By Charly SHELTON

Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot. But the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville, liked it just a little bit more. Though he once tried to steal the holiday, the Grinch has seen the error of his ways and now embraces Christmas wholeheartedly, with a heart that is oversized for even the most merry of Whos. He has brought his Christmas cheer to share with all Whos far and near, and you too. Universal Studios Hollywood welcomes back Grinchmas to celebrate the season.

Whether young or old, Grinchy or filled with the spirit of the season, this event has something for everyone. Max the dog is available for pictures, nightly tree lightings fill the evening sky, cookie decorating and tree trimming stations let kids and adults alike try their hand at festive art, one of which you can then eat. (It’s the cookie. Please don’t eat the paper ornament.) Whos roam the grounds, welcoming guests and making merry for those already inside. This little touch adds a more personal feel and gets guests interacting, becoming part of the fun.

Of course, old Grinchy Claus himself is there, at the Whoville Post Office, ready to greet guests as kids sit on his lap and share their Christmas wishes. The great thing about the Whoville Post Office is that it really is a post office of sorts. Guests in line can fill out postcards while waiting for the Grinch, writing down three good deeds that they did this year, growing their hearts three sizes. The postcards are addressed to Mr. Grinch, Atop of Mt. Crumpit in Whoville. When the Grinch receives the postcard, he will donate a book to a child in need. Random House Children’s Books, through the program First Book, helps the Grinch coordinate the donations. This way the Grinch can continue to give back and make a difference for the world and guests can too.

Grinchmas is a great event that gets better every year. In addition to the big celebration in Universal Plaza in the theme park, the studio tram tour gets in on the act with a mini musical show in the original Whoville set near the Psycho house on the backlot featuring the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and even Max the dog.

Scan the QR code attached to this story to see the show from car one of the tram. Grinchmas runs now through Jan 3, 2016 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

  Charly Shelton