Universal Studios Orlando Holiday Festivities

Imagine cheerful holiday music floating on the brisk air. Children marveling at giant, colorful balloons passing overhead. Laughter from the crowd as The Grinch and the Whos share their timeless story live on stage. Imagine families sharing the spirit of the season together, experiencing exciting rides and attractions. There’s no better place to be for the holidays this year than Universal Orlando Resort.

This year’s Holidays event runs December 4 through January 1, 2011, and offers guests incredible entertainment themed for the season at both its theme parks.

At Universal Studios Florida, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will fill the streets every evening with the same iconic balloons seen winding through New York City. The parade features colorful holiday characters, floats, balloons and a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus.

Kadence Wolfe, 4, from Gainesville, Ga., couldn’t stop smiling as The Grinch welcomed her to Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Photo courtesy of Universal Studios.

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, adults and children alike will be entertained when the popular Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is brought to life in Grinchmas. Guests can see a live stage show featuring The Grinch and The Whos from Whoville with an original recorded musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. Also, guests will have the opportunity to meet The Grinch and the strolling Whos, and on select dates, purchase a spot at a special character breakfast with The Grinch.

Guests can also enjoy the sounds of nightly a capella holiday music at Universal Studios. And, on December 4, 11 and 18, Mannheim Steamroller – the masters of Christmas music with more than 30 million albums sold worldwide – will play their memorable holiday music for guests on the Music Plaza stage. Guests can explore the nearby, all-new Holiday Village, filled with hand-blown glass ornaments, caramel apples, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and a cupcake decorating location.

The celebration continues at Universal Orlando’s three on-site hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort – all of which will glisten with holiday decorations. Hotel guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with tree-lighting ceremonies, special musical performances, holiday “dive-in” movie presentations and holiday buffets and dining events. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel kicks off the season on Friday, November 26 with ‘Holiday Harbor Nights’, a wine tasting, food and jazz celebration on the piazza. Hard Rock Hotel welcomes Santa to the Kitchen restaurant on Fridays in December and Loews Royal Pacific Resort rings in the new year with ALOHA 2011, a New Year’s Eve celebration, with a special kids-only party right next door to the main event. Florida Residents can enjoy discounted rates at each of the three on-site hotels.

All holiday entertainment – including the Mannheim Steamroller concerts – is included as part of 2-Park or Multi-day admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.