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Universal Studios Park Permanently Axing Christmas Tradition After 2024

A mesmerizing Christmas tree lit up at Universal Studios Japan with colorful lights stands amid a crowd at night. Its ornate design is topped with a bright star. Surrounding buildings and a clock add to the festive atmosphere under a sky with beams of light.
Credit: Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Parks are known for their extravagant holiday celebrations, and 2024 is no different.

From coast to coast and around the world, Universal’s parks have consistently outdone themselves in bringing festive magic to life—often rivaling, and sometimes even surpassing, Disney’s holiday charm. But this year, an unexpected twist has taken the spotlight: 2024 will mark the final season for one park’s iconic Christmas tradition.

Grinchmas at Universal

Credit: Universal Studios

From Universal Studios Hollywood to Universal Studios Beijing, each location offers a variety of seasonal decor and activities, with some parks standing out for their unique takes on the holiday magic.

In the U.S., Universal’s parks in Hollywood and Orlando go all out, featuring annual events like Grinchmas and decking out beloved attractions such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in their festive best.

Hogwarts Castle lights up for Christmas

Credit: Universal

On the other side of the world, Universal Studios Singapore marks the season by lighting up its Far Far Away Castle with DreamWorks-themed projections, while Universal Studios Beijing immerses visitors in its park-wide “Winter Holiday” celebrations.

Universal Studios Japan – which, like Tokyo Disney Resort, is known for its immersive celebrations – is no exception, with its NO LIMIT! Christmas kicking off on November 20, 2024, and running through January 5, 2025.

This year, Universal Studios Japan’s festivities include some of the park’s signature events. The annual Frosty’s Electric Snow Party will take place twice daily, featuring an all-star lineup of characters like Snoopy, Elmo, Hello Kitty, and the Minions. Hogwarts fans will also get a treat as Hogwarts Castle is transformed in the return of the Hogwarts Magical Night – Winter Magic, which showcases stunning displays of magic from the Harry Potter universe, including the iconic “Lumos Maxima.”

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD entrance at Universal Studios Japan decorated for Christmas

Credit: Universal Studios Japan

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is also decked out for the festivities, while characters from the likes of Peanuts and Sesame Street can be found in their cutest, most festive fits across the park.

The centerpiece of the holiday extravaganza, however, is the park’s world-renowned 30-meter NO LIMIT! Christmas tree. This towering, record-breaking masterpiece was once named by Guinness World Records as the most illuminated artificial tree for an incredible nine consecutive years.

For 2024, the tree is debuting with a fresh design, featuring new ornaments and synchronized lighting displays set to popular Christmas tunes.

A group of people joyfully look up at a towering, brightly lit Christmas tree adorned with colorful ornaments, embodying the spirit of a universal Christmas celebration. The scene is vibrant with beams of light and a festive atmosphere, heralding the joy that 2024 promises to bring.

Credit: Universal Studios Japan

But sadly, Universal Studios Japan has confirmed that this season will be the last for the famous tree, stating, “This year is your last chance to see the Park’s dazzling Christmas tree.”

While the park has not specified the reasons behind this decision, it’s clear that the sheer scale and maintenance of the tree—which in the past has required months of preparation, beginning as early as July—likely play a role.

After all, keeping such a massive, intricately designed tree running smoothly year after year is no small (or cheap) feat. Despite the tree’s departure, the future remains uncertain, and many speculate about what will replace it in 2025. The NO LIMIT! Christmas tree has earned a legendary status among park visitors, boasting an impressive 99% satisfaction rating. As such, the pressure is on Universal Studios Japan to create something that can top this holiday icon.

What’s your favorite theme park Christmas tree?

About Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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