Christmas Harry Potter Style at Universal Studios Hollywood

Christmas has arrived at “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” inside Universal Studios Hollywood.  As night falls, Hogemeade Village sparkles with snow capped roofs and storefronts are decorated with holiday garland and decorations. The Hogwarts Castle is lit with color illuminating Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during designated times. The awe-inspiring light projection show is choreographed to the musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Walking down the cobblestone streets, I felt as if I traveled to the historic British land of Harry Potter’s world. Karen Irwin, President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood wanted her team to create an interactive and “exciting new holiday program further expanding the Harry Potter universe by bringing some of the holiday spirit from the films to life for guests to experience for themselves.” The finale culminates with fireworks.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Besides lights and Harry Potter scenes projected on the castle walls and turrets, guests are entertained by an a cappella Frog Choir. Hogwarts students hold giant throaty frogs on plush pillows with golden fringe. Together the students and frogs sing holiday songs.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Holiday-themed fare inside Three Broomsticks includes the return of hot Butterbeer, and a sumptuous roast turkey with gravy platter that includes a medley of root vegetables, braised red cabbage, roasted potato medallions and pigs in a blanket.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Hog’s Head pub, Magic Neep and the Butterbeer carts sell cold and frozen Butterbeer, plus Pumpkin Juice with a souvenir pumpkin top.

Not only can you immerse yourself in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but do some holiday shopping for your favorite Harry Potter fans. There are nine retail shops open featuring an array of fun fan items. Step into Honeydukes for sweet stocking stuffers or to enjoy a sweet treat.

Inside Platform 9 3/4 Hogwarts Railways and Hogwarts Express train ornaments; stockings, themed scarves, hats and gloves. Ollivanders, Owl Post, Zonko’s, Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrages Wizardwear, Flich’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods and the Hogsmead Station offer an array of all-new custom-made ornaments that are available to be customized; mascot ornaments representing each of the houses; Hogwarts crest clothing; collectible Hogwarts castle snow globes; Christmas stockings and stocking holders and unique Hogwarts-themed tree toppers and house garlands.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Both rides are open to experience. The thrilling “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” offers a stunning film projection land comprised of 120 frames-per-second enhanced with 4K-HD through an immersive Harry Potter world. The milder “Flight of the Hippogriff is an outdoor fun, family roller coaster.

This holiday spectacular show runs through January 7, 2018.