Merry Minions Make Their Holiday Debut at Universal Studios Hollywood for Christmas 2026

The Minions are getting into the Christmas spirit! Here’s what’s new for 2026, plus everything families can expect from Grinchmas, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

There’s a little extra mischief coming to Universal Studios Hollywood this Christmas!

For the first time, Illumination’s Merry Minions are joining the park’s holiday celebration, bringing festive character appearances, Christmas decorations, seasonal food and exclusive merchandise to Minion Land.

And they’re not celebrating alone! Returning favorites Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and seasonal festivities at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will all be part of the celebration.

Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood run November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, and all of the holiday entertainment and experiences are included with regular theme park admission.

For families planning a Southern California holiday vacation, this year’s lineup offers plenty of Christmas fun throughout the park, especially for younger children.

What’s New? Merry Minions Arrive for Christmas 2026

The biggest new addition to this year’s holiday lineup is Illumination’s Merry Minions, making its debut in Illumination’s Minion Land.

Universal Studios Hollywood has confirmed several festive experiences families can look forward to:

• Holiday Minions meet and greet: Meet the Minions dressed in their festive holiday outfits, with opportunities for family photos.
• Christmas decorations: Minion Land will feature twinkling lights and seasonal decorations.
• Holiday food: Minion Cafe will offer special seasonal bites available for purchase.
• Merry Minions merchandise: A new holiday merchandise collection will be available for families looking for Christmas souvenirs.

While Universal has not yet provided a complete seasonal food menu or merchandise pricing, the addition gives families another reason to spend time exploring Minion Land during the holidays.

And let’s face it, the Minions already know how to cause a little chaos. Adding Christmas to the mix seems like a natural fit!

For families with younger children who love Despicable Me and Minions, the new character experiences could become a highlight of their holiday visit.

Grinchmas Returns to Universal Studios Hollywood

Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood without the Grinch!

Grinchmas returns to Universal Plaza, transforming the area into a colorful Who-ville celebration inspired by Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Families can look forward to the return of several holiday favorites.

Meet the Grinch and Max

Guests will have opportunities to meet the Grinch himself, along with his loyal dog Max and residents of Who-ville.

For many families, meeting the Grinch is one of the biggest reasons to visit during the holidays. Just be prepared for a little mischief!

The 65-Foot Grinchmas Christmas Tree

The centerpiece of Grinchmas is its enormous 65-foot Christmas tree, decorated with hundreds of colorful ornaments and thousands of sparkling lights.

Multiple times each evening, the tree comes alive during a festive lighting ceremony accompanied by a snowfall effect.

Holiday Entertainment and Activities

Families can also enjoy Cindy-Lou Who sharing the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, seasonal musical performances by The Fah-Who 4 A’s, and special holiday treats.

One particularly fun activity for younger guests is the Who-ville Post Office, where children can send a postcard to the Grinch listing three good deeds they’ve done.

There’s also an opportunity to decorate a Grinchmas paper ornament.

Family Quest Central Tip: If meeting the Grinch is a priority, make it part of your plan early in the day. Popular holiday character experiences can attract substantial lines, particularly during Christmas vacation.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

For Harry Potter fans, Hogsmeade Village will once again transform into a festive Christmas destination.

The snow-covered rooftops, holiday wreaths, garlands and sparkling lights give The Wizarding World of Harry Potter an especially magical atmosphere during the season.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

One of the highlights is The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, a nighttime projection show that transforms Hogwarts Castle with festive imagery, lighting and music from the Harry Potter films.

It’s a wonderful way to end an evening in Hogsmeade, particularly for families who love the Wizarding World.

Frog Choir and Holiday Butterbeer

The Frog Choir will perform seasonal melodies throughout the day, adding to the holiday atmosphere.

Families can also enjoy hot Butterbeer, a particularly fitting treat for the season, along with the familiar cold and frozen varieties.

Holiday merchandise and keepsakes will also be available throughout the village.

Family Quest Central Tip: If you’re visiting with younger children who aren’t ready for the larger Harry Potter attractions, Hogsmeade can still be worth exploring. The decorations, shops, music and atmosphere make this a fun area even without riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Celebrates the Holidays

The Mushroom Kingdom is getting its own festive makeover!

