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Universal Studios' 2022 holiday celebrations: What guests can expect

The holiday season officially arrives at Universal Studios next month, bringing exciting festivities to guests ready to celebrate.

Universal Studios Hollywood announced Thursday that its "Awesomest Celebration of the Season" will start on Nov. 25 and run through Jan. 1. Fan favorites like the "Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" and "Grinchmas" are slated to make their return, according to a press release.

Days earlier, on Nov. 12, Universal Orlando Resort will launch its own holiday celebrations for guests to "celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with an incredible collection of epic festivities featuring some of pop culture’s most beloved stories and characters," a news release stated. Like Universal Studios Hollywood, the festivities at Universal Orlando Resort will end on New Year's.

Here's what else guests can expect this holiday season at both resorts.

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What are the holiday festivities at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Hogsmead village Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, on Nov. 16, 2017.
Hogsmead village Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, on Nov. 16, 2017.

Throughout the park, guests can enjoy special holiday merchandise and take in holiday decorations.

Harry Potter fans rejoice. The resort is bringing back "Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," which transforms the village of Hogsmeade into a place of "festive decor merriment." Taste Hot Butterbeer and listen to a special holiday acapella performance put on by the Hogwarts Frog Choir. The village shops will also be selling exclusive holiday items like personalized ornaments and notebooks. When hungry, guests can nosh on "heart holiday fare" at Three Broomsticks, the rustic tavern in the village.

At night, Hogwarts Castle will dazzle with a light projection show, including animations and music and sounds from the "Harry Potter" films.

Over at Universal Plaza, guests can celebrate "Grinchmas." Each night at the 65-foot-tall "Grinchmas" tree, there will be a tree-lighting ceremony with storytelling by the Grinch and Whos and a "snowball flurry" ending. Guests can also take photos with the Grinch and his dog Max, as well as send postcards with holiday messages.

Universal CityWalk will also be decorated to the nines, including a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree made bright with over 200,000 LED lights. Grab a seasonal donut at Voodoo Doughnut.

What is Universal Orlando Resort doing for the holidays?

Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s returns this year.
Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s returns this year.

Over in Florida, Universal Orlando Resort will sell holiday-themed merchandise, food and beverages and be decorated in holiday cheer.

The park will turn its own The Wizarding World of Harry Potter into a winter wonderland, including the Hogwarts castle being decked out for "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle." At night, the castle will show a projection show of "holiday spirit and Christmas moments" inspired by "Harry Potter." Catch holiday-themed performances throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

At Universal Islands of Adventure, catch the "Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular," a live retelling of the classic Grinch story. Seuss Landing will also feature holiday adornments.

The Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's will go through the streets of the park, featuring balloons and floats, some of characters from movies like Shrek and Despicable Me. Santa Claus will also make an appearance. The parade "culminates with the lighting of the park’s dazzling 80-foot Christmas Tree."

On Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11, Mannheim Steamroller will perform holiday hits.

How much will it cost to experience the holiday activities?

At both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, all holiday festivities are included in the price of admission.

When can I experience holiday cheer at the two resorts?

Universal Orlando Resort will kick off its holiday season first on Nov. 12.

A bit later, on Nov. 25, Universal Studios Hollywood will start its own festivities.

At both resorts, holiday festivities will run daily. And both will end their holiday celebrations on Jan. 1.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What you need to know about Universal Studios' holiday celebrations