Universal Studios Hollywood has officially flipped the switch on the holidays, and subtlety is nowhere to be found. The park has transformed into a full-scale winter spectacle, complete with towering trees, glittering garlands, and enough themed food to keep even the Grinch himself happy.
At Universal Plaza, the 65-foot Grinchmas tree twists skyward in all its Seussian glory, anchoring a celebration that includes character meet-and-greets, story time with Cindy Lou Who, and nightly tree-lighting ceremonies complete with music and snowfall. The Grinch remains the reigning king of chaos, greeting guests with his signature blend of charm and mild emotional sabotage.
Photo: Heather Brooker/KFI News
Over in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade has been dressed to the nines with wreaths, garlands, and twinkling lights that make it feel like the Yule Ball is about to break out at any moment. After dark, Hogwarts Castle comes alive with a holiday projection show that’s equal parts magic and bragging rights for anyone holding a camera.
Not to be outdone, Super Nintendo World has also joined the festivities, decking out the Mushroom Kingdom in seasonal décor that makes Bowser’s Castle look downright cheerful. It’s a rare moment when Mario, the Grinch, and a fire-breathing turtle villain all agree on a theme.
Of course, no holiday celebration is complete without the food, and Universal has fully committed. Grinch-themed treats, oversized doughnuts, loaded hot dogs, Who-holiday funnel cakes, and enough brightly colored icing to concern a dentist are available throughout the park. In Hogsmeade, classic warm drinks and seasonal sweets offer a more traditional (and slightly less neon) holiday experience. Some of the food includes:
· Who-Hash: Loaded tater tots with brisket sauce, grilled onions and dressing
· Klubwich: Turkey, swiss cheese, ham and bacon topped with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes, served on toasted bread with curly fries
· Dumpit to Crumpit Onion Rings: Onion rings loaded with chicken, bacon, jalapenos and white queso
· Who-Wreath Salad: Mixed green salad, candied pecans, apples, raspberries and pomegranate seeds served with raspberry vinaigrette
· Stick a Doodle Corn Dog: Corn dog coated in cheddar cheese sauce and cereal, served with curly fries
· Who-B-Q Roast Beastwich: Beef brisket, honey barbecue corn chips, pickles and barbecue sauce on a spiral croissant bun, served with curly fries
· Gooey Gobble Melt: Turkey and swiss cheese melt with creamy slaw and cranberry aioli, served with curly fries
· The Roast Beast-less Loaf: Plant-based meatloaf served with roasted brussels sprouts and garlic herb mashed potatoes
· Max’s Hot Dog: Giant 22” hot dog with chili, cheese and fried potato strings
· Desserts: Heart Grew 3 Sizes Cookie, 2 Sizes Too Small Cupcake, Grinch™ Donut, Max’s Gingerbread Blondie, Who Pudding, Who-bilation Funnel Cake and Grinchmas Kettle Corn
· Beverages: Grinch’s™ Heart Lemonade, Who Cold Brew, Who-ville Snowball Fight hot cocoa, Reindeer in Training Ginger Ale, Hot Apple Cider, Classic & spiked hot cocoa
Whether you're here for the decor, the entertainment, or the snacks that could double as small architecture, the park’s seasonal offerings make one thing clear: Universal has no intention of letting December sneak by quietly.
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