Last updated: November 11, 2024
Enjoy the holiday spirit in Universal City with our ultimate guide. Whether you're a Universal City local or a global adventurer, this guide helps you embrace the city's festive charm.
One highlight of the season is the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood, where guests can immerse themselves in spectacular decorations and themed attractions. The Super Nintendo World Holiday Celebration invites guests to experience the magic of the beloved gaming world, featuring unique festive activities and themed experiences. And the Hollywood Christmas Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a lively procession of dazzling floats and live performances. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Universal City Holiday Light Displays
LA Zoo Lights
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- LA Zoo Lights features immersive wildlife-inspired lantern displays, interactive experiences, and festive photo opportunities amidst a nature-focused holiday celebration.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : LA Zoo Lights
Magic of Lights
- What to Expect
- Spectacular light displays with life-sized holiday characters.
- Description
- Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over two million sparkling lights, including larger-than-life displays of Holiday Barbie, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs in Prehistoric Christmas.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : Magic of Lights
Enchanted Forest of Light
- What to Expect
- Interactive light and sound installations in a botanical garden setting.
- Description
- Descanso Gardens transforms into a spectacular display of light and color with Enchanted Forest of Light. This one-mile walk features unique lighting installations, interactive art, and ambient music, showcasing the natural beauty of the gardens in a new and captivating way.
- Where
- La Cañada Flintridge | More Info : Enchanted Forest of Light
Universal City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Hollywood Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Iconic parade with legendary celebrities and charitable mission.
- Description
- The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a cherished tradition that kicks off the holiday season with spectacular fanfare. Since its inception in 1928, the parade has been a cornerstone of the entertainment industry, drawing participation from legendary celebrities. The event features dazzling floats, marching bands, and performances that create unforgettable memories. It also carries a profound charitable mission, featuring Toys for Tots and other organizations that help underprivileged people during the holiday season.
- Where
- Hollywood | More Info : Hollywood Christmas Parade
Mariah Carey Christmas
- What to Expect
- Iconic holiday performances by Mariah Carey.
- Description
- Mariah Carey's "Christmas Time" at the Hollywood Bowl features the legendary singer performing her iconic holiday hits in a spectacular concert.
- Where
- Hollywood | More Info : Mariah Carey Christmas
Holiday in the Park
- What to Expect
- Millions of lights and seasonal entertainment.
- Description
- Holiday in the Park transforms the park into a vibrant winter spectacle with millions of lights, seasonal eats, and entertainment.
- Where
- Valencia | More Info : Holiday in the Park
Bob Baker’s Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- Unique puppetry adaptation of the Nutcracker ballet.
- Description
- Bob Baker’s Nutcracker is a beloved adaptation of the ballet classic, featuring over 100 handcrafted puppets in a specially outfitted space at the Pasadena Playhouse. The show includes iconic characters like the Sugarplum Fairy and the Waltzing Flowers, along with the Nutcracker band, The Go-Go’s. It is a celebration of puppetry and holiday joy.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : Bob Baker’s Nutcracker
Winter Lights
- What to Expect
- Interactive light displays and festive activities.
- Description
- Winter Lights is a holiday musical spectacle at Discovery Cube Orange County, featuring an original story, unique characters, and captivating music set against the backdrop of the Aurora Borealis. The event includes interactive light displays, snowfall, and festive activities.
- Where
- Santa Ana | More Info : Winter Lights
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- What to Expect
- Themed celebration with festive decor and live performances from the Harry Potter universe
- Description
- The Wizarding World transforms into a winter playground, featuring delightful decorations and themed entertainment. Guests can stroll through snowy streets while enjoying seasonal food and beverages inspired by the beloved Harry Potter series. Interactive experiences and live performances add to the charm of the holiday atmosphere, highlighting iconic locations and characters from the films.
- Where
- Universal City | More Info : Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Universal City Other Holiday Activities
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
- What to Expect
- Immersive themed experiences with seasonal decorations.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Universal Studios Hollywood with immersive themed experiences, seasonal decorations, and special events that bring the magic of Hollywood to life.
- Where
- Universal City | More Info : Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
Super Nintendo World Holiday Celebration
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in the Mushroom Kingdom with themed decorations and seasonal treats.
- Description
- Celebrate the holidays in the Mushroom Kingdom with themed decorations, holiday merchandise, and seasonal treats. Enjoy a memorable photo opportunity with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad, and indulge in festive activities and entertainment.
- Where
- Universal City | More Info : Super Nintendo World Holiday Celebration
Astra Lumina
- What to Expect
- Interactive light and sound journey through a celestial pathway.
- Description
- Astra Lumina is an immersive night walk experience using light, scenography, original soundscape, and projection to create an imaginative world where visitors can encounter the wonder of the stars and connect with their own human light.
- Where
- Palos Verdes Peninsula | More Info : Astra Lumina
Christmas Nights
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday activities with Santa and movie marathon.
- Description
- Christmas Nights in Moorpark features a holiday celebration with Santa, breakfast, and a holiday movie marathon, creating a joyful atmosphere for families.
- Where
- Moorpark | More Info : Christmas Nights
Santa's Village
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly activities with sparkling Christmas lights.
- Description
- Santa's Village offers a variety of festive activities including ice fishing, blizzard ball, and cookie decorating. The village is filled with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights, providing numerous photo opportunities. Food and snacks are available, along with hot chocolate and coffee.
- Where
- Irvine | More Info : Santa's Village