Top 5 reasons to visit Universal Studios Hollywood over the holidays
Universal Studios Hollywood is always a magical place to visit. However, during the holidays, it has the extra pizzazz that makes it worth braving the crowds. Need convincing?
Here are my top 5 reasons for visiting during the holiday season. Merry Grinchmas!
1. Grinchmas
The Grinch takes over the heart of the theme park at Universal Plaza. A 60-foot-tall Grinchmas tree towers over huge Christmas tree-sized presents. It’s the perfect spot for that holiday card photo. You also can grab a snapshot with the Grinch and his devoted sidekick, Max. Then sit down and hear Cindy Lou Who share the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Grinchmas events are held on December weekend plus the days leading up to Christmas and New Years Day.
2. Holiday music
It wouldn’t be Hollywood without great entertainment! Holiday music is constantly playing throughout the theme park, and street singers are rocking holiday classics. Make your way to Who-ville in Universal Plaza to hear Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls or The Who-liday Singers sing Christmas favorites, spreading Christmas cheer with style!
3. Help trim the town
Nearly the entire park is donned with Christmas decorations. All the Minions are looking extra merry and festive at Super Silly Fun Land. Christmas trees and trimmings are everywhere you go!
You even can help with the decorating by designing your own ornament for a park tree or take one home for your own tree.
4. Take part in the season of giving
Stop by the Who-ville Post Office and send the Grinch a postcard, promising three good deeds. As part of the Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes campaign, the publishers of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! will donate a copy of the book to a child in need on your behalf.
KidTripster Tip: Before visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, pull the book off your shelf and read it with the kids!
5. Hot butterbeer
If you’re looking for even more magic this holiday season, head to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and grab some hot butterbeer. The Hogsmeade classic comes to Universal Studios Hollywood just in time for the cooler weather. Universal labs spent three years perfecting this recipe, earning J.K. Rowling’s stamp of approval as the official taste of butterbeer. Grab a warm mug at Three Broomsticks or Hogs Head Pub. Consider pairing it with a side of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor beans or a chocolate frog.
KidTripster Tip: Butterbeers are super sweet! You may want to split one with your child.
For tips on beating the holiday crowds, click here.
For more on Universal Studios Hollywood, including the best spots for families to eat and stay, click here.
For an insider’s guide to the must-dos at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, read here. Or to see what it’s like to be a VIP at the WWHP, click here.
Tamara Duricka Johnson is a Los Angeles-based journalist and author. Always up for an adventure, Tamara met her husband while tackling a self-induced dating challenge: a month packed with first dates while exploring New York City’s best sites. You can read all about it in her award-winning memoir, “31 Dates in 31 Days.” These days, she’s a master multitasker, wrangling two kids in one hand and typing with the other hand.
This writer received complimentary admission for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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