Universal Studios Hollywood Events

If you are planning a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, you will want to make the most of your experience by checking out the various events the park offers throughout the year. 

Whether you are thrilled by the idea of being chased by monsters or excited to meet the Grinch, Universal Hollywood has something for you. 

Plus, you can also look forward to enjoying hot Butterbeer with a festive meal during the holiday season.

In this guide, we will highlight the must-see events you won’t want to miss and provide tips on how to get the best experience from each one. 

Join Your Favorite Characters for a Festive Lunar New Year Celebration!

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood and enjoy a festive atmosphere with your favorite characters!

The park is decorated with red lanterns and beautiful plum blossoms, and there are lively performances and special photo ops. 

Meet beloved characters like Hello Kitty dressed in their traditional Chinese attire, enjoy traditional music and dance, and indulge in delicious seasonal treats.

It’s a great way to experience the magic of the season with fun activities and special moments for the whole family.

Time: February (entire month)
Theme: Festive Celebration
Highlights: Colorful Decor, Character Meet-and-Greets, Traditional Performances, Seasonal Treats, Cultural Activities
Cuisine: Traditional Pan-Asian Dishes
Admission: Included with Your Theme Park Ticket

Note: If specific dates for events are not mentioned, they will be announced soon. For the latest information and updates on upcoming events, be sure to check the official Universal Studios Hollywood website.

Sparkling Celebrations for the Fourth of July

The park gets a festive makeover with an incredible fireworks show that lights up the night sky. 

The fireworks are perfectly synced with U.S. patriotic music, making for a truly spectacular sight.

You will find special entertainment throughout the day like themed performances and characters decked out in red, white, and blue. 

There is also festive food and drinks to enjoy, from star-spangled treats to holiday-themed beverages. 

The park is full of energy with parades and street performers; you will see American flags and decorations everywhere you look. 

Don’t forget to check out the exclusive Fourth of July merchandise for a fun keepsake. 

It’s a great way to celebrate Independence Day with a mix of Universal Studios’ excitement and patriotic flair!

Time: 4 July
Theme: American Independence Day
Highlights: Spectacular Fireworks, Patriotic Food and Drinks, Exclusive Merchandise, Parades and Street Performers
Cuisine: Themed American Dishes
Admission: Included with Your Theme Park Ticket

Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood turns the park into a chilling playground of fear. 

The event features spine-tingling haunted houses, creepy scare zones, and intense live shows each year. 

With themes inspired by popular horror movies and TV shows, you will find yourself immersed in a world of frightful fun.

This year, you can brace yourself for eight terrifying haunted houses, including Insidious: The Further and Ghostbusters: The Frozen Empire.

You can expect eerie sound effects, unsettling scenes, and actors in creepy costumes ready to give you a good scare. 

If you are a fan of thrills and chills, this is the place to be for a heart-pounding Halloween experience.

Time: 5 September to 3 November
Theme: Horror and Nightmarish Realm
Highlights: Haunted Houses, Scare Zones, Live Shows, Eerie Atmosphere,  Interactive Experiences
Cuisine: Halloween-themed Dishes
Admission: Separate Ticket 

Join the Wizarding World for a Magical Christmas Adventure

During the holiday season, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter becomes even more enchanting. 

The park transforms into a magical winter wonderland, beautifully decorated with festive lights and decorations. 

You can enjoy a special projection show at Hogwarts Castle, where dazzling lights and festive music create a stunning spectacle.

Seasonal treats, including holiday-themed variations of butterbeer and other festive sweets, are available throughout the park. 

The streets of Hogsmeade are adorned with holiday decor, and you might even spot beloved Harry Potter characters in their holiday best. 

Plus, there is exclusive holiday merchandise to pick up as a keepsake.

Time: Select Dates in Winter 
Theme: Winter Wonderland
Highlights: Hogwarts Castle Projection Show, Snowfall Effects, Festive Decor, Seasonal Treats, Holiday Lights and Music
Cuisine: Holiday-themed Dishes
Admission: Included with Your Theme Park Ticket

Feel the Joy of Grinchmas in the Heart of Who-ville

Grinchmas brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ to life.

