By Charly SHELTON

As the festive season sweeps across the theme parks of Southern California, Universal Studios Hollywood decks its halls with the enchanting “Grinchmas” and the magical “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” inviting guests to immerse themselves in a holiday celebration that brings a fun twist to the classic Christmas theme. These beloved annual celebrations promise to fill the air with the spirit, or the stench (as The Grinch would say), of the season.

At the heart of the festivities stands the iconic “Grinchmas” Who-bilation, anchored by a whimsically topsy-turvy 65-foot tree, ablaze with ornaments and thousands of twinkling LED lights. This centerpiece sets the stage for the nightly tree-lighting ceremony and snow (soap bubble) flurry, weaving a tapestry of good tidings throughout Universal Plaza. This celebration is a holiday mainstay, bringing the classic Grinch character back year after year for good natured, quippy fun in his guest interactions and he is now almost as much a part of the holiday season as Santa.

But this returning celebration keeps things new and fresh year-to-year with updates to the entertainment. New to the “Grinchmas” lineup this year is a toe-tapping performance by the Who-Bee Doo-Wops group. Its bell-ringing holiday classics echo through the plaza, adding a vibrant soundtrack to the whimsical world of Who-ville. Not to be missed are the special photo ops with the Grinch and his loyal dog Max, along with Cindy-Lou Who’s storytime sessions, enriching the narrative of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

No holiday celebration is complete without having at least one (or 12) festive treats. Sure there’s the cinnamon rolls and giant croissant spirals, but the holidays are all about gingerbread. The Disneyland gingerbread mouse cookie gets a lot of hype this time of year but having sampled both that one and the Grinchmas gingerbread snowflake cookie, I honestly prefer the Grinchmas snowflake over the more saccharine Mickey gingerbread mouse. It’s hearty with a solid amount of spice flavor and it’s easier to finish a whole cookie without being overpowered by sugar.

Around the corner in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests find Hogsmeade Village transformed into a festive wonderland. Shimmering lights, garlands and wreaths adorn every nook, preserving the magical integrity of this beloved universe. The Frog Choir’s holiday a cappella performances fill the air, leading up to the fan-favorite “Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” light projection show at dusk. While it’s not my favorite Hogwarts projection show (the Halloween-themed Dark Arts takes that honor), it’s definitely a more jolly and festive show that is great for the season.

And for the festive treats in the Wizarding World, a stroll through Hogsmeade offers quite possibly the best two menu items of the year – hot Butterbeer (like warm butterscotch hot cocoa) and the English holiday feast (turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including ginger-glazed carrots that you’ll fight someone for a second helping, and a bacon-wrapped sausage that is just a perfect garnish to an amazing meal) at The Three Broomsticks, all amidst uniquely themed holiday decorations.

In addition to the holiday celebrations, Universal Studios Hollywood invited CV Weekly out to experience the USH Annual Pass Member Takeover Night, an annual event meant just for annual pass holders, and lucky reporters. The park stayed open late for the pass holders to have exclusive time with the rides, characters and shows of the park, including the holiday offerings. It’s a great perk for the pass members and a wonderful way to end the day at the park for non-pass holders.

The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood is a perfect blend of fantasy and festivity, of snark and snow, of films and Christmas fun, making it an ideal destination for creating cherished memories. The celebration is on now through Jan 1, 2024. Visit UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for tickets and info.