Holiday Celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood
‘Tis the season! Southern Californian Potter fans, rejoice – because Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating the festivities once again with Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and an array of themed celebrations, holiday exclusives, and activations all around the park that visitors can experience from November 28, 2019, through December 29, 2019. Here’s your guide to the action!
Much like the Dark Arts show, the “Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” light show is always a magical experience. Starting around 5:30–6:00p.m. and every 30 minutes after, gather in the area from the castle to the performance stage to watch the castle light up with a 7-minute state-of-the-art projection mapping and special effects show.
The show starts with an intro with caroling Hogwarts ghosts before taking you through a snow day with Harry and his friends. Then re-experience memorable book moments such as the Yule Ball from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Fred and George Weasley’s firework goodbye in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It’s a must-see sight for all nostalgic fans who want to relive the series and a perfect way to finish off a long day in the park.
TIP: The first show will always be at capacity, but if you’re as patient as a Hufflepuff, you can come by for the last 3 – 4 showings to get a better view! We recommend the Frog Choir stage. Although the show is absolutely magical and is best seen in person, we’ve provided a video for those who aren’t able to make it to the park this holiday season.
Throughout the day, the Hogwarts Frog Choir also delivers acapella medleys of holiday-themed tunes (our personal favorite was the catchy “I Cast a Spell on Father Christmas”).
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood
Tired from walking around the park? Stop by the Three Broomsticks for a special holiday feast. Traditional British options such as Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken, Bangers and Mash, and the Chicken and Ribs Platter are ready to be ordered. And if you have a group, go ahead and splurge on the Christmas exclusive GREAT FEAST – a platter of smoked spareribs, rotisserie chicken, steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, and corn on the cob, served with a large garden salad on the side, gravy, and cranberry sauce. The meal comes out to $69.99 for four people.
Also available is warm butterbeer along with a few holiday-themed sweets at Honeydukes, such as ginger newt cookies and butterbeer fudge. If you prefer your butterbeer chilled, never fear – the year-round cold, fudge, and ice cream versions are still available as well!
When you’ve ridden all the rides and sampled all the treats, both savory and sweet, there’s plenty of shopping to be done! Tucked here and there within Hogsmeade are shops carrying a variety of holiday-themed Potter merch. From stockings and tree decorations to snowglobes and Hermione’s Yule Ball robe, there’s something to meet the needs of every witch or wizard who sets foot through every shop door.
And for those who are unable to Apparate or Floo powder down to Hogsmeade, these gifts are available online!
The Christmas magic does not stop at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Just outside of Hogsmeade, you can visit Grinchmas, where the classic Christmas film How the Grinch Stole Christmas comes to life. Take a stroll through Who-ville, where you’ll meet familiar Who citizens as well the Grinch himself (and his pet dog, Max). At the center of the “Who-bilation” is an all-new, state-of-the-art, topsy-turvy Christmas tree that is 55 feet in height and decorated with LED lights. Second-timers will notice the snow effect missing from Hogsmeade has moved to the tree lighting at the “Who-bilation,” which makes watching that big ol’ topsy-turvy tree come to life even better!
TIP: The line to meet the Grinch can be one of the longest ones out there; be sure to arrive early if you want to meet and greet with the man himself!
There truly is something for everyone at Universal Studios Hollywood! To learn more about planning a trip or any seasonal celebration, visit UniversalStudiosHollywood.com!
