Universal Studios Hollywood flips the holiday switch, and I can confirm the season has officially arrived. From Grinchmas to Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the park is glowing, singing, and even snowing. Add festive touches inside Super Nintendo World, and you have a must-visit holiday trip right now. Here is how to make the most of it, and what is racing toward 2026.
Holidays Are Live, Here Is What You Will See
Universal Studios Hollywood’s holiday celebration runs November 24, 2025 through January 4, 2026. The lineup is packed, and it is included with regular park admission. On the Upper Lot, the Grinchmas tree towers over a plaza filled with music, laughs, and meet and greets. Expect a nightly tree lighting, plus warm treats and plenty of photo moments.
Walk into Hogsmeade and the season turns cinematic. The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle plays on repeat after dusk, with projections and music that fill the village. Snow flurries fall, lights glow, and the Frog Choir leans into carols. It feels like stepping inside the film for the holidays.
Super Nintendo World leans festive as well. Garland wraps the land, and interactive holiday features connect with Power-Up Bands. Score special stamps, and listen for seasonal audio cues that surprise frequent visitors.
Holiday dates are November 24, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World are included with standard admission.
How To Plan Your Day And Beat The Crowds
Arrive early, then stay late. That window gives you short morning waits and the full evening lights. Start with headliners before 10 am. Mario Kart, Jurassic World, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey move quickest early. Save the Grinchmas tree lighting and Hogwarts projections for night, when the ambiance earns your time.
Transit matters here. The Metro B Line stops at Universal City, and the shuttle or pedestrian bridge brings you to CityWalk in minutes. Rideshare drop off is efficient before park close, less so right at closing time. If you drive, allow time for parking, and know that peak days back up at toll plazas.
Layer up. Los Angeles evenings in December turn cool, and the Lower Lot feels breezier. A light jacket and a portable battery for your phone will save your night. Keep an eye on showtimes posted at land entrances, then build your loop around those blocks, not the other way around.
Do rides at rope drop, do shows after sunset, then circle back to lower waits in the last hour. Single rider queues help at Mario Kart, Forbidden Journey, and Revenge of the Mummy.
Quick photo spots you should not miss
- The Grinchmas tree, best just after the lighting.
- Hogwarts Castle viewed from the Hogsmeade arch.
- Peach’s Castle in Super Nintendo World with holiday garland.
- The Studio Tour marquee at twilight, lights just flicked on.
Peak dates spike near Christmas week and New Year’s. Expect longer security lines and higher parking demand. Give yourself at least 45 extra minutes.
Inside The Experiences, What Stands Out
Grinchmas works best if you meet the Grinch earlier in the day, then return for the lighting. Lines for photos grow fast. Cindy-Lou’s storytime runs several times daily, so check the board early. The space welcomes kids, but adults get a kick out of the improv too.
Hogsmeade is patience rewarded. The projections run multiple cycles each night, and the later shows are calmer. Grab a hot Butterbeer, settle near the Owlery, and watch the lights wash across the rooftops. Leave time to catch the Frog Choir’s holiday set, since it rotates with other performances.
Super Nintendo World invites repeat play. Those holiday Power-Up Band stamps do not collect themselves, and extra coins help on a second Mario Kart run at night. The land’s lighting package also pops after dark, which lifts photos even if you visited earlier.
What Is Next, The Fast And Furious Piece
I can confirm the park’s skyline now hides a powerful secret, testing is well underway for Fast and Furious, Hollywood Drift. The new outdoor coaster has a 4,100 foot track, spinning ride vehicles, and top speeds up to 72 mph. Track work wrapped in April, with expanded testing through late 2025. The opening window is 2026.
This will be the fastest coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood, and it changes the park’s ride balance. Expect a major new anchor for thrill seekers, with speed and movement the park has not offered in years. If you visit this holiday season, you can already spot sections of track from select vantage points. It is a tease, and it works.
Fan Fest Nights earlier this year kept the energy up with non scary, franchise driven evenings. The takeaway is simple, Universal is pacing its calendar well, and the holidays are the crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the holiday events included with admission?
A: Yes. Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are included with regular park tickets.
Q: When are the best times to visit during the holidays?
A: Midweek is calmer. Arrive before opening, then stay after sunset for the shows. The last hour can be very productive.
Q: Do I need a Power-Up Band for Super Nintendo World?
A: No, but it adds gameplay and holiday stamps. It is a fun add-on, especially for fans.
Q: Will Fast and Furious, Hollywood Drift be open for the 2025 holidays?
A: No. Testing is underway, and the opening window is 2026.
Q: How long do the holiday events run?
A: November 24, 2025 through January 4, 2026.
Universal Studios Hollywood is delivering a full holiday slate right now, and the future looks even faster. Plan your visit with purpose, catch the lights after dark, and keep an eye on that track. The next big ride is already humming, and that only raises the stakes for your next trip.
