Grinch, Macy’s parade, Mannheim Steamroller and a new Holiday Village round out Universal’s 2010 holiday offerings

Universal Orlando is getting ready for the holidays again this year with some favorites returning and a couple of new offerings. The “extra holiday magic” officially starts Dec. 4 and runs through Jan. 1.

At Universal Studios, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will march down the streets every evening with the same iconic balloons seen winding through New York City. The parade features many characters dressed for the holidays, floats, balloons and a tree-lighting ceremony with Santa Claus.

A capella holiday music will be performed nightly, and on Dec. 4, 11 and 18, Mannheim Steamroller will play their holiday music on the Music Plaza stage. New this year is a Holiday Village, filled with hand-blown glass ornaments, caramel apples, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and a cupcake decorating station.
 
At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, The popular Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” will be brought to life in Grinchmas, 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 in Seuss Landing. A special character breakfast with The Grinch is also offered on select dates.
 
Universal’s three on-site hotels, Portofino Bay, Hard Rock and Royal Pacific will all glisten with holiday decorations. Hotel guests will be able to experience tree-lighting ceremonies, musical performances, holiday “dive-in” movie presentations and holiday buffets and dining events.

The Portofino Bay Hotel will kick-off the season this Friday, Nov. 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 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.
 
All theme park holiday entertainment is included as part of admission. There are some special offers for Florida residents. Visit UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays for more information.

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