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature colorful seasonal decorations, including Mario and Luigi snowmen near the land’s entrance.

A holiday tree topped with a shining Super Star will add to the festive atmosphere.

Guests can also shop for seasonal merchandise at select retail locations, including the 1-UP Factory.

While Universal has not announced a separate Christmas show or special holiday attraction for SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, families can still enjoy the land’s regular experiences surrounded by seasonal decorations.

For Mario-loving kids, it’s another fun stop during a holiday visit.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood Gets Festive Too

The Christmas celebration extends beyond the theme park into Universal CityWalk Hollywood.

Guests can enjoy a 40-foot Christmas tree illuminated by more than 200,000 LED lights, along with festive decorations throughout the entertainment district.

The Universal Studios Store will offer a new holiday merchandise collection featuring apparel, ornaments, collectibles and home décor.

On select evenings, the 5 Towers stage will also feature live music, DJs and interactive street performers.

Good to know: Universal CityWalk Hollywood does not require theme park admission, making it an option for families who want to enjoy some holiday decorations, shopping or dining without purchasing a park ticket. Parking and purchases may cost extra.

Are the Christmas Events Included With Universal Studios Hollywood Admission?

Yes! Unlike separately ticketed seasonal events at some theme parks, the holiday festivities at Universal Studios Hollywood are included with regular park admission.

That means guests can enjoy Grinchmas, Merry Minions, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the seasonal atmosphere in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD without purchasing an additional holiday event ticket.

Here are the important details:

• Dates: November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027
• Location: Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, California
• Admission: Included with regular theme park admission
• Annual and Seasonal Passholders: Admission is included on eligible dates, subject to pass blockout restrictions
• Additional purchases: Holiday food, merchandise and other optional purchases cost extra

Guests should check the official park calendar for daily hours and show schedules before visiting.

Is Universal Studios Hollywood Worth Visiting During Christmas With Kids?

For families traveling to Southern California during the holiday season, Universal Studios Hollywood offers a fun combination of familiar characters, seasonal entertainment and attractions.

One of the biggest advantages is that Christmas celebrations are spread across several areas of the park.

Younger children may be particularly excited about Merry Minions, the Grinch and the holiday decorations in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

Older children and Harry Potter fans may find Christmas in Hogsmeade and the nighttime Hogwarts Castle show especially memorable.

And because the festivities are included with regular admission, families can enjoy the holiday experiences alongside the park’s rides and attractions without paying for a separate Christmas event.

Our Tips for Visiting With Younger Kids

If you’re planning a family visit, we recommend choosing a few must-do holiday experiences before arriving.

Start by identifying which characters your children most want to meet. If the Grinch or the Minions are high priorities, don’t leave those experiences until the very end of the day.

Plan time to explore the themed lands without rushing from one ride to another. Some of the best Christmas moments come from enjoying the decorations, listening to seasonal entertainment and taking family photos.

And if you want to see the Hogwarts Castle holiday show or Grinchmas tree lighting, make sure your family is prepared for an evening in the park.

For younger children, a little downtime in the afternoon can make a big difference when you’re hoping to stay for nighttime entertainment.

When Does Christmas Start at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026?

The holiday celebration officially begins Saturday, November 21, 2026, and continues daily through Sunday, January 3, 2027.

That gives families opportunities to visit during Thanksgiving week, throughout December and over the New Year’s holiday.

The seasonal celebrations will also overlap with some of the busiest family travel periods of the year, so purchasing tickets in advance and arriving with a flexible plan are smart choices.

Our Take: A Welcome Addition for Families

We’re particularly happy to see Universal Studios Hollywood expanding its Christmas offerings with Merry Minions.

Grinchmas has long been a major part of the park’s holiday celebration, and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers a beautiful seasonal atmosphere.

But bringing the Minions into the celebration adds another recognizable character experience specifically appealing to families with younger children.

We also appreciate that these holiday experiences are included with regular park admission. For families already budgeting for theme park tickets, meals and travel, that’s an important consideration.

We’ll be watching for additional announcements about Merry Minions seasonal food, merchandise and character experiences as the November opening approaches.

In the meantime, families can find the latest details and purchase tickets through the official Universal Studios Hollywood website.

Source: Universal Studios Hollywood, October 8, 2026 holiday announcement and official Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood event page.