Experience the Magic of the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
As soon as Thanksgiving leftovers are put away, many families go into full holiday mode. This includes baking cookies, driving around to see lights, decorating every square inch of the house and, most importantly, going to all the major holiday events in town. This article invites you to discover the holiday fun at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk.
A Winter Wonderland at Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk
From Monday, November 24, 2025 to Sunday, January 4, 2026, Universal Studios Hollywood transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a festive escape for guests of all ages. With all there is to experience at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk, the entire place is decked out for the holidays. The lights, the decorations and the holiday spirit simply take over this time of year. Make sure to have your camera ready to snap away.
Don’t forget to stroll through Universal CityWalk and take in the sites while perusing the vast array of stores. Restaurants all over CityWalk offer up special drinks and dishes just for the holiday season. Antojitos, NBC Sports Grill & Brew and Vivo all have special adult beverages with wintry flavors (think: apple, ginger, peppermint) throughout the holidays. If you have a holiday sweet tooth, make sure to stop at one of my favorites, Voodoo Doughnut, as they always offer up some pretty delicious (and Instagrammable) seasonal flavors. And definitely don’t skip the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium - they always have spectacularly over-the-top holiday treats in store. Plus, you can knock tons of holiday shopping off your to-do list at CityWalk. Don’t miss out on the Universal Studio Store and the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD STORE on CityWalk - you’ll find exclusive holiday merch from your favorite fandoms.
Super Nintendo World Holiday Delights
Remember those holidays when visions of Super Mario games danced in your head? Whether that’s this year or 30 years ago, Nintendo games and characters have long been key elements of the most wonderful time of the year. Throughout the merriest season, The Mushroom Kingdom will be decked out in a delightful array of holiday decorations. Want to show off your Super Mario fandom in this year’s family holiday cards? The festivities also include an exclusive merch line that would look great wrapped up under the tree, from holiday decorations to seasonal attire. My favorites include the festive sweaters featuring a Mario-themed snowman, as well as the four-piece ornament sets, which include a Super Mushroom, 1-Up Mushroom, Super Star, and a ? Block. You can find these items at select SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail locations throughout the theme park and CityWalk.
Grinchmas in Universal Plaza
While taking in the holiday sights, meander to the heart of Universal Studios Hollywood for Grinchmas, located in Universal Plaza. Make sure to check out a festive performance from the Who-Bee Doo-Wops! Throughout the day, the Grinch and his faithful dog Max are available for your personal holiday photo op. Plus. and everyone’s favorite Who, Cindy-Lou Who leads daily story time featuring a reading of Dr. Make sure to grab your spot early for the tree lighting. Do not miss the Grinch, Max, and Cindy-Lou photo ops - especially if your kiddos are in tow. My daughter’s Grinch photo from when she was a toddler adorns my holiday mantle every single year.
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The Magic of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Every holiday season, Universal Studios Hollywood is the best place to get some awesome pictures in your holiday sweaters. If you plan on holiday shopping for your favorite wizarding world fan, double-check that you know their Hogwarts house! I promise, if you get it right, your gift could make their holiday season. Make sure to stake out your spot in front of Hogwarts castle early. (The Triwizard stage is a great place to view the show!) Your best bet is to check times when arriving at the theme park and plan around the show.
New Year's Eve Celebration (EVE)
And don’t forget the last celebration of the year! The all-ages celebration includes three party areas with live entertainment - one playing pop/rock/hip-hop, one playing EDM, and another playing Latin jams - throughout the park. If you’re more into thrill rides than dancing, the standard theme park rides and attractions will be open during EVE, too. And it wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without pyrotechnics, right? EVE happens on December 31 from 9pm to 2am. Admission is included in the purchase of a theme park ticket for that night, so there’s no extra ticket required to enjoy the party. This is a great time to work on some holiday shopping while having fun. The characters are also in the spirit of the season!
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