The area is transformed into a festive wonderland, with Who-ville beautifully decorated in holiday cheer. 

You can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities, such as meeting the Grinch and his loyal dog, Max and participating in interactive experiences with the Whos.

The event features festive performances, including a live stage show that tells the story of the Grinch’s holiday adventure. 

Time: Select Dates in Winter 
Theme: Transformation of Who-ville into a Holiday Wonderland
Highlights: Whoville Decorations, Meet the Grinch, Live Stage Show, Festive Performances
Cuisine: Grinch-themed Dishes & Whoville Specials
Admission: Included with Your Theme Park Ticket

Dance into the New Year with Universal Studios Magic

Universal Studios Hollywood hosts EVE, a grand New Year’s Eve celebration that showcases Hollywood’s flair for festive extravagance. 

The event kicks off with a day full of thrilling rides, live shows, and attractions. 

As night falls, the park transforms into a vibrant party zone, complete with multiple DJs spinning tunes, spectacular fireworks, and a wide array of food and drink options. 

The countdown to midnight is a highlight, adding to the festive atmosphere. 

EVE is included with regular theme park admission, but for an elevated experience, you can opt for the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience. 

This upgrade offers exclusive private lounge access, a gourmet meal, and unlimited express access to all rides, attractions, and seated shows throughout the day.

Time: 31 December
Theme: Transformation of Who-ville into a Holiday Wonderland
Highlights: DJs and Music, Spectacular Fireworks, Midnight Countdown, Party Atmosphere
Cuisine: Holiday-inspired Dishes
Admission: Included with Your Theme Park Ticket

Host a Special Event at Universal Studios Hollywood

Turn your event into a Hollywood blockbuster at Universal Studios Hollywood—where every detail dazzles and every moment feels like a red-carpet experience.

The park offers a range of venues that can accommodate events from 100 to 20,000 guests. 

With a variety of Hollywood movie set-like locations and versatile, multi-purpose spaces, the park is perfect for events of all sizes and types. 

The dedicated Special Events team of the park will handle the details, ensuring your event gets the red carpet treatment and turns your business endeavor into a blockbuster success.

What to expect:

• Iconic Venues: Whether you are planning a product launch among the dinosaurs of Jurassic World or a corporate gala in a grand, movie-inspired lobby, the park has a variety of stunning spaces to suit any theme or size.
• Customizable Experiences: The event planning team at Universal Studios will work with you to bring your vision to life, where every detail can be tailored to fit your needs.
• World-Class Amenities: Benefit from top-notch technology, audio-visual equipment, and a dedicated team to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.

Types of Events:

• Corporate Events: Product launches, conferences, team-building activities, award ceremonies
• Social Events: Weddings, galas, birthday parties, holiday celebrations
• Private Parties: Exclusive screenings, themed parties, and VIP experiences

Additional Information for Seasonal Events

1. Grad Bash: This special event, designed for graduating seniors, takes place on select Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights in May and June. Attendees can enter the park at 8 pm, and the party starts at 9 pm.

• Dates: 14, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30 May and 6 June, 2025
• Highlights: DJ Dance Parties, Exclusive After-Hours Access, Special Decor and Photo Ops

2. Studio Tour’s 60th Anniversary: This milestone event showcases the evolution of filmmaking with special tours and exhibits highlighting six decades of cinematic history.

• Dates: 26 April to 11 August, 2024
• Highlights: Guest Appearances, Themed Exhibits, Special Tours, Historic Highlights

Vacatis Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood Events

• Be aware that attendance is likely to increase during special events. If possible, consider visiting on weekdays or at off-peak times.
• Do not miss out on exploring the park’s other attractions after the event. There could be less crowded attractions and shows.
• Halloween Horror Nights is designed to scare. If you are easily scared, avoid some of the most intense haunted houses.
• Take advantage of the festive atmosphere by purchasing unique holiday-themed merchandise at souvenir shops. You can find ornaments, decorations, and apparel that capture the spirit of the season.
• Special events often attract industry professionals. Take advantage of the chance to network and expand your connections.

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