SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

THEME PARK ROUNDUP 

By

Steve Zall and Sid Fish 

WINTER 2011

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go – and that includes our local area theme parks! Just look at all of this Yuletide cheer and holiday happenings available:

 

Mickey Mouse Gets a Toon-Themed Tree for the Holidays as Disneyland Resort Celebrates the Season

 

Mickey Mouse celebrates the holidays with a cartoon-style Christmas tree this season as new décor adds merriment to Mickey’s Toontown for the 2011 holidays at Disneyland Resort. The holidays shine brightly throughout the resort from November 14 through January 8, as guests create memories for a lifetime.

Those holiday memories might even appear in the nightly “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” show on the façade of “it’s a small world” in Disneyland Park. A new segment of the show, specially added for the season, features a musical score filled with favorite holiday tunes and images of resort guests celebrating their holiday visits. As the presentation unfolds, the façade of “it’s a small world” Holiday is frozen in ice, decorated with wreaths and candy canes, wrapped in Christmas paper, and even turned into a giant snow globe. This new segment appears in “The Magic, The Memories and You!” beginning November 18.

Nearby, in Mickey’s Toontown, the centerpiece of the new holiday décor is a cartoon-style Christmas tree in front of Toontown City Hall. Sculpted garlands and wreaths adorn the Toontown gazebo and add holiday cheer to the Gag Warehouse. The personal Christmas trees in the front yards of Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses also carry the “toon” theme. On Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland welcomes back the traditional, 60-foot-tall Christmas tree that is a popular guest photo location.

In Disney California Adventure Park, guests are treated to a jolly seasonal addition to the “World of Color” nighttime water spectacular. This holiday season, Lanny and Wayne, Santa’s techno-savvy elves from the “Prep & Landing” holiday specials, appear in a “World of Color” sequence.

 

Disneyland Resort also welcomes back all the guest favorites for the holidays. Among the popular offerings are “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, the nightly snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A, and special holiday versions of “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion. In Fantasyland, holiday guests will find the traditional snowdrifts and icicles adorningSleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. After dark, a sensational holiday lighting and special effects show carries the magic of the holidays from the castle all the way to the Christmas tree in Town Square. The 60-foot-tall Disneyland Christmas tree is specially designed to present a nightly holiday light show like no other with more than 62,000 energy-efficient LED lights.

 

The Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle presentation unfolds throughout the evening in three acts, each of them featuring a touch of winter snow on Main Street, U.S.A. The finale of the show includes the legendary “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, which takes guests on a journey of sights and sounds of the season and ends with a touching rendition of “White Christmas,” along with a climactic snowfall swirling down on Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world” Mall and New Orleans Square.

 

“A Christmas Fantasy” parade has become a holiday tradition in Disneyland. Guests enjoy watching as Disney characters celebrate the magic of the season, wrapping gifts, baking holiday treats and preparing for the arrival of Santa Claus, who shouts a jolly greeting to spectators along the parade route. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse even take to the ice for some skating fun.

At The Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland, a display of vintage and new art, celebrating Walt Disney’s love of railroading will premiere during the holiday season. “All Aboard for A Grand Circle Tour of the Trains of Disney!” will survey Disney trains from the classic Disneyland Railroad to such historic routes as Nature’s Wonderland and the Carolwood-Pacific circuit that operated in Disney’s backyard in Holmby Hills, California.

Themed entertainment, sparkling decorations, and tasty treats add festive warmth to holiday fun at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Also, guests may book guided holiday tours that provide entry into “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, reserved seating for the Disneyland “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a keepsake remembrance and entertaining information about the history behind Disneyland holiday traditions. For information and reservations, guests may visit Disneyland City Hall or call (714) 781-4565.

Returning holiday favorites at Disneyland Park include:

• “It’s a small world” Holiday becomes a worldwide celebration of the season, boasting more than 300,000 glittering lights on its facade. Also nightly on the façade is “The Magic, The Memories and You!” show with its new holiday sequence.
• New this year in the finale of “it’s a small world” Holiday is a 14-foot sparkling snowman. He’s dressed in a gold top hat, golden scarf and hundreds of twinkling lights. A frosty snowflake mobile twirls over his head, flickering with an icy translucent glow, and the snowman’s “Happy Holidays” sign is sculpted out of ice that changes color.
• Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a madcap celebration as the traditions of Halloween and Christmas collide. The ghoulish but well-meaning Jack Skellington from the film “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” has come to Haunted Mansion to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays.
• Santa Claus and his reindeer return to greet Disneyland guests at Santa’s Reindeer Round-up in Big Thunder Ranch, Frontierland. Kids and their families chat with St. Nick and see real reindeer grazing in a corral.

