The holiday season is filled with many beloved stories and characters. One of the most popular of these characters is the Grinch. During the spectacular holiday celebrations at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, you have the opportunity to see this fun, snarky, and sarcastic character in person.
During select dates this holiday season, you’ll have the opportunity to step into this classic tale. With the decorations, lights, music, Whos, and other popular characters, you may wonder if your heart grew three sizes or if it’s full of holiday cheer.
In this article, I’m going to provide you with all of the details needed for the season of Grinchmas. Follow along to find out specifics about the event such as dates, location, offerings, and of course – when you can see the Grinch at Universal!
At Universal Orlando, there is a Dr. Seuss themed land in Islands of Adventure called Seuss Landing. Within this land, you’ll find multiple shops, attractions, and dining locations that are all themed to popular Dr. Seuss stories such as The Cat in the Hat, One Fish – Two Fish – Red Fish – Blue Fish, and Green Eggs and Ham. During the holidays, Seuss Landing is transformed with lights and decorations to take on the charm of Who-ville for the Grinchmas celebration.
When you're at Suess Landing, you’ll not only see other Universal Orlando Guests, you’ll also see Whos! Take a moment to speak with the Who-ville residents and grab a picture with them. While these Whos will be wandering amongst the crowd, other Whos will be taking the stage for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular!
READ MORE- How to Meet the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood
This stage show is a live retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! that’s filled with fun and laughter. Featuring lively musical performances, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is accompanied by music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller. During the show, you’ll see Cindy Lou Who, Max, other resident Whos, and of course – The Grinch!
There are multiple opportunities throughout the day to catch this performance. In the past, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular runs for about 30 minutes and has typically had the showtimes of 10:15am, 11:15am, 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm. Of course, as with any Universal Orlando entertainment, these times are subject to changes or cancellation. Make sure to check your Universal Orlando app to keep up to date with performance times.
Not only will you be able to see the Grinch perform in the Who-liday Spectacular, you will also have a chance to meet him! The Grinch at Universal provides a wonderful character interaction. This version of The Grinch is based off of Jim Carrey’s lively, energetic, and snarky Grinch. He’s likely to make you laugh, catch you off guard and possibly even insult you during your meet-and-greet.
We highly recommend that you meet the Grinch at Universal! However, we do not recommend that you wait in an extremely long line to do so. Due to the rising popularity of this character experience, we’ve seen long lines start to form early in the morning which resulted in wait times of 300 minutes. Again, the Grinch is a great character to meet, but there are other ways to meet him that don’t result in you standing in a long line all day.
One way you can meet the Grinch at Universal, without sacrificing a large portion of your park day, is to join him for the Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast. Normally, this breakfast takes place at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous with breakfast items being served on a buffet. However, last year in 2023, due to renovations taking place at this dining location, the Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast was relocated to Confisco Grille and your meal was served to you at your table.
As Guests enjoyed their breakfast, local Whos interacted with them. Unlike in previous years, the Grinch did not mingle with Guests during the meal. Meet-and-Greets with the Grinch were held separately after Guests were finished. The waiters and waitresses would bring a Grinch postcard to the table once the meal was complete. This served as a voucher to meet the Grinch. You would then take this postcard to the meeting area and have your turn visiting with the Grinch!
In our opinion, this is a much better option than waiting in a long line to meet him. Not only do you get to enjoy a delicious meal, you also get to interact with the Whos and have a more personalized experience with the Grinch at this character breakfast.
The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast is reservation only. This is a very popular character breakfast and reservations sell out QUICKLY. If you’re hoping to take part in this breakfast this holiday season, make sure you make your reservation as early as possible. We suggest you start checking at least a month prior to your holiday trip so you’re ready when the reservations open up.
Reservations can be made online or by calling 407-503-DINE. Payment is required in order to complete your reservation. Last year, the Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast was $58.99 plus tax per adult (ages 10+) and $32.99 plus tax per child (ages 3-9).
The Holiday Tour of Universal Orlando gives Guests the opportunity to experience exclusive after hours holiday offerings in the parks. While you do have exclusive holiday access during the Holiday Tour, this is not a private tour. Your party will be joined by others, making up a larger tour group which may include up to 15 Guests.
Universal Orlando’s Holiday Tour includes:
There are less opportunities to see the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood. However, there is still plenty of Who-liday cheer to go around during the Grinchmas season!
The only way that you’ll be able to see the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood is through his meet-and-greet. You can meet the Grinch and Max during regular park hours.
READ MORE- How to Meet the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood
Not only can you meet the Grinch and Max, you can meet Cindy Lou Who as well! However, this is no normal meet-and-greet. Before meeting Guests, Cindy Lou reads the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! for Guests to enjoy. Afterwards, Cindy is available to meet, talk to, and snap a picture with!
For anyone who thinks that the Grinch could use a little more holiday cheer, head over to the Who-ville Post Office. Here, you can send letters to the Grinch! On your postcard, make sure that you tell the Grinch about some good deeds that you’ve done. (I’m sure he could use some suggestions!) For every postcard that’s sent to the Grinch, Universal Studios Hollywood will make a charitable donation. The Grinch’s heart won’t be the only one growing three sizes!
If you decide to visit other parts of Universal Studios Hollywood during the day, make sure that you come back to the Grinchmas celebration in the evening just as the sun sets. This is the time of day when you’ll be able to watch the amazing spectacle of the Who-ville tree lighting. During the lighting of this Dr. Seuss-inspired tree, you’ll even witness a light snowfall! Filled with music, colorful lights, and Who-liday cheer, this celebration is one that you (and the Grinch) won’t want to miss!
