SEE: The Grinch who stole many hearts at a children’s hospital in Maryland

BALTIMORE, Md. (7News) — The holidays got a little greener, and a lot more mischievous at the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital this week.

Between performances of the blockbuster musical “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre, the Grinch himself slipped away to pay a surprise visit to young patients and staff.

And in true Grinch fashion, he didn’t arrive quietly.

Hospital staff and families said they spotted him first in the cafeteria, loudly complaining about the lack of “roast beast” on the menu. He grumbled his way into elevators, delighting and mildly scaring riders with his trademark holiday grouchiness.

The holidays got a little greener, and a lot more mischievous, at the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital as the Grinch visited patients and staff. (University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital)

From there, he made his Grinchiest rounds through the hospital, spreading playful chaos with every step.

But all that mischief eventually caught up with him.

Nurses and doctors jokingly decided the infamous visitor needed a proper medical evaluation and escorted him to the hospital’s world-renowned Pediatric Heart Clinic.

The initial check-up seemed grim because his heart appeared to be completely flatlined.

The holidays got a little greener, and a lot more mischievous, at the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital as the Grinch visited patients and staff. (University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital)

That is, until he met the patients. After spending special time with children throughout the hospital, including reading his iconic story alongside UM’s Chief of Pediatrics, Dr. Steven Czinn, something magical happened.

The Grinch’s heart magically grew three sizes.

The holidays got a little greener, and a lot more mischievous, at the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital as the Grinch visited patients and staff. (University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital)

While he may be known for trying to steal Christmas, on this visit, the Grinch gave joy, laughter, and holiday spirit at a time when it matters most to so many.