Universal Studios Hollywood has something magical in store for the holiday season. The theme park fired up its all-new light projection spectacular, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, on Th…
Universal Studios Hollywood has something magical in store for the holiday season. The theme park fired up its all-new light projection spectacular, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, on Thursday night, Nov. 16, for a special media and VIP guest preview.
Patrons were treated to a live a cappella performance by the Frog Choir, which is comprised of wizards and witches from Hogwarts, as well as their giant bellowing frogs. Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Studios Hollywood officially kicked off the festivities with the assistance of a group of children, each sporting cloaks and other swag representing each of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry houses. With their wands, they cast a spell that lit up the Hogwarts Castle.
The entire show is about seven minutes long and will begin running for the general public multiple times per evening at nightfall starting Friday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Jan. 7.
It really is a stunning display, each image seemingly popping off of the castle and surrounding terrain, moving in time to the newly composed musical score. It was a mix of wizardly mischief, surely familiar to those invested in the world of “Harry Potter,” and traditional holiday images from dancing lanterns, playful snowmen and a gloriously vibrant Christmas tree.
Back in June, Universal Studios debuted The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle, which featured a light show narrated by The Sorting Hat that included imagery from all four of the film franchise’s houses and a musical arrangement composed by John Williams. The seasonal show was created by the same team using the same projection mapping technology on the surface of Hogwarts Castle.
“Just like with Nighttime Lights, the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle allows Hogwarts to really showcase and transform itself for the holiday season,” Stephen Siercks, senior director of entertainment production at Universal Studios Hollywood, said. “Whether it’s the trickery being played by the Weasley brothers or the more traditional imagery of Christmas that’s being displayed throughout the castle. (This is) a brand new experience for us here at Universal Studios Hollywood and it really allowed us to continue the tradition of the holiday season and what better canvas to have than the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to develop new content and stories.”
Hogwarts isn’t the only place in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to be upgraded with yuletide cheer, as Hogsmede Village is also decked out in festive décor. Each storefront — from Dervish and Banges and Honeydukes to Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment to Hogsmede Station — boasts uniquely themed seasonal fare. The already snow-capped roofs, cobblestone pathways and eateries with giant burning fireplaces just add to the cozy ambiance, creating a more British, traditional and very whimsical holiday vibe. The Frog Choir will add to that charm as it will perform original, Potter-themed and traditional holiday songs for guests throughout the seasonal event.
When: Open daily Friday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Jan. 7.
Where: Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
Tickets: $99-$116 one-day general admission; $179-$269 front-of-line passes + general admission; $129-$159 two-day general admission; VIP Experience starts at $329 per person. All day and annual passes are available at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com .