 

Disney California Adventure celebrates the season with fanciful park-wide decorations and lively entertainment.

• The park’s newest attraction, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, is specially decorated for the holidays, along with its Paradise Pier neighbors, the Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill restaurants.
• “A bug’s land” transforms as Flik and his bug buddies spread giant Christmas lights and oversized ornaments throughout their realm.
• The holiday scene along the Paradise Bay boardwalk includes a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and lampposts decorated with seasonal wreaths.
• Santa Claus greets guests in a specially decorated gazebo on the boardwalk near Ariel’s Grotto on Paradise Pier.

 

Guests in Disney California Adventure won’t want to miss the park entertainment. In addition to “World of Color,” with special holiday guests Lanny and Wayne from “Prep & Landing,” the “ElecTRONica” nighttime street party in Hollywood Pictures Backlot transports guests of all ages “on the grid” and into the environment of the Walt Disney Pictures feature, “TRON: Legacy.”

 

Also part of the regular Disney California Adventure lineup:

• A new Disney California Adventure street show, “Phineas and Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party” invites guests of all ages to “seize the day,” dancing and singing on Paradise Pier with the Disney Channel’s inventive animated boy geniuses. Also on tap are the energetic “dance-off” competition of “Disney Dance Crew” on the Backlot Stage in Hollywood Pictures Backlot, and the rock concert-style “Disney Channel Rocks,” featuring music from Disney Channel movies and series, performed on the Palisades Stage in Paradise Park, alongside Paradise Bay lagoon.
• In Blue Sky Cellar at Golden Vine Winery, the Imagineers’ workshop offers guests a preview of what’s coming to Disney California Adventure, including Buena Vista Street and Cars Land in 2012.
• Guests along Paradise Pier in Disney California Adventure also may enjoy the new Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventures and Goofy’s Sky School attractions, along with such favorite as Toy Story Mania!, Silly Symphony Swings, California Screamin’ and Mickey’s Fun Wheel.

Holiday shopping at Disneyland Resort offers an array of merchandise available exclusively at Resort theme parks and the Downtown Disney district. Along with ornaments, holiday-themed Mickey Mouse ears, jewelry and the celebrated Disneyland handmade candy canes, guests discover a new line of edgy and stylish designs featuring The Muppets on clothing, vinylmation, and decorative skate decks.

Disneyland Resort hotels join in the holiday merriment with twinkling lights and ornaments, special entertainment and holiday dining. Expanded hours at both Disneyland Resort theme parks extend the fun. For more information about holidays at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com/holidays and for hotel and ticket offers, visitwww.disneyland.com/offers.

About the Disneyland Resort: The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical 969-room Disneyland Hotel; and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun.

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are open daily year round, and the holidays will shine brightly throughout the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim through January 8. For more information call 866-603-4763 or visit www.disneyland.com.

 

 

Knott’s Merry Farm

Celebrates the Holidays With

“A Charlie Brown Christmas”

 

Knott’s Berry Farm will be filled with the magic of the season this year as it transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm and celebrates “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with seasonal entertainment, spectacular decorations including a 65 foot tall Christmas tree, and a colorful Christmas parade starting Thanksgiving day and running through December 30, 2011.

Now a holiday tradition in Southern California, Knott’s Merry Farm is proud to present the holiday ice spectacular, “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” The show, performed in the 2,100-seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre, is hosted by the famous skating beagle and his Peanuts friends as they look for the true meaning of Christmas and features Knott’s ensemble skaters, dazzling sets, colorful costumes and plenty of surprises! “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” will be presented November 24-27, December 2-4, 9-11, 16-20, 22-24, 26-27, 29-31, and January 1.

