A cold, rainy Sunday afternoon is not typical for us Angelenos. We either celebrate it (which I do) or lament it. But the wet weather lent our recent visit to Universal Studios Hollywood a bit of added character, especially when we puddle-jumped our way into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with its “snow-capped” thatched-roof shops and cobblestone streets. The gray, ominous clouds hanging just above the spires of Hogwarts was the perfect backdrop for magic and make-believe. It had an old-world London charm about it, making our visit that much more entertaining and authentic. The staff must have been chilled standing in the rain greeting guests, but you’d never know it. Hospitality was all around Hogsmeade village, as were smiles. When the rain really picked up, we dashed into The Owl Post for a spell. It was there that we were escorted to the famed Sorting Hat, where I was told I was to be in the House of Slytherin.

A few incantations later, we found ourselves smack dab in the middle of Who-ville, right next to the infamously crooked Christmas tree reaching high into those rain clouds, with a very gregarious Grinch, whose heart had clearly grown three sizes that day. He could not have been nicer or more willing to pose for us.

I had forgotten how much I loved rides, and Universal Studios never disappoints. From the dizzying Quidditch adventure of Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey to the silly fun of The Simpsons Ride to the unnerving, thrilling speed of The Revenge of the Mummy, we were soon wishing we hadn’t indulged in that giant Cinnabon just prior. But oh what fun it is to ride on a chilly, rainy day.

Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood this time of year is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. during Christmas week, with extended hours on the weekend and during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.