Grinchmas has returned to Universal Studios Hollywood! Although the event has not changed for the most part, it never fails to deliver smiles to guests as they navigate Grinchmas and all of its offerings housed in the Universal Plaza.
This year’s event features three shows, new food options, as well as multiple activities for Whos of all ages.
Entertainment
Grinchmas offers three shows including Martha May and the Who-Dolls, The Wholiday Singers, and the Wholiday Tree Lighting. Perhaps one of the most substantial changes this year is the removal of the Story Time with Cindy Lou Who show replaced only with additional performances of The Wholiday Singers.
Martha May and the Who-Dolls is a musical revue featuring classic holiday tunes performed by Martha May herself. While the show remains mostly the same aside from a few costume changes, the Grinch now makes an appearance in one of the songs. Although seeing the Grinch in more than one performance at the event is a welcome surprise, the show as a whole has become noticeably shorter than its previous iterations with a few less songs performed than before. Overall, despite its brief length, the show still delivers a fun and energetic performance that guests will not want to miss.
The Wholiday Singers are back bringing holiday cheer to Whos big and small in their performances that now run all throughout the day in the previous slot for Story Time with Cindy Lou Who. For those who may be unaware, The Wholiday Singers sing holiday songs a capella with their own unique twist. Save for a few changes in audience participation, the show is the same as its previous iteration, though never fails to make guests smile.
The Wholiday Tree Lighting is certainly the highlight of the event, beginning with the Grinch delivering a monologue as he attempts to “steal” Christmas from Whoville. Suddenly caught in the act by Cindy Lou and Martha May, he ultimately finds his heart growing three sizes as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. The show concludes with a lighting of the tree itself when all Whos from near and far come together to celebrate. Straying from the generally shorter length of the shows at this year’s event, the Wholiday Tree Lighting has instead grown in length, serving as a satisfying conclusion to a day of Wholiday cheer.
New Holiday Treats
This year’s event offers multiple new festive treats available for purchase including Whoville’s Who Hash, an expressive Grinch cupcake, as well as a giant Grinch donut. Who Hash, a holiday food featured in multiple adaptations of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is a mixture of corned beef, roasted peppers, Mornay, caramelized onions, scallions, and tater tots served in a labeled can. Who Hash can only be found at Mel’s Diner and Plaza Grill, though the Grinch cupcake and donut, respectively, can be purchased at multiple locations throughout the park.
In addition, Voodoo Doughnut in Universal CityWalk also offers a large Grinch doughnut for purchase.
Activities
Being the most-popular photo opportunity of the event, guests can meet and interact with the Grinch himself, portrayed by actors who by all means succeed at bringing Jim Carrey’s performance to life. If you’re interested in meeting the Grinch, be warned that the wait time spirals up quickly after the event starts, generally ranging anywhere between 45 and 120 minutes. We recommend that you get to Grinchmas as early as possible to minimize your wait.
After meeting the Grinch, you’ll surely want to meet his furry companion, Max. Sporting his iconic antlers and all, Max can be found at his meet and greet location near the entrance to the queue for meeting the Grinch.
New Photo Opportunities
Located in the previous spot for Trim Up the Tree Lot, two static photo opportunities have appeared. Keep an eye out throughout the day though and you might also find Cindy Lou Who at the snowman photo-op taking photos with guests.
Who-ville Post Office
Guests can grow their hearts three sizes at the Who-ville Post Office, where they can create a postcard promising three good deeds addressed to the Grinch. In return, Universal will make a charitable donation to School on Wheels – an organization dedicated to educating the homeless youth – for every postcard sent.
While not much has changed at this year’s event, Grinchmas retains its charm through the many talented actors that truly bring Who-ville to life and likewise succeed in leaving a smile on each and every guest’s face that they interact with. With Grinchmas paired with Christmas in the Wizarding World, Universal Studios Hollywood boasts a strong holiday lineup this year that you will not want to miss.
This year, Grinchmas runs December 1, 2, 8, 9, and 14-30.
