Hogwarts in the Snow is the winter event at the Harry Potter Studios in London, or the official name, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. A perfect Christmas outing.
We went to visit the Harry Potter Studios in January 2019.
There you get to see the Great Hall the Wizarding World as Hogwarts in the Snow. This festive transformation includes the Great Hall which is decked out with Christmas trees, decorations, and the famous long dining tables dressed for the season feast just like they are in the movies. They even include flamed Christmas puddings.
At Hogwarts in the Snow, the stage is decorated is was the famous Yule Ball scene from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This includes snow-covered Christmas trees, icicles and the magical orchestra of instruments.
The Harry Potter studio tour features many iconic sets complete with authentic props and costumes from the Harry Potter film franchise.
These sets get a festive makeover during the Hogwarts in the Snow event. This includes the Gryffindor common room, Boy’s dormitory, and the Weasley kitchen.
Plus the epic Hogwarts castle model is completely transformed especially for this festive period with a sprinkling with snow. It’s a breathtaking view.
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Where in London is the Harry Potter studio?
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter is located in Leavesden, Hertfordshire. So it’s not officially within London the city. But it is located just outside the city near the town of Watford.
Regular shuttle buses run from Watford Junction train station. Plus there is a large car park if you arrive by car.
Is the Harry Potter studio tour worth it?
If you are a fan of the Harry Potter films then this is certainly worth a visit. You get to see behind the scenes of how the films were made. You visit the actual sets used in the films, plus you see the props, costumes, special effects, and so much more film production input.
Even from a film perspective, it’s interesting to see what goes into making a film and create the magic that we see at the movies.
How long is the Harry Potter studio tour?
As a general guide, we recommend about 3 ½ hours for completing the studio tour.
How much does it cost to visit Harry Potter studio tour?
There are various ticket options and so the prices depend on which one you pick.
The general admission prices for an adult is £47 and a child ticket is £38. Children under 4 go free. And there is a family ticket for £150.
We went on the deluxe tour which costs £225 per adult.
What does the deluxe tour ticket include?
The deluxe tour is the VIP option and includes priority parking and a personal greeting from a dedicated member of staff.
You get a two hour guided tour around the studio including all the behind-the-scenes secrets and anecdotes.
There is the unique opportunity to get your photo taken in front of the great front doors of the Wizarding School of Magic, an opportunity only for deluxe ticket holders.
You get to try butterbeer and butterbeer ice cream in a souvenir cup which you get to take home.
After the tour is completed you are treated to a hot meal and drink in the reserved section of the cafe.
You are then able to re-enter the studio to wander around again at your leisure. Finally, you receive a complimentary souvenir guidebook.
What are the key features of the Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter?
The Sets
- Great Hall
- Forbidden Forest
- Platform 9¾ and the Hogwarts Express
- Diagon Alley
The Props
- Potions Classroom
- Memory Cabinet
- Professor Umbridge’s Office
- Puking Pastilles
The Costumes
- Quidditch
- 19 years later
- Yule Ball
- Beauxbatons
The Special and Visual Effects
- Chamber of Secrets Door
- Invisibility Cloak
- Whomping Willow
- Green Screen
The Creature Effects
- Basilisk
- Buckbeak
- Goblin Heads
- Aragog
The Art Department
- Hogwarts Castle Model
- Graphic Design
- White Card Models
- Technical Drawings
Can you dine in the Great Hall during Hogwarts in the Snow?
Good news, yes you can! For just a few days you can experience dinner in the Great Hall during Hogwarts in the snow. The event is held over 3 evenings in early December.
The dinner events are tickets only and for over 18s. The experience includes canapes and welcome drinks followed by a 2-course meal.
After dinner, you go on a tour around the studios and when you arrive at Platform 9 3/4 you will be served desserts. Finally, you can finish off the tour with butterbeer. And you finish off the evening with dancing and drinks.
When does Hogwarts in the Snow start in 2022?
12th November 2022 – 15th January 2023
Tickets must be purchased advance. More details here.