Last night, Universal Studios Hollywood celebrated the opening of “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” transforming Hogwarts castle with a breathtaking light projection show, choreographed to a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies. The all-new “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” experience will take place daily from November 24, 2017 through January 7, 2018.
A video preview can be watched below and photos of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter all decked out for the holidays may be found in the gallery!
More on Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
Universal Studios Hollywood celebrated the opening of “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM,” transforming HogwartsTM castle with a breathtaking animated light projection show, choreographed to a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies as The Entertainment Capital of L.A. kicked off the yuletide season.
The evening program introduced Karen Irwin, President & COO, Universal Studios Hollywood, as she welcomed the land’s new holiday festivities. Following an original a cappella Frog Choir performance of “Christmas at Hogwarts,” Irwin and a group of children—clad in attire representing each of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry houses—wielded wands and cast a spell that revealed the light projection spectacular: “The Magic of Christmas at HogwartsTM Castle.”
“We are delighted to welcome ‘Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ as a new Universal Studios Hollywood holiday tradition,” said Karen Irwin. “Millions of guests visiting from around the world have already experienced the incredible offerings of this immersive land. This exciting new holiday program further expands the Harry Potter universe by bringing some of the holiday spirit from the films to life for guests to experience for themselves.”
The all-new “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” experience will take place daily from November 24, 2017 through January 7, 2018.
Hogsmeade village also shines brightly as the quaint town celebrates with festive décor uniquely themed to each of the individual storefronts, along with holiday-themed fare served at Three Broomsticks and the eagerly-awaited seasonal return of hot Butterbeer.
The newly-introduced Holiday Dinner features a sumptuous roast turkey with gravy platter that includes pigs in blankets, a medley of vegetables, braised red cabbage and roasted potatoes served with cranberry sauce, along with Christmas Pudding.
As night falls on Hogsmeade village, the familiar sounds of Harry Potter music will resonate throughout “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” Multiple times an evening, colorful projection mapping will illuminate Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.”
The a cappella Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant throaty frogs, will also perform original holiday themed songs over the course of the seasonal event.
From stockings to ornaments, the addition of specialty keepsakes and gift-giving items complement the land’s immersive holiday festivities as the theme park continues to envelope guests in the captivating world of Harry Potter.
A wide selection of all-new custom-made Christmas ornaments created especially for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” are available this holiday season. Collectibles include a variety of decorative Hogwarts castle snow globes, Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the houses, as well as a collection of unique tree toppers and house pennant garland. Wizard robes and wands and an array of Quidditch game accessories are perfect for gift-giving.
Universal Studios Hollywood is also offering up an amazing selection of holiday themed items, perfect for gift giving (or for your, we won’t judge):
From stockings to stuffers, the addition of these specialty keepsakes and gift-giving items complement the land’s immersive holiday festivities as the theme park continues to envelope guests in the captivating world of Harry Potter.
Featured items include an array of all-new custom-made ornaments designed especially for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” A variety of decorative HogwartsTM castle snow globes, as well as Hogwarts crest and Hogwarts mascot tree ornaments are available in addition to a selection of Christmas stockings, stocking holders and a variety of unique Hogwarts-themed tree toppers and house pennant garland. Name ornaments will also be available or they can be customized. Items available for purchase are representative of each of the four Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry houses.
An original Hogwarts Express collection is also available featuring an array of holiday and everyday themed items. From Platform 9 ¾, Hogwarts Railways and Hogwarts Express train ornaments to stockings and holders, as well as themed scarves, hats and gloves to a selection of clothing and collector Hogwarts Express tickets.
For guests who prefer to channel their inner Slytherin, Professor Severus Snape’s dramatic full length wizard’s robe makes a grand debut, adding to the selection of existing house robes from the four Hogwarts’ houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. For fans of the popular Quidditch sport, a keepsake Gryffindor Quidditch robe scores as a must have and can be paired with either the impressive full size Firebolt or Nimbus 2001 broomsticks as well as select Quidditch accessories, including the coveted Golden Snitch, Quaffle ball and Bludger.
