By Kathy Flynn
The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle
Photo courtesy of Universal Studios
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ has a new holiday-themed overlay which is an absolute delight.
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, which runs daily thru Jan. 6 at Universal Studios Hollywood, is a can't miss holiday treat for wizards, witches and muggles of all ages.
Hogsmeade™ at Night
Photo by Kathy Flynn
Traveling through Hogsmeade™ village after sunset you notice Christmas lights and wreaths adorning the snowcapped rooftops and it's a breathtakingly magical experience, supplemented by holiday snowfall that takes place multiple times throughout the evening.
Walking through Hogwarts™ Castle while waiting to ride "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™", subtle holiday decorations catch your eye. But the centerpiece of the holiday décor is the dazzling holiday light show projected on the outside. "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle™", features impressive animation effects set to the iconic John Williams score. It begins with the ghosts of Hogwarts™ projected on the walls of the castle and continues with owls, snowmen, and holiday lights. My favorite part was the lanterns hanging themselves on the castle walls. The holiday light show was very crowded, so make sure to give yourself time to find a prime viewing spot. The experience takes place every 30 minutes beginning at sunset, nightly.
The Three Broomsticks™
Photo by Kathy Flynn
Three Broomsticks™ is a rustic tavern serving English pub food that is a step above your usual theme park fare. There's a seasonal holiday dinner that consists of roast turkey with sourdough stuffing, gingered carrots, cranberry sauce, brussel sprouts and a delicious bacon-wrapped sausage. Or you can stick with the classics such as Shepherd's Pie, Fish & Chips, or Roast Chicken. Unfortunately, there's isn't much to offer vegetarian and vegan customers, which is a bit surprising.
No trip to Hogsmeade™ is complete without Butterbeer™, consumable in cold, hot, frozen and ice cream forms, all delicious. If Butterbeer™ isn't your thing, fear not, you can treat yourself to a Pumpkin Fizz, Pumpkin Juice or Gilly Water. Butterbeer™ is available at the Three Broomsticks™ as well as from a variety of carts in the area.
Ollivanders™
Photo by Kathy Flynn
If you are Christmas shopping, there's a huge assortment of holiday décor, including custom-made ornaments created especially for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, as well as snow globes, tree toppers and stockings. And don't forget to stop in Ollivanders™ for an incredible selection of wands, which interact with various locations throughout Hogsmeade™.
Everything is beautifully done and I can't imagine a more magical place to spend the holidays.Every fan of Harry Potter™ owes it to themselves to visit Universal Studios at least once this holiday season.
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
Photo by Kathy Flynn