Crates in stores throughout Universal Orlando Resort tease the Christmas trees that will be coming soon to the park. A teaser for the 2022 Holiday Tribute Store was added to the Halloween Horror Nights 31 Tribute Store this week, implying it will have a department store theme. The teaser mentioned Mistletoe Pines Village, a Christmas village full of seasonal offerings erected in Universal CityWalk Orlando last year.
Universal Studios Florida
We spotted the first crate in MIB Gear at Universal Studios Florida. It’s stamped with fragile and caution stamps.
The tall crate is the perfect size for Christmas trees, but that’s not what tipped us off to what might be hiding inside.
There are two stamps near the top of the crate, one of which is upside down.
It reads, “From: Mistletoe Pines.”
It only makes sense that Mistletoe Pines would be shipping Christmas trees to the stores of Universal Studios Florida.
The crate isn’t far from the store’s spider-themed scarecrow from the Scarecrow Stalk. In the winter, Universal Orlando Resort hosts the Holiday Tree Hunt, a scavenger similar to the Scarecrow Stalk but featuring different themed Christmas trees.
The other Mistletoe Pines stamp is the right way up.
We found a second crate in the Hello Kitty Store. Unfortunately, the Hello Kitty Store may not be Hello Kitty-themed by the end of the holiday season. The Hello Kitty doorway has already been demolished, and Team Members told us the theming and merchandise would be slowly removed over the next few months.
The crate is similar to the one in MIB Gear, with various stamps.
Here, the Mistletoe Pines stamp was hidden near the bottom of the box.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
We then hopped over to Universal’s Islands of Adventure to search for more Christmas tree crates.
We found a fun one in Islands of Adventure Trading Company.
Unlike the first two, this one is from Earl the Squirrel’s Tree Farm. Earl is featured on one of the large stamps.
There are several Earl’s Tree Farm stamps.
Earl the Squirrel is the mascot of the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort. Legend has it that Earl was a real squirrel found within the giant Universal Studios Florida Christmas tree. A plush squirrel is now hidden in the tree every year, and Earl the Squirrel is featured on merchandise.
A Team Member says the crates may be opened on November 1, 2022, revealing the Christmas trees inside.
Guests can now get their photo taken to be displayed in the Holiday Tribute Store, and an Earl the Squirrel holiday Spirit Jersey is already available. Holiday decor has started to pop up throughout the parks, including at Seuss Landing and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Among the returning experiences for the 2022 holiday season is Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, Grinchmas and the Who-liday Spectacular, performances by Mannheim Steamroller, seasonal shows and decorations at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Universal’s Holiday Tour.
What are you most excited to experience at Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season? Let us know in the comments.
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