Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s Balloons

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is back for the 2025 Universal Orlando Christmas celebrations. There are larger-than-life balloons, elaborately decorated floats and hundreds of festive performers. Santa will light the breathtaking 80-foot iconic Christmas Tree every night as he wraps up the parade with a flurry of snow on the streets of New York.

The parade features the Minions and other favorite characters from Despicable Me, Madagascar and Shrek. Plus a whole host of holiday themes. And of course the jolly man himself, Santa Claus.

What time is the Universal Holiday Parade?

The parade is usually after 5.30pm (occasionally 5pm), depending on park closing hours. Times are always subject to change, so do check the daily time schedule when you arrive.

Passholder Parade Viewing

There’s a special viewing area for Universal Orlando Annual Passholders in front of Mel’s Drive-In. Space is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. Seasonal and Power Pass blockout dates apply.

Holiday Tribute Store

The Holiday Tribute Store is located at the New York area of Universal Studios. The winter wonderland usually features immersive rooms stocked with brand new merchandise, holiday gifts and delicious seasonal eats and treats.

Universal Orlando Christmas: Blues Brothers Show

As soon as you see and hear the lone saxophonist playing, you’ll know the ever popular Blues Brothers aren’t far behind. The regular Blues Brothers Show gets a Christmas makeover as Elmo and Jake put on a Holiday show that will have you rock and rolling in the streets.

They’ll perform Christmas hits like Santa Claus is Coming to Town, a Christmas twist to Soul Man and many more. The show lasts around 12 minutes and takes place several times a day throughout Universal Orlando Christmas dates.

Christmas in Diagon Alley

During Universal Orlando Christmas dates, both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley go all out for the holidays, with festive decorations, holiday treats, and seasonal music.

London and Diagon Alley are both uniquely themed with decorations, garlands and lights adorning the streets. The effect make Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter even more magical atmospheric than ever.

Live Shows

Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees – Dressed in holiday finery the singing sorceress belts out songs from the Christmas album Nothin’ Like a Holiday Spell. A sprinkling of snow and stage settings bring a whole new element to this popular show.

Christmas in Hogsmeade

Even in the heat fueled summers, Hogsmeade village looks Christmassy with snow capped rooftops and hanging icicles. But when decorated during the Holiday season, it looks more magical than ever.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

As night falls, the icing on the castle is the state-of-the-art projection mapping and lighting that wraps around Hogwarts. The show is nothing short of spectacular and brings to life incredible Christmas moments inspired by the Harry Potter series. It’s spellbinding and a MUST NOT MISS. The show runs every 20 minutes from dusk.

Live Shows

Join the students and their larger than life frogs as The Frog Choir gets a yuletide makeover with a rendition of both Christmas muggle music and wizardry holiday tunes.

Grinchmas

Seuss Landing is transformed into a whimsical wintry wonderland bursting with festive color. Seuss Landing is the brightest most colorful area in all of Universal Orlando. With a sparkling holiday makeover, it’s storybook magical, complete with colorful characters from Who-ville. Enjoy special appearances from the Whos and maybe even a photo opp with the mean green one himself.

Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular

A heartwarming live show starring The Grinch, Max and the Whos from Who-ville. Be captivated by the live re-telling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale featuring music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller.

You can meet the maven of mischief himself for a photo opportunity at All The Books You Can Read Bookstore.

The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast

Info below from 2024 Event

Enjoy a hearty festive breakfast with a side of snark at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous with the Grinch and his Who-ville friends.

You’ll enjoy themed food and breakfast favorites, including Green Eggs and Ham and Cindy-Lou Who’s Belgian Waffles, plus a non-alcoholic beverage and specialty treats. Check out the full menu.

Tickets cost $58.99 for ages 10 and over, $32.99 for ages 3-9. There’s a 20% discount for Premier and Preferred Annual Passholders.

The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast runs on select dates from November 22 to December 30 2024 and can be booked online at Universal’s website.

Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast Breakfast 2024 Dates:

• November 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
• December 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Universal’s Holiday Tour

Info Below from 2024 Event

Upgrade your visit to feature a Universal Holiday Tour on select dates from November 25 through December 29 2024 . This festive upgrade includes unique experiences and special access to holiday entertainment at both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Universal’s Holiday Tour also includes:

• Exclusive Meet and Greet with the Grinch and his faithful dog, Max
• Reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
• Small plates, delectable desserts and non-alcoholic beverages in Universal Studios
• Meet and greet at Universal Studios with Santa
• Priority access to one attraction (subject to Tour itinerary).
• An after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.

Prices start from $80 to $110 depending on the date. $10 discount for Annual and Seasonal Passholders.

Universal Holiday Tour Dates 2024:

• November 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
• December 1, 2, 10, 12, 15-19, 21-25, 27-29

During the Universal Orlando Christmas celebrations, your Holiday Tour ticket does not include theme park admission – each guest must have a valid park-to-park admission ticket for the same day as the Holiday Tour.

Book Universal’s Holiday Tour online.

That’s a wrap for our 2025 Universal Orlando Christmas Events Guide, we hope you have a blast. From thrilling rides to enchanting holiday shows, Universal promise a mix of traditional charm and unique movie-themed celebrations that only Universal can deliver.

Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter’s magical world or the joyful chaos of Minions, there’s something festive waiting for you at every turn.