During the holidays, a lot of people usually check Universal Studios’ website to see: is Universal Studios open on Christmas Day?
For those hoping to visit the park on the 25th, you’re in luck.
Because, yes; both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood are open on December 25.
In fact, Christmas Day is one of the busiest and most exciting times to visit the parks.
But before you grab your tickets, there are some important things to know to make the most of your day.
What to Expect If You Visit Universal Studios on Christmas Day
First off, each Universal Studios park will have extended operating hours.
For Universal Orlando, the park usually opens around 9 a.m. and stays open until late evening.
The hours for Universal Hollywood are similar.
They may stretch from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m – more than 12 hours!
You should also expect the parks to be incredibly crowded.
Christmas Day is considered a peak day, so Universal Studios tends to fill up quickly on these days.
This means long lines, long wait times, and slim chances of getting dining immediately.
Still, the holiday shows and decorations make it a unique and joyful experience.
Holiday Events at Universal Studios on Christmas Day
Is Universal Studios open on Christmas Day?
Yes, and they go all out with special events!
Here are a few must-see attractions:
Universal Studios Florida
Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s. Watch colorful floats, giant balloons, and characters like the Minions, Shrek, and Madagascar animals.
Santa also appears and lights the tree.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Diagon Alley is decorated for the season.
You’ll hear festive songs by Celestina Warbeck (a character from the books) and enjoy a warm Butterbeer.
Islands of Adventure
Grinchmas in Seuss Landing. Walk through Whoville, meet the Grinch, and catch the live “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” show.
Christmas at Hogwarts. After dark, Hogwarts Castle lights up with a gorgeous magical projection show that runs every evening.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Grinchmas Celebration. Meet the Grinch, enjoy live performances, and snap photos near the big Grinchmas tree.
Holiday Fun in Hogsmeade. Lights, music, and a festive Frog Choir make this area extra special.
Fun Activities for Kids
Christmas at Universal Studios is definitely catered to children.
Aside from the lively, high-spirited vibes of a theme park at Christmas, there are a lot of attractions and interactive features for kids to do during this time.
At Grinchmas, for instance, children can take pictures with the Grinch and the Whos.
They can also enjoy a character breakfast with the Grinch and friends at Circus McGurkus Café.
In the Wizarding World, kids love using their interactive wands to cast spells around the park.
The Holiday Parade is always a hit with families, especially with characters they know and love.
How Busy Is Universal Studios on Christmas Day?
Very.
As mentioned earlier, Christmas Day is a peak day for Universal Studios.
As such, it follows that every staff member in the park will be incredibly busy.
But here’s the good news: it’s usually less crowded than the days that follow, like December 26–30.
In Orlando, average wait times for rides are about 50 minutes on Christmas Day.
In Hollywood, average waits are around 39 minutes.
So, if you’re deciding between visiting on Christmas or the days after, Christmas might actually be a better choice.
How to Beat the Crowds at Universal Studios
To make your holiday visit smoother, plan ahead.
Here are a few tips for avoiding crowds and maximizing your time:
- Arrive early: Get to the park at least 30–45 minutes before it opens.
- Use the app: Download the Universal app to check wait times and show schedules.
- Buy Express Passes: These can save you hours of waiting on busy days.
- Use single rider lines: These lines move faster if you’re okay riding apart from your group.
- Make dining reservations early, especially for lunch or dinner.
Also, pack snacks and stay hydrated, as lines for food can get long.
Are There Holiday Discounts on Christmas Day?
Is Universal Studios open on Christmas Day?
Yes, but don’t expect any specific discounts.
Don’t worry, though; you can still cash in on seasonal deals.
For example:
- Universal often offers a Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free promotion during the holidays.
- Vacation packages may include hotel deals, early park admission, and other perks.
- On-site hotels sometimes offer free Express Passes to guests.
If you book with a trusted travel advisor, they can help you find the best deal.
Best Attractions to Visit on Christmas Day
There’s plenty to do in Universal Studios on December 25, but here are some top picks:
- The Holiday Parade with Macy’s: Best enjoyed in the evening.
- The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle: Don’t miss the nighttime projection show.
- Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular: A fun live show for all ages.
- Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade: Beautifully decorated with holiday touches.
- Super Nintendo World (Hollywood): While not holiday-themed, it’s still a favorite.
Quick tip: if you want shorter lines, visit big rides first thing in the morning.
Save the shows and quieter attractions for the afternoon.
Decorations and Holiday Atmosphere in Universal Studios
One of the best parts of visiting on Christmas Day is seeing the park decorated for the holidays.
Here’s what you’ll see:
- A giant wreath at the entrance of Universal Studios Florida.
- An 80-foot tree in the New York area of the park.
- Hidden decorations that reference classic Universal rides.
- Snow-covered rooftops in Hogsmeade.
- A 65-foot Grinchmas tree in Hollywood.
These details make walking through the parks feel magical.
Don’t rush! Take the time to enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Let Team Thompson Travel Plan Your Christmas at Universal Studios
So, is Universal Studios open on Christmas Day?
Yes, and it can be a wonderful place to celebrate.
But planning a holiday trip takes time.
That’s where we come in.
At Team Thompson Travel, we help you plan your Universal Studios trip by managing the little details.
We’ll help you choose the best park, pick the right hotel, and even set up your dining and shows.
You get expert advice, easy communication, and all the fun with none of the stress.
Plus, our services are completely free!
Let us help you build a Christmas experience your family will always remember.
Contact us today!