Several new interactive namesake wands are added to the collection, including the Cho Chang, Cedric Diggory, Yaxley and a new Death Eater wand.
The Universal Orlando Resort blog has released some new details for Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley! The post reveals that The Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck will be partaking in the holiday cheer with new concerts! The festivities begin November 18th and run through January 6th!
Every night in Hogsmeade Village at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you’ll be able to see The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. Using the latest in projection-mapping technology, Hogwarts Castle will completely transform this holiday season.
A spell will be cast on Hogwarts Castle, illuminating it in festive décor, candlelight and moments inspired by the films.
Imagine seeing the ghosts of Hogwarts singing carols, students riding broomsticks and creating snowmen, a moment inspired by the Yule Ball and many more surprises.
This experience is available multiple times throughout the evening, with later shows providing the best viewing experience.
Frog Choir
Also in Hogsmeade, you can see the Hogwarts Frog Choir perform.
Donning their house scarves, the Frog Choir has a brand-new collection of holiday carols:
“Christmas at Hogwarts” – This wizarding carol casts a Christmas spell that echoes through the halls of Hogwarts.
“We Wish You A Merry Christmas” – The choir will bring a new and festive life to this classic holiday song.
“The Most Magical Yule Ball of All” – Hosting the TriWizard Tournament also brings with it a magical event known as the Yule Ball. This song captures all the magic, elegance and wonder of this very special night.
“I Cast a Spell On Father Christmas” – This fun song is a cautionary tale asking young wizards to be sure of the incantation before casting a spell.
Their signature 5-part harmonies will spread Christmas croaks and holiday cheer!
Celestina Warbeck
The Christmas carols don’t stop there. Take the Hogwarts Express over to Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida to see the singing sorceress CelestinaWarbeck and her Banshees.
They’re conjuring four new tunes from her chart-topping holiday album, Nothin’ Like A Holiday Spell with hits like:
“Nothing Like a Holiday Spell” – There are many spells and charms in the wizarding world. But during this time of year, conjuring warm feelings of yuletide cheer is the most magical spell of all.
“Accio Christmas” – This calypso inspired song officially brings a Christmas rhythm of the islands to the British Isles.
“My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas” – Have you ever received a gift that wasn’t exactly what you were expecting? This song describes one such moment our singing sorceress experienced.
“A Witch and Wizard’s Wintry Wondrous Land” – This classic wizarding carol shows there’s nothing more lovely than sharing the Christmas season with family friends—and of course Celestina’s fans
Last month we revealed more information on Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Today Universal Studios Hollywood announces the debut of their all-new “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” The festive experience will resonate throughout the immersive land this yuletide season transforming the iconic Hogwarts castle into a dazzling light projection spectacular, while the town of Hogsmeade village shines brightly with décor. More information is included in the press release below:
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at The Entertainment Capital of L.A. as Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk deck the halls for a wintry calendar of festive holiday experiences and an array of delectable treats that families and friends far and wide can enjoy.
The all-new “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” experience will resonate throughout the immersive land this yuletide season transforming the iconic HogwartsTM castle into a dazzling light projection spectacular, while the quaint town of Hogsmeade village shines brightly with décor uniquely themed to each of the individual storefronts.
The a cappella Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant throaty frogs, will perform all-new holiday themed songs.
A wide selection of all-new custom-made Christmas ornaments created especially for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will also debut this season. Collectibles include a variety of decorative Hogwarts castle snow globes, Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the houses, as well as a collection of unique tree toppers and house pennant garland.
Newly introduced holiday-themed fare and the eagerly-awaited seasonal return of hot Butterbeer will further complement the overall experience.
“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will take place daily from November 24, 2017 through January 7, 2018.
The all-new “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” experience invites guests to celebrate this special time of year in J.K. Rowling’s compelling Wizarding World for themselves.
As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts TM Castle” will illuminate Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with colorful imagery and impressive dimensional animations that dance across Hogwarts castle in tandem to a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies.
“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” represents the immersive land’s first holiday themed program since opening at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2016.
