My favorite time of year is Christmas. I love Halloween and all things scary, but Christmas just makes me happy. The Christmas season goes so fast, I work hard to cram in as many holiday events as possible. Staying in the holiday spirit can be tough with all the stressful things going on in the world, but living in SoCal, where we don’t get snow to symbolize winter, it’s awesome to be able to celebrate the holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. The pretty lights, the snow, the holiday spirit — you can’t find it anywhere else the same way!
This year, there are a lot of big things in the work for the holidays at Universal Studios, and Grinchmas is just one of them! Check out this list from the recent press release.
The addition of nightly glistening snowfall to “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will enhance the yuletide spirit that resonates throughout the land as HogwartsTM castle transforms into a dazzling light projection spectacular and the quaint town of Hogsmeade village shines brightly with décor uniquely themed to each of the individual storefronts.
The annual holiday reunites the a cappella Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant throaty frogs, who return to entertain guests with their harmonized holiday themed songs.
A wide selection of custom-made Christmas ornaments created especially for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will also be available. Collectibles include a variety of decorative Hogwarts castle snow globes, Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the houses, as well as a collection of unique tree toppers and house pennant garland.
Newly introduced holiday-themed fare and hot Butterbeer will further complement the overall experience.
“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will take place daily from November 17, 2018 through January 6, 2019.
As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Magic of Christmas at HogwartsTM Castle” will illuminate Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with colorful imagery and impressive dimensional animations that dance across Hogwarts castle in tandem to a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies.
“Grinchmas™” returns to Universal Studios Hollywood with a Who-lebration of fun fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos. The annual event comes to life with a towering 60- foot tall whimsical “Grinchmas” tree where Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls will take center stage performing energetic musical sets to usher in the Christmas season in style. The Who-liday Singers—a hip boy-band ensemble—will perform a cappella concerts featuring a mix of Christmas favorites and pop rock.
“Grinchmas” will take place weekends on December 1-2 and 8-9, and daily from December 14 through December 30, 2018.
Are you planning on going? I’m going to take the kids at least once, if not more. I like to get on the tram and visit Whoville, then enjoy hot Butterbeer over in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
I always celebrate the holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. I love walking up the red carpet through the bedazzled front gates. They’re covered in so much glitz and glam in Christmas colors that you are excited the minute you walk through the entryway.
Last year, I got to meet up with the infamous Grinch. First, he followed us onto the backlot tram tour. He did a little dance, growled at us and we were on our way, laughing. Then we found him over in Whoville, giving his typical grinch grimace.
Then he laughed — who knew? His heart really IS three sizes bigger now! The photo opp experience is fun, though the lines are long so be patient as the wait is totally worth it. Don’t miss seeing the Whoville tree light up at night — the schedule will be on the handout they give you at the gate.
There is a tree lighting ceremony at night that puts this already beautiful tree to shame. Stay as late as you can so you experience it fully as well as the light show over in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Learn more over at the Universal Studios Hollywood website — merry Grinchmas to you!
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