Universal Studios Hollywood celebrated the opening of CHRISTMAS AT THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER and MouseInfo was invited to come help celebrate. We couldn’t be more excited to have Christmas here in Hogsmeade, and Universal definitely did it right.
Right off the bat, we just want to establish that HOT BUTTERBEER is back. So yes the holidays have officially begun. But bigger news this year is the dazzling new holiday spectacle performed nightly at Hogwart’s Castle.
The preview evening we attended started with an introduction from 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 in robes representing each of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry houses holding wands and cast a spell that revealed the light projection show “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.”
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwart’s Castle
The projection show is about the same length as the one during the summer, but with the addition of pyro and the Holiday theme it is just breathtaking. I love the nod to each of the Wizard houses and the appearance of Krum and Hermonie during the Yule Ball.
More Yuletide Merriment
Hogsmeade Village also shines brightly as the quaint town celebrates with festive décor uniquely themed to each of the individual storefronts. A wide selection of all 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.
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. With brand new original songs just for the Holidays as well as some favorites that can be heard throughout the year in the land.
The Food
We were also able to try the new holiday-themed fare served at Three Broomsticks and the seasonal return of hot Butterbeer which we are hearing will stay for good!(Hopefully that wasn’t a sweet rumor.) The newly-introduced Holiday Dinner features 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. Our favorite for sure was the roasted potatoes and stuffing!
Overall, there is something for everyone at CHRISTMAS AT THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER. We can’t wait to see the else they can bring to this already beautiful area next year and years to come.
“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” experience takes place daily from now through January 7, 2018.
