Complete Guide for the Best Harry Potter Christmas at Hogwarts 2023

Complete Guide for the Best Harry Potter Christmas at Hogwarts 2023

Complete Guide for the Best Harry Potter Christmas at Hogwarts 2023

This is your complete guide to the BEST Harry Potter Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort. The most wonderful time of the year happens to also be the most magical … of course we’re talking about Christmastime! Every single witch, wizard and muggle knows the feeling of magical cheer, especially in the Harry Potter universe. During the holidays at Universal Orlando, any Potterhead can enjoy the amazing celebration in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley with festive décor, Hogwarts castle lights and so much more!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

If you are ready to learn all about Universal Christmas with Harry Potter, read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation be sure to check out our Universal crowd calendar!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

2023 Harry Potter Christmas Overview

Universal Studios Christmas 2023 is the perfect time to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, especially in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida transform Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley to welcome all for joyous cheer! While visiting Hogwarts for the Holidays, you can expect many different offerings to make your holiday vacation complete! In this article, we will discuss all of the 2023 Christmas offerings at Harry Potter World in Orlando, such as decorations, castle shows, food and special events!

*Special note: While we would love to spread Harry Potter Christmas cheer, Universal holidays have not been announced for 2023. Typically, we will find out details about Hogwarts Christmas after Halloween-time. So, we can share with you information from 2022, but the details are always subject to change from year to year.

When Does Christmas at Hogwarts in Universal Start 2023?

• November 12th* TBD for 2023

Universal has not announced official dates and Christmas at Harry Potter World 20but they typically will begin on November 12th and runs through January 1st, 2023. You can expect to see the following events during Universal Christmas:

• Universal Holiday Parade
• The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle
• Grinchmas

Is Harry Potter World Open on Christmas Day 2023?

• Yes! You are able to enjoy Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2023. Both Hogsmeade at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando on Christmas Day. Both Universal Orlando parks are open a full operating day Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas.

But be warned, Christmas at Hogwarts is the busiest time of year for theme parks in Orlando. Before planning your trip, make sure to check out our Universal Orlando crowd calendar to get an idea of what crowd levels will be for your vacation.

Related post: Complete Guide to Harry Potter Hogwarts Robes

Hogsmeade Christmas 2023

Christmas at Hogsmeade 2023 always has a special place in Harry Potter fan’s hearts. When it comes to celebrating Christmas at Harry Potter Christmas at Universal, they do the perfect job recreating that. There is no shortage of holiday activities to do throughout the day. Even the decor makes it feel like you’re walking through the Hogshead Christmas Village.  All with a perfect snowman, enchanted candles and holly wreaths hanging on wooden doors.

How to Celebrate the Holidays in Hogsmeade 2023

• The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle – A spectacular show projected upon the Hogwarts Castle with special effects telling a wonderful Harry Potter themed Christmas story. The 8 minute show runs about every 20 minutes beginning at dusk until park close.
• The Frog Choir – At the stage located just outside of the Hogwarts Castle entrance, you’ll find alternating performances of the Frog Choir and the Tri-wizard Spirit Rally. The two shows generally have 6 showings each throughout the day alternating every hour from 10am to 7pm.
• Sip Hot Butterbeer – Butterbeer comes in many forms at Universal Orlando Resort. But the best version of this creamy drink is best served hot during the Christmas season. 
• Take a Stroll Through the Alleyways – Hogsmeade has two “secret” alleys that are decorated to the brim with Christmas cheer. If you’re looking for a more secluded stroll, find the Honeyduke’s alley and the alley to the right of the Owl Post.

Not only is Harry Potter Christmas at Hogsmeade 2023 enchanting, it is also where you can participate in some of the most exciting holiday events. You can even celebrate Christmas Day with a hot butterbeer in front of Hogwarts castle. Nothing screams Harry Potter Christmas as much as that.

Related Post: The Complete Guide to Butterbeer at Universal Studios

Diagon Alley Christmas 2023

Hogsmeade Christmas 2023 isn’t the only spot in the Wizarding World to celebrate the holidays. Maybe you prefer the rides or vibe of Diagon Alley over at Universal Studios. If you do, you won’t be left out of the holiday celebration. While there isn’t as much to do as there is at Christmas at Hogwarts in Islands of Adventure. There are still some activities worth checking out.

How to Celebrate the Holidays in Diagon Alley 2023

• Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees – At the stage located in the canopied area of Diagon Alley, you’ll find spellbinding performances from Molly Weasley’s favorite singer, Celestina Warbeck! She sings chart smashing hits (from the Wizarding World) 9 times throughout the day about every hour from 10:30am until 7:30pm.
• Sip Hot Butterbeer – Butterbeer comes in many forms, but the best version of this creamy drink is best served hot. You can find butterbeer in 3 spots in Diagon Alley. The Hopping Spot, The Leaky Cauldron, and The Fountain of Fair Fortune. 
• Take a Stroll Through the Alleyways – Diagon Alley is filled with winding pathways that are decorated to the brim with Christmas cheer. Don’t be afraid to also take a stroll through Knockturn Alley if you’re feeling brave enough to do so!

