How to Make the Most of Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and this is especially true when it comes to the holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. We experienced opening weekend of Grinchmas last weekend so I’ll share how to make the most of holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. It’ll just take a hungry belly, an appetite for some whimsical fun and a touch of childlike wonder.

First, take in all the holiday decorations throughout the park. Whether it be wreaths and candle lit trees in the Hogwarts castle or bright yellow trees in the line for Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. There’s a lot of beautiful decor to take in so enjoy!

Spend a while in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, especially after dark! Throughout the day you’ll notice all the same magic you experience year round, plus wreaths, garland and Christmas lights adorning the many buildings in Hogsmeade. Be sure to stop into the Three Broomsticks for a meal (we love their fish and chips and butterbeer), but what’s extra special during Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood and Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the hot butterbeer! I only wish they served this at the outside carts because when we went back in the evening for the hot butter beer, the dining line was quite long. Get it early! It’s my favorite way to enjoy butterbeer!

Nighttime in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter brings even more fun because there are lightshows displayed on the castle, throughout the evening. Plus, experience nightly snowfall after dark! The place is magical!

Don’t miss a fun photo op with the newest Grinch, down by the Studio Lot Tour. We love the Studio Lot Tour and hit it every time we make it to the park, but after you get off the ride, there’s a display and a photographer who will even use your camera to snap your photo with the Grinch. It’s just a backdrop and a sleigh in front, but it’s pretty cool looking, right?

Now that we’re talking Grinch, let me tell you about my favorite part of Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood! It’s Grinchmas! Enter Who-ville just across from Hogsmeade, and you’ll be transported to a whimsical land with gorgeous decorations. I am in love with the curvy tree with loads of presents below. Be sure to catch the tree lighting and performance beginning at 5:30pm, and taking place every half hour after that. It’s a blast and loads of Whobilation!

Now for photo ops, there are many in Who-ville! Get in line for a photo with the 2001 Grinch himself, or pose with Max, the Grinch’s faithful servant:

I will say the line for seeing the Grinch can get very long, so plan accordingly. Isn’t Max the sweetest?

Then there are the many adorable characters / Whos that are wandering around and engagement with park-goers. The makeup is phenomenal, the personalities are oh so fun, and you’ll just have to snap some pictures with them!

These two redheads really hit it off!

Stop over by the Who-ville Post Office and write a letter to the Grinch. They’ll ask you to write down your three good deeds and stick it in the mailbox.

As you wander around, celebrating a Merry Grinchmas, take advantage of the few different types of shows going on during the day. We absolutely love the Who-ville Singers and their a cappella stylings. They’re so good and so entertaining!

Last, but certainly not least, we can’t forget about the many treats in Who-ville! Choose from green cotton candy, adorable cupcakes, giant Grinch-like donuts or mini donuts. We loved the mini donuts and peppermint hot chocolate. Don’t go away hungry!

There’s so much fun to be had during Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood, but my fave is Grinchmas and Who-ville. Pull up a seat at a bench and enjoy the entertainment and scenery! Visit my Instagram to see my video of the tree lighting and production with the Grinch!

On your way out of the park, walk through the CityWalk and catch Santa Claus out by the giant tree. You can sit on his lap, get a photo and be on your merry way! Grinchmas goes until December 30th and Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is through January 6th. Plan a trip today!