Guide to the Holidays at Universal CityWalk Hollywood

There’s something so special about the holidays in SoCal. Between the palm trees strung up in twinkle lights, the Angelenos donning parkas when it’s 60 degrees out, and the visions of Santa on a surfboard, no place does the holidays quite like LA. And Universal Studios Hollywood gets especially festive for the holiday season — check out our Guide to the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood for proof of merriment. 

And Universal CityWalk Hollywood does, too! At CityWalk, all that California holiday charm gets packed into one place. With seasonal drinks, treats, decor and live entertainment, CityWalk is the ultimate place to eat, drink and be merry during the holiday season. 

Whether you’re a local Californian or just visiting the City of Angels, no holiday season in LA is complete without a trip to CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood. Here’s what you can expect to find at CityWalk throughout the holiday season.

DECOR & PHOTO OPS

Get your cameras out, because CityWalk gets dressed to the nines over the holidays. Stop to admire the gigantic wreaths welcoming you to the promenade and the festive garlands decking the walkway. And you certainly can’t miss the 40-foot Christmas tree strung up in 200,000 LED lights — it’s positioned right outside the Universal Cinema. And for 2025, the tree is “Wicked”-themed, in celebration of “Wicked: For Good!” Yes, it’ll be covered in pink and green decor; and no, we cannot wait.

If this twinkling centerpiece doesn’t get you excited for Santa’s arrival — or Elphaba and Glinda’s —  we don’t know what will.

And don’t forget to look up! There are so many great decor details during this time of year. My personal favorite is the red Santa hat topping King Kong’s noggin, plus the mistletoe in his hand. You can catch him hanging off of IT’SUGAR, right across from Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. And just beyond King Kong is the dancing water fountain, which will be lit up in a red and green holiday light show.

FOOD & TREATS

If you’re not having dessert for every meal from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, I’m not sure what, exactly, it is you think you’re doing. 

First things first: beeline for The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen for a milkshake. It always feels like a special occasion here, with an irresistible lineup of heaping, decadent milkshakes to choose from. Get your hands on the delightfully seasonal Winter Orchard Sundae. This perfectly over-the-top dessert is made with vanilla ice cream, apple soft serve and cinnamon, capped with whipped topping, cotton candy and candy canes. It’s basically Christmas in a jar. If you’re in the mood for a warm beverage, look no further than the Jacques Hot Chocolate, made with milk, cocoa, vanilla, chocolate whipped topping and chocolate pearls.

Voodoo Doughnut always delivers with the fun seasonal pastries, and this holiday is no exception. Throughout the month of December, the to-go eatery is serving up doughnuts as delicious as they are Instagrammable. This year, there are three limited-time doughnuts to dig into during the holidays: the Gingerbread (raised doughnut with maple frosting and vanilla icing), the Holiday Sprinkle Cake (that’s cake doughnut with vanilla frosting and festive sprinkles) and the Yuletide Ring (a raised ring with vanilla frosting).

If you’re in the mood for a supercute holiday treat, head on over to the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe. The Peppermint Mousse Dome — a scrumptious combination of vanilla peppermint mousse, ganache and sponge cake — is available only throughout the holiday season.  And while you’re there, pop next door to the Sanrio Smile Shop to pick up some adorable stocking stuffers.

DRINKS

Want to celebrate with a festive cocktail? Look no further than Universal CityWalk. Several restaurants along the strip have delicious holiday beverages available throughout November and December. 

The holidays are a great time to do the most, and nothing says “extra” quite like a martini. Toast the holidays at NBC Sports Grill & Bar with the Peppermint Mocha Martini — that’s made with vodka, peppermint liquor, cold brew, and chocolate syrup. ‘Tis the season, right? 

Of course, you can always escape the chilly weather and flee to warmer climates at Antojitos Cocina Mexicana. There, you’ll find Yuletide spins on classic Mexican cocktails: the Apple Cider Margarita (El Charro Reposado tequila, apple juice, lime juice, honey and agave) and the Chestnut Horchata (rum, kahlua, horchata, cinnamon, hazelnut whipped topping). You also can’t go wrong with Antojitos’ delicious Mistletoe Mule (vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, rosemary simple syrup, lime juice). The Champurrado is a delicious non-alcoholic option, made with Mexican chocolate, milk, cinnamon, piloncillo and masa.

VIVO Italian Kitchen is getting in on the holiday fun, too! This year, the sit-down eatery is rolling out two new drinks for the most wonderful time of the year: the Cranmerry Prosecco, made with prosecco cranberry and rosemary, and a Spiced Apple Cider with lemon juice and honey. Cheers!

ENTERTAINMENT

The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without the music, right? That’s why CityWalk is putting all kinds of musical performers onstage throughout November and December. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family or a date, tap your toes to all the holiday classics at CityWalk this season. This year’s musical offerings include:

• A talented collection of local street performers bringing CityWalk to life throughout the holiday season. (December 4, 7, 11, 14, 18; times vary by date)
• Local DJs spinning their favorite festive tracks at CityWalk all throughout the holiday season, starting the day after Thanksgiving. (November 28-29, December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20; 7-10pm)
• Grammy-winning songwriter Toby Gad will grace the 5 Towers stage. His new album, “PIANO DIARIES – THE HITS” is full of stripped-down songs he co-wrote with pop artists — you’ll likely recognize a few. (November 28; 7-10pm)
• After an energetic show in August, TREVAN will bring his feel-good Southern California jams to CityWalk once again during the holiday season.  (November 29; 7-10pm)
• If you’re looking for night of eclectic, danceable earworms, you won’t want to miss singer-songwriter Dakota Cohen’s CityWalk show. (December 5; 7-10pm)
• Groove the night away at a special holiday performance by Andrea y Los Gallos, an LA-based group specializing in jazz and latin beats. (December 6; 7-10pm)
• Kick back and listen to smooth Yuletide tunes from singer-songwriter-saxaphonist Sean Kellz — now that’s what I call a triple threat! — and his band, the Heroes. (December 12; 7-10pm)
• Actor and singer Dakota Lotus brings his silky-smooth voice and soulful jams to Universal for more holiday fun. (December 13; 7-10pm)
• Laura Bryna will show off her powerful vocals and pop-country style — and even an original Christmas track — just in time for Christmas. (December 19; 7-10pm)
• Get ready to dance it up! Pop singer Drake Bell returns to 5 Towers for another live performance of holiday rock jams. (December 20; 7-10pm)

That’s what CityWalk has to offer over this holiday season! What are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below. 

Please note that menus and shows are subject to change throughout the season. 

Must be 21 years and older with valid photo identification to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Drink responsibly.

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