This is my favorite time of the year and it’s not because of presents. During this time, the weather begins to cool (a rather infrequent occurrence in Florida), families and friends bond more closely, holiday decorations pop up, holiday music is played, and festive drinks and snacks are eaten. This truly is the “most wonderful time of the year.” And as suggested in the song “Home for the Holidays,” there really is “no place like home for the holidays,” but hey, I consider Orlando my second home, which is why Universal Orlando is such a spectacular place to visit during this time of the year. Throughout the resort, including the on-site hotels, you’ll find festive decor and more to make your vacation jolly. Follow along for additional activities you should take part in during your trip this season.
Adore the Holiday Decorations
Take in the beauty of the festive decorations placed throughout Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure’s Seuss Landing (other “islands” are slightly decorated). You can find an enormous Christmas tree placed in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida and garland, miniature Christmas trees, wreaths, ornaments, and tons of bright lights throughout the park. The atmosphere is beyond incredible!
Watch the Holiday Parade
The Macy’s Holiday Parade is a staple of Universal Studios Florida’s holiday event, and this year marks the parade’s 15th anniversary. The parade will run every afternoon; it features larger-than-life balloons brought directly from the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Watch Mannheim Steamroller
Head to Universal Studios Florida’s Music Plaza for live performances by Mannheim Steamroller throughout December. Grab a snack (and a hot drink) and enjoy the show. This is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!
Watch a Holiday Show
The Macy’s Holiday Parade and Mannheim Steamroller performances aren’t where the fun ends. In addition to this, you can watch festive shows including Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, the Blues Brothers, and the Barney show.
In Islands of Adventure’s Seuss Landing, The Grinch himself, his dog Max, and the Whos from Who-ville star in the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, which retells the tale of Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch. The special showing of the Blues Brothers show takes place in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida with live performances of festive songs by Jake and Elwood and snow at the end of each show. And in Universal Studios Florida’s KidZone, kids can watch A Barney Holiday for a musical show full of songs.
Visit the On-Site Hotels
If you’re not staying at a Universal Orlando on-site hotel, consider boarding the resort water taxi or hopping on board a shuttle bus to visit one or more of the on-site hotels. Each hotel on property is completely decked out with festive decorations; the hotels also provide activities for guests to enjoy and events such as a Christmas tree and Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony, holiday buffets, parties, and more. And you don’t necessarily have to be staying at the hotels to participate. You can find full details about each hotels’ activities here.
You can get the most out of your trip this holiday season using our complimentary planning guide, which includes tips, touring plans, and more.
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