Universal Studios Hollywood Is Already Making Holiday Plans With The Grinch, Minions & Warm Butterbeer

Halloween Horror Nights are still scaring visitors to Universal Studios Hollywood, but the park is already making holiday plans.

Its annual holiday celebration will feature the return of “Grinchmas” and “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” along with the debut of “Illumination’s Merry Minions” and seasonal surprises at Super Nintendo World.

The holiday festivities run from Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, 2027, and are included with regular theme park admission.

Grinchmas will transform Universal Plaza, into a holiday-themed Who-ville featuring a 65-foot Christmas tree decorated with hundreds of ornaments and 200,000 LED lights. The 5 Towers stage will feature live music, DJs and street performers on select evenings. The Grinch, his dog Max and residents of Who-ville will be on hand to greet visitors. Tree-lighting ceremonies each evening will feature snowfall effects. There will also be Cindy-Lou Who reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The park’s Minion Land will feature Illumination’s Merry Minions, with the animated characters arrayed in holiday attire for meet-and-greet opportunities. The area will also offer seasonal decorations, themed food at Minion Cafe and holiday merchandise.

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade village will be decorated with lights, garlands and wreaths, while the Frog Choir performs holiday music several times a day, according to the park. A nighttime show, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, will feature holiday-themed projections and music from the films. Hot Butterbeer will also be available.

Super Nintendo World will feature decorations, including Mario and Luigi snowmen near a Christmas tree topped with a Super Star at the entrance to the Mushroom Kingdom.