Welcome, all wizards and witches. It’s time to put those wands to good use at the 2018 Celebration of Harry Potter in Universal Studios, Florida on January 26th through the 28th. I’m sure you’re asking, “What is a celebration of Harry Potter?” Let us tell you.  The 3-day celebration, presented by Warner Bros., invites you to travel the long cobbled street in Diagon Alley, visit Kings Cross, find the infamous Platform nine and three-quarters, hop on the Hogwarts Express, and enter the magical village of Hogsmede.

Just to reiterate: This celebration will have you feeling like you’re a part of the Harry Potter series the moment you enter the parks, but, it doesn’t stop there.  By attending the 2018 Celebration of Harry Potter, you’ll be able to participate in once in a lifetime activities, offered specifically to the wizards and witches in attendance.

Wizarding Activities

Here’s a little bit of advice before you go: STUDY! Do you think you have what it takes to beat out all of the other Harry Potter fans? You’ll be able to take on the competition during a Harry Potter knowledge test that involves a lot of audience participation, and all the film knowledge you can retain!

After you’ve challenged your brain, and (hopefully) beat out the other fans, you may need some time to relax and recharge. The Harry Potter chalk art walk is filled with artists who will be drawing your favorite Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them characters! Want to join in on the fun? Show off your chalk art in the fan gallery that will be displayed throughout the entire event!

Is there a better way to relax at the celebration of Harry Potter than by watching the films? We don’t think so. Check out screenings of your favorite films when you need a break from casting spells.

Learn All the Details

If you want to know exclusive details behind Harry Potter, you can visit the handful of panels and demonstrations that are being offered at the celebration! You’ll be able to learn exactly how to wave that wand with wand combat choreographer, Paul Harris. Have you ever asked yourself how the broomsticks fly? How do the candles float? How do the wands explode? Watch as John Richardson talks about the special effects used in the films, and how these effects were achievable. You can find out about more panels and demonstrations here. There’s something for every Harry Potter fan!

The People Behind the Magic

Have you ever dreamed of seeing all of your favorite wizards and witches in the flesh? Now you can! You can hang out with the actors and actresses behind your favorite Harry Potter characters. Join Stanislav Yanevski (Viktor Krum,) Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley,) Oliver Phelps (George Weasley,) and James Phelps (Fred Weasley) for a question-and-answer session, where they’ll share what it’s like to work in the Harry Potter film series.

Find out more about all the fun and magical things you can do here at the official Universal Studios website.

Excited yet? Let’s talk about what you should wear to this celebration!

Represent Your House

Have you had the pleasure of being sorted by the infamous sorting hat? If not, check out Pottermore.com and find out which house you should be representing! Once you find out, it’s time to get to shopping! We’re going to give you a little bit of insight on what you should wear to the celebration of Harry Potter based on your house!

Gryffindor
If you’re in Gryffindor, you’re representing the same house that Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley were sorted into.

  • Wear red and gold
  • Cosplay and dress just like Harry, Hermione or Ron
  • A lightning bolt or round pair of glasses will really tie your Gryffindor look together

Hufflepuff
If you’re in Hufflepuff, you’re representing the same house that Cedric Diggory and Newt Scamander were sorted into.

  • Wear yellow and black
  • Dress just like Newt!
  • Don’t forget to top off your look with a wand

Ravenclaw
If you’re in Ravenclaw, you’re representing the same house that Cho Chang and Luna Lovegood were sorted into.

  • Wear blue and bronze (for book colors)
  • Wear blue and silver (for movie colors)
  • Add a Ravenclaw tie!

Slytherin
If you’re in Slytherin, you’re representing the same house that Draco Malfoy, Gregory Goyle, and Vincent Crabbe were sorted into.

  • Wear green and silver
  • Add a headband
  • Chilly? Try and scarf and a beanie!

You can find everything you need to authentically represent your house here at Spirit Halloween.  Show us your best Harry Potter costumes, and send us pictures from the celebration to spiritblog@spirithalloween.com.WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA!