Grinchmas: A Celebration of Love and Wonder at Universal Studios Hollywood

• Tweet
• Pin It

Young and old can now come to Universal Studios Hollywood to celebrate the wonderful magic of “Grinchmas.”

The holiday festivities, which launched last week in the town of “Who-bilation,” where veteran actor Florence Henderson received the “Humanitarian of the Year Award” in support of her charitable work for the City of Hope research and treatment hospital for cancer, diabetes and other terminal diseases.

Henderson, looking radiant as always, was kind enough to chat with Living Out Loud and tell us why the act of giving is so important and the honor she received that day so close to her heart.

“It’s important to remember to be grateful and to give, you know? It seems to me the more I give, the more I receive,” says the actress formerly known as matriarch Carol Brady from the television classic, “The Brady Bunch.”

Although she’s been a long-time supporter of benevolent causes, she was as surprised as anyone to receive the “Who-manitarian” from “Who-niversal” and one of everyone’s favorite story book characters, the Grinch.

“I love the fact that I got the award from Universal Studios,” she said with excitement. “I was totally shocked! My friend Betty White was chosen last year, and I’m thrilled to get selected this year. I’ve been involved [with City of Hope and other nonprofit organizations] for over thirty so it feels good to be recognized.”

It all starts now!

“The capital of entertainment, Los Angeles, welcomes the a celebration of love and wonder,” said Raul Becerra, Universal Studio’s official representative. “Not only does Grinchmas have a 60-foot tree that was the inspiration for the movie, it offers arts and craft for kids, stuff for fans of the film and we have bigger surprises than ever.”

“Today we welcomed families without a home to wonderland where you can believe in happiness, love and hope, and if you can give someone that not only do you feel happy you know you can give more,” reiterated Becerra.

But that is just the beginning of the launch of the new amazing “Grinchmas” festivities which will continue to place right in the middle of the theme park with a towering, 60-foot spiraling “Grinchmas” tree. Children are free to gather around the tree to make cookies and decorations for the fabulous tree, hear stories, and meet the Grinch, his lovable dog Max, and his friends in person.

There will also be multiple tree lighting ceremonies throughout the day/evenings. You can also expect one BIG surprise. Here’s a hint: sometimes, during “Grinchmas,” be seventy degrees, but wear a coat because there’s always a chance of snow in California.

An addition to that, visitors who board the world-famous behind-the-scenes tour can expect a special treat. Fans of the celebrated film, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, can see up-close the original Who-ville film sets with a unique reenactment of selected scenes by the lovable Who-ville characters themselves.

Parents can rejoice this holiday season because when you buy a single day pass for “Grinchmas” you receive a 2014 annual pass in return! Tis’ the season of giving!

If you’re lucky you can catch the Grinch belting lovable things and giving hugs to his fans. As we left Who-ville we were lucky enough to encounter the lovable and animated green creature who assured us: “We have magic for you, we have love for you, there are way more adventures to be had!”

I think I believe him. “Grinchmas” continues on weekends only until December 15, then daily from December 20 through December 31.

“Grinchmas” is included in the price of the theme park admission.

• Tweet
• Pin It