Grinchmas and Best of 2018 at Universal Studios Hollywood

The Wholidays are here and The Grinch has taken over as the year closes with "Christmastime in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter" in full swing too. We check out the latest offerings, find out more about what’s next for NYE and look back on the best of 2018 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood!Courtesy of Kidzworld

Grinchmas

Expect busy crowds the closer it gets to "Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood." It’s the Whobilation, as the characters from [kwlink ]Dr. Seuss’[/kwlink] beloved Christmas tale invite us to celebrate with them in a flurry of shows and nightly tree lighting ceremonies taken over by the Grinch. There are so many fun activities like sending letters to Santa and yummy treats like a Grinch Cupcake and Gingerbread hot cocoa to sip on while waiting in line to meet the Mean Green Mr. Grinch or his trusty best friend Max the dog!

The Grinch!Courtesy of Kidzworld

Before the tree lighting ceremonies, there are lively performances by the citizens of Whoville like Martha May and the Who Dolls and Wholiday Singers that aren’t to be missed with fun interactions with the Whos as they embrace you in the spirit of the season--while the Grinch yells at anything within earshot.

Winter: Wholiday SingersCourtesy of Kidzworld

Grinch gonna Grinch but we love him.

Be sure to time your viewing spots for any of the shows in your itinerary. Since the space is particularly small, there are multiple viewings you can catch if you plan ahead. Most of the rides are open so it’s always good to start at the lower lot rides and work your way up for all the holiday action on the upper lot with Grinchmas and the Wizarding World.

Winter: WhobilationCourtesy of Kidzworld

Wizarding World

Be prepared to also wait in line to get into this area at night, especially if you check it out after the Grinchmas tree lighting. Waves of folks come in and out to see the Christmas Nighttime Lights on Hogwarts Castle and to see the Snow in Hogsmeade. The earlier shows have a long wait into the land but moves relatively fast as folks pour out of the first couple shows. If you want to hit this first, be sure to get into the land before 4 pm before the outside queue starts up.

Winter: Christmas Lights on HogwartsCourtesy of Kidzworld

Once inside don’t forget to grab a warm butterbeer, because it’s SO tasty from the Three Broomsticks, catch the Frog Choir and ride Forbidden Journey. A tip though, as more folks wait to see the show on the castle, the line to get on the ride tends to be shorter than usual.

Winter: Butterbeer CartCourtesy of Kidzworld

Holiday Shopping

There are so many amazing gift ideas available! We saw so many things we wanted to get for relatives and ourselves. There’s truly something for everybody and amazing Holiday decor to bring home the magic. In the "Wizarding World", there are Hogwarts House Stockings, Ornaments, the newest wands from Crimes of Grindelwald, amazing Hogwarts fashion and robes, and so much more. And new for this year, you can get items wrapped Owl Post style like in the Harry Potter films with shipping around the country included. We love the details on this for that special Harry Potter fan in your life.

Owl Post PackagingCourtesy of Kidzworld

Outside of Harry Potter, there’s great Grinch stuff, Transformers toys, Jurassic World gear and Universal Monsters merch as well as anything you can think of under the Universal Umbrella. A lot of times many items are theme park exclusives that you can't get anywhere else.

The Grinch merchandiseCourtesy of Kidzworld

Looking Ahead at NYE and Minions Run

To ring in the New Year, Universal Studios is preparing for Hollywood’s biggest NYE celebration. With EVE 2019 on December 31^st, park guests can enjoy a full day of fun and well past when the ball drops at midnight. Play all day and party all night as Universal turns into a giant party the whole family can enjoy featuring DJ’s, special dining options, live music, and a countdown fireworks spectacular! They will even offer packages to celebrate in style that will include lounges and buffets as well as VIP areas with commemorative party favors.

Dance the night away at EVE at Universal Studios HollywoodCourtesy of Universal Studios

And in May 2019, Universal Studios will introduce its all-new “Running Universal”, which is a series of family-friendly marathons. The inaugural Minion Run will take place on Saturday May 11^th, 2019 for all marathon vacation enthusiasts. Attendees of all ages (5 years or older) will be able to wind their way through the backlot and immersive studio tour areas. Start your planning now if this is an event you wanna do with friends and family!

Run wihth Minions!Courtesy of Universal Studios

A Look Back….

Here’s a gallery looking back on Grinchmas, Halloween Horror Nights, The DreamWorks Theater and summer in the Wizarding World in our best of 2018 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Summer: Hogwarts Express Day Courtesy of Kidzworld

Summer: DreamWorks Theater Courtesy of Kidzworld

Slytherin Summer Lights Courtesy of Kidzworld

Summer: Studio Tour Norman Bates Courtesy of Kidzworld

Fall: Universal Studios Hollywood Globe Courtesy of Kidzworld

Fall: The Forbidden Journey Courtesy of Kidzworld

Fall: The Bride of Frankenstein Courtesy of Kidzworld

Fall: Trick r' Treat Sam Courtesy of Kidzworld

Fall: Universal Monsters Maze Courtesy of Kidzworld

Fall: Owl Post Store Front Courtesy of Kidzworld

Winter: Grinchmas Lights Courtesy of Kidzworld

Winter: Grinchmas Tree Courtesy of Kidzworld

Winter: Upsidedown tree Courtesy of Kidzworld

Winter: Whobilation Celebration Courtesy of Kidzworld

Winter: Hogsmeade Entrance Christmas Courtesy of Kidzworld

Here’s to an amazing 2019!

Share your thoughts!

Have you gone to Universal Studios Hollywood this year? What was your favorite thing about your visit? Are you planning on going next year? What are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below!