November 14, 2014 – Universal Studios Hollywood has announced the dates for this year’s Grinchmas event, which spans from December 6 to January 3 on select days.
Featuring a 60-foot Grinchmas tree in the heart of Universal Plaza, this year’s event will feature an interactive meet-and-greet with the Grinch and his dog Max alongside cookie and ornament decorating activities for kids and their families. Universal’s long running Studio Tour Whobilation will also continue on the Whoville backlot sets, featuring a small performance inspired by Ron Howard’s 2000 live action film.
Like 2013’s event however, this year’s Grinchmas will likely not feature a full fledged tree lighting ceremony, instead substituting a smaller show that rotates throughout the evening. If last year’s event is any indication, Universal will also be offering various entertainment options – such as the Who-Ltide Carolers and the Who-liday Singers – to compensate for the lack of an elaborate tree lighting ceremony. Such changes have often been attributed to several major construction projects occurring within the park, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Springfield food court.
In the past, Grinchmas once featured celebrity readings and a manufactured snow play area adjacent to the Grinchmas tree, taking advantage of the now defunct Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show arena (which has since been replaced by Universal Plaza). With construction in full swing, Universal has introduced smaller scaled entertainment options and additional holiday decor to disperse crowds throughout the park.
Based on Ron Howard’s 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas featuring Jim Carey as the Grinch, Universal’s annual Grinchmas event features entertainment and park décor based on the live action film. Grinchmas is included in the cost of admission, and runs on select dates from December 6 to January 3.
Please stay with Inside Universal for continuing coverage on Grinchmas alongside other stories originating from the park.
Special thanks to Armadillo4 and Carlos for the tip!
Jon Fu is the editor-in-chief of Inside Universal.
Jon originally founded InsideUniversal.net in 2006 as a summer hobby aimed at providing families and fans a resource for all things “Universal Studios Hollywood.” Since then, the website has taken him throughout the United States and around the world – including to places like Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore.
Jon currently resides in Santa Cruz, California. You may reach him at jon@insideuniversal.net.
