‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ in movie theaters for 25th anniversary

Based on the classic Christmastime tale by Dr. Seuss, the 2000 movie directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard retells the story of the cantankerous Grinch and his hatred for the chipper Whos down in Who-ville—and especially at Christmas.

In addition to Golden Globe winner Carrey as the Grinch, the movie’s all-star cast of comedy Who’s-Who, including Tony and Emmy winner Christine Baranski as Whoville socialite Martha May Whovier, Emmy winner Jeffrey Tambor as Mayor Augustus MayWho, Tony winner Bill Irwin as Postmaster Lou Lou Who, Emmy nominee Molly Shannon as Betty Lou Who, and Oscar winner Sir Anthony Hopkins. who narrates the story.

In addition, Gossip Girl’s Taylor Momsen was cast as Cindy Lou Who (her film debut) and Howard’s daughter (and future Jurassic World star) Bryce Dallas Howard appeared as Surprised Who.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Timeline

How the Grinch Stole Christmas dates back to 1957, when author Theodor Geisel (AKA Dr. Seuss) wrote a holiday-themed story inspired by his unhappiness over the commercialization of Christmas. In 1966, the well-known animated TV special aired on CBS, with actor Boris Karloff serving as the narrator and the voice of The Grinch.

Fun Fact: The special’s director, Chuck Jones, decided to make The Grinch green even though Dr. Seuss drew him in black and white.

The first full-length film to be adapted from a Dr. Seuss story, “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” was released on Nov. 18, 2000, and spent four weeks at the top of the U.S. box-office charts, eventually earning the distinction of becoming the second-highest-grossing holiday film of all time after “Home Alone” (1990).

The movie won an Academy Award for Best Makeup, created by legendary makeup artist and creature creator Rick Baker. It also earned Oscar nominations for Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Universal Parks

Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood both celebrate Grinchmas during the holiday season, this year from Nov. 21, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026, in Florida and from Nov. 24, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026, in California. Grinchmas is included with theme park admission in both destinations.

Grinchmas at Universal Orlando Resort

Grinchmas takes over Seuss Landing in Islands of Adventure with Who-liday decorations and The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live musical retelling of the iconic Dr. Seuss story. Guests can also meet the Grinch for a photo op.

For an additional fee, Grinch fans can dine with the mean one at The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast on select dates, Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026. The cost for the character breakfast is $58.99 for adults (ages 10+) and $32.99 for kids (ages 3-9).

The Universal Holiday Tour available from Nov. 21, 2025–Jan. 3, 2026, includes a special Grinch meet & greet, reserved seating, for the Who-liday Spectacular show, and more. Pricing for the tour starts at $79.99 per person (ages 3+).

Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood

Each year, Universal Plaza at Universal Studios Hollywood is transformed into the whimsical town of Who-ville for The Grinchmas Who-bilation, with live musical performances, Grinchmas tree ornament decorating, sending holiday postcards at the Who-ville post office, story time with Cindy-Lou Who, and a meet-and-greet with you-know-who and his dog Max.

The nightly lighting of the 65-foot Grinchmas tree features an abbreviated version of the Grinch story culminating with a Southern California “snowfall.”

Advance tickets for the 25th Anniversary theatrical re-release of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” are available here.