Theme parks typically go overboard for the holiday season, and Universal is no exception – which is what makes its latest announcement such a shock.
From Universal Studios Hollywood to Universal Studios Beijing, you can find festive celebrations at Universal’s theme parks worldwide. Its American parks (Hollywood and Orlando) undeniably embrace Christmas the most, hosting Grinchmas and decorating the likes of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD for the season.
Further afield, Universal Studios Singapore is marking the holidays by lighting up Far Far Away Castle – AKA the castle from Shrek 2 (2004), or, as we call it, the best film in the world – with festive DreamWorks projections. Universal Studios Beijing is also hosting its “Winter Holiday” celebrations park-wide, while Universal Studios Japan kicks off its NO LIMIT! Christmas on November 20.
Christmas at Universal Studios Japan
This year’s NO LIMIT! Christmas sees the park celebrate from November 20, 2024, through January 5, 2025.
As part of the festivities, the park will host its annual Frosty’s Electric Snow Party – featuring the likes of Snoopy, Elmo, Hello Kitty, and the Minions – twice per day. It’s also set to bring back Hogwarts Magical Night – Winter Magic for the first time after a five-year hiatus. This sees Hogwarts Castle transformed by magical spells from the Harry Potter franchise, including “Lumos Maxima.
The centerpiece of the park’s celebrations is Universal Studios Japan’s iconic 30-meter NO LIMIT! Christmas tree, a record-breaking wonder once crowned by Guinness for the most lights on an artificial tree for nine years straight. This season, the tree returns with a fresh 2024 design featuring vibrant new ornaments and dazzling illuminations synchronized to beloved Christmas classics.
However, the 2024 Christmas season will reportedly be the final outing for the NO LIMIT! Christmas tree. As per Universal Studios Japan, “this year is your last chance to see the Park’s dazzling Christmas tree.”
The park has not provided a reason for the tree’s departure or provided an update on a potential replacement for 2025. While we doubt it’s planning on going totally tree-free in 2025, it’ll be interesting to see how Universal Studios Japan tries to top the NO LIMIT! Christmas tree – especially considering its popularity with guests. According to Universal, the tree has an incredible 99% satisfaction rating.
It’s safe to assume that money plays some kind of role in the tree’s departure. Running the artificial tree with the most lights is no small (or cheap) feat. It also takes a lot of manual labor; in the past, Universal has started putting up its NO LIMIT! Christmas tree as early as July.
What’s your favorite theme park holiday celebration?
The post Universal Confirms That 2024 Is the End of a Christmas Celebration appeared first on Inside the Magic.
