15 Reasons The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Is Even More Magical During the Holidays

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.

01

Indulge in Hot Butterbeer

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 favorite.

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Experience the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

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.

03

Hogsmeade Gets Festive Decorations

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!

04

Pick Up House Ornaments to Bring Home

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.

05

Eat a Holiday Dinner at the Three Broomsticks

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.

06

Catch a Holiday Version of the Frog Choir

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.

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Enjoy the Holiday Sounds of Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees

Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees get into the Christmas spirit every year in Diagon Alley. They sing all of their favorite songs with a Harry Potter twist. Be sure to check performance times because you're not going to want to miss it!

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No. 12 Grimmauld Place Is Not Decorated For a Reason

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!

09

Munch on a Ginger Newt

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.

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There's Special Holiday Candy

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.

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King's Cross Station Gets Decorated For the Holidays

As you enter to ride The Hogwarts Express, you'll notice gifts on trolleys all around King's Cross Station. This makes for a supercute background for photos!

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Set Up Shop Near the Snow Wizard and Snow Owl

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.

13

Snag a Few Yule Ball Ornaments

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 movie dress, a standard Yule Ball crest, and more.

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Diagon Alley Gets Dressed Up For the Holidays

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!

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Decorations Are Subtle in Knockturn Alley, but They're There

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.

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