The best way to experience Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in our opinion, is to visit the parks with a park to park ticket. That way you can experience the entirety of the Christmas in the Wizarding World fully. But if you’re wondering which is better for Christmas, Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley 2023? Our answer is Hogsmeade. If visiting one park is the best option for your vacation, we would recommend only visiting Islands of Adventure.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Harry Potter World: Universal California vs Florida

2023 Harry Potter Christmas Decorations

Harry Potter World Christmas decorations are one of the many reasons that Universal Orlando is such a beautiful place to visit in the winter. All throughout both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are beautifully crafted seasonal decor. The twinkling lights and snowy glow  of the Harry Potter Christmas decor truly transport you into a small wintry British village right in the middle of Central Florida.

When Does Universal Decorate for Christmas 2023?

• The first week of November

*The Universal Orlando holiday season will began November 12th 2023 and run through January 1st, 2023 last season. There is no official date for when Christmas decorations are displayed. We have noticed in years past since Halloween Horror Nights’ last event is October 31st, you can begin spotting Harry Potter World Christmas decorations around the first week of November.

Does Harry Potter World Decorate for Christmas 2023?

Yes! There are many different ways the Harry Potter World decorates for the holiday season. Here are just a few:

• Snow Capped Roof Tops – Although this feature is year round, it really brings the Christmas feels when its lit by the warm glow of the twinkling Christmas lights.
• Garland Wrapped in Christmas Lights – Harry Potter Christmas Lights wrap archways and shop windows, intermixed with beautiful evergreen garland to enhance the overall holiday feel of Hogsmeade. Pay special attention inside the different shops! The garland hanging above the shops have little details that match what is sold inside of the store.
• Hogwarts Castle Christmas Decor – Christmas decor wouldn’t be complete without cards over the fireplace, a beautiful tree, and Hogwarts house fanfare throughout the garland.

Make sure to explore all of the ride queues and shops to peer inside and take a peek at all of the hidden decor. Harry Potter World at Christmas is such a unique experience. Don’t speed through this beautifully charming immersive land.

Related Article: When Does Disney World Decorate for Christmas

The 2023 Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle Lights

Harry Potter Christmas in the Wizarding World is unlike any other with its exclusive castle shows. Lighting up the Hogwarts castle with glistening lights and gentle snowfall, the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is a dazzling projection map show played every night once the sun sets. This Universal Harry Potter Christmas light show is captivating as is projects a magically large Christmas tree, twirling Yule Ball dances, snowman building, and the Hogwarts ghosts ringing out Christmas carols.

What Time Does the Hogwarts Light Show Start 2023?

• At Dusk (around 5:30pm)

The Harry Potter Christmas show runs every 20 min from dusk (around 5:30pm) until park close. This dazzling projections show that turns the Hogwarts Castle into a canvas of holiday magic lasts about 8 minutes long.

What is the Hogwarts Light Show?

• The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is a dazzling projection map show that projects a magically large Christmas tree, twirling Yule Ball dances, snowman building, and the Hogwarts ghosts ringing out Christmas carols.

This Universal Orlando Harry Potter light show also displays beautiful scenes of snow falling, with Hedwig gently gliding through the icy dust all via projection mapping onto the castle.Hogwarts Christmas in Universal Orlando wouldn’t be complete with a few scenes from our favor Harry Potter films, as well.

Related Article: Universal Orlando Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts 

Harry Potter Christmas Food 2023

While we do know that themed food will be coming back with the return of Christmastime events in the Wizarding World, we aren’t 100% sure on menus for 2023. In previous years, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Christmas offered festive treats for guests to enjoy. Both restaurants in Hogsmeade, The Leaky Cauldron and the Three Broomsticks, have had many delicious offerings in years past. Here are just a few of our favorites that we hope make a return this year!

What Christmas Food is at Harry Potter World 2023?

• Holiday Feast – Located at both The Leaky Cauldron and The Three Broomsticks, this two-course meal serves traditional British holiday fare.
• Butterbeer – This treat is available all year round. But hot butterbeer is only available during the holiday season!
• Soups – The Leaky Cauldron has a spellbinding butternut squash soup to warm you up on chilly Orlando evenings.
• Pudding – This tantalizing Christmas Pudding is drizzled with hot brandy butter and topped with a citrus glaze.

The Holiday Feast at Harry Potter World 2023

• The Holiday Feast at Harry Potter World is a two-course meal that serves traditional British Christmas food. This can be found at both the Leaky Cauldron and the Three Broomsticks.

The Holiday Feast is served platter style and can serve up to four guests. Last year, this platter costed $64.99 and had additional portions  starting at $15.99 per person. The first course is a Winter Harvest Salad topped with a mustard ale vinaigrette. The second course is an oven roasted turkey breast drizzled gravy. Also served with a wild mushroom and sage stuffing, root vegetables, brown-butter and walnut Brussels sprouts, potatoes, English sausages, and a cranberry sauce.

Holiday food is some of our favorite food to try and review for readers like you! We are excited to see what Universal Orlando chefs bring to Christmas in the Wizard World this year.

