holiday events at universal studios

[paulhoj]

I was wondering if there was a list of the times and schedules gor the holiday events at universal? I was on there website and even called there hotline but they were not to specific. Just wondering about the macy's parade and the grinch and stuff like that. I will be heading down there in 3 days with my girlfriend and we can not wait. We have been down to disney 3 times in the past year but we have never seen any of the holiday events. Thanks all for the help.

 

[cleo]

Universal Studios will have the Macy's Holiday Parade and Delancey Street Festival (food booths, etc) starting December 9. IOA will NOT have Grinchmas this year, but guests will be able to meet the Grinch as per usual, starting December 8. CityWalk will have Christmas in the City, involving lights, decorations and live music.

New Years Eve will be celebrated at CityWalk as it has been in the past, with a ticketed event featuring Cyndi Lauper and Tower of Power.

 

[Motherfletcher]

We went about a month ago and they had already started with the decorations. You are going about the perfect time. Crowds will be light and they will have their holiday celebrations in full swing.
If you have little ones you might want to visit the Studios' KidZone Holiday Show and Barney's Holiday Show. The Blue's Brothers also have a Christmas Show. Next door at IOA you meet and get your picture taken with the Grinch. The on-site hotels have holiday happenings too. The PBH has a nightly Grand Illumination of their tree followed by Holiday Music of the Night. HRH has holiday movies, character dining with visits from Santa. RPR has their ginormous gingerbread house.
It gets better if you get an Annual Pass. Exclusive meet and greet with Santa with free hot choolate, preferred viewing for the Macy's parade, Maybe a chance to be a balloon handler in the parade, Universal Express Pass for $5, 50% off a 1 day 2 park ticket (limit 4) and early park admission on certain days.

 

[connie1042]

We went on Dec. 9th and were lucky to be choosen to help with the ballons from the Macys parade. We got to be ballon handlers. If you can do it, it was a great time.

 

[rolltideroll]

Quick question- I am a APH, but my kids are not. Will they be able to be a balloon handler if they are with me? Also, who at the parks do you see to become a balloon handler?

 

[connie1042]

It was at 5:00. The parade. We were just walking down the street when we were asked. I would think if you went to anyone one the street that works there they could tell you. You have to be 18 to handle the ballons. I was on the football balloon, and there were 12 handlers and the balloon can really pull you. I saw a couple that had children walk with them, so maybe that is an option. Good luck. It was great.

 

[maleficent_man]

Cool - thanks for the info on the time of the parade. Another quick question - what route does it take and where it the best place to watch it? From what I've seen there appears to be some kind of finale with Santa's helpers dancing in front of the tree? Is that a good place?

 

[Momtravels]

Bumping... I would like to know also. Best area for viewing the parade??
We will be there 12/24-12/26. Thanks!

 

[yaytezIOA]

The parade starts where Twister is, turns down by Shrek and goes all the way around in front of T2 where it turns and I believe goes down to Beetlejuice and ends right in front of the mummy. The absolute best place for viewing is right across from the mummy in front of the christmas tree. Thats where the finale is and you get LOTS of confetti Candy and can be first in line to see Santa.
There is no Grinchmas at IOA but the Grinch is still there. There is loads to see and do, especially if you are staying at the hotels as they have holiday activities nightly as well. Lots of fun, hope this helps.

 

[maleficent_man]

Coolness....thanks for the info - can't wait to see it!

 

[Momtravels]

Thanks for the info! We are all looking forward to RPR and Universal