- The Great Hall festive feast: The iconic Great Hall is decorated for the Christmas pudding feast, featuring flaming puddings, Christmas trees, and authentic prop replicas.
- Snow-covered Hogwarts Castle model: See the magnificent 1:24 scale Hogwarts model transformed with a blanket of realistic filmmaking snow.
- Yule Ball set transformations: Experience the Gryffindor common room and Yule Ball orchestra sets dressed in winter silver and ice crystal decor.
- Filmmaking snow secrets: Discover how different types of artificial snow, including silent snow and crunchy snow, were used in the Harry Potter films.
- Exclusive shopping: The seasonal Christmas shop returns, offering limited-edition house-themed baubles, stockings, and unique wizarding gifts.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London transforms into a wintry wizarding wonderland every November, featuring festive sets, filmmaking secrets, and seasonal decor. All Christmas features are included with standard admission. Here is everything you need to plan your magical visit.
✨ Hogwarts in the Snow 2026 highlights
Step into the wizarding world as it glistens under a layer of filmmaking snow, where iconic sets are reimagined with festive props and the magic of the Yule Ball.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Christmas events
Hogwarts in the Snow
- Dates: November 14, 2026–January 17, 2027
- Timings: During tour opening hours
- Location: Throughout the Studio Tour
- Included with admission: Yes
- Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages
Hogwarts in the Snow is the annual festive transformation of the Studio Tour. From the Great Hall set for a Christmas feast to the snow-covered Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley, visitors see the artistry behind the films' most cosy and wintry moments. The experience concludes with the iconic Hogwarts Castle model blanketed in white.
Highlights of the Hogwarts In The Snow event
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Admire the Great Hall decoration
The Great Hall is transformed with silver trees, icicle decorations, and a bandstand. House tables are dressed with roast turkeys, flaming Christmas puddings, and golden place settings, recreating the Yule Ball scene from Goblet of Fire in festive, film-accurate detail.
Celebrate Christmas on every set
Gryffindor and Slytherin common rooms feature handmade garlands, enchanted-looking lanterns, and crew-made Christmas cards, including ones from set decorator Rosie Goodwin. Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest are also filled with snow-dusted shopfronts and glittering trees styled for the festive season.
Marvel at snow-dusted Hogwarts Castle
The Hogwarts Castle model is covered with paper snow and salt-based frost, just like in the films. It took weeks to complete and includes tiny pine trees, glowing windows, and mini icicles shaped and placed by hand for accuracy.
See how film snow works
See labelled tubs of Filmbase paper snow, powdered salt, and plastic crystal blends used for exterior shots. Displays include notes from special effects supervisor John Richardson and texture samples showing how snow types varied between Hogsmeade, forest scenes, and castle rooftops.
Get exclusive Christmas souvenirs
The seasonal shop features Hogwarts house stockings, tree toppers, baubles, and limited-edition replicas like the Yule Ball goblet and themed knitwear. Many items are only available during winter, making them perfect for collectors or festive gifting.
Snack on seasonal treats and meals
Enjoy Butterbeer and festive treats like Christmas pudding cupcakes, turkey sandwiches, and mince pies from the Food Hall. Some evenings feature seated Great Hall dinners with roast meals, themed canapés, and photo ops at festively dressed sets after hours.
Participate in the Yule activities
Take part in a dance demonstration inspired by the Yule Ball scene, learn simple choreography used in Goblet of Fire, and see costumes worn by Harry, Hermione, and Viktor Krum up close in a special display beside the Great Hall.
Diagon Alley
Snow clings to cobbled stones, icicles hang from crooked shop signs, and fairy lights glow across frosted windows. From Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes & Ollivanders to Flourish and Blotts & Quality Quidditch Supplies, the entire street feels transformed, with wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees adding festive detail to this beloved wizarding shopping spot.
Forbidden Forest
Step between towering, snow-dusted trees where frosty branches shimmer and low mist drifts across the forest floor. Look out for sparkling icicles overhead and festive touches near Hagrid’s Hut, which is trimmed with greenery and lights. Subtle forest sounds add to the winter atmosphere.
Hagrid’s hut
Outside, the roof is capped in snow and wrapped in soft lights. Inside, the table is set, the hearth glows, and props like dragon eggs, cauldrons, and Fang’s basket remain in place—now surrounded by subtle decorations that reflect Hagrid’s simple, cosy holiday spirit.
⚡ A historic Christmas for Potterheads
With the new HBO Harry Potter series premiering on December 25, 2026, there’s no better time to walk through the real Great Hall set that started it all.
