From the heartwarming to the heart-stopping, events at Universal Studios Hollywood jazz up the holidays throughout the year. Here’s what to expect at this Los Angeles theme park.
Halloween at Universal Studios Hollywood
The theme park does some serious celebrating in September and October with its Halloween Horror Nights, a scare fest that’s not for the squeamish (nor the little ones—the experience is not recommended for kids under 13!). Of the numerous haunted houses—formerly known as the Halloween Horror Nights’ mazes—there is sure to be several that attract every stripe of scareseeker. Terror Tram follows a creepy maze of horror and other haunted houses bring classic horror movies and TV series to life, taking you through gloomy spaces and set recreations—you never know when werewolves, vampires, and or Chuckie dolls might jump out at you.
Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood
Winter holidays are another big draw, with Cindy Lou and her Who friends typically reading the Dr. Seuss classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas during Grinchmas. The Grinch himself and his faithful dog Max will be there, and the Who-ville post office will be accepting postcards with holiday messages (new this year are daily Who-Bee Doo-Wops musical performances). There’s also a nightly tree-lighting ceremony, with an appropriately whimsical, 65-foot topsy-turvy tree laden with ornaments, and even a picturesque evening snowfall.
Meanwhile, at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Christmas celebration, Hogsmeade will offer holiday-themed foods as well as a yuletide version of the summer light show. Drink Butterbeer and be held in the thrall of the Hogwarts Frog Choir until nightfall, when The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle spectacle, a dazzling, multi-sensory lightshow, commences at dusk. Mark your calendars—both the Harry Potter and Grinchmas events begin on November 24 and end on January 1.
To round things out, Universal CityWalk will be gussied up for the holiday season, a transformation that includes a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree featuring more than 200,000 LED lights, and will host concerts and nightly snowfalls.
Planning on being at another theme park this holiday season? Check out Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Seasonal Events at Knott’s Berry Farm, Seasonal Events at SeaWorld San Diego, and Holiday Events at LEGOLAND California.
