Holiday Magic at Universal Studios: Meet Wicked Characters and More!

It's that time of year again—the holidays are here, and theme parks are rolling out exciting experiences! Universal Studios Orlando is getting a huge dose of magic with their Wicked Experience. This immersive retail spot lets you step into the world of Oz, with Shiz and Emerald City-themed rooms filled with props and official merchandise. The best part? You can meet Elphaba and Glinda, which is a big deal since they're only at Universal Studios Orlando this holiday season. West Coast fans might have to settle for a smaller Wicked store and themed food at Universal Studios Hollywood, but no character meet-and-greets. The Wicked Experience isn't all that's new. Universal Studios Resort in Orlando is preparing for a massive 2025 with the opening of Epic Universe. This new theme park will feature Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon land, among other attractions. Monster fans should keep an eye on the Dark Universe land, which promises state-of-the-art animatronics that might just take your breath away. Don't forget the gift ideas! Whether you're a Wicked fan, a Universal Monsters enthusiast, or just love theme parks, there are plenty of merchandise options to choose from. You can shop online or in-store at Hot Topic for Universal Monsters gear, or check out the Holiday Tribute store at Universal Orlando for Earl the Squirrel goodies. Even if you can't make it to the parks, you can still get into the spirit with items like the Grinch inflatable from Lowes or travel accessories from Kitsch online. In Las Vegas, AREA15 is back with their quirky Nightmare Before Christmas screenings. You can relax on plush couches and enjoy themed drinks and treats while watching Tim Burton's classic film. This immersive experience is available until January 2, 2025, making it a perfect holiday trip idea. Over at Disneyland, Star Wars fans can celebrate Life Day with special offerings like a Wookiee popcorn bucket and an exclusive viewing area for the Galaxy’s Edge fireworks show. Marvel fans can look forward to new rides at Avengers Campus in 2025, while also enjoying festive storytimes and carols this holiday season.