“Grinchmas™” returns to Universal Studios Hollywood with a Who-lebration of fun fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos. The annual event comes to life with a towering 60 foot tall whimsical “Grinchmas” tree where Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls will take center stage performing energetic musical sets to usher in the Christmas season in style. The Who-liday Singers—a hip boy-band ensemble—will perform nightly a cappella concerts featuring a mix of Christmas favorites and pop rock.
“Grinchmas” will take place weekends on December 2-3 and 9-10, and daily from December 15 through December 31, 2017.
Spirited holiday décor and festive whimsy will permeate throughout the theme park including “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and the adjoining “Super Silly Fun Land” as a crew of very merry and mischievous Minions gleefully spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages.
A spectacular 40-foot tall Christmas tree will glisten with 200,000 LED icicles choreographed to the lights and sounds of the season in the 5 Towers plaza. Santa Claus will make nightly appearances and offer special photo opportunities at 5 Towers.
The iconic, dancing water fountain situated at the heart of CityWalk will also make a splash this holiday season. This visually dynamic fountain, displaying over 230 individual power jets, will project streams of choreographed water into the air complemented by red and green LED lights and an array of holiday-themed music.
Free concert performances at “5 Towers” and an eclectic ensemble of talented street performers will make CityWalk the ultimate L.A. holiday destination.
The spirit of the season continues with a wintertime transformation of Universal CityWalk, beginning the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 24 through Sunday, December 23, 2017.
The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood is included in the price of theme park admission. More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebookand follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.
This morning, Universal Orlando Resort issued a press release on their holiday happenings, including the brand new Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Universal Orlando Resort’s Holidays celebration will run daily from November 18 to January 6. According to the press release:
Starting Nov. 18, holiday cheer – and a little mischief here and there – will take over Universal Orlando Resort for its destination-wide Holidays celebration. Guests of all ages will enjoy a festive celebration like no other with more dates than ever before. At Universal Orlando guests can witness the magic of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, watch all-new larger-than-life balloons and incredible entertainment fill the streets during the all-new Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, uncover the true meaning of Grinchmas, rock around the Music Plaza Stage to Mannheim Steamroller – and more.
NEW! Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
For the first time at Universal Orlando Resort, Christmas is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Guests will be surrounded by uniquely themed Christmas decorations, garlands and lights as they walk the streets of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. They will also enjoy special Christmas themed food and holiday performances by the Frog Choir and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. And as night falls – state-of-the-art projection mapping and lighting will wrap Hogwarts castle, bringing incredible Christmas moments inspired by the Harry Potter series to life.
The Holidays will also include:
NEW! Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
Universal Orlando Resort is partnering with Macy’s, the global leader in balloon entertainment, to bring a brand-new parade to Universal Studios Florida. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will feature more than a dozen new festive balloons and over 15 incredibly detailed floats that can’t be seen anywhere else – all designed exclusively for Universal Orlando. The parade will also include appearances by the Minions and other favourite characters from Despicable Me, Madagascar and Shrek – and the jolly man himself, Father Christmas.
Grinchmas
Guests will watch the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes during a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic in the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” and join the merry Whos from Who-ville as they celebrate the true meaning of the season and bring Grinchmas to life throughout Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. And, on sale now, guests can enjoy a festive breakfast with the Grinch and his friends on select dates.
Mannheim Steamroller
Holiday music sensation, Manheim Steamroller, returns to Universal Orlando to spread cheer for all to hear during live concerts at Universal Studios Florida on Nov. 18, 19, 25, 26 and Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17.
Holidays at Universal’s On-Site Hotels
Staying on-site is the best way to experience the Holidays celebration at Universal Orlando Resort. All five hotels will glisten with festive decorations and offer holiday activities, including tree lightings, menorah lightings, and Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve buffets.
EVE at Universal CityWalk
To celebrate the New Year, guests can dance the night away at EVE, Universal CityWalk’s dazzling New Year’s Eve celebration. Guests can celebrate the New Year in style with the largest dance floor in Orlando, live entertainment and endless decadent dishes and signature drinks. Tickets go on sale soon.
As we posted back in April, Christmas is coming to Hogwarts at Universal Studios Orlando! Today we can announce that fans in California can also celebrate the season at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood! “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood bringing a dazzling light projection spectacular to Hogwarts Castle and festive hliday décor to the immersive land.
