Universal Studios Hollywood springs into March with the return of the dazzling light projection spectacular, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle,” at “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” for a limited engagement.

As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” shines brightly with an awe-inspiring spectacle that showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin and culminates with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky.

The colorful state-of-the-art light display and special effects projection is accompanied by a special musical arrangement created by Academy Award-winning composer John Williams based on his original scores composed for the film series. The musical arrangement that emanates in a surround sound environment was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London.

WHEN:

Saturday, March 3 – Sunday, March 4

Saturday, March 10 – Sunday, March 11

Saturday, March 17 – Sunday, March 18

Saturday, March 24 – Saturday, March 31

Fans of the Potter series are accustomed to seeing Matthew Lewis at Universal Studios Orlando in Florida for various events such as the Harry Potter Celebration or the Grand Opening of the parks. However, yesterday Matt paid a visit to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood to enjoy a frothy cold butterbeer! Universal have sent over a photo of Matt Lewis enjoying his drink in the warm weather.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ron Mateo / Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal has released the full schedule for this year’s Celebration of Harry Potter at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort! Some new exhibitions have also been added to the 2018 Harry Potter Expo:

• An all-new virtual reality experience featuring Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Step into Newt Scamander’s case to explore the spectacular world of the film in a breathtaking cinematic virtual reality experience – including face-to-face meetings with six beasts!
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, a mobile game launching under Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s Portkey Games. Experience the magic of Hogwarts castle with a life-sized gallery wall, giveaways and hands-on gameplay. Plus, don’t miss out on the chance to hear from developers of the game during a special panel presentation later in the weekend.

Special activities that will happen throughout the weekend have also been revealed:

• A Celebration of Harry Potter 2018 Scavenger Hunt – Throughout the weekend, guests will be tasked with searching for the answers to a series of clues hidden in both magical and Muggle locations throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. A fun experience for all Harry Potter fans, families and kids alike!

• Hogwarts Houses Rally and Costume Showcase – This is your chance to shine onstage and showcase your house colors, passion and creativity in a competition for the best themed attire. Each contestant who is selected can be individual or group costume and will be judged on the quality and craftsmanship of their costume. Come dressed to impress in your wizarding world best! Click here for more details and guidelines on the Costume Showcase.

The full schedule for the weekend is as follows, these events will be livestreamed on the Universal Orlando Facebook.

The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle is coming to Universal Orlando Resort! Fans in California have been enjoying this nighttime show since June of 2017 and now it’s Florida’s turn!

The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle will debut on Wednesday, January 31 and is scheduled to run Feb. 5, and Feb. 7 – Feb. 12 (additional dates will be announced at a later time). You can preview it during A Celebration of Harry Potter on Saturday, Jan. 27 and Sunday, Jan. 28.

A few photos of the light show can be seen in our gallery!

Get out your house robes and scarves – a new projection mapping experience is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle celebrates the four houses of Hogwarts by transforming the castle in a dazzling display of lights, special effects and music.

As night falls, you’ll see the spirit of each house wrap itself around the castle. Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff will all be represented, each house showcasing its pride in its own unique way.

And of course, it’s all set to incredible music based on the original scores from the Harry Potter films.

And – if you’re A Celebration of Harry Potter package holder, you can be among the first to see it during an exclusive preview event on Friday, Jan. 26.

We’re just a over a couple weeks away from the 2018 Celebration of Harry Potter at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando! Each year the event gets better and better and we’re sure this year will be no exception. Cast members Bonnie Wright, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Natalia Tena and Stanislav Ivaneski will be there to participate in panels, photo sessions and more. But today, let’s talk about all the tasty treats you can eat in the parks!

I am a constant visitor to the parks since my first trip there in 2011 so I have a few “must eat” treats while in the parks. Here’s what I’m most looking forward to eating (and drinking) this trip!  Since I don’t drink butterbeer (*gasp*) My choices are a little unorthadox. Be prepared for some deliciousness!

1. Cornish Pasties from The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade

One of my favorite meals to get in the parks is the cornish pasties and salad from The Three Broomsticks. What’s great about it is the fact that you get a tiny bit of veggies (okay, lettuce) to counteract all the sugar and fried foods you’ll be eating. You get three delicious patties filled with meat and veggies plus a salad with a dressing of your choice. It’s a perfect small lunch to get you ready for your next ride. You can also get just the pasties at The Hopping Pot in Diagon Alley for an afternoon snack.

Fun Fact: The first time I had cornish pasties was with Harry Potter art director (and also art director for the theme parks) Alan Gilmore during the press preview for Diagon Alley. He said we just had to try them and boy was he right! I get them every visit.

2. Otters Fizzy Orange Juice from The Leaky Cauldron or The Hopping Pot in Diagon Alley

This is my favorite drink in the parks. I’m not a Butterbeer fan so this is what I order when all my friends get their hot or cold Butterbeer! It is a really nice, slightly carbonated, orange juice with cinnamon on the rim. The cinnamon is a perfect finishing touch and makes the drink so unique.

3. Cauldron Cake from Sugarplums in Diagon Alley

In the Summer of 2017 Universal introduced a new form of their beloved Cauldron Cakes. These new cakes are much larger and come in a box with a cauldron that you can keep after finishing your cupcake. Fair warning: there is a LOT of frosting, but it’s so good! You’ll probably want to let it warm up before you eat it – they keep it in a fridge – so the cake is a little softer when you enjoy it. It is $9.95 but a few people can share it. A great dessert to eat at the park or take home to enjoy later.

4. Fish & Chips from The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley

One of my favorite London meals is fish & chips, so of course I would have to get it in the parks as well! I usually get the children’s portion so I can have dessert and more snacks throughout the day. The batter is so crispy and the fish is delicious. The fries (or chips) are very tasty as well. The kids meal also comes with grapes, so you can feel a bit better about eating all that fried fish.

5. Ice Cream from Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley

You can’t leave Diagon Alley without getting ice cream, that’s insanity! I’m pretty boring so I just go for plain chocolate but my friends love the earl grey & lavender, chocolate chili and clotted cream. And soft serve butterbeer, of course!

The 2018 Celebration of Harry Potter will take place from Friday January 26th – Sunday January 28th. Tickets and packages are still available.

*all photos from my personal instagram*

Natalia Tena has been added to the 2018 Celebration of Harry Potter guest lineup! She’s joining Stanislav Yanevski, Bonnie Wright, James Phelps and Oliver Phelps for the three day event that’s sure to be as amazing as the four previous years! The actors will be participating in panels, autograph and photo sessions and may make special (surprise) appearances at the Harry Potter Expo during the course of the weekend!

At A Celebration of Harry Potter™, you’ll have the chance to see some of your favorite film talent. Plus, enjoy interactive question and answer sessions to discover what it was like to work on one of the most successful film franchises in history.