Universal Orlando Christmas – Holiday Events 2023

2023-10-20T14:13:39-04:00

Universal Orlando Christmas is unwrapping bucket loads of merry mischief and mayhem for the 2023 Holiday Season. Universal Holiday events begin November 17th and run daily through December 31st 2023.

  • Universal’s Holiday Parade is back with larger than life balloons, making merry and mayhem with the Minions and lots of other fun characters.
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: A magical Harry Potter Christmas with live performances and a spectacular projection show.
  • During The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle you’ll see a spectacular transformation in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Diagon Alley and Hogwarts are magical at all times, but even more so when decked in holiday splendor.
  • Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure – Join the world’s favorite mean, green one in the spectacularly colorful Seuss Landing.
  • Mannheim Steamroller Rock around the Music Plaza Stage on December 2, 3, 9 and 10 with the biggest selling Christmas artists of all time.

Check out all Orlando Christmas Events

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Universal Orlando Christmas at Universal Studios

Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s Balloons

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is back for the 2023 Universal Orlando Christmas celebration. 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 passes by in his festive float.

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.

Universal Orlando Parade featuring Macy's

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.


Mannaheim Steamroller

One of the most popular Universal Orlando Christmas events is the stunning performance by Mannheim Steamroller.

The biggest selling Christmas artists of all time will be performing enchanting seasonal sounds at Universal Music Plaza stage.

Universal Orlando Christmas Mannheim Steamroller

The Mannheim Steamroller concert is free to everyone in the park and there’s no reserved seating. Stake your patch on the grass. First come first sit with standing room behind.

Mannheim Steamroller 2023 Concert Dates: December 2, 3, 9 and 10 2023.


Holiday Tribute Store

The Holiday Tribute Store is located at the New York area of Universal Studios. This winter wonderland features immersive rooms stocked with brand new merchandise, holiday gifts and delicious seasonal eats and treats. Visit Santa’s Workshop to see Earl the Squirrel, check out Grinch’s Lair and also the Yule Ball, the formal wizard winter celebration.

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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.


Universal Orlando Christmas at Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Christmas in Diagon Alley

During Universal Orlando Christmas dates, 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

The Frog Choir have had a yuletide makeover and give us a rendition of both Christmas muggle music and wizardry holiday tunes.

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Universal Orlando Christmas Events at Islands of Adventure

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. It’s enchanting. With a sparkling holiday makeover, it’s storybook magical.

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.

Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure

The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast

Enjoy a tasty breakfast at Confisco Grille with the Grinch and his Who-ville friends. You’ll enjoy a breakfast with themed food and breakfast favorites,, plus a non-alcoholic beverage and specialty treats.

Tickets cost $58.99 per adult, $32.99 for children aged 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 17th to December 29th and can be booked online at Universal’s website.

Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast Breakfast Dates:

  • November 18-26
  • December 1,2,7,8,9,10,13-27

Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast Universal Orlando Christmas


Universal’s Holiday Tour

Upgrade your visit to feature a Universal Holiday Tour on select dates from November 13 through January 1, 2023 . 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 including cookies, Who Hash, Chicken & Waffles, Popcorn Shrimp, plus non-alcoholic beverages and a hot cocoa bar at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous
  • A Santa meeting including one My Universal Photos digital download per party
  • Priority access to one attraction (subject to Tour itinerary).
  • An after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.

Prices start from $79.99 to $119.99 depending on the date. $10 discount for Annual Passholders.

Universal Holiday Tour Dates:

  • November 19-29
  • December 3,4,10,11,13,16-30

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 Universal Orlando Christmas Events Guide, we hope you have a blast. Universal is a super experience any time of the year, but the Universal Orlando Christmas events make it extra special.

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2 Comments

  1. Pattie Leif February 2, 2020 at 1:02 pm - Reply

    We made it to the Wizarding World for the first time in 2018. Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were just fantastic for a Harry Potter fan. My kids are begging us to go back soon.

    • Orlando Insider Vacations February 2, 2020 at 5:58 pm - Reply

      I don’t blame your kids wanting to go back!! We absolutely love both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. The theming is mind blowing!!

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