by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Fri October 9, 2026
Universal Studios Hollywood will kick off its 2026 holiday
celebration on November 21, bringing back seasonal favorites including
Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, while
introducing Illumination’s Merry Minions.
The festivities will run daily through January 3, 2027, and
are included with regular theme park admission.
Grinchmas Returns With 65-Foot Christmas Tree
Grinchmas will transform Universal Plaza into a festive
Who-ville celebration featuring a 65-foot Christmas tree decorated with
colorful ornaments and thousands of LED lights. Travelers can meet the Grinch,
his dog Max, and other Who-ville residents, while evening tree-lighting
ceremonies will feature simulated snowfall.
Additional entertainment includes Cindy-Lou Who reading “How
the Grinch Stole Christmas” and musical performances by The Fah-Who 4 A’s.
Merry Minions Debuts Alongside Returning Holiday Experiences
For the first time, Illumination’s Merry Minions will bring
holiday decorations, character meet-and-greets, and seasonal food to Minion
Land.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will return
with festive decorations throughout Hogsmeade, seasonal performances by the
Frog Choir, and the nighttime “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” show.
Guests can also enjoy hot, cold, or frozen Butterbeer.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature holiday decorations,
including Mario and Luigi snowmen near a Christmas tree topped with a Super
Star.
At Universal CityWalk Hollywood, a 40-foot Christmas tree
illuminated by more than 200,000 LED lights will headline the seasonal
decorations. CityWalk admission is free, with live music, DJ sets, and street
performers scheduled for select evenings.
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