UniversalParksBlog News for November 16th, 2025
Christmas has officially arrived at Universal Orlando Resort!
That’s a big deal at all the parks, but it’s particularly significant for one.
Universal
So, let’s discuss the holiday season…and next Halloween (?!) in UniversalParksBlog News.
Ho Ho Ho!
Universal
Okay, technically, I lied, as Grinchmas doesn’t officially begin until November 21st.
In my defense, I’ve been watching Hallmark holiday movies since the witching hour of Halloween.
Universal
So, I wasn’t about to wait another week or two to discuss this year’s Christmas decorations!
I’m not the only one, either. Influencers are doing their usual batch of holiday updates. Here’s Super Enthused:
You’ll note that it’s Dr. Seuss season at Seuss Landing, with three (!) characters greeting guests.
Through the end of the year, guests enjoy a rare opportunity to meet The Grinch, The Lorax, AND The Cat in the Hat.
That’s just one of the benefits of the holiday season at Universal Studios, and we all know the big one.
You can hang out with the Grinch in a special character greeting, one that co-stars a puppy!
As the star of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, The Grinch holds court at this time of year.
That’s why Seuss Landing is the place to be, as its decorations go up first to commemorate the occasion.
Universal hosts this experience once an hour, starting at 10:15 a.m. and lasting throughout the day.
Remember that the park doesn’t offer Express Pass for this character greeting, which matters.
Standing in line for The Grinch often requires the most time of anything at the park.
You can hack this a bit by walking to Seuss Landing around 9:55 a.m.
Then, pay attention to when Team Members start lining up guests for the queue.
Universal Orlando
If you time it right, you can reduce your time spent standing in line by two-thirds or more.
More Holiday Goodness
Photo: Universal
Here’s Rix Flix’s first holiday experience for 2025:
He, too, captured some of the decorations fans will relish during this year’s event.
Photo: Universal
Several influencers have also done a bit of holiday shopping for you.
As usual, the Harry Potter gear is next-level. Universal always gets this part of the holiday season right.
Photo: Universal
Speaking of which, there’s something new at Universal Orlando Resort this year.
For the first time ever, Universal Epic Universe is celebrating Christmas.
Photo: Universal
Here’s JoJo’s World with a walkthrough of the holiday decorations:
This was obviously early in the process, but that’s the beauty of a November visit.
Every time you visit the parks, you’re likely to discover new decorations.
Photo: Universal
Also, I think it’s interesting that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter got the first batch.
As proof of the constant changes, you can compare Epic Universe’s first day of decorations via Tim Tracker’s Instagram.
Photo: Universal
You can also evaluate how these videos look relative to the park on Friday.
That’s the day when Grinchmas officially begins, and that’s when you can meet Max, too.
The Grinch’s dog always delivers some of the most entertaining moments of the holiday season.
That’s mostly true because Universal uses a real dog, and no matter how well trained they are, they’re still unpredictable.
This week should also mark the start of Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s.
Finally, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is confirmed to start on Friday.
So, my next update will include even more holiday stories and videos! It’s my favorite time of the year!
Universal Miscellany
Speaking of Epic Universe, diehard fans should watch this video.
Our friends at Theme Park Stop have once again scooped everyone with more diligent reporting.
This time, the channel/website found paperwork regarding the Epic expansion plans.
Comcast officials had indicated that there was more coming, but we didn’t know how soon.
Technically, we still don’t, but this filing hints that something will arrive on an accelerated timeline.
I’m holding out hope that we’ll get more Epic Universe attractions by the end of the 2020s.
Frankly, I don’t view the current lineup as a sustainable volume long-term.
Epic is off to an amazing start, but it definitely needs more to satisfy its current demand levels.
Elsewhere at Universal Orlando Resort, Wicked is back, just as we knew it would be.
Universal
Nobody could have anticipated the shocking success of the first film in this saga.
Now that Wicked: For Good is right around the corner, Wicked The Experience is here to please fans.
Universal
Photo ops themed to Elphaba and Glinda highlight this activity, but all of it is a joy.
Universal Studios bet big on Wicked, and it has paid dividends. In fact, I’m wondering something.
Universal
Is it possible that the expansion filing and Wicked are related in some way? Hmm…
Finally, in unexpected news, Universal Studios went ahead and announced the dates for a big event.
Universal Pictures
Yes, Halloween Horror Nights ended just two weeks ago, but we already know when it will return!
Universal has indicated that HHN 2026 will run from September 3rd through November 1st.
Photo: Universal Orlando
You can plan your fall vacation accordingly! The holiday season never ends at Universal, does it?
Thanks for visiting UniversalParksBlog.com! Want to go to Universal? For a FREE quote on your next Universal vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from Let’s Adventure Travel will be in touch soon! Thank you!
Feature Photo: Universal
