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Christmas in Universal Orlando

The holiday season is almost upon us, and with families taking advantage of Christmas break, many are wondering where to spend their vacation this year. Well, why not plan for a spectacular  Universal Orlando Christmas? Orlando does have plenty in store for its guests, and as Christmas rolls around, their theme parks, like Universal Studios, weave magic with fun and adventure all in one. There’s no doubt that Orlando is already a magical place to be, but they ratchet up the magic and  take it to a whole new level over the holidays. 

families enjoying amenities at Villatel Village in Orlando FL

What Special Events Happen at Universal During the Holidays?

What exactly can you expect during Universal Studio Orlando Christmas? Here are a few things you won’t want to miss!

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Orlando Resort tends to go all out with their festive decorations in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with the buildings and streets in Diagon Alley as well as Hogsmeade totally decked out with lights, ribbons, and garlands. Christmas songs will be played just like in the Harry Potter movies. And be sure to stick around for the projection-mapping show on Hogwart’s Castle itself while you’re there. 

christmas at universal orlando

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Christmas at Universal Orlando will not be complete without the Grinch. See the Grinch bring his signature snark at Seuss Landing just in time for the Christmas Who-liday. 

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

If your little ones get enough of the Grinch and Friends, you can book the Grinch & Friends character breakfast on certain days for a memorable breakfast with the gang at the Universal Orlando Resort.

Mannheim Steamroller Concerts

What other Universal Studios Orlando Christmas activities can you watch out for? Music lovers will want to book one of the Mannheim Steamroller Concerts with their stunning orchestral performance that will leave you in the spirit of Christmas. 

universal studios orlando christmas day

Festive Flavors Holiday Buffet

This event will be held from December 22 to December 30, an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet at the Café La Bamba where, aside from specialty desserts, there will be sparkling wine available too. Sweets & Sounds Dessert Party. Running from November 16 to December 15, there are select dates when the Sweets & Sounds Dessert Party will be held. You’lll be served seasonal desserts, sparkling wine, savory bites, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. There’s also a special reserved section where you can get a good view of the Holiday Parade as well.

Where is the Best Holiday Parade?

If you are going to spend your Christmas at Universal Orlando, you’re probably wondering whether they’ll have a holiday parade for the many merry guests. The good news is that you won’t have to travel to New York City to see Macy’s holiday parade because you can experience it while you’re in Universal Orlando. You’ll see the familiar oversized balloons in the shape of popular characters like the Minions and Shrek, with floats such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Madagascar giving guests a thrilling spectacle for the holidays.

bowling alley at Villatel Orlando vacation rentals

Universal Orlando’s Resort Hotels

For those who will be doing a Universal Orlando Christmas, you might be thinking of spending your stay in the hotels here or at least dropping by to see what festivities they have to offer. Well, here are a few options to consider: 

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Experience Universal Studios Orlando Christmas day at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel where they will have a Christmas Day Buffet from 11 am to 5 pm at Trattoria del Porto. There will even be appearances from Universal Orlando characters, face painting, live music, as well as crafts and activities for children. 

Hard Rock Hotel

Aside from their Christmas day buffet, you can keep an eye out for the strolling Holiday Carolers on the 20th not only in the lobby but in the rest of the hotel too. They are sure to bring the holiday spirit here. 

If you are in Orlando even before December arrives, visit the Harbor Piazza where the Holiday Harbor Nights will occur on November 29 where, aside from being regaled with live music, you’ll catch a Christmas tree lighting ceremony too. Do come back on the 20th of December so that your kids can come and meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus too.

universal studios orlando christmas

Do I Need to Stay at Universal?

If you are planning on spending Christmas at Universal Orlando, you might be wondering where you and the family should stay. Many travelers tend to book a stay in one of their hotels, but this doesn’t mean that you should too. It’s true that you will be close to all the action there is, but if you are traveling with a large group, this can prove to be a bit costly on your part. 

