Get Into the Christmas Spirit at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

From holiday-themed entertainment to piping-hot Butterbeer, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal's Islands of Adventure is pure magic. Here are all the wizarding Christmas must-dos.

By: Deanne Revel

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Universal Orlando Resort

Photo By: Deanne Revel

Photo By: Universal Orlando Resort

Photo By: Deanne Revel

Hogwarts Frog Choir

Inspired by the Harry Potter films, you can find the Hogwarts Frog Choir performing daily in Hogsmeade village. For Christmas, the choir performs a special wizarding holiday set with songs like "I Cast a Spell on Father Christmas" and "The Most Magical Yule Ball of All." The wizards also sing familiar muggle tunes such as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Carol of the Bells."

Hot Butterbeer

While you can find cold and frozen butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter year round, Christmastime means a seasonal fan-favorite returns: hot butterbeer. It tastes like buttery cocoa but with butterscotch. It’s the perfect beverage for sipping as the temperatures dip, even in Orlando. But, if you’d rather eat your butterbeer, you can find butterbeer potted cream on the dessert menu at both The Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks.

Wizarding Decorations in Hogsmeade

While the snowy scene in Hogsmeade village is up year-round, the addition of Christmas decor makes the area extra festive. And, remember, these aren’t muggle decorations. Take time to browse the wizard-inspired trimmings, from golden snitch garland to owl feather wreaths.

Wizarding Decorations in Diagon Alley

Diagon Alley is also decked out with wizarding Christmas flare and serious wreath game. Each shop has a different wreath inspired by the magical wares inside. Flourish and Blotts bookstore has parchment poinsettias. The Daily Prophet office has a letterpress-inspired wreath. And Madam Malkin’s Robes for Every Occasion has tons of pink ribbon. If you love to Instagram your way through the parks, these vignettes are a must.

Wizard Treats

In both Honeydukes and Sugarplum’s Sweets Shop, you’ll find bakes inspired by the books and films, from cauldron cakes to pumpkin pasties. And instead of Christmas gingerbread men, the wizarding world has ginger newt cookies. Because of course, they do.

And Wizard Sweets

You’ll also find tons of familiar confections such as chocolate frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and sugar quills. But if you’re feeling something more wintery, stock up on Glacial Snow Flakes and Pepper Imps. Fair warning on the imps: the wizard at the cash register told me that smoke might come out of my ears.

Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle Show

Head over to Hogsmeade at night for an enchanting projection show on Hogwarts. "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle" features caroling ghosts, Yule Ball-inspired scenes, Christmas decorations, quidditch, Weasleys Wizard Wheezes and so much more all set to the iconic score from the Harry Potter films. The show runs several times throughout the evening. For the best view, don’t get super close as you’ll miss projections and lights on the side of the castle.

Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees

The wizard superstar—and favorite of Mrs. Weasley—Celestina Warbeck performs daily with her backup group The Banshees in Diagon Alley throughout the year. But for Christmas, the pop group has a special holiday-inspired set. The songs are a fun, wizarding take on Christmas with originals like "Accio Christmas," "Nothing Like a Holiday Spell" and "My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas." Stick around for the finale as snow magically falls from the sky, filling Diagon Alley with tons of Christmas cheer.

Christmas at King’s Cross Station

One of the coolest features about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is taking the Hogwarts Express from London (in Universal Studios) to Hogsmeade (in Islands of Adventure). The King’s Cross Station in London features several Harry Potter Easter eggs such as a billboard from the sixth movie, Harry’s luggage with a caged Hedwig stacked up with other student trunks and the chance to walk through the bricks between platforms 9 and 10. But for the holidays, the station gets even more magical and festive with Christmas trees, wreaths and packages on display.

Snow Wizard and Snow Owl

In Hogsmeade village, you’ll find this adorable snow-wizard and snow-owl on display next to the butterbeer cart (to the left, just before Hogwarts castle). The charming little vignette is great for family photos.

Wizarding Christmas Lights

No need to cast Lumos. At night, both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley come alive with twinkling holiday lights. Grab another hot butterbeer and take a stroll through the winter scenes. The shop storefronts are especially great to browse at night. You’ll notice tiny details (and maybe some moving enchantments!) that are easier to see at night.

Christmas Souvenirs

If you want to display your Hogwarts house pride at home, there are tons of Christmas decorations to buy for Gryffindors, Slytherins, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. But there are also some more obscure winter ornaments inspired by the Yule Ball. You can buy Hermione's dress, Harry’s dress robes, Fleur Delacour's dress, Viktor Krum’s suit with fur shawl, Ginny Weasley’s gown, and, yes, even Ron’s dress robes.

Shows

Hosts

Trending

Top Videos

Digital Exclusives

From Our Shows

Trending

Top Domestic

Top International

Trending

Explore By Region

Trending

Top Interests

By Trip

By Traveler

Travel Tips

Trending

Get Into the Christmas Spirit at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Related To:

Shop This Look

Hogwarts Frog Choir

Hot Butterbeer

Wizarding Decorations in Hogsmeade

Wizarding Decorations in Diagon Alley

Wizard Treats

And Wizard Sweets

Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle Show

Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees

Christmas at King’s Cross Station

Snow Wizard and Snow Owl

Wizarding Christmas Lights

Christmas Souvenirs

We Recommend

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

6 Things You Need to Know About Universal's New Harry Potter Coaster

10 Insta-Worthy Holiday Treats at Walt Disney World This Year 10 Photos

14 of This Year's Most Delectable Holiday Treats at Walt Disney World 14 Photos

Walt Disney Parks' Most Jaw-Dropping Life-Size Gingerbread Displays 39 Photos

Top 14 Theme Parks for the Holidays 14 Photos

More From Travel