admission to the theme parks.

  • Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Experience the wonder of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as it transforms for the Holidays into a wizarding wonderland. The streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley become adorned in themed decorations, garlands and lights with the sounds of special holiday-themed performances filling the air. Guests can hear both magical and Muggle Christmas carols from the Frog Choir – comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs – and the unique holiday hits of one of the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensations, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. There will also be seasonal food and beverages – including hot Butterbeer.

And, as night falls, guests can revel in a stunning projection of holiday spirit as Christmas moments inspired by J.K. Rowling’s stories come to life on Hogwarts castle for “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.”

  • Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida

Merry and mayhem take to the streets of Universal Studios for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Featuring the fun of the Minions and other beloved characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me, the family of Shrek and the friendship of Madagascar, this parade includes more than 30 larger-than-life balloons and floats, hundreds of performers and more.

  • Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

See the maven of mischief himself during Grinchmas at Universal Orlando. Guests can enjoy the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” – a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic starring The Grinch – and special appearances by the merry Whos from Who-ville as they prepare for their favorite holiday throughout Seuss Landing. Guests may also enjoy a separately-ticketed breakfast on select dates that includes meet-and-greets with the mean, green one and his friends at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous.

  • Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios Florida

The best-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, returns to Universal Studios Florida to fill the air with the traditional sounds of the season. Guests can take in live concerts on select nights.

  • Holidays at Universal’s Hotels

The merriment continues when guests stay at Universal’s hotels, which feature seasonal décor, holiday activities including festive meals and more.

  • New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Universal Orlando

Guests can ring in 2020 with various New Year’s Eve celebrations across the destination that offer something for everyone – from family friendly festivities at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s hotels to the ultimate upscale party for guests 21 and up at EVE at Universal CityWalk.