Pass Member Holiday Park Takeover returns December 1 and 4 for the 2025 season promising some bonus cheer for eligible Pass Members with reservations at Universal Studios Hollywood. We’ve compiled a guide with a few of the most popular questions and important things to know if you’re attending this event.

Here’s some quick tips and info about the 2025 Pass Member Holiday Park Takeover at Universal Studios Hollywood.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This post was updated with additional details on 12/1.

What to Expect

The park operations during the Pass Member Holiday Park Takeover are different than during a regular park operating day so we’ve assembled some of the most pertinent information to know. We’ve also included a link to the full official resource below.

MORE INFO: Official questions and answers guide for 2025 Pass Member Holiday Park Takeover 

Getting In

  • You don’t have to enter as a single group. As long as each Pass Member has a valid Annual or Season Pass and reservation confirmation, you will be able to enter the event.
  • Getting to the park early is allowed as long as your pass is not blocked out for the day. You can still get into the event after 7pm even if your Pass is blocked out. If you are in the park before 7pm. You will not need to exit the Park as long as you received your event credential. If arriving early, look for the Pass Member Special Event turnstile at the Front Gate for entry to receive your event credential.
  • Late arrivals will be accommodated until 10:00 pm.
  • Re-entry is NOT allowed. Once you  have been admitted into the event and given your lanyard, you cannot exit and re-enter the park.
  • When is the next one? It’s expected that Universal Studios Hollywood will do another Holiday Pass Member Park Takeover in 2026. However, ahead of that Universal has promised a “Pass Member Special Event” in May or June of 2026 which will likely be another Pass Member Park Takeover.

Benefits

  • Platinum and Gold Annual Pass discount benefits apply as normal.
  • Silver Annual Pass and Season Pass Members will receive a one-night only 15% food and beverage discount and 15% merchandise discount on your reserved date during event hours. As always, restrictions apply.
  • Universal Express is not available for purchase or use during the event (with the exception of Platinum Annual Pass members who can if they already have the ability to use the Universal Express access benefit after 3pm perk).
  • Crowds in the park are typically lower than during regular park hours with less people in the walkways and queues for attractions. However, lines for restaurants that offer special seasonal offerings may typically be as long or longer as Pass Members line up to try special seasonal offerings.

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Attractions

  • Studio Tour’s final departure will be 9:15pm. They recommend getting a head start and take the tour any time after 6:15pm.
  • Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge will close at 10:15pm.

Entertainment

  • Universal Plaza has limited capacity and space will be first come, first served.
  • At the conclusion of a show in Universal Plaza, guests may be asked to exit Universal Plaza to allow additional Pass Members to enjoy the festivities.
  • Photos with the Grinch are available at Grinchmas in Universal Plaza, on the Lower Lot at Jurassic Cove, and at the exit of The World-Famous Studio Tour.
  • Entertainment that is normally only available during the day may be performed, keep an eye out for the official event schedule at the event.

Schedule

The schedule below is what was used for the first night of the 2025 event and is expected to be the same for the second event.

Grinchmas at Universal Plaza

Universal Plaza has limited capacity. First come, first served. Universal asks that guests please exit after each show for others to enjoy.

  • Storytime with Cindy-Lou Who: 8:25 pm, 9:25 pm
  • The Fa-Who 4-As Show: 7:40 pm, 8:45 pm, 9:45 pm
  • Tree Lighting and Wintery Snowfall: 7:20 pm, 8:05 pm, 9:05 pm, 10:05 pm
  • Meet-and-Greet with The Grinch & Max: Various times throughout the night
    • The Grinch is also at Jurassic Cove located above Jurassic Cafe

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

  • Frog Choir: 7:15 pm, 8:15 pm, 9:15 pm
  • The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle: 7:45 pm, 8:45 pm, 9:45 pm

Attractions

  • World-Famous Studio Tour: Last tram departs at 9:15 pm
  • Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: Closes at 10:15 pm

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See it for Yourself

The Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood take place daily from November 24, 2025 through January 4, 2026.

MORE INFO: See all MouseInfo coverage for Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood

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