Tell me about US/IOA mid December

[Belle & Ariel]

We have not been to Universal since when IOA opened and we had seasonal APs.
We will be in Orlando mid December and I'm considering surprising our son with a 2 -4 day hopper.
What are the special events and shows for Christmas? Decorations? Is there anything like the Osbourne lights or Candlelight Processional at Disney?
How will the crowds be from Dec. 16-24th? Is it wise to go on a weekday as opposed to the weekend?
The website has been down for maintenance several times lately--any guess on how late the parks are open at that time of year?
Thanks!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

The 16-22 will be slow/moderate. Even the 23-25 are tolerable, crowdwise. Parks are usually open until 7 or 8, and weekdays (Tue-Thur) are always better than weekends.

IOA will have Grinchmas, which has Seuss Landing transformed and a Grinch show a few times per day. USF will have much more decor, including several Macy's baloons. They will have a daily Macy's parade around 5pm. One of the best viewing areas for this is near the Mummy.

Also on some Saturdays, there will be a concert at the concert stage between Rockit and Twister.

 

[mauisam]

We were last at Universal December 10-12, 2010. We had 2-day hoppers and went Sat & Sunday. Harry Potter was packed by late morning & IOA was busy but not crazy. Universal was busy but not crazy, as most guests were over at Potter. We had stayed on-site so the lines were not a problem.

Since then they've added a night-time show at Universal. I know they have the Macy's Parade but it started after we were there. They had some TV shows filming at City Walk, Ellen I think. I don't remember any special Christmas decorations. Altho, Potter land looks like winter all the time.
It could've been decorated, but everything pales when compared to Osborne and Disney in general.
Last trip it was pretty cold & the water rides looked chilly.

have fun
mauisam