Universal Orlando Holiday Festivities Start This Weekend

Universal Orlando Resort’s Holiday festivities kick off this weekend with holiday entertainment for the entire family. Both parks will have events and decorations meant to keep the spirits bright with holiday offerings running Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012.

Grinchmas, at Islands of Adventure, brings to life the popular Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” via the live stage show, “Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular,” which stars The Grinch and the Whos from Whoville.

At Universal Studios Florida, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will fill the streets every evening with some of the same iconic elements seen winding through New York City each year at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The beloved parade features colorful holiday characters, fantasy-filled floats and dozens of larger-than-life balloons. Mannheim Steamroller, the masters of Christmas music with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide, returns to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios six times this year to play their memorable holiday hits for guests, performing on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.

Also at Universal Studios, guests can enjoy special holiday-themed versions of their favorite shows, including The Blues Brothers Show and A Day in the Park with Barney, as well as nightly a capella holiday music in the nearby Holiday Village, which is filled with hand-blown glass ornaments, hot chocolate, a cookie decorating location and more.

This special holiday entertainment – including the Mannheim Steamroller concerts – is included as part of regular admission to Universal Orlando’s theme parks. To maximize the fun, guests can experience all holiday-themed activities at both theme parks with any annual pass, two-park or multi-day admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (*Note: Power Annual Pass is blocked out December 26, 2011 – January 1, 2012).

For more information on Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration and Florida resident offers, guests can visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/holidays.