“A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade” offers seven elaborately themed floats featuring the Peanuts Gang and accompanied by students from Orange County Song and Dance Company. Children and adults alike will be able to get into the holiday spirit along with CHARLIE BROWN, LUCY, LINUS, SALLY, SCHROEDER and of course SNOOPY, as they ready for the holidays. Join them as they partake in all the holiday festivities including candy making, tree trimming, and even toy building! “A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade” will run November 24-27, December 3-4, 10-11, 17-23, 26-30, and January 1.

Knott’s 1880s Ghost Town will again be transformed into Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, inviting mall-weary guests to explore one-of-a-kind treasures created by more than 100 artisans in a Victorian holiday wonderland of strolling carolers, musical groups, community choirs, and lavish holiday decorations. 

The show and parade are included with regular park admission and available to Christmas Crafts Village guests for a nominal additional charge.

Adding to the unique Village atmosphere are live performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and O’Henry’s“A Gift of the Magi” in the Bird Cage Theatre.

Elf Mountain Christmas is also back. The world famous Timber Mountain Log Ride has once again been transformed this holiday season giving guests an up-close and-personal view into the world of Santa’s Elves. Sneak a peak as Santa’s helpers get ready for Santa’s busiest day of the year. Rich with lights, music, and the merriest of times, this attraction will remain open until January 1.

Guests can also experience the wonder of “Snoopy’s Christmas Light Spectacular”. Hundreds of thousands of twinkling white and multicolored lights merrily light up the nighttime sky accompanied by a festive soundtrack that bring the Christmas spirit alive from dusk to Park closing.

A trip to Knott’s Merry Farm would not be complete without a visit with the man of the hour – Santa! Stop by Santa’s Toy Barn for a little one-on-one with the big guy. Here, in Santa’s cozy hideaway, kids can share their wish lists with St. Nick, and Mom and Dad can take home a picture of the occasion (photo requires additional fee). 

Village guests can also indulge in the ultimate comfort foods with Knott’s world-famous holiday treats, including fresh-baked pies, cakes, cookies, muffins and gingerbread men, as well as daily specials and the legendary cooking at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

For an all you can eat buffet, try Joe Cool’s Backyard BBQ Holiday Style starting November 25 and running Saturdays and Sundays through December 31. For only $23 for adults and $19 for seniors (62+) and season pass holders and $15 for kids (3-11), you can partake of a holiday feast that includes Mrs. Knott’s famous fried chicken, roast turkey, vegetarian lasagna, roast beef, mashed potatoes, boysenberry pie and much more! For reservations, call 1-800- PICNICS.

Another holiday treat is “Snoopy’s Calico Christmas Tree Lighting” each evening in Calico Square. Join SNOOPY, LUCY, LINUS, SALLY, and CHARLIE BROWN as they host a song-and-dance show complete with carolers and a Christmas sing-along then light a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The Peanuts gang is also featured in their very own live musical show, “Winter Wonderland” shown daily in Camp Snoopy.

Merry Farm guests can combine their holiday treats with Knott’s blockbuster rides. The legendary GhostRider®, the ultimate wooden sleigh ride; 30-story Supreme Scream®, the world’s tallest descending thrill ride; Silver Bullet, the longest and tallest suspended coaster in the West and Knott’s newest addition WindSeeker which takes guests on a flight over 300 feet over the park! 

Knott’s Merry Farm admission covers all Christmas Crafts Village and in-park shows and activities, including the ice show, “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” and all regular rides, shows and attractions including Silver Bullet, GhostRider®, Supreme Scream® and XceleratorSM.

Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is included with regular Knott’s Berry Farm admission daily. Monday through Friday guests may purchase Crafts Village only tickets; $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and $5 for kids (3-11). Village guests can enjoy the ice show, “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” or take a spin on GhostRider for nominal fees.

Knott's Berry Farm is open daily year round (except December 25), and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" starts November 24 and continues through January 1 at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park. For more information call 714-220-5200 or visitwww.knotts.com.

