Have a festive time at Universal Orlando this Christmas

Get in the festive spirit at Universal Orlando this Christmas, as you explore all that the resort has to offer in the way of celebrations!

Running between 17th November and 6th January, longer than ever before, there is plenty to see and do: listen to delightful festive music, watch a fantastic parade and visit your favourite Universal attractions, to see their special Christmassy make-over! As all of these special shows and attractions are included in the regular admission price, it’s a perfect time to explore all that Universal Orlando has to offer this Christmas!

With the Minions joining Father Christmas there’s bound to be plenty of fun, and a good sprinkling of mayhem in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida. Don’t forget to take your camera to capture all of the action, as with more than 100 performers taking part in the parade, it’s sure to be an amazing display. You’ll want to find a good spot to watch, as the detailed floats featuring an array of your favourite characters pass by. Wave to the Minions and characters from Shrek and Madagascar, and don’t forget to look out for the larger-than-life balloons that the Macy’s Parade in New York is famed for, drifting above the floats! The best place to view the parade is near the Macy's building or Revenge of the Mummy, as from here you will get to see the parade pass by and the added bonus of watching Father Christmas light up the Christmas tree. This spot is likely to be quite busy, so plan to arrive early!

If you are visiting the resort over the weekend then you might want to head to the Music Plaza in Universal Studios for some festive tunes from Mannheim Steamroller. The group was formed in 1974 and are famed around the world for their Christmas music, which gives a modern twist to classic seasonal hits. If you want to get a seat in the Plaza then you will need to arrive early! If you would just like to listen to the music as you make your way around the park you should easily be able to hear the tunes from outside the concert area.

Over at Islands of Adventure you banish any grouchiness as you explore Seuss Landing! Filled with holiday decorations and special touches for fans of Dr Seuss’ books you’ll love discovering this whimsical world. While you are here, get in line for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. With music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller you will be treated to a live retelling, with plenty of singing and dancing, of the classic Dr Seuss story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Running several times through the day, make sure that you get in the queue at Seuss Landing about thirty minutes before the show is scheduled to start. It’s likely that the earlier shows will be quieter, so it might be advisable to see the performance as soon as you can!

While you are in Seuss Landing, look out for the resident Whos that you have watched in the show as they roam around spreading holiday cheer and interacting with guests. If you head to the Seuss Landing bookshop you can even get an autograph and a photo with the Grinch himself. Enjoy a buffet breakfast with a difference if you book a table at The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous between 8am and 10am. As you enjoy munching on your breakfast you will also meet the Grinch as he stops at your table and poses for a memorable photo!

The big draw for many of you however, will be the holiday offerings at the Harry Potter attractions in both parks, as you are met with beautiful festive decorations and Christmas lights to get you in the spirit of the season! Throughout the Wizarding World of Harry Potter you’ll be stunned by the amount of detail put in to the decorations outside the shops, where the essence of the store is carefully incorporated into every little detail. Make sure you stop and look carefully!

Start your journey in Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and enjoy the festive drinks and treats, including hot butterbeer! Over in King’s Cross Station, listen to the buskers who are singing Christmas favourites and make sure that you catch a performance from the singing sorceress Celestina Warbeck. Modelled on Shirley Bassey, Celestina, who is incidentally Molly Weasley’s favourite singer, is accompanied by the Banshees backing group and will belt out songs such as My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas, and A Witch and Wizard’s Wintry Wondrous Land!

Catch the magical Hogwarts Express train to Islands of Adventure, where over in Hogsmeade there is more singing, though this time with an amphibian twist! Listen to the Frog Choir, where students from each Hogwarts house are joined by giant frogs who sing magical tunes, such as The Most Magical Yule Ball of All and even the Muggle favourite We Wish You a Merry Christmas. As the sun sets, head towards the Castle for the spectacular The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, a seven-minute projection-mapping and firework show on the walls of the castle, which occurs roughly every 20 minutes until the park closes. Be amazed as Hogwarts is transformed into a winter wonderland and brought to life with students on broomsticks, fairies creating a Christmas tree, the resident ghosts singing carols, a recreation of the Yule Ball and plenty of other stunning magical moments – the perfect way to end your day of adventures!

With so much to see and do, alongside the regular shows and rides in the resort, you’ll need to check your park map to make sure that you don’t miss anything that you want to catch! If you are heading to Universal over the Christmas period or have been before, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch on our Facebook or Twitter!