READ MORE – Does Costco’s Dole Whip Compare to the Disney Parks Treat? We Just Bought to Find Out
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Grinchmas at Universal Orlando
At Universal Orlando, there is a Dr. Seuss themed land in Islands of Adventure called Seuss Landing. Within this land, you’ll find multiple shops, attractions, and dining locations that are all themed to popular Dr. Seuss stories such as The Cat in the Hat, One Fish – Two Fish – Red Fish – Blue Fish, and Green Eggs and Ham. During the holidays, Seuss Landing is transformed with lights and decorations to take on the charm of Who-ville for the Grinchmas celebration.
When you're at Suess Landing, you’ll not only see other Universal Orlando Guests, you’ll also see Whos! Take a moment to speak with the Who-ville residents and grab a picture with them. While these Whos will be wandering amongst the crowd, other Whos will be taking the stage for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular!
READ MORE- How to Meet the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood
Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
This stage show is a live retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! that’s filled with fun and laughter. Featuring lively musical performances, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is accompanied by music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller. During the show, you’ll see Cindy Lou Who, Max, other resident Whos, and of course – The Grinch!
There are multiple opportunities throughout the day to catch this performance. In the past, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular runs for about 30 minutes and has typically had the showtimes of 10:15am, 11:15am, 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm. Of course, as with any Universal Orlando entertainment, these times are subject to changes or cancellation. Make sure to check your Universal Orlando app to keep up to date with performance times.
Grinch Photo Opportunity
Not only will you be able to see the Grinch perform in the Who-liday Spectacular, you will also have a chance to meet him! The Grinch at Universal provides a wonderful character interaction. This version of The Grinch is based off of Jim Carrey’s lively, energetic, and snarky Grinch. He’s likely to make you laugh, catch you off guard and possibly even insult you during your meet-and-greet.
Expect Long Waits to Meet the Grinch
We highly recommend that you meet the Grinch at Universal! However, we do not recommend that you wait in an extremely long line to do so. Due to the rising popularity of this character experience, we’ve seen long lines start to form early in the morning which resulted in wait times of 300 minutes. Again, the Grinch is a great character to meet, but there are other ways to meet him that don’t result in you standing in a long line all day.
Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast
One way you can meet the Grinch at Universal, without sacrificing a large portion of your park day, is to join him for the Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast. Normally, this breakfast takes place at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous with breakfast items being served on a buffet. However, last year in 2023, due to renovations taking place at this dining location, the Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast was relocated to Confisco Grille and your meal was served to you at your table.
Meeting the Characters at Grinch Breakfast
As Guests enjoyed their breakfast, local Whos interacted with them. Unlike in previous years, the Grinch did not mingle with Guests during the meal. Meet-and-Greets with the Grinch were held separately after Guests were finished. The waiters and waitresses would bring a Grinch postcard to the table once the meal was complete. This served as a voucher to meet the Grinch. You would then take this postcard to the meeting area and have your turn visiting with the Grinch!
In our opinion, this is a much better option than waiting in a long line to meet him. Not only do you get to enjoy a delicious meal, you also get to interact with the Whos and have a more personalized experience with the Grinch at this character breakfast.
The Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast is reservation only. This is a very popular character breakfast and reservations sell out QUICKLY. If you’re hoping to take part in this breakfast this holiday season, make sure you make your reservation as early as possible. We suggest you start checking at least a month prior to your holiday trip so you’re ready when the reservations open up.
Reservations can be made online or by calling 407-503-DINE. Payment is required in order to complete your reservation. Last year, the Grinch and Friends Character Breakfast was $58.99 plus tax per adult (ages 10+) and $32.99 plus tax per child (ages 3-9).
Universal Orlando Holiday Tour
The Holiday Tour of Universal Orlando gives Guests the opportunity to experience exclusive after hours holiday offerings in the parks. While you do have exclusive holiday access during the Holiday Tour, this is not a private tour. Your party will be joined by others, making up a larger tour group which may include up to 15 Guests.
Universal Orlando’s Holiday Tour includes:
- Reserved seating for the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular
- An exclusive meet-and-greet with the Grinch and his dog, Max
- Light bites, desserts, and more
- A private meet-and-greet with Santa
- Priority access to one pre-selected attraction
- An after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle
Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood
There are less opportunities to see the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood. However, there is still plenty of Who-liday cheer to go around during the Grinchmas season!
The only way that you’ll be able to see the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood is through his meet-and-greet. You can meet the Grinch and Max during regular park hours.
READ MORE- How to Meet the Grinch at Universal Studios Hollywood
More Ways to Celebrate the Who-lidays
Not only can you meet the Grinch and Max, you can meet Cindy Lou Who as well! However, this is no normal meet-and-greet. Before meeting Guests, Cindy Lou reads the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! for Guests to enjoy. Afterwards, Cindy is available to meet, talk to, and snap a picture with!
Visit the Who-ville Post Iffice
For anyone who thinks that the Grinch could use a little more holiday cheer, head over to the Who-ville Post Office. Here, you can send letters to the Grinch! On your postcard, make sure that you tell the Grinch about some good deeds that you’ve done. (I’m sure he could use some suggestions!) For every postcard that’s sent to the Grinch, Universal Studios Hollywood will make a charitable donation. The Grinch’s heart won’t be the only one growing three sizes!
Grinchmas Holiday Tree Lighting
If you decide to visit other parts of Universal Studios Hollywood during the day, make sure that you come back to the Grinchmas celebration in the evening just as the sun sets. This is the time of day when you’ll be able to watch the amazing spectacle of the Who-ville tree lighting. During the lighting of this Dr. Seuss-inspired tree, you’ll even witness a light snowfall! Filled with music, colorful lights, and Who-liday cheer, this celebration is one that you (and the Grinch) won’t want to miss!
READ MORE – Does Costco’s Dole Whip Compare to the Disney Parks Treat? We Just Bought to Find Out
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