We love that Universal Studios Orlando takes the holidays very seriously, but the celebrations inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are truly on another level. In both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, you'll find beautiful decorations, fun things to bring home with you, delicious treats, and of course, hot Butterbeer. All of these things make us want to scream "Happy Christmas, Harry!" to everyone we know (non-Harrys included). If you're like us and want to know more about the wizarding celebrations for a potential trip (do it), keep reading to learn about all of the festive fun to be had inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which runs from Nov. 16 until Jan. 5.
Best Things to Do at Harry Potter World During the Holidays
15 Reasons The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Is Even More Magical During the Holidays
One of the main reasons we love going to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during the holidays is the opportunity to get hot Butterbeer. This version is only served during the Winter months and is a sweet and comforting version of the frozen favourite.
Each night, Hogwarts Castle lights up with a fun projection show themed around Christmastime at the wizard school. The show features scenes from the Yule Ball, Hogwarts ghosts singing Christmas carols, and more. Be sure to check the Universal app or times guide for exact times each night.
All around Hogsmeade village you'll see festive decorations like garlands and wreaths. And if you look really closely at the decor, you'll notice details that match the location they're at!
In ships all throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you'll find ornaments that represent your Hogwarts House or the Hogwarts school crest. These are fun gifts for yourself or other Harry Potter-loving friends.
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Over at The Three Broomsticks, you can have a full holiday dinner that includes turkey and gravy and all the sides! You can also get a yummy Christmas pudding dessert for a sweet finish.
In Hogsmeade village near Hogwarts Castle, you'll find the Frog Choir celebrating the holidays with festive wizarding songs. You can find out performance times through the Universal app or grab a times guide inside the park.
Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees get into the Christmas spirit every year in Diagon Alley. They sing all of their favourite songs with a Harry Potter twist. Be sure to check performance times because you're not going to want to miss it!
If you're out on the streets of London inside Universal Studios, you might notice that No. 12 Grimmauld Place is not decorated like the other surrounding apartments are. This is because it's not supposed to visible to any muggles, but it also makes it easier to spot Kreacher the house elf looking out the window!
Ginger Newts are sold in place of traditional gingerbread men inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. These treats can be found at Honeydukes or Sugar Plum's Sweet Shop.
Honeydukes always has a ton of delicious candy to choose from, but we love grabbing a few boxes of Glacial Snow Flakes to bring home with us. The wizarding candy is super cute and perfect to munch on all Winter long.
As you enter to ride The Hogwarts Express, you'll notice gifts on trolleys all around King's Cross Station. This makes for a super cute background for photos!
Near Hogwarts Castle, you'll find a snow wizard and snow owl dressed in their Gryffindor best. This is a fun spot to watch the holiday projection show and take photos for a family Christmas card.
Throughout the two lands that make up The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you'll spot ornaments that highlight the Yule Ball. These ornaments come in lots of variations, including ones with nods to Hermione's iconic pink dress, a standard Yule Ball crest, and more.
Diagon Alley gets in on the festive fun with garlands and wreaths on storefronts and even on Gringotts Bank. All of the garlands have small details that you'd need to be up close to see, including weavings of Hermione's Yule Ball Dress!
The Dark Arts community isn't too fond of happy celebrations, so when you enter Knockturn Alley, you won't find many decorations. Still, there are a few to brighten the place up a bit, so keep your eyes peeled.