That said, why not consider spending your vacation in a spacious and luxurious home inside a gated resort style community where you’ll feel right at home? Luxury vacation homes in Orlando are treasures for families who want more privacy during their Universal Orlando Christmas vacation. Your home away from home is built with luxury, comfort and convenience in mind. Here are a few options to consider if you’re interested in booking a stay in one of the luxury villas in the city. 

Just a few miles from top tourist attractions like Universal Orlando, Solterra Resort is a gated community where homes are spacious, beautifully decorated, and offer plenty of privacy for their guests.. Not only that, you’ll get to experience fabuous resort style amenities such as their Solterra Resort Club, fitness center, lazy river, heated pool with beach entry, and poolside lounge with outdoor fireplace just to name a few.

Another place to consider staying for your Universal Studios Orlando Christmas is Solara Resort which is close to the Interstate 4 as well as other major roads that will give you quick and easy access to Universal Studios Orlando, and other tourist attractions. 

Guests will love the FlowRider surf simulator where they can test their skills in surfing. There’s a sundries shop, green area for outdoor sports, Splash pad for the kids, and climate-controlled pool just to name a few. The ultra- luxurious villas here can accommodate all family sizes, from a single family, to two or more families all under one roof. There are homes here that can even accommodate up to 20 guests with plenty of space for everyone! With a modern and fully equipped kitchen at your disposal, as well as other great features like home theater, game room, and private pool, this is one Christmas vacation sure to be memorable.

Windsor Hills Resort

Windsor Hills is another luxury resort community you’ll want to check out if you’re planning on spending your Christmas break with the family in Orlando. What makes this an exceptional community is that it is designed to provide its guests with comfort, security, and an enjoyable environment while being in close proximity to attractions like Universal Studios Orlando. Aside from the luxuriously decorated homes, with several bedrooms included amazingly themed rooms for the kids, fully equipped kitchens, the houses here are guarded 24/7 so you won’t have to worry about safety. And because you’re living in a resort community, you’ll have access to the great amenities here such as the clubhouse, recreation park, cyber café, movie theater, and game room just to name a few.

Reunion Resort is another option to consider if you’re looking for a place to stay in Orlando this Christmas season. The spacious vacation homes here feature stunning gardens, private pools, spa, movie theater, game room, and even a personal gym in some properties. The number of bedrooms varies from 3 to 14 or more depending on what you are looking for. Each room is decorated accordingly, with themed children’s rooms that are sure to please the young ones. Reunion Resort is just a few miles away from popular tourist destinations like Universal Orlando where festivities take place throughout December. Don’t forget that Reunion Resort also has plenty of community amenities that you can enjoy with the family such as their onsite resort pools, boutique spa, bicycle rentals, water park with lazy river, and Championship golf courses.

How to Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort

Spending the holidays in Orlando is an exciting experience for children and the adults as well. Universal Orlando Christmas is a must-see regardless of your age. Once you see the theme park in holliday regalia, you’ll be impressed with its transformation as the spirit of Christmas descends upon it. From holiday parades, to fantastically decorated buildings and streets, to live music, and the chance to see Santa and Mrs. Claus up close, how can you say no to such a vacation? 

And to cap it off, there are four amazing luxury resorts that are worth staying in too at affordable prices!

Universal Orlando Christmas Resources:

[1] Fly into Fun Sweeps Takes; Guide to Universal Orlando Holidays & Christmas in The Wizarding World, Mommy Frog, April 2, 2019.
[2] Orlando Informer; Celebrate the Holidays at Universal Orlando- 2019 Insider's guide,2019.
[3] Explore Travel and Leisure; The 2019 Holiday Season Is Going to Be More Magical Than Ever at Universal Orlando Resort, Carlye Wisel, May 22, 2019.
[4] Universal Orlando Resort; Holiday Activities at our Hotels, 2019.
[5] Solterra Resort; World Class Resort Amenities Right In The Community, 2019.
[6] Solara Resort Florida.com; Solara Resort Orlando's newest vacation home community, 2019.
[7] Windsor Hills Vacation Rental Homes Community; The perfect rental stay for your relaxing getaway, Aura Zelada, LCAM, General Manager, 2019.
[8] Florida Vacation Homes & Villas; Where Luxury Lives, 2019.





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