Universal CityWalk, L.A.'s Premier Free Music Venue, Rings in 'CityRockin' Holiday' With Free Concerts, A Multi-Media Christmas Tree, Rock n' Roll Santa and Evening Snowfall, Through December 31

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Nov. 24, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- A towering 40 ft. rock n' roll Christmas tree--animated with a stunning display of choreographed music, lights, visuals and snow--plus a non-stop parade of bands, choirs and street performers along with Southern California's most eclectic shopping opportunities will make Universal CityWalk® a must-see holiday destination in L.A. during the season-long gala, November 26 through December 31.

A giant rocked-out Christmas tree, sprinkled with 100,000 LED lights and covered in hundreds of musical instrument ornaments, will treat spectators to a wildly over-the-top high-tech holiday show including a nightly "snowfall" on the hour from 6:00-9:00 p.m. throughout the week.  The "CityRockin Holiday" tree show will also introduce the arrival of a new animated Santa Claus' rock star story projected on CityWalk's recently installed giant "CityVision(SM)" screen in conjunction with a rock-infused soundtrack of popular holiday classics.

From Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, guests will be immersed in a holiday atmosphere featuring new, music-themed decor enhanced with countless lights, oversized ornaments, musical instruments and abundant garland.  Holiday sounds from a diverse array of street performers will echo throughout CityWalk while an enormous spray of mistletoe will dangle overhead from CityWalk's "Santa" Gorilla, adding an "Always Unexpected" merry "kiss-mas" spirit to the holiday festivities.

Friday and Saturday nights will feature an eclectic line-up of live music acts from 7:30-10:00 p.m. on CityWalk's new outdoor concert stage.  On Fridays, entertainment will include dynamic a cappella choirs and acoustic sets of Christmas classics by top local artists. On Saturdays, the CityWalk stage will feature such artists as the Grammy®-winning Mariachi Divas, the soulful grooves of Big Time Jazz and Sajama, performing the international sounds of Latin America.

CityWalk's rock n' roll Santa Claus will be available in CityWalk's Cinema Plaza for unique photo opportunities every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 12:00 p.m. and continuing throughout the evening's entertainment.  Guests will be able to choose from an assortment of guitar props to create the ultimate "CityRockin Holiday" photo with Santa in his state-of-the-art "rock star" sleigh, elaborately decorated with moving lights and filled to the brim with an assortment of musical instruments.

On December 1, the 15-foot, 1,000-lb. Menorah will light up Universal CityWalk for the 10th annual Chanukah Festival from 5:00-9:00 p.m. as hundreds gather at the free Festival of Lights celebration.

From December 26-30, CityWalk will amp up the entertainment with daily concert performances from popular local bands beginning at 6:00pm.

More information, including a complete schedule of CityWalk's holiday entertainment is available at www.CitywalkHollywood.com. Regular updates are also made on CityWalk's Twitter @CItyWalkLA and Facebook.

Within the Universal Studios Hollywood(SM) theme park, traditional white Christmas and an encounter with the not-so-traditional green Grinch will await guests as The Entertainment Capital of L.A. celebrates "Grinchmas" with tons of powder-fresh snow, meetings with The Grinch, Cindy Lou-Who and Max the Dog and a "Whoville" jubilation at the original movie sets where the classic "Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" was filmed.  The "Grinchmas" celebration, which expands this year to 18 days, begins on December 11 and 12 and continues daily from December 18 through January 2, 2011.  "Grinchmas" is included in the price of theme park admission.  More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

SOURCE Universal Studios Hollywood