Experience Hogwarts in the Snow in person, marvel at the authentic props and costumes, and immerse yourself in the Wizarding World where film history was made.
Pro tip: Combine your Studio Tour ticket with round-trip transfers or a central London hotel stay to make it the ultimate festive holiday getaway.
Book Hogwarts in the Snow tickets & transport →
Plan your visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London during Christmas
- Opening hours: 8:30am/9:30am to 8pm/10pm (timings vary)
- Last entry: Generally 3 hours before closing.
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings are quieter, but evening slots offer a more atmospheric, glowing experience in the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley.
Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR | Find on Maps
By train: Take a direct train from London Euston to Watford Junction (approx. 20 minutes)
- Shuttle bus: A regular electric shuttle bus runs from Watford Junction to the Studio (included in your ticket/small fee may apply).
By car: Free parking is available on-site; have your booking confirmation ready for the marshals.
- Cloakroom: Free of charge for coats and bags (large luggage restricted).
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the tour.
- Gift shops: The Hub Shop, Railway Shop, and the exclusive seasonal Christmas Shop.
- Dining: The Food Hall and Hub Café serve festive treats like Christmas pudding cupcakes and turkey sandwiches. The Backlot Café is the place to get your Butterbeer.
- Wheelchair access: The entire tour is wheelchair accessible, though some areas, like Diagon Alley, have cobbled floors.
- Sensory support: Digital guides are available with subtitles. Handheld sensory maps can be requested.
- Service animals: Fully trained assistance dogs are welcome.
- Parking: Dedicated Blue Badge parking is available near the entrance.
- Photography: Non-commercial photography is permitted throughout the Studio Tour. Flash and tripods are not allowed indoors.
- Food and drink: Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
- Prohibited items: Weapons, alcohol, large luggage, and e-scooters are not permitted inside the Studio.
- General conduct: Please respect all sets, props, and festive décor during their visit.
- Book in advance: Book tickets early, especially for weekends and evenings, as Hogwarts in the Snow dates often sell out weeks in advance due to high holiday demand.
- Evening magic: Evening slots are generally less crowded and feel more magical with lower lighting and glowing decorations, especially in areas like Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest.
- Dress for photos: Kids love the snow-covered Hogwarts Castle and Yule Ball hall, so bring festive costumes or robes for fun photo moments and themed family pictures.
- Low light photos: Some sets use low lighting and artificial snow during this event, so photography is better with a steady hand or phones with night mode.
- Stay warm outside: Dressing warmly is essential, especially for the outdoor backlot area, which includes the Knight Bus, Privet Drive, and Hogwarts Bridge.
- Sound sensitivity help: Hogwarts in the Snow includes subtle seasonal music and sound effects, so bring noise-cancelling headphones if your child is sensitive to sound
Frequently asked questions about Hogwarts in the Snow
No separate event ticket is required. All Christmas decor and Hogwarts in the Snow features are automatically included with any standard admission ticket purchased for dates during the festive run.
Hogwarts in the Snow usually runs from mid-November through early January (November 14, 2026 – January 17, 2027). All festive set additions are included in standard studio tour tickets during these dates.
Christmas period tickets (especially weekends in December and school holiday dates) sell out 2 to 4 months in advance. It is strongly recommended to reserve transport + ticket bundles early.
Yes, during Hogwarts in the Snow, you’ll see Yule Ball costumes on display, holiday props like handmade crew Christmas cards, and select items not shown year-round.
While you will see falling snow effects in specific areas like the Backlot, most of the snow on the sets is static, created using paper and salt-based materials.
Yes, during this period, the Yule Ball costumes worn by characters like Harry, Hermione, and Viktor Krum are displayed in the Great Hall.
The dedicated Christmas shop is open only during this event, selling exclusive ornaments, wizarding crackers, and themed stockings.
Yes, the optional digital guide includes additional festive context and behind-the-scenes details that are only available during Hogwarts in the Snow.
No live characters or actors appear, but festive backdrops, props, and snow-dressed sets are perfect for themed photos. Staff may help you find the best angles.
The overall route stays the same, but certain displays are added or moved slightly to allow room for seasonal setups like the Yule Ball decorations.
Outside food is allowed only in designated picnic areas outside the main studio tour. Themed snacks inside the Studio include child-friendly options, but home-brought Christmas treats may need to be enjoyed outdoors.
Some green screen options feature snowy backdrops or festive versions during this event, so you can capture themed photos with seasonal flair.
They remain open during rain or light snow, but access may be restricted temporarily for safety during icy conditions. Staff will advise if changes happen on the day.
