Halloween hasn’t even arrived, but Universal Studios Hollywood is already looking ahead to Christmas, with plans for holiday festivities featuring the Grinch, Minions, Harry Potter and Super Mario.
The theme park announced Thursday that its annual holiday celebration will run daily from Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, 2027, featuring the return of “Grinchmas” and “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” along with the debut of “Illumination’s Merry Minions” and seasonal decorations at Super Nintendo World.
The holiday festivities are included with regular theme park admission, according to Universal Studios Hollywood officials.
At Universal Plaza, “Grinchmas” will transform the area into a holiday-themed Who-ville featuring a 65-foot Christmas tree decorated with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights.
Visitors will be able to meet the Grinch, his dog Max and residents of Who-ville, while tree-lighting ceremonies held several times each evening will feature snowfall effects, officials said.
Entertainment 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 listing three good deeds to the Grinch and decorate holiday paper ornaments.
For the first time, the park’s Minion Land will feature “Illumination’s Merry Minions,” with the animated characters appearing in holiday attire for meet-and-greet opportunities, according to the theme park. The area will also offer seasonal decorations, themed food at Minion Cafe and holiday merchandise.
In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade village will be decorated with lights, garlands and wreaths, while the Frog Choir performs holiday music several times a day, according to the park.
The nighttime show “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” will feature holiday-themed projections and music from the “Harry Potter” films. Hot Butterbeer will also be available.
Super Nintendo World will feature seasonal decorations, including Mario and Luigi snowmen near a Christmas tree topped with a Super Star at the entrance to the Mushroom Kingdom.
Outside the theme park, Universal CityWalk Hollywood will celebrate with a 40-foot Christmas tree illuminated by more than 200,000 LED lights.
The 5 Towers stage will feature live music, DJs and street performers on select evenings, while the Universal Studios Store will offer holiday merchandise.
Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.
Additional information about the holiday festivities is available at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.