The holiday season is upon us and the yearly changes that come to theme parks are here too! Universal Orlando has been decked out for the holiday season with seasonal decorations up in the hotels, new merchandise, and much more. This year’s holiday event is called Not Even The Grinch Can Steal The Holidays This Year.

Like everything in 2020, some experiences have changed to accommodate social distancing and reduced park capacity. We’ve pulled together a few of the bigger changes that have come to Universal Orlando this holiday season so you know what to expect for your December trip!

Universal’s Holiday Parade: Macy’s Walkthrough Experience

Though there would usually be a holiday parade that goes through the streets of Universal Orlando, 2020 has brought some changes to this event. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is taking a unique approach this year by way of being a walkthrough experience for 2020. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with all of the different balloons and floats that take inspiration from films like Despicable Me and Shrek.

While it’s definitely different, you do get the unique opportunity to see some pretty large floats and balloons in a new light, including reindeer and nutcrackers.

Holiday Characters

Holiday characters are making a return to Universal Orlando as usual! The Grinch and some of the Whos from Whoville can be found in Seuss Landing specifically while other characters can be found for photos and interactions throughout the parks. Characters from Shrek, Despicable Me, and Madagascar can all be found in Universal’s Holiday Character Celebration which sees the characters rolling out across the park on parade floats.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Definitely a guest favorite part of the park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is magical in its own right but even more so during the holiday season!. Both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are decorated for the holidays, with lights, wreaths, and garlands on display. 

Musical shows to check out include Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees and the Hogwarts Frog Choir all perform seasonal songs like “My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas” and “Christmas at Carols” respectively.

While Universal Orlando’s holiday offerings have changed this year in response to the pandemic, there’s still plenty of seasonal fun to be had in the parks!