The Universal Orlando Resort 2020 Holidays are almost over so get to the theme parks soon so you can enjoy the holiday celebration through January 3, 2021!
Although the holiday celebrations look a little different this year to align with the enhanced health and safety procedures, new events were revealed that I happened to like even better including the all-new “Universal’s Holiday Experience featuring Macy’s Balloons” where you can get up close to the iconic balloons!
NEW! Universal’s Holiday Experience featuring Macy’s Balloons at Universal Studios Florida
A tradition in our house is to watch Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and this year you can actually get up close to the balloons! At the “Universal’s Holiday Experience featuring Macy’s Balloons” you walk along a pathway where you can see the holiday staples like reindeers and the Nutcracker and characters from popular animated films, including the mischievous Minions from Illumination’s “Despicable Me” and “Minions” films, Gingy, The Gingerbread Man, from DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” movies and the penguins from DreamWorks Animation’s “Madagascar” franchise.
There are also amazing characters to interact with and don't forget to get a selfie!
And at the end you can see the main man himself, Santa Claus, where you can take a socially-distanced picture.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
What is more beautiful than the streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley? How about adding some holiday flare with themed decorations, garlands and lights! There are also special holiday-themed performances including Muggle Christmas carols from the Frog Choir and the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensations, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.
NEW! First-Ever Holiday Tribute Store
A Tribute Store dedicated to the Holidays debuted this year at Universal Studios Florida for the holiday season. The store, located in the New York area, is comprised of four rooms – including one inspired by Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch – stocked with new merchandise and seasonal food items.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch and Who-liday Character Appearances at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
If there's one character that always reminds me of Christmas it's Santa! But the second would be the Grinch! The mean green man makes an appearance at Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Universal’s Holiday Character Celebration at Universal Studios Florida
Characters arrive on festive parade floats during “Universal’s Holiday Character Celebration.” You can watch characters perform special holiday show moments and then take socially distanced photos after the performances. Characters include the Minions and other beloved characters from Illumination’s “Despicable Me” and “Minions” films, and with DreamWorks Animation’s treasured family of Shrek characters and King Julien and the crew from the “Madagascar” franchise.
Holiday Tree Hunt
Guests can purchase the Holiday Tree Hunt and then go on a search for 16 holiday-themed trees scattered throughout various merchandise locations in the theme parks and CityWalk. Guests will receive a brochure where they’ll have to collect stamps to mark their visit to each stop. Those who successfully complete the entire hunt will receive an exclusive Holiday Tree Hunt-branded ornament.
Holiday Treat Trail
You can also participate in the Holiday Treat Trail. Just grab a Holiday Treat Trail brochure with a list of specialty food and beverage menu items and those who purchase all qualifying items at select dining venues will receive a special sweet treat as a reward!
Universal Orlando continues to implement enhanced health and safety procedures and is focused on “screening, spacing and sanitization,” and those practices will be applied to all of the holiday experiences as well. Key measures include screening guests and team members, enforcing social distancing, requiring face coverings, limiting capacity at the parks, attractions and hotels, and increasing cleaning and disinfection procedures and more.