Hogwarts In The Snow: Warner Bros Studio Tour – Review

By Kirsty Masterman, January 2025

With the festive season over, the January blues may have hit, but never fear, you can still regain some of that magic for a little while longer if you head to Hogwarts in the Snow.

Hogwarts in the Snow is a spectacular, magical, festive event that takes place every year at the Warner Brothers Studio in London, in which the iconic Harry Potter sets are transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland. It is a spellbinding opportunity for Harry Potter fans to experience the wizarding world blanketed in a shimmering layer of snow, making for an even more enchanting atmosphere.

As soon as my excitable 10-year-old and myself enter the studios, we are greeted with the most enormous, towering Christmas Tree – the first of