Universal Studios Hollywood’s holiday celebration will introduce Illumination’s Merry Minions for the first time in 2026. Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will return, alongside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD holiday decorations.
The festivities extend to Universal CityWalk Hollywood, where a 40-foot Christmas tree will feature more than 200,000 LED lights.
- Dates: Daily from Saturday, November 21, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027.
- Theme park access: Holiday festivities are included with theme park admission.
- CityWalk access: Admission is free.
Grinchmas at Universal Plaza
Universal Plaza will host the Grinchmas Who-bilation, with a 65-foot tree covered in hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights. The tree-lighting ceremony will run multiple times each evening, accompanied by a snowfall flurry.
Guests can meet the Grinch, his dog Max and Who-ville Whos. Cindy-Lou Who will read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” while The Fah-Who 4 A’s will perform holiday melodies.
At the Who-ville post office, guests can send the Grinch postcards listing three good deeds. They can also decorate a Grinchmas paper ornament.
Sweet treats and park-exclusive Grinchmas merchandise will be available to purchase.
What’s coming to Minion Land?
Illumination’s Merry Minions will bring twinkling decorations and holiday décor to Illumination’s Minion Land.
The Minions will wear festive holiday outfits. Guests can meet them during a special seasonal meet-and-greet.
Seasonal bites will be available to purchase at Minion Cafe. A new Merry Minions merchandise collection will also be available.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Hogsmeade village will feature lights, garlands and seasonal wreaths decorating its snow-capped buildings. The Frog Choir will perform seasonal melodies multiple times a day.
After dark, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” will transform the castle with festive lights. Music from the Harry Potter film series will accompany the nighttime show.
Hot Butterbeer will be available. Guests can also order the cold or frozen versions and shop the village for special merchandise and keepsakes.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and CityWalk
Mario and Luigi snowmen will decorate the Mushroom Kingdom entrance at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. A holiday tree crowned with a Super Star will stand alongside them.
Special holiday merchandise will be available at retail locations throughout the theme park, including the land’s 1-UP Factory shop.
At CityWalk, the Universal Studios Store will carry an all-new holiday merchandise collection featuring fan-favorite franchises and seasonal experiences. The collection includes apparel, accessories and collectibles, plus home décor and ornaments.
The 5 Towers stage will host live music, DJ sets and interactive street performers on select evenings.
Watch the holiday rundown
Planning a Florida trip instead? Here’s the Universal Orlando holidays 2026 lineup. More TPS reading: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift and the Power-Up Band guide.
Source: Universal Studios Hollywood
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