How to live the Christmas season and what are the news that you cannot miss

In the blink of an eye, America’s theme parks go from the pumpkins, ghosts and witches of Halloween to carols, illuminated trees and the spirit of Christmas.

With the magic of Harry Potter as its greatest ally, Universal parks already have a calendar set up to celebrate, both on the east coast (in Orlando) and on the west coast (Los Angeles). And they have also announced their plans for next year, among which the inauguration of a fourth park in the state of Florida stands out.

Precisely, on November 22, with the imminent Thanksgiving Thursday and Black Friday on the horizon, Universal Orlando Resort launched its Christmas celebration season, which will extend until December 31.

In turn, in the state of California, Universal Studios Hollywood will fully experience the Holidays from November 29 to January 6, 2025.

But as happens every year, surprises give no respite to visitors at both ends of the American map, led by the Grinch and the original proposal of “Grinchmas” (pun between Grinch and Christmas) in the park Universal Islands of Adventure.

These days, the grumpy, green character who hates consumerism and the ephemeral goodness of people during the Holidays, takes center stage in the Dr. Seuss area with a live version of How the Grinch Stole Christmasin the show Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.

and the area Seuss Landing transports everyone to Who-ville non-stop, with extravagant Christmas decorations and special appearances by the Whos and the Grinch himself. For a separate cost, they also offer themed breakfasts called The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast on specific dates at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous.

As part of admission to the park, you can enjoy festive experiences inspired by the most beloved stories and characters.

As many know, the area The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) covers the parks Universal Studios Florida y Universal Islands of Adventure (both are connected by the mythical train Hogwarts Express).

At this time the garlands and lights of the cobbled alley stand out. Diagon Alley and the people of Hogsmeade. Adults and children enjoy a Butterbeer (butterbeer is served hot or cold, and there is even a vegan version) and watch the choral performances of the Frog Choir and the night show “Christmas Magic at Hogwarts Castle”which consists of a projection on the walls with Christmas moments inspired by the movies.

Not to be missed: the parade Universal’s Holiday Parade con Macy’swhere the characters from Despicable Me, Shrek and Madagascar, by DreamWorks Animation, appear, recreated in giant balloons and colorful floats. The parade has a perfect closing with Santa Claus and a 24 meter Christmas tree at Universal Studios Florida.

Themed food and drinks, merchandising seasonal and scavenger hunt round out the celebrations, along with decorations at all eight Orlando hotels and additional experiences like the Universal Holiday Tour.

What does it consist of? On select dates, guests can take a guided tour of the destination’s most popular holiday experiences, including a meet-and-greet with the Grinch and his faithful dog Max, festive dishes, seating at the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacularthe opportunity to greet Santa Claus, the screening at Hogwarts Castle and priority access to the new attraction of Villain-Con Minion Blast.

The tour costs US$79.99 per person and a separate theme park admission is required with a 1-day – 2-park ticket. The ticket for 1 day and 1 park costs from US$ 119 (children, US$ 114), while the ticket for 1 day and 2 parks costs US$ 174 (children, US$ 169).

While the immersive experience has just been released Wicked: The ExperienceWhen you hear screams they usually come from roller coasters Hollywood RIP Ride Rockit o Jurassic World VelociCoasterwith 360 degree inversions and more than 1,430 meters of track that reaches extreme speeds of up to 112 kilometers per hour.

Also among life-size dinosaurs, navigation in Jurassic Park River Adventure It ends with a big fall into the water.

But those who want to get more wet can go to the water park Volcano Baywith slides, artificial rivers and even a beach.

Regarding the shopping, gastronomy and entertainment trip Universal CityWalkis also decorated and its restaurants serve allegorical menus. For next year, Universal has already announced that it will expand the official store on this ride Universal Studios Storewhere it will include two new spaces dedicated to Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.

Universal Studios Hollywood Not only does it offer to experience your “Grinchmas” and a unique Christmas in the Harry, Ron and Hermione area, but the magic of the Holidays extends to Super Nintendo Worldwhich celebrates with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad. A tree adorned with a Super Star, a wreath and two snowmen with red and green accessories greet guests for a memorable photo op.

At Universal Studios Hollywood, 1- or 2-day tickets start at US$109 (children, US$103), with different package variants and promotions.

To visit this park, a good accommodation alternative is the Sheraton Universal Hotelsince it is located in the heart of Universal City and a few meters from Universal Studios Hollywood, which can be reached on foot or by car. shuttles free.

With 466 total rooms and 29 suites, 17 event rooms, the great view of the 21st floor facing the Hollywood Hills, the hotel won the 2023 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice and the 2024 Gold Badge from US News and World Reports.

This park in Los Angeles celebrated this year the 60th Anniversary of the Studio Tourwith the historic trams that travel around the film sets of famous films and the sets of New York or the fictional Amity Island of Shark.

Movie fans can witness “an earthquake in the San Francisco subway” or see the houses and cars after the San Francisco plane crash. war of the worlds.

Super Nintendo World opened in 2023, with attractions such as Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. Meanwhile, boys with wands and Gryffindor or Slytherin robes wander the streets and businesses of Hogsmeade, and enjoy the classic attractions Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey y Flight of the Hippogriff.

A few meters away, the dinosaurs come to life in Jurassic World – The Rideand each one chooses between Transformerslos Minions and the roller coasters of The Mummy o The Simpsons.

The festivities continue throughout the shopping complex Universal CityWalk Hollywoodwhich has an imposing Christmas tree with more than 200 thousand lights, live bands, DJ performances and street artists.

Until the end of the year, this walk celebrates the 50th anniversary of global pop icon Hello Kitty: there is a special menu in the cafe Hello Kitty and Friends with cookies, candy and drinks, as well as limited-edition merchandise (backpacks, notebooks, plushies, mugs and more) at the new Sanrio Smile Shop and the Animation Studio Store inside the park. Wearing a pink dress, the beloved Hello Kitty character takes photos with people.

In 2025, the Los Angeles park will present Universal Fan Fest Nightsa new interactive and immersive, separately ticketed event that replicates the most fascinating worlds of science fiction, fantasy, gaming and anime. It will be developed by the creators of the acclaimed and award-winning Halloween Horror Nights.

In this way, new experiences will be presented, such as those inspired by Star Trek, Back to the Future and Dungeons & Dragons (D&D).

The countdown to the new park has officially begun Universal Epic Universe: will open on May 22, 2025. Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park will have five extraordinary worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter -Ministry of Magic (in Spanish, Ministry of Magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter), Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk y Dark Universe.

The most ambitious project of the Universal Destinations and Experiences company promises more than 50 experiences, innovative attractionsentertainment, restaurants and themed shops.

Furthermore, there will be three new hotels jointly owned and operated by Loews: sister properties Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the majestic Universal Helios Grand Hotel.

Within Epic and inspired by mythological and astronomical themes, it will offer 500 rooms, unique views and an exclusive entrance for its guests.

“Our universe will never be the same,” said Karen Irwin, president and CEO of Universal Orlando.