Universal Studios Hollywood is trading its Halloween scares for holiday cheer. Beginning November 21, 2026, and running daily through January 3, 2027, the theme park celebrates the season with Grinchmas, Illumination’s Merry Minions, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and festive additions to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, all included with park admission.
Universal Plaza transforms into a Who-ville celebration for Grinchmas, anchored by a 65-foot tree decked out in hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights. The Grinch, his loyal dog Max, and a roster of Whos are on hand to meet guests, and the tree lighting ceremony, complete with a snowfall flurry, takes place multiple times each evening. Cindy-Lou Who reads How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Fah-Who 4 A’s perform holiday tunes, and guests can send postcards listing their three good deeds to the Grinch from the Who-ville post office or decorate a paper ornament.
For the first time, Illumination’s Merry Minions arrives in Illumination’s Minion Land with twinkling decorations, a meet-and-greet with the Minions in holiday attire, seasonal bites at Minion Cafe, and a new Merry Minions merchandise collection.
Over in Hogsmeade, the snow-capped village glows with lights, garlands, and wreaths, the Frog Choir performs several times a day, and hot Butterbeer returns alongside the cold and frozen versions. After dark, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle turns the castle into a holiday light show set to music from the Harry Potter films.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD gets its own seasonal touches, including Mario and Luigi snowmen beside a holiday tree crowned with a Super Star at the entrance to the Mushroom Kingdom. Holiday merchandise is available throughout the park, including the 1-UP Factory shop inside the land.
Next door, Universal CityWalk Hollywood lights a 40-foot Christmas tree with more than 200,000 LED lights, debuts a new holiday collection at the Universal Studios Store, and hosts live music, DJ sets, and street performers at the 5 Towers stage on select evenings. Admission to CityWalk is free.
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood runs daily November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, and is included with theme park admission. Tickets and more information are available at universalstudioshollywood.com.
