Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the Holidays with Grinchmas, Hot Butterbeer, and more!

in Events, Harry Potter, Theme Parks

The Grinch

The Grinch and Max at "Grinchmas" at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is about to bring in the holiday cheer with some great new experiences and opportunities for guests attending the park this holiday season! Whether you are taking a trip to Who-ville, partying with the Minions, or curling up for a nice hot cup of Butterbeer, there’s no denying that The Entertainment Capital of L.A. is ready to satisfy!

Grinchmas returns — with Minions?!

A grinchy-green “Grinchmas” returns to Universal Studios Hollywood with a Who-lebration fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos.  Holiday whimsy also will permeate throughout “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and the adjoining “Super Silly Fun Land” as a crew of very merry mischievous Minions spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages.

Universal Plaza, the elaborate grand piazza at the heart of the theme park, will once again serve as the backdrop for the “Grinchmas” event where the towering 60 foot tall whimsical “Grinchmas” tree will beautifully twist and spiral as the ideal photo opp for guests.  “Grinchmas” runs weekends on December 3-4 and 10-11, and daily from December 16 through January 1, 2017.

As part of the fab-Who-lous event, Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls will take center stage by the “Grinchmas” tree, performing energetic musical sets to usher in the Christmas season in style.  The Who-liday Singers – a hip boy-band ensemble – will perform nightly a cappella concerts featuring a mix of Christmas favorites and pop rock.

The spirited “Grinchmas” event will also capture guests’ imagination with a variety of inspiring activities designed to create long lasting memories. These include:

  • Who-ville Post Office – Visitors will have a chance to partake in the “Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes” campaign when they share their good deeds on a postcard and mail them to The Grinch. In return, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. and Random House Children’s Books, the publishers of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, will pay it forward by donating a book to a child in need through First Book on behalf of the sender.
  • Trim up the Tree Lot – Guests can design and personalize their own “Grinchmas” ornaments to help decorate the venue’s other “Grinchmas” trees or take them home as a memorable keepsake.
  • Story Time with Cindy-Lou WhoCindy-Lou Who and her Who friends will gather guests of all ages – tall and small – for an engaging storytelling show of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The spirit of “Grinchmas” also will come to life aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour with engaging performances by unforgettable Who-ville Whos re-enacting popular scenes and songs from the family favorite at the original film sets from the blockbuster film, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

"Grinchmas" at Universal Studios Hollywood
“Grinchmas” at Universal Studios Hollywood

Hot Butterbeer to warm you up

Delectable hot Butterbeer will complement the menu at Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head pub when “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood debuts this newest addition of the favorite beverage to its offerings of scrumptious fare.  Like its traditional and frozen counterparts, hot Butterbeer is reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread that’s been perfectly fine-tuned as a Hogsmeade holiday treat.

Santa and the massive Christmas tree

A spectacular 40-foot tall Christmas tree will glisten with 200,000 LED icicles choreographed to the lights and sounds of the season in the “5 Towers” plaza. Santa Claus will make nightly appearances and offer special photo opportunities at “5 Towers.” 

CityWalk brings the Holiday cheer

The iconic, dancing water fountain situated at the heart of CityWalk also will make a splash this holiday season. This modern and impressive fountain displaying over 230 individual power jets will project streams of choreographed water into the air complemented by red and green LED lights and an array of holiday-themed music.

Free concert performances at “5 Towers” and an eclectic ensemble of talented street performers will make CityWalk the ultimate L.A. holiday destination. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.


No matter how you slice it, there really is something for everybody at Universal Studios Hollywood during the holidays! But I want to hear from all of you: where is your favorite theme park to spread cheer? Let me know in the comments below, and stick with Inside the Magic for all things holly and jolly!

in Events, Harry Potter, Theme Parks

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