Christmas at Universal Studios
One of my best friends and I celebrated our second annual Grinchmas at Universal Studios last weekend, and it has quickly become one of my favorite Christmas traditions. Universal Studios has become one our "spots" to hang out for the past couple years. This time of year just makes it even more magical with all of the lights, decorations and shows.
Grinchmas
During the holiday season, make Grinchmas and the town of Whoville your first stop, because it just gets busier as the day goes. We learned this lesson the hard way last year as we waited around two hours or so to meet The Grinch. This time, we went straight there after arriving. We got in line and met The Grinch (probably just under or around an hour of wait time). He spends time with each guest, making comments about people's clothing and so on, which makes it worth the wait. Plus, you can buy a souvenir photo after you're finished.
We walked around the "Whoville" area, where there are plenty of photo opportunities in front of the large tree, you can meet "Max" the dog from the movie with Jim Carrey, write a postcard at the post office with the good deeds you've done for the year, see some of the cars used in "The Grinch" film and other stations with activities and photo fun. As you wander, you just might run into one of the very important people from Whoville, and it is Hollywood, after all, so you feel like you're on the set of the film, with the accurate depictions of sets, costume and makeup.
Last year, we were able to pick up a scavenger hunt map and go around the town square looking for clues. At the end, you could turn in your map at the post office and collect a prize. We were bummed to not see it this year! But, we were still very entertained with the photo ops and new decorations.
I had to get some of the Holiday Mini Donuts from the kiosk this year, where they have other Grinch related treats and spotted one of my favorite Instagrammers, @goldenaimee. She documents her travels to Disneyland, Universal Studios and other places. I said hi and asked for a picture, which she was nice enough to agree to! I wish I would have talked to her longer, but I knew she was there with friends and trying to see the sights and sounds, so I didn't want to hold her up.
Studio Tour
While the studio tour is the same as it is during the year, it's still a must. And you just might get a surprise visit from The Grinch, like we did last year while waiting in line. You do go by the actual set of Ron Howard's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and it somehow just feels more cheery during the holidays. This year, there were more posters of "The Grinch" his Grinch-isms around the studio, since the new one just came out a couple months ago. We love the tour so much, we usually go on it once during the day and again at night to see all of the lights aglow.
Hogwarts at Christmas
While we didn't go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter this time around, we did last year to see the holiday lights show, which was new at the time. I advise checking the times and getting there EARLY. Although we lined up ahead of time, it still took forever to get in and we were further back from the castle. We didn't mind, though, because you have a great view of all of the graphics, fireworks and other special effects for the show displaying on Hogwarts. It's not your typical "warm and fuzzy" Christmas show with the usual Christmas carols, but it is pretty magical.
Whoville Tree Lighting
Last year, this was one of our favorite aspects of the Universal Studios Christmas experience. We got there a little earlier and waited to make sure we snagged a spot in time for the show, which included the initial tree lighting in Whoville, snow and a performance from some of the Whovians. It was INCREDIBLE. We were geeking out the entire time, like kids again.
This year, we thought we got there in plenty of time, but they had already closed it off for too many people and said to come back for the next show. However, they only light the tree once...so make sure you get there 45 minutes to an hour earlier to find a seat or place to stand. Otherwise, it's just the snow and performers at selected times, which is still a lot of fun, but we decided to skip it after missing the official tree lighting.
Everywhere you walk through the theme park, Christmas music is playing through the loud speakers, Christmas trees are decorated with Universal picture themed items, including minions and Despicable Me. Everything is light and fun and spirits are bright with the holiday spirit.
Citywalk
Citywalk is the perfect place to end your day, whether you want to grab last minute souvenirs, a bite to eat or check out live music at one of the nighttime spots. We only stopped at a few stores this time, since we'd snacked so much and our usual Mexican restaurant was closed for remodeling. Usually by that time, you're to do tired to do anything else from a long day at the park, but you can feel the electricity and excitement all around. It's also a fun place to go at night, even if you haven't been to the theme park.
Have you had a chance to visit Universal Studios Hollywood at Christmastime? If so, what's your favorite part?
That's all for now,
Shelby