How to Celebrate Harry Potter-Themed Holidays at Universal Theme Parks and Beyond

The Harry Potter books and movies have introduced us to the game of Quidditch, a menagerie of fantastic beasts and an extensive menu of magical treats. But there are also several wizarding world holidays inspired by J.K. Rowling’s stories that clients can celebrate at Universal theme parks and other Harry Potter experiences across the United States.

Here are three such holidays that Harry Potter-loving clients will want to put on their calendars.

Butterbeer Season

Butterbeer Season at Universal theme parks (from early March through late May) was introduced in 2024 by Warner Bros., the studio behind the Harry Potter movies, as a celebration of Harry's favorite wizarding beverage, which Rowling described in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” as "a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch.”

Non-alcoholic Butterbeer in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort tastes like a combination of butterscotch and shortbread. It's served year-round in the parks as frozen, cold and hot drinks (also available in a non-dairy variety); butterbeer fudge; ice cream; and potted cream (a custard).

At the new Parisian Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic in Universal Epic Universe, Butterbeer is called Bieraubeurre and is available as crepes.

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But there are even more sweet reasons to visit the parks during the delicious annual event because new, limited-time Butterbeer-flavored items are introduced just for the season. In 2024, it was Butterbeer iced lollies (ice cream bars); for 2025, it’s Butterbeer cream puffs and a Butterbeer chocolate bar. In addition, exclusive merch includes apparel, mugs, bags and additional treats such as Butterbeer gummy candy in a cute Butterbeer cart

Harry Potter's Birthday

In the first Harry Potter book, Harry learns he's a wizard on July 31, his 11th birthday, when Hagrid shows up with a homemade cake, "rescues" him from his horrid relatives and takes him to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Clients can recreate Harry’s birthday at Universal Orlando by starting their day in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida to shop for wizarding school supplies, be chosen by a wand at Ollivanders wand shop and ride the thrilling Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts indoor coaster. Next, they can board the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾ in King’s Cross Station for the journey to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.

There, clients can explore the mysterious Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and ride the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff outdoor coaster before entering the gates of Hogwarts where they join Harry, Ron and Hermione for a magical adventure on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction.

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At Universal Studios Hollywood, clients can also celebrate Harry’s birthday in Hogsmeade by visiting Ollivander’s wand shop, riding Flight of the Hippogriff and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and enjoying a celebratory wizarding treat from Honeydukes Sweet Shop or Butterbeer from the Hog’s Head Pub — maybe even both.

Back to Hogwarts

In the Harry Potter books, September 1st is the day the Hogwarts Express departs from Platform 9¾ (at precisely 11 a.m.) for another school year.

Clients can commemorate the start of the school term at Universal Orlando by riding the Hogwarts Express from King’s Cross in Universal Studios Florida to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure (but remind them to take the return trip, too, as it’s different). In both Islands of Adventure and at Universal Studios Hollywood, Harry Potter fans can pose for photos in front of the Hogwarts Express with a wizarding conductor before heading to the castle.

Each year, the parks also introduce new collections of school supplies emblazoned with the Hogwarts logo and the colors of the four Hogwarts Houses: red for Gryffindor, blue for Ravenclaw, green for Slytherin and yellow for Hufflepuff.

Outside the Theme Parks

If clients can’t make it to a Universal theme park, they can still celebrate wizarding world holidays on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, The flagship Harry Potter Store in New York and the newly opened Harry Potter Shop in Chicago.

After browsing for exclusive items, wands and Hogwarts gear, Harry Potter fans can belly up to in-store Butterbeer bars to sip draft Butterbeer served in souvenir tankards or sample Butterbeer ice cream and other wizarding world-inspired treats, including mini cakes celebrating Harry’s birthday. The speakeasy-style space in Chicago — the largest Butterbeer bar in the U.S. — serves exclusive Butterscotch popcorn.

RELATED: Film Locations, Tours and More Magical Experiences for Harry Potter Fans in the U.K.

Clients definitely won't want to miss the magical photo ops throughout both stores, including a cascade of nearly 1,000 glowing Butterbeer bottles that “float” over the bar as Butterbeer moves magically through the copper pipes on the ceiling.

In Stage 48: Script to Screen on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, clients can hop onto a broomstick for a magical photo opportunity.

As part of the Action and Magic Made Here exhibit, guests participate in interactive wizarding world-worthy experiences, including being sorted into their Hogwarts house by the Sorting Hat, trying their hand at potion-making and even learning wand choreography from a magical dueling expert. Script to Screen and Action and Magic Made Here are included in all tour types.