Confirmed: Universal Christmas Celebration Ending for Good After 2024

Universal theme parks around the globe are known for their exceptional holiday celebrations, and this year is no different. In the coming weeks, each location will launch its usual festive decorations, shows, and special events – but one park is gearing up to say a permanent goodbye to one Christmas staple.

Universal’s Christmas Celebrations

Universal’s theme parks worldwide—from Hollywood to Beijing—come alive with festive cheer, but it’s the American parks that truly go all out. In Hollywood and Orlando, Grinchmas festivities take center stage, while holiday decor transforms fan favorites like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD into winter wonderlands.

Beyond the U.S., Universal Studios Singapore is bringing holiday magic to Far Far Away Castle—the beloved castle from Shrek 2 (2004)—with festive DreamWorks projections. Universal Studios Beijing is also in the spirit with park-wide “Winter Holiday” celebrations, while Universal Studios Japan will launch its NO LIMIT! Christmas festivities later this month.

Big Changes at Universal Studios Japan

The Osaka theme park will celebrate Christmas from November 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

This year’s festivities include the return of Frosty’s Electric Snow Party, where beloved characters like Snoopy, Elmo, Hello Kitty, and the Minions join the fun twice daily. For the first time in five years, Hogwarts Magical Night—Winter Magic will also light up Hogwarts Castle, transforming it with enchanting spells from the Harry Potter series as part of the park’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter 10-year anniversary celebrations.

Guests can also enjoy Minion Happy Christmas Greeting show at the park entrance and Minion Park, plus Universal Wonderland Fun Fun Music will provide the chance to meet characters from Sesame Street and Peanuts in their limited-time (and outright adorable) Christmas costumes.

In the past, it’s also hosted Universal Party – The Showtime & Taste of Christmas, Hello Kitty’s Christmas Happiness with Happiness Brass Band, Minion Happy Christmas Greeting, and Universal Wonderland Christmas Dance A Long.

At the heart of the celebrations stands Universal Studios Japan’s iconic 30-meter NO LIMIT! Christmas tree. Once a Guinness World Record-holder for the most lights on an artificial tree, this holiday masterpiece returns with a dazzling new design for 2024, featuring vibrant ornaments and mesmerizing illuminations perfectly synced to Christmas classics.

Sadly, Universal Studios Japan, has confirmed that the 2024 Christmas season will mark the final appearance of the NO LIMIT! Christmas tree. According to the park, “this year is your last chance to see the Park’s dazzling Christmas tree.”

While the reason for its departure remains unclear and no details about a replacement for 2025 have been shared, it’s unlikely the park will go without a tree altogether. Fans are eager to see how Universal Studios Japan will attempt to surpass the beloved NO LIMIT! tree, especially given its massive popularity and a 99% guest satisfaction rating.

It’s fair to assume cost and logistics are factors in the tree’s retirement. Maintaining the record-breaking artificial tree, which boasts the most lights of any such display, is likely extremely expensive. The setup process alone requires extensive labor, with preparations beginning as early as July in 2023.

What’s your favorite part of Universal’s holiday celebrations?