Merry Minions Debut at Universal Studios Hollywood This Holiday Season
Universal Studios Hollywood is adding something new to its holiday lineup. Illumination’s Merry Minions will debut in Minion Land for the first time, as part of Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood will run daily from Saturday, November 21, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027. The 2026 holiday season at Universal Studios Hollywood mirrors roughly the same dates as last season, which ran Nov. 24–Jan. 4.
The festivities are included with regular theme park admission.
Universal Studios Hollywood: What’s New
Much of Universal Studios Hollywood will sparkle with twinkling decorations while Minions will don festive holiday outfits for meet-and-greets, Minion Cafe will serve some seasonal eats, and a new Merry Minions merchandise collection will tempt your shopping list.
Courtesy of Universal
Merry Minions are new to Hollywood’s holiday lineup, but holiday Minions have appeared before at Universal Studios Singapore as well as in a few holiday specials.
Of course, Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World decorations, and CityWalk entertainment will also be part of the holiday season at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Returning Favorites
Grinchmas
Universal Plaza becomes a “Who-bilation” again, with a 65-foot tree, the Grinch, Max, and the Whos. The tree-lighting ceremony takes place multiple times each evening, with a snowfall flurry. Cindy-Lou Who reads “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” The Fah-Who 4 A’s perform, and the Who-ville post office lets guests send the Grinch postcards listing three good deeds.
Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Hogsmeade gets lights, garlands, and wreaths. The Frog Choir performs seasonal songs multiple times a day. Hot Butterbeer joins the cold and frozen versions. “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” nighttime show also turns the castle into a holiday projection spectacle set to music from the films.
Super Nintendo World
Mario and Luigi snowmen greet guests at the Mushroom Kingdom entrance, next to a holiday tree topped with a Super Star. Nintendo Holiday merchandise will be sold across the park, including at the 1-UP Factory inside the land.
Photo by Jeff DePaoli
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
A 40-foot Christmas tree with more than 200,000 LED lights is back, along with a new holiday collection at the Universal Studios Store. The 5 Towers stage will host live music, DJ sets, and interactive street performers on select evenings
Dates, Admission and Extra Costs
| Planning guide | Details |
| Dates | Daily, Saturday, November 21, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027 |
| Admission | Holiday festivities are included with regular theme park admission. No separate ticket is needed. |
| New this year | Illumination’s Merry Minions in Minion Land: decorations, festive meet-and-greet, seasonal Minion Cafe bites, and new merchandise collection |
| Returning | Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (including the Hogwarts Castle show), Super Nintendo World decorations, CityWalk decor and entertainment |
| Extra costs | Food, treats, hot Butterbeer, and merchandise are available for purchase. |
Check the official park website and app for showtimes as the date approaches. More information is available at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.
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