Expecto pandemonium! Hogsmeade Village in Wizarding World of Harry Potter is part of the magic during Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025 and we had the chance to check out a menagerie of fantastic beasts not normally seen plus a new-to-Hollywood show at Hogwarts Castle plus a host of food and shopping options.
With hosted tickets, we were given access to the park to uncover all the fun for ourselves. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about what you can discover in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Magical Creatures
Cheeky Nifflers, baby dragons, and grand Occamy…. there’s a lot of special new magic in Hogsmeade village and we’ve got a look at all the fantastic beasts and where to find them in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter during Universal Fan Fest Nights.
There are no posted appearance times to see any of the creatures so you might have to do some hunting to guarantee encounters. We found that the creatures seemed to come out roughly 5 minute after the end of each scheduled Hogwarts Always showing. Nifflers seemed to come out after every show whereas Occamy and the baby dragon were less predictable.
Occamy
The Occamy is a colorful, serpent-like, creature with the magical ability to shrink and expand its body to fit any given space.
During the event, the Occamy has shrunk enough to rest across its handler’s shoulders giving you the chance to learn all about the fantastic creature. The last two images are provided courtesy of Universal.
© Universal. All rights reserved.
Niffler
The mischievous Niffler often goes to great lengths to get their paws on anything shiny and then magically stash all their treasure in a pouch on their bellies.
During the event, you’ll find one of these trouble makers on a parcel cart from the Hogsmeade Post. The last two images are provided courtesy of Universal.
© Universal. All rights reserved.
Baby Dragon
Dragons are a natural extension of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and in Hogsmeade village, a dragon dealer will be found with a baby Norwegian Ridgeback in his possession.
During the event, you can find this handler moving about the dark alleys of the village trying to avoid the sights of the Ministry of Magic. The last two images are provided courtesy of Universal.
© Universal. All rights reserved.
Entertainment
Hogwarts Always
The nighttime spectacle of the Hogwarts Always projection light show is a whimsical musical journey through a school year at Hogwarts. The show weaves iconic music and incredible moments of wizardry from the Harry Potter films with projection mapping effects. There are four randomized endings for each show with the House Cup going to a different house teach time!
Hogwarts Always runtime is approximately 8 minutes. There is no need to arrive more than about 10 minute before showtime unless you are picky about your exact viewing spot. The later shows will be far less crowded than earlier in the evening.
Typical showtimes are 9 PM, 9:30 PM, 10 PM, 10:30 PM, 11 PM, and 11:30 PM but always check the app on the day of your visit for the latest details. To quote Dumbledore in the finale: While we may come from different places and speak in different tongues, with only a touch of magic, our hearts beat as one. Hogwarts, Always!
Video
Photos
Expand / Collapse Photos of the Show
Dining
If you’re looking some hearty treats to take you deep into the lore of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can indulge in a 3-course meal at the Three Broomsticks or find special snack offerings at the Magic Neep and Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream counter. Highlights include house-themed Cornish pasties, roasts, and trifle at Three Broomsticks, plus savory meat pies and churros at Magic Neep Cart. Florean Fortescue’s serves whimsical soft-serve creations like the Pygmy Puff Sundae and Niffler’s Bounty Cone.
MORE INFO: Complete menu, food and drink for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Fan Fest Nights
Shopping
Of course, you can expect there to be a healthy selection of merch. The magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter extends to an all-new Collector’s Edition Interactive Wand, available exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as the first-ever The Wizarding World of Harry Potter popcorn bucket inspired by the iconic Time-Turner. Magical creature fans are in for a treat with a fluffy new collection of perfectly pink Pygmy Puff merchandise, a plush Occamy and an interactive Niffler plush.
See it for Yourself
Universal Fan Fest Nights take place at Universal Studios Hollywood on select nights April 25–May 18, 2025.
MORE INFO: See all MouseInfo coverage for Universal Fan Fest Nights
Tickets
Universal Fan Fest Nights tickets range from the cheapest option at $74 for General Admission (offering entry to the event) to the most expensive option at $373 for the VIP Tour (which includes a guided tour, unlimited express access, private trolley transport, gourmet dinner, and valet parking). Mid-range options offer a combination of daytime park admission with limited express access to rides and attractions, plus evening event access with early entry to select experiences.
One/Two Day Tickets
- General Admission – From $74
- Universal Express – From $173
- Includes admission & one-time express access to each in-world experience, ride, and attraction.
- Universal Express Unlimited – From $203
- Includes admission & unlimited express access to each in-world experience, ride, and attraction.
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After 2 PM Day/Night – From $114
- Daytime admission after 2 p.m. + same-day evening General Admission to Fan Fest Nights.
- Early event access to select experiences starting at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change).
- After 2 PM Day/Night Universal Express – From $228
- Daytime admission after 2 p.m. + same-day evening admission with express access.
- One-time express access to each ride/attraction during the day & event.
- Early event access to select experiences starting at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change).
- VIP Tour – From $373
- Guided walking tour, VIP trolley, unlimited express access, gourmet dinner (excludes alcohol), and valet parking.
- Early Access Ticket – From $20
- Entry to select experiences starting at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change).
- Requires separate event admission for the same date.
Multi-Night Tickets
- 2-Night General Admission – From $109
- Select any available event night for your first visit, starting April 25, 2025.
- Ultimate Fandom Pass – From $249
- General Admission access to all event nights (based on selected first visit date
MORE INFO: Official site for tickets to Universal Fan Fest NightsÂ