This holiday season, Universal Studios Hollywood will introduce “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” transforming HogwartsTM castle into a breathtaking light projection show that captures the spirt of the yuletide season.
Hogsmeade village will also shine brightly as the quaint town celebrates with festive décor uniquely themed to each of the individual storefronts, along with holiday-themed food and beverages including hot Butterbeer.
A special time in the Harry Potter series, the all-new “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” tradition invites guests to celebrate this part of J.K. Rowling’s compelling story for themselves.
As night falls on Hogsmeade village, the familiar sounds of Harry Potter music will resonate throughout “The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM”. Multiple times an evening, colorful projection mapping will illuminate Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with impressive dimensional animations that melodically dance across Hogwarts castle in tandem to a musical arrangement from of the Harry Potter movies.
“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” represents the immersive land’s first holiday themed program since opening at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2016.
Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle.
From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” transports guests of all ages to the very places they watched on the silver screen.
The architecturally stunning land also includes the captivating and highly acclaimed “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride, now enhanced with 4K-HD and ride film projecting at an astounding rate of 120 frames-per-second for an even more immersive glimpse into Harry Potter’s world, as well as “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor family coaster.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” resonates with immense detail, inviting guests to revel in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World with the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverages at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks™ and Hog’s Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer™ carts.
A foray through the shops adds to the authenticity of the land with eight retail venues and locations, including Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods.
More details about “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will be shared in the coming months.
Universal Orlando Resort has revealed today that they will be decking out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the holidays! These celebrations will include holiday decorations in both parks, a nighttime light show on Hogwarts castle, holiday themed food and more! Now we are even more excited to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this Winter! The announcement comes in the form of a video featuring Michael Aiello, the Senior Director of Entertainment:
The full press release can be read below:
The most wonderful time of the year is coming to one of the most immersive theme park experiences ever created. Universal Orlando Resort announced today that a new Christmas experience is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as part of its destination-wide Holiday celebration.
Plus, a brand-new parade featuring Macy’s will also join Universal’s epic lineup of Holidays experiences – making Universal Orlando the place to be for Holidays.
These new experiences will join beloved Holiday traditions at Universal Orlando for the destination’s 2017 Holidays celebration, which will run for more dates than ever before from November 18, 2017 to January 6, 2018.
Celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Christmas is a special time in the Harry Potter series, and fans from around the world have long wanted to enjoy that part of J.K. Rowling’s compelling story for themselves. This November, the new Christmas experience in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will give guests a special opportunity to see, feel and even taste what it’s like to celebrate the magic of Christmas in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.
As night falls, a magical holiday transformation of Hogwarts castle will take place right before guests’ eyes. Incredible state-of- the-art projection mapping and special effects will wrap the iconic castle – bringing holiday spirit and memorable Christmas moments from the Harry Potter series to life like never before.
Festive décor like ornate garlands will line the streets of both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Each storefront will be decked out with uniquely-themed decorations, and guests will enjoy special holiday themed food, drink and entertainment.
Stay tuned – more details about Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and even more exciting news about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be released soon.
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Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s
A brand-new holiday parade experience will also join Universal Orlando’s resort-wide Holiday celebration beginning this November. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s will take place in Universal Studios Florida and feature magnificent new, incredibly-detailed floats and balloons, and beloved characters like the mischievous Minions from Despicable Me, popular DreamWorks characters from Madagascar and Shrek – and even Santa Claus himself. Universal is partnering with Macy’s, the global leader in balloon entertainment, to bring this new parade experience to life. More details will be released soon.
Universal Orlando’s resort-wide Holidays celebration – including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s – will run daily from November 18, 2017 to January 6, 2018. Access to the festivities is included in regular admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Guests can now book a special vacation package to experience all of Universal’s epic Holidays entertainment. Packages start at $165 per adult, per night (tax inclusive) and include four-night hotel accommodations at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, a 4-day/3- park ticket that includes admission to ALL THREE Universal theme parks – including Universal’s new water theme park, Volcano Bay, which grand opens on May 25, and early park admission to The= Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.