Related Post: Food Lovers Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Harry Potter Christmas at Universal Merchandise 2023

One of the best places to buy merchandise or holiday gifts would be at Harry Potter World in Orlando during Christmas-time. There is wonderful exclusive theme park merchandise that can make any Harry Potter fan full of cheery delight! Universal Wizarding World of Harry Potter Christmas is bound to have ornaments, magical creatures, candies, clothing items and much more to bring home for perfect gifts!

Best Shops For the Newest Holiday Merchandise in Hogsmeade 2023

• Honeydukes – sweets shop offering Chocolate Frogs, Acid Pops, Fizzing Whizzbees, Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes and more!
• The Owl Post – stationery shop featuring quills, ink, stamps, seals, and an array of owl merchandise for feathered friend lovers.
• Ollivanders Wand Shop – a replica of the famous Ollivanders which offers any witch or wizard’s wand you can dream of.
• Dervish and Banges – your Hogwarts House shop with all of the themed clothing and home-goods you could ask for!
• Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods – find more oddities and unique collectables here, like the Sorting Hat, mugs, and even a Golden Snitch!

Best Shops For the Newest Holiday Merchandise in Diagon Alley 2023

• Ollivanders Wand Shop – No you aren’t seeing double, but there are two Ollivanders Wand Shops you can visit in the parks. If you’re looking for one more accurately in the books, the one in Diagon Alley is the one to go to!
• Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes – Looking for the best jokes and tricks from Fred and George? The exact replica of their joke shop features Pygmy Puffs, U-No-Poo, Skiving Snackboxes and so much more!
• Borgin and Burkes – You’ll have to head down Knockturn Alley and enter the darkness to find this shop. But, you wont be disappointed. This shop is home to all dark objects, such as Death Eater masks, skulls and other creepy things.
• Gringotts Money Exchange – See a goblin for an easy currency exchange from U.S. dollars to Gringotts bank notes. These can be used to spend money anywhere in the Wizarding World and certain other locations at Universal Orlando Resort.
• Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions – The perfect gifts for a cosplayer or Harry Potter fanatic. Find all things like robes, scarves, sweaters and much more at Madam Malkin’s!
• Magical Menagerie – Find all the adorable Harry Potter animals like Buckbeak, Fang or Crookshanks within the Menagerie. You can even take home a stuffed Hegwig, along with many other owls and mystical creatures.
• Sugarplum’s Sweetshop – Sweets, candies, cakes and more! Get all of your sweets for the perfect gifts for Christmastime cheer!
• Scribbulus – Ink, feather quills, journals, bookmarks and backpacks galore! Starting your first year at Hogwarts soon? Scribbulus has everything any young witch or wizard may need.

Are you looking to purchase something for yourself or for a holiday gift? No problem! There are no shortage of gift shops in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Harry Potter Christmas at Universal has some of the prettiest Christmas vibes. We hope this article has helped you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation!

Related Post: Top 12 Things To Do at Universal Studios Orlando

Harry Potter Christmas FAQ

Q: When does Christmas at Hogwarts in Universal start 2023?

A: Christmas at Harry Potter World 2023 begins on November 12th and runs through January 1st, 2023.

Q: Is Harry Potter World Open on Christmas Day 2023?

A: Yes! You are able to enjoy Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2023. Both Hogsmeade at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando on Christmas Day.

Q: When Does the Frog Choir Perform in Hogsmeade?

A: You’ll find alternating performances of the Frog Choir and the Tri-wizard Spirit Rally. The two shows generally have 6 showings each throughout the day alternating every hour from 10am to 7pm.

Q: When Does Celestina Warbeck Perform in Diagon Alley?

A: She sings chart smashing hits (from the Wizarding World) 9 times throughout the day about every hour from 10:30am until 7:30pm.

Q: When Does Universal Decorate for Christmas 

A: There is no official date for when Christmas decorations are displayed. We have noticed in years past since Halloween Horror Nights’ last event is October 31st, you can begin spotting Harry Potter World Christmas decorations around the first week of November.

Q: What is the Hogwarts Light Show?

A: The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle is a dazzling projection map show that projects a magically large Christmas tree, twirling Yule Ball dances, snowman building, and the Hogwarts ghosts ringing out Christmas carols.

Q: What Time Does the Hogwarts Light Show Start 2023?

A: The Harry Potter Christmas show runs every 20 min from dusk (around 5:30pm) until park close. This dazzling projections show that turns the Hogwarts Castle into a canvas of holiday magic lasts about 8 minutes long.

Q: Which is Better for Christmas? Hogsmeade  or Diagon Alley?

A: Our answer is Hogsmeade. If visiting one park is the best option for your vacation, we would recommend only visiting Islands of Adventure.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

Beat the crowds with our discount Universal Orlando tickets! All guests who purchase their tickets from The Park Prodigy will get EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter absolutely FREE! This could save you a ton of time in the parks and avoid buying express passes!

Make sure to check out our friends at Theme Park Today for great tips on how to have the best Universal vacation!