Grinchmas at Universal Studios: Everything you need to know

Grinchmas is back at Universal Studios Hollywood! Here’s what you need to know about how to celebrate the Who-lidays with the Grinch (and grow your heart three sizes).

It’s time to celebrate the holidays — I mean, Wholidays — at Universal Studios Hollywood with Cindy Lou Who, the Grinch, Max, and the spirited citizens of Whoville! There’s lots to see and do inside the Grinchmas special event area at the park this season, and here’s a run-down of everything it has to offer, along with some tips for how to make the best of your experience (and even grow your heart three sizes).

If you want photos with the Grinch himself, make that the very first thing on your list. The Grinch seemed to love interacting with each group, and he wanted to be the humorous center of attention in each picture. He probably doesn’t want other people to know, but he seemed to love taking pictures with his fans all day long. This is something you should absolutely do, but 90 minutes after the park opened, the line to meet the Grinch was already 70 minutes long, and there is no Express line. So, make sure you get to Universal Studios Hollywood as early as you can, and stop in to visit with the Grinch first.

Even with a line to meet the Grinch at over an hour, the line to meet Max was only about 10-15 minutes, so be sure to stop in and say hello to Whoville’s favorite pup! Max is very talented and excited to see guests, and he works with a trainer to pose for each photo. We saw Max put his paw on some people’s shoulder or head, and he even gave out a few kisses.

Centerstage, there are three events you’ll want to be sure and check out. During the day,  Martha May and the Who-Dolls will sing hit holiday songs with a cameo by the Grinch himself, and you’ll also catch an upbeat performance by The Wholiday Singers (aka the boy band of Grinchmas). The performers are all very interactive and there seemed to be something going on at the stage every half hour, keeping people entertained while they visited other stations in the Grinchmas area.

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Starting at 5:30, and reshowing every half hour until the park closes, you’ll see the Wholiday Tree Lighting and be treated to songs, some Grinchmas mischief, and snowfall. The final showing of the day will likely be the least crowded, and there wasn’t a bad seat in the house. The benches will fill up fast, but there was plenty of room to stand around and watch the show.

If you’re trying to do both the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Light Show and the Grinchmas Wholiday Tree Lighting, wait in line to enter Hogsmeade for the light show first, about 60-90 minutes before park close, and then catch the final tree lighting as you exit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It can be done and it makes the night extra magical!

Along with the treats and other fun photo-ops all throughout Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood, be sure to stop by the Whoville Post Office and visit Cindy Lou Who herself.

She’ll give you a postcard where you can write 3 good deeds you’ve done this year. If you turn the card back in to her, she’ll read it aloud and send it off to Mr. Grinch himself (who will then pass it along to The Discover a Star Foundation).

For each postcard received, the foundation will make a donation to School on Wheels, so be sure to have your good deeds ready!

Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood is back this weekend, December 8-9, and then starts daily from December 14 to December 30!