 

“Holiday Snow Days” at LEGOLAND® California

November 19 through January 2

 

LEGOLAND® California is gearing up for the biggest, brightest and coolest holiday celebration ever with Holiday Snow Days. The celebration begins November 19 when snow falls for the first time ever at the family theme Park and continues with the lighting of the world’s largest LEGO® Christmas tree and concludes with the annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party. New this year, Fun Town is transformed into a winter wonderland with a snow play area where families can build a snowman using LEGO carrots and other fun LEGO elements and throw snowballs at targets. Along with the snow-filled fun, Holiday Snow Days feature festive entertainment including carolers, elves, strolling magicians; Santa and his holiday helpers; an enchanting holiday musical; and nightly fireworks December 26 through 31. All Holiday Snow Days activities are included in the price of LEGOLAND California admission ($69 for adults; $59 for kids 3-12 and seniors 60+).

SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium Holiday Happenings – December 1 through 31

SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium is celebrating the holidays with a not-to-be-missed holiday-themed Daily Dive Show, a ‘green’ crafting event and other festive activities. SEA LIFE is also sharing ‘green’ holiday tips with visitors in hopes that guests will take care of our environment now and throughout the year. All holiday activities are included in the price of admission. Aquarium admission is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $13 for kids 3 to 12. For more information on SEA LIFE, visit www.sealifeus.com.

 

LEGOLAND® Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 28

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk will light the world’s largest LEGO® Christmas tree at LEGOLAND® California’s ninth annual Tree Lighting

Ceremony honoring the Tony Hawk Foundation on Monday, November 28 at 5 p.m. Families can gather around the giant tree which stands more than 30-feet-tall, is made of more than 245,000 forest green DUPLO® bricks and surrounded by packages and LEGO friends the entire family can enjoy. The event features festive entertainment, snow, fireworks, and a visit from Santa himself!

“Let It Snow” – November 19 through January 2

“Let it Snow”, an enchanting mini-musical returns to LEGOLAND® California with a holiday story that is sure to warm guests’ hearts. Share in the spirit of the season with 10-year-old Emily as she wishes for some holiday magic! Emily’s toys spring to life in a musical celebration as they help her realize her Yuletide wish. The 20-minute musical show features the Park’s signature song, “Season of Imagination”. “Let it Snow” runs November 19 through January 2 in the Playtown Theater.

 

Nightly Tree Lightings – December 1 through 24

LEGOLAND® California hosts nightly tree lighting ceremonies December 1 through December 24 at Park close where a lucky child will be randomly selected from the audience to help pull the switch that lights up the LEGO® Christmas tree. The giant LEGO Christmas tree has become the centerpiece of the holiday season at LEGOLAND California. The tree stands more than 30-feet-tall and is made of more than 245,000 forest green DUPLO® bricks.

 

Holiday Fireworks – December 26 through 31

A stunning display of fireworks light up the sky over LEGOLAND® California nightly December 26 through 31 at 7 pm. as part the Park’s Holiday Snow Days celebration. The dazzling fireworks feature a vibrant soundtrack of traditional and contemporary holiday music. The best viewing spot for the fireworks is Miniland U.S.A. which also is decked out for the season with wintery scenes in every miniature city.

 

Kids’ New Year’s Eve – December 31

Midnight strikes at 6 p.m. in LEGOLAND® California with the earliest New Year’s celebration in San Diego County – Kids’ New Year’s Eve! The party begins with a mini-concert in Holiday Fun Town during the day and continues with games and special musical performances from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Miniland U.S.A. Like the famous Times Square party, Kids’ New Year’s Eve features a countdown followed by a huge LEGO® brick dropping 22-feet into 2012 and dazzling fireworks cap off the night.

 

Legoland Southern California Resort is open year-round, and "Holiday Snow Days" runs November 19 through January 2 at Legoland California Resort in Carlsbad. For more information call 760-918-5346 or visit www.legoland.com.

 

 

SeaWorld San Diego Resort Presents “SnowWorld”

A Winter Wonderland of Fun for Everyone

 

With special holiday-themed animal shows, real snow, reindeer, festive décor and more, SeaWorld is the place to be this Christmas season. New for 2011 is SnowWorld, a winter wonderland of snowmen, snowballs, and family fun!SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration takes place November 19–20, 25–27, December 3–4, 10–11, 17–31, and January 1. All holiday festivities are included with park admission.

