Universal Orlando Resort celebrates the holidays with the best of the parks and special offers

The holidays return to Universal Orlando Resort from November 12 to January 1, 2023, with the best of the season, lots of festive characters, and one not-so-festive character.

It’s one of my favourite times of year at Universal Orlando, with fun for kids and adults.

Awesome holiday highlights include special food and treats, The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, Universal’s Holiday Tour, photo opportunities, Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, and all of the hotels will be decked out for the festivities too.

Guests can enjoy a special guided tour with Universal’s Holiday Tour on select dates at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The tour includes special access to experiences, like meeting the Grinch and his dog Max for hot cocoa and desserts, and reserved seating at Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.

Tour guests also get the chance to see an exclusive, after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.

Tours start on November 13 for $79.99 with the purchase of a 2-Park 1-Day Park-to-Park ticket.

Or if you just want some time with the Grinch, plan on meeting him at The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Guests can start their day at the resort with breakfast and Dr. Seuss characters at Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous with dates starting on November 12.

The price for adults is $41.99, while children are $26.99, and theme park tickets are also required.

And there’s lots more, including Mannheim Steamroller returns for concerts on select dates.

Guests looking for a deal can take advantage of the “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free” with up to 30% off on packages including five nights of accommodations at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal’s Aventura Hotel.

All eight of Universal Orlando’s hotels will be decorated for the holidays, there are holiday feasts and special activities, and guests can enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays, with menorah lighting ceremonies, holiday crafts for kids, and more.

Visit universalorlando.com/holidays for all the details and to take advantage of special deals. Watch my video with a look back at highlights from the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort.

Top two images courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort. All other images by W. Andrew Powell/The GATE.