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Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando 2009 Christmas and Holiday Events
Universal Says Merry Grinchmas

By Arthur Levine, About.com

Filed In:

Christmas at Theme Parks

All the whos in Whoville can meet the Grinch at Islands of Adventure.

Universal Orlando. Used with permission.

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Universal Orlando

You'll just have to take my word on this, but I used to go to Universal Studios Florida around the holidays, saw the few measly decorations, and thought that the park really should have done something more to get into the spirit of the season. Its New York backlot area was just screaming for some tinsel. "And there's a (faux) Macy's department store," I'd ponder. "What a perfect tie-in for...a Christmas parade!" Well, they must've read my mind. Universal has been going all out the past few seasons...and Macy's has figured prominently in the holiday hoopla.

Universal Studios Florida
Macy's Holiday Parade and other holiday fun

2009 dates: December 5 through January 1st
Included with admission

It's Universal's version of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The theme park rendition includes some of Macy's signature giant balloons, including Uncle Sam and a toy soldier, plus floats, clowns, and guest marching bands. Santa Claus and his reindeer wrap up the parade with a big ho-ho-ho (and not just any Santa, but the actual, authentic, Macy's-certified one, straight from the Big Apple).

Other holiday features include a holiday concert series (on select dates) with performers such as Mannheim Steamroller and Chris Isaak. There will also be a daily tree-lighting ceremony, and holiday shows featuring Barney and the Blues Brothers. From Dec. 26 to 31, the park will present its Universal 360–A Cinesphere Spectacular fireworks and multimedia show.

Islands of Adventure
Grinchmas

2009 dates: December 5 through January 1st
Included with admission

A musical presentation of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" will be performed in the park's Seuss Landing. The furry green Grinch will also meet and greet guests.

Hummable Humbug at Universal Orlando- An About.com exclusive interview and article about the holiday events at Universal Orlando.

Universal Orlando Holiday Season Photo Gallery

SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld's Holiday Celebration

2009 dates: Nov. 13 to Jan. 3
Included with admission

SeaWorld adds some holiday cheer to its marine park in the form of festive decorations and live holiday music from classical musicians and carolers. The Wild Arctic motion simulator ride gets a holiday makeover into The Polar Express Experience. Scenes from the film are repurposed for the ridefilm attraction. SeaWorld Orlando also features special nightly presentations of the Shamu Christmas Miracles stadium show, a Christmastide Holiday Fountain Show, and a nightly snow shower over the park's waterfornt shopping area. Maybe you can request some fruitcake to go with your poi at the Makahiki Christmas Luau (extra fee).