Shamu and friends celebrate with “Shamu’s Christmas”; SeaWorld’s prankster-loving pinnipeds (California sea lions) have a hilarious holiday time in “Clyde and Seamore’s Night Before Christmas”; the cats and dogs at Pets’ Playhouse take over and throw a Christmas party full of high-jinks in “Christmas Tails”; and the nightly lighting of SeaWorld’s 320-foot Christmas Tree of Lights, is sure to put SeaWorld guests in the spirit of the season.

 

New in 2011

SnowWorld – A winter wonderland of snowmen, snowballs, and family fun at SeaWorld’s Arctic Plaza! This area will feature more than 6,500 square feet of fresh snow each day and impromptu visits with SeaWorld’s arctic foxes, adding to the wintery atmosphere. SnowWorld will be open November 19 through January 1.

Mrs. Claus and reindeer – Mrs. Claus will join the festivities this year, greeting children at Santa’s Cottage, located at a magical Christmas wonderland on the lawn near Seaport Marketplace. And back by popular demand are real reindeer in a holiday-themed corral. The area will also feature pathway characters — an elf, jack-in-the-box, and toy soldier — plus a cookie decorating station and photo opportunities with Santa. Santa’s Cottage will be open November 19–20, 25–27, December 3–4, 10–11, 17–31, and January 1. 

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve – Following the evening performance of “Shamu’s Christmas” on December 31, SeaWorld will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a fireworks show set to a New Year’s Eve-themed soundtrack.

 

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration 2011 highlights:

 

“Shamu’s Christmas” – Shamu and friends celebrate Christmas with music and merriment, including soloists, a hand-signing choir, community carolers, and a saxophonist. The park’s 5,500-seat Shamu Stadium becomes a winter wonderland, with holiday scenes on the 80-foot-wide LED screen, and, of course, Shamu spreading holiday cheer for all.

“Clyde and Seamore’s Night Before Christmas” – SeaWorld’s prankster-loving pinnipeds (sea lions) put a comical twist on some of their favorite holiday moments.

“Christmas Tails” – A holiday-themed show featuring the shelter-adopted stars of the “Pets Rule!” show. When Lester’s family leaves him home alone while they visit grandma, holiday high-jinks ensue. “Christmas Tails” will be performed daily November 19 through January 1.

“The Polar Express 4-D Experience” – This magical 4-D experience takes viewers on a journey to the North Pole where a doubting young boy learns that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. “The Polar Express 4-D Experience” is based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment. During 12-minute presentations of the film at SeaWorld’s Mission Bay Theater, guests will experience amazing multi-sensory effects including snow, fog, gusts of wind and even the smell of hot chocolate! “The Polar Express 4-D Experience” will rundaily November 19 through January 1.

SeaWorld’s Christmas Tree of Lights Presented by KyXy – Each night at 6 p.m. November 25–December 25, the lights on SeaWorld’s 320-foot Skytower will dance, flash, swirl, and glow for five minutes, synchronized to holiday music that can be heard in the park and simulcast to all of San Diego on KyXy 96.5 FM.

Breakfast With Shamu and Santa – Breakfast With Shamu and Santa offers diners a chance to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast buffet at poolside tables just a few feet away from SeaWorld’s family of killer whales. Santa makes an appearance during the event, posing for festive holiday photos. The buffet includes scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast, machaca, fruit, juice, coffee and more. Cost is $26 for ages 10 and older, $16 for ages 3–9 (plus tax, gratuity and park admission). Dates are November 25–27, December 3–4, 10–11 and 17–24. For reservations, visitwww.seaworldsandiego.com or call (800) 25-SHAMU.

Holiday Atmosphere – SeaWorld will be decked out more than ever before, with holiday lights and décor throughout the park, including a 40-foot tree with marine animal-themed ornaments, Christmas decor in animal habitats and a Christmas tree lot complete with live trees. Outside Pets’ Playhouse, guests will find the Cat’s Christmas Parlor, where the feline stars of “Pets Rule!” hang out in their own Christmas-themed house. Plus, Southern California’s largest Christmas tree — SeaWorld’s 320-foot Christmas Tree of Lights — shines bright above the whole park.

