A full history of Earl the Squirrel at Universal

If you visit Universal Studios Florida during the holidays, it’s hard to miss this nutty (I’m sorry) little mascot. Earl the Squirrel has become one of Universal’s most beloved holiday icons. If you’ve ever spotted a squirrel hiding in the giant Christmas tree, or met a walk-around squirrel in a festive sweater, you’ve already encountered Earl the Squirrel.

Today, we’re diving into the nutty history (I’m sorry again, I can’t help myself) of Earl the Squirrel, how he went from behind-the-scenes folklore to full-blown holiday superstar, and how your family can find him during your next Universal Orlando Christmas vacation.

Before we get started on the history of Earl the Squirrel at Universal, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, a travel blogger, and a long-time Universal Annual Passholder.

As both a Universal Travel Agent and mom who’s visited the parks more times than I can count, I’m here to help you plan your visit to Universal Orlando vacation with confidence! Contact me for more information if you’d like assistance in booking your Universal vacation at no cost to you. 

If you’re flying into Orlando for your vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the absolute best rates on rental cars; you don’t pay until you pick it up, and cancellation is free.

The Story Begins: The First Earl (Rest in Peace)

Here’s the story (well, one version of it) of Earl the Squirrel at Universal Studios. According to Universal Team Member lore, the story of Earl the Squirrel started around 2015 while the holiday crew was decorating the park’s massive Christmas tree.

One string of lights kept going out, and after some investigating, they discovered the culprit. A squirrel had chewed straight through the wires. If you’re wondering what happened to that Earl, well, don’t ask. ☠️ Don’t worry, the story gets more fun!

The exact details vary depending on who tells the story (that’s part of the fun), but the gist is the same: one very mischievous squirrel created an unexpected bit of holiday chaos, and Universal Team Members never forgot it.

As a nod to the original story, Universal began adding a hidden squirrel somewhere inside the giant Christmas tree each year. Sometimes he blinked, sometimes he moved, he wore a mask in 2020, but he was always there! This tiny addition quickly became a fan-favorite holiday tradition.

From Easter Egg to Holiday Mascot

By 2020, Earl had outgrown his humble tree-bound roots. Universal featured him prominently in the Holiday Tribute Store, giving him his own backstory and theme: Earl’s Tree Farm.

Guests (including us!) loved it. Earl appeared on merchandise, snacks, ornaments, and decorations. And then, in 2021, he made the leap from character concept to a real meet-and-greet character. Families could finally meet Earl in person. Sweater-wearing Earl the Squirrel quickly became a seasonal staple at Universal Studios Florida.

Since then, we’ve seen more of Earl every year! He even has a sister (commonly confused as his girlfriend, but she is not) named Pearl. Sometimes you’ll see Pearl merch too!

Where to Find Earl

If you’re visiting Universal Orlando during the holidays, here’s what to expect:

Meet Earl

Earl usually appears at Universal Studios Florida during the holiday season wearing his festive squirrel sweater, big smile, and comically fluffy tail. He has been set up in various areas of Universal Studios, but he’s pretty easy to find! He may be near the holiday tribute store.

Earl’s Hide-and-Seek Tradition

Every year, Earl still hides somewhere in the giant Universal Christmas tree. He might be tucked in the branches, peeking through the lights, or hanging out near an ornament. Finding him has become a fun challenge for families.

We have more info on the holidays at Universal, and even more about special events at Universal Orlando!

Holiday Tree Hunt

Every year, Universal offers a holiday scavenger hunt. It’s usually searching for holiday trees, but in 2024, it was Nutcrackers. This is typically Earl-themed, and the prize has been (spoiler alert) an Earl-themed ornament for the past few years.

Here’s how to participate:

1. Pick up a Holiday Tree Hunt map (often near the entrance or Holiday Tribute Store). This isn’t free but costs about $10.
2. Search for uniquely decorated holiday trees (or other items, depending on the year) inspired by characters and stories, from the Grinch to Harry Potter.
3. At each tree location, get your map stamped.
4. Once you’ve collected all the stamps, redeem your completed map for a festive reward at the designated spot (like the Tribute Store). 

Merch, Snacks, and More

You’ll find Earl the Squirrel at Universal EVERYWHERE during the holidays. You can spot Earl (and sometimes Pearl) on:

• Ornaments
• Shirts and sweaters
• Plush squirrels
• Holiday snacks in the Tribute Store

If your family loves collecting themed souvenirs, Earl usually has some of the cutest holiday options in the parks.

Why We Love Earl

One of the best things about Earl is that he adds something extra for kids (and adults!) during the holidays. Universal already does an incredible job with decorations, shows, and seasonal entertainment, but Earl has grown from an inside joke to a beloved character that we can’t wait to see every year.

Earl the Squirrel at Universal Orlando

There you have it, a complete history of Earl the Squirrel at Universal Studios. Have you met Earl? Maybe bought some Earl merch? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re ready to plan your family’s trip to Universal Orlando or need a little help figuring it all out, contact me today!

We have lots more Universal Orlando and Epic Universe tips on the blog. Check them out!

• What to Do on a Rainy Day at Universal Orlando
• A Guide to Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World
• 15 Genius Universal Studios Hacks
• Florida Bucket List: 50 Things to Do in Florida
• 10 Cheap Souvenirs in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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