Universal Confirms That 2024 Is the End of a Christmas Celebration

in Universal Studios Japan

Three people gaze up in awe at a towering, brightly lit Christmas tree, appreciating the universal joy it brings. Adorned with colorful ornaments and glowing lights, the tree is a centerpiece of this 2024 Christmas celebration. The night sky sparkles with stars and beams of light radiate from the top.

Credit: Universal Studios Japan

Theme parks typically go overboard for the holiday season, and Universal is no exception – which is what makes its latest announcement such a shock.

From Universal Studios Hollywood to Universal Studios Beijing, you can find festive celebrations at Universal’s theme parks worldwide. Its American parks (Hollywood and Orlando) undeniably embrace Christmas the most, hosting Grinchmas and decorating the likes of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD for the season.

Grinchmas at Universal
Credit: Universal Studios

Further afield, Universal Studios Singapore is marking the holidays by lighting up Far Far Away Castle – AKA the castle from Shrek 2 (2004), or, as we call it, the best film in the world – with festive DreamWorks projections. Universal Studios Beijing is also hosting its “Winter Holiday” celebrations park-wide, while Universal Studios Japan kicks off its NO LIMIT! Christmas on November 20.

Christmas at Universal Studios Japan

This year’s NO LIMIT! Christmas sees the park celebrate from November 20, 2024, through January 5, 2025.

Multicolored light beams illuminate Hogwarts Castle at night under a starry sky, creating a magical and mystical ambiance.
Credit: Universal Studios Japan

As part of the festivities, the park will host its annual Frosty’s Electric Snow Party – featuring the likes of Snoopy, Elmo, Hello Kitty, and the Minions – twice per day. It’s also set to bring back Hogwarts Magical Night – Winter Magic for the first time after a five-year hiatus. This sees Hogwarts Castle transformed by magical spells from the Harry Potter franchise, including “Lumos Maxima.

The centerpiece of the park’s celebrations is Universal Studios Japan’s iconic 30-meter NO LIMIT! Christmas tree, a record-breaking wonder once crowned by Guinness for the most lights on an artificial tree for nine years straight. This season, the tree returns with a fresh 2024 design featuring vibrant new ornaments and dazzling illuminations synchronized to beloved Christmas classics.

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

However, the 2024 Christmas season will reportedly be the final outing for the NO LIMIT! Christmas tree. As per Universal Studios Japan, “this year is your last chance to see the Park’s dazzling Christmas tree.”

The park has not provided a reason for the tree’s departure or provided an update on a potential replacement for 2025. While we doubt it’s planning on going totally tree-free in 2025, it’ll be interesting to see how Universal Studios Japan tries to top the NO LIMIT! Christmas tree – especially considering its popularity with guests. According to Universal, the tree has an incredible 99% satisfaction rating.

Christmas tree lights up white at nighttime Universal Studios Japan
Credit: Universal Studios Japan

It’s safe to assume that money plays some kind of role in the tree’s departure. Running the artificial tree with the most lights is no small (or cheap) feat. It also takes a lot of manual labor; in the past, Universal has started putting up its NO LIMIT! Christmas tree as early as July.

What’s your favorite theme park holiday celebration?

in Universal Studios Japan

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