Culinary Christmas Delights – SeaWorld’s culinary department is whipping up some holiday delights: special menu items at Shipwreck Reef Café, Mama Stella’s Pizza Kitchen, and Calypso Bay Smokehouse; a traditional holiday meal (turkey, stuffing and more) at Seaport Market; and special coffee and holiday treats at kiosks throughout the park.

 

All Christmas Celebration festivities are included with SeaWorld admission, which is $73 for ages 10 and older, $65 for ages 3–9.

 

Open daily year round, the holiday experience runs November 19 through January 1 at SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego. For more information call 800-257-4268 or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.

 

 

Universal Studios Hollywood “Cele-Who-brates”

18 Snow-Filled Days of “Grinchmas”

and Holidays at “5 Towers” on CityWalk Enchants

with Nightly Tree Lightings, Free Concert Performances

and New Holiday Lights Spectacular

 

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas as Universal Studios HollywoodSM and Universal CityWalk® unveil a cool calendar of festive holiday activities at The Entertainment Capital of L.A. SM

The spirit of the holidays will transform Universal CityWalk beginning the day after Thanksgiving on November 25 through December 31, as the new high-tech, outdoor concert arena, “5 Towers” comes alive with the sights and sounds of cheerful holiday music, choreographed in unison to hundreds of thousands of twinkling LED lights illuminating the venue.

Inspired by the vibrancy of the holiday season, the venue’s five soaring 42 ft. light tower sculptures will mesmerize visitors as they alternate from pulsing snow white strobe lights and giant twirling red and white colored candy canes, to ice blue glowing light pillars and a flashing white snow fall. Nightly tree-lightings at the gigantic 40 ft. tall Christmas tree, glistening with 100,000 LED lights, will also treat visitors to a wildly over-the-top and completely captivating multimedia holiday light show. Visits from a rock ‘n’ roll Santa, along with free concert performances, DJ appearances and an eclectic array of talented street performers will make Universal CityWalk a must-see L.A. holiday destination. Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.

Beginning on December 10 and 11 and continuing daily from December 17 through January 1, 2012, a very, merry “Grinchmas”TM returns to Universal Studios Hollywood as the theme park rings in a jolly Who-liday season with the Grinch, his faithful dog Max, tons of fresh snow and nightly celebrity readings of the Dr. Seuss classic, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” A whimsical, curving “Grinchmas” tree will tower 60 feet above the center of a snow-covered winter wonderland and will be lit in nightly ceremonies that will feature a colorfully costumed Who-ville choir caroling and spreading holiday cheer. The Grinch and Max will star with the Whos in these enchanting Who-billation performances.

Prior to select “Who-billations” and tree-lightings, celebrities from the worlds of film, television and music will take the stage to help Universal Studios Hollywood celebrate “Grinchmas” as they share their entertaining interpretations of the heart-warming tale of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.

Throughout “Grinchmas”, the Grinch, Max, and the Who-ville Whos will be on hand and paw to meet fans and take memorable holiday photos, while families gather to enjoy traditional winter fun, romping together in a playground of real snow, made fresh daily, and building their own Southern Californian snowmen.

“Grinchmas” will also provide fans of the blockbuster movie a close-up view of the original Who-ville film sets, featured in the “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” movie, aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour. As the tram rolls to a stop amid the fanciful Who-ville buildings, guests will experience a one-of-a-kind performance by a Whos Who of Who-ville re-enacting favorite scenes and songs from the film.

“Grinchmas” is included in the price of theme park admission. More information, including updates on the “Grinchmas” celebrity readings, will be available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

As families prepare for holiday gift giving, Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular “Buy A Day, Get 2012 Free" annual pass offers tremendous value and visits throughout 2012 for the price of a single day’s admission. Plus, guests who purchase the “Buy A Day, Get 2012 Free” will be able to experience Universal Studios Hollywood‘s new cutting-edge thrill-ride, “Transformers TM: The Ride 3D,” when it opens next Spring.

Open daily year round, “5 Towers” runs November 25 through December 31, and “Grinchmas” runs December 10 through January 1 at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City. For more information call 800-864-8377 or visitwww.universalstudioshollywood.com.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la, la la la la.

All our theme parks make life jolly, fa la la la la, la la la la.

Have a very merry holiday season!