Holiday special celebrations are coming to Orlando’s Universal Studios. Everything to know

What better way to spend the holidays than with Minions, wizards, and Whos?

The holiday season returns to Orlando's Universal Studios theme parks on Friday, November 17, inviting guests to set their festive side free.

From the enchanting spectacle of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in Hogsmeade to coming face-to-face with the Grinch, there are boundless opportunities for guests to enjoy at Universal Orlando this holiday season.

Here's everything to know about the festivities before heading to the theme parks this month.

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Where is Universal Studios Orlando located?

Universal Studios Orlando is at 6000 Universal Blvd in Orlando.

How long do the holiday celebrations run at Universal Studios Orlando?

Guests can experience a mix of merry and mischief beginning Friday, Nov. 17 and running daily through Sunday, Dec. 31.

Do I need a separate ticket to see all the holiday events?

No, you do not! Unlike the park's popular Halloween Horror Nights event, you do not need a separate ticket to experience the holiday fun.

Are there any tours to see all the holiday entertainment?

Guests can take a guided tour that gives them special access to all the holiday entertainment experiences taking place across the parks, including:

• A chance to meet the maven of mischief himself, the Grinch, and his dog, Max, while enjoying small bites, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages

• Reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” in Universal Islands of Adventure

• A meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida

• An exclusive, after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in TheWizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure to complete the night’s festivities

Universal’s Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning Nov. 19 through Dec. 30 and can be booked by visiting UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.

Pricing begins at $79.99 per person (plus tax) and separate theme park admission with a 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket is required. Annual and seasonal passholders can get a $10 off discount per ticket per passholder with a valid annual or seasonal pass.

What is Universal Studios' holiday parade?

Floridians won't have to drive 17 hours to witness the Macy's Holiday Parade. Nor will they have to wait until Dec. 25.

Guests will watch floats decorated with Illumination’s Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar fill the streets of Universal Studios Florida during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.

"These beloved stories come to life as larger-than-life balloons, colorful holiday floats and hundreds of jolly performers embark on a picturesque journey that culminates in a stunning finale including a special appearance by Santa Claus and the lighting of the magnificent 80-foot Christmas tree," Universal wrote in a press release.

What is 'Grinchmas' at Universal Islands of Adventure?

There no Christmases being stolen here! The spirit of "Grinchmas" will be felt at the Universal Islands of Adventure where the Grinch will star in the live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.”

There's more holiday cheer in Seuss Land. As guests ride Seuss Landing, it will transport those into a whimsical atmosphere decked out with oversized candy canes, twisty Christmas trees, stunning tinsel ornaments and more.

There will even be appearances from the Whos from Who-ville and a special photo opportunity that brings guests face-to-face with the Grinch.

But do you want some more time with the Grinch? The popular dining experience, “The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast,” will allow guests to start their day with a delicious breakfast and fun appearances by the Grinch and other favorite Dr. Seuss characters.

"The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast" takes place in Confisco Grille in Universal Islands of Adventure on select dates Nov. 17 through Dec. 27 for $58.99 plus tax per adult and $32.99 plus tax per child (ages 3-9) and can be booked by visiting www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays.

Premier and Preferred Annual Passholders can receive a 20% discount on purchases of The Grinch &Friends Character Breakfast for select dates.

What do holidays look like in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

Who doesn't want to spend the holidays at Hogwarts?

"Holiday magic fills The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade transform into a wizarding holiday wonderland overflowing with festively themed décor, lights, garland and more."

The annual nighttime spectacle “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle" will return to Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, which is projection show highlighting Christmas moments and holiday spirit inspired by the characters and stories of the “Harry Potter” films.

Harry Potter fans can also look forward to the Frog Choir, which is comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs, They will put on special holiday-themed performance. Guests can also groove to the music of the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensation, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, in Diagon Alley.

Any holiday performances at Universal Studios Orlando?

The top-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, will return to Universal Studios Florida to get guests into the holiday spirit with live performances on Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10.

Who is Earl the Squirrel?

Earl the Squirrel is Universal Orlando Resort’s holiday mascot. He will have photo opportunities during the day.

What holiday treats will be available at Universal Studios Orlando?

As of Nov. 3, Universal Studios has yet to release their holiday menu. Last year's treats included specialty hot chocolate bombs, the "Roast Beast" sandwich and Santa's cookies and milk "shake."

You can also enjoy a Butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. While you can grab the beverage all year-round, you can finally try out the hot version once the temperature starts dropping. You can find it at The Leaky Cauldron, Three Broomsticks, Hog's Head Pub and the Hopping Pot.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Universal Studios Orlando unveils holiday festivities lineup for 2023