4 Reasons Why Universal Orlando Rules Christmas

3. The Parade Is Awesome

Universal Orlando Parade
WhatCulture.com

The Holidays for many Americans begin with Thanksgiving, and a staple of it is the Macy's Holiday Parade. The annual display in New York is world-famous thanks to the 1947 movie, Miracle on 34th Street.

For 15 years; after the procession of giant balloons, floats and musicians make their way down 6th Avenue in NYC they find a new home at Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Orlando Christmas
WhatCulture.com

The parade really is a miniature version of the one that graces the streets of New York. There are brass bands, local dance groups, confetti canons and beautiful balloons. It even takes place around the streets of New York area of the park.

In total the parade lasts around 30 minutes, which for a theme park parade is quite long, but it is non-stop fun.

Universal Orlando Christmas
WhatCulture.com

To celebrate the 15th anniversary there are a number of new balloons, including the Virginia balloon. There are also new floats including Mother Ginger from the Nutcracker.

The parade wouldn't be complete without Santa Claus, who makes an appearance in his sleigh at the end. This is your only opportunity to catch the Big Man himself in the parks.

Personally, this is the best parade I have ever seen. Even being soaking wet from Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges couldn't dampen my joy of this show. It really isn't just a parade, it's an experience.

Advertisement
Contributor

Jen has been a writer and video editor at WhatCulture for over 10 years. She has a BA Hons in History from Newcastle University and in a past life worked at Beamish Open Air Museum and was a corporate trainer (BTC Award in Education and Training). Jen joined WhatCulture to discuss all things Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World, as well as her love of all things movies. She has worked closely with Universal and Disney, giving WhatCulture readers breaking news and exclusives. Her knowledge of Disney parks has lead her to be published by The Sun. If you've ever completed a Disney movies or Friends quiz on WhatCulture it was probably written by Jen. Jen's love of all things Universal's Halloween Horror Nights brought her to WhatCulture's Horror Channel as a video editor. Her video edits can be found across WhatCulture's Film & TV and Horror channels, along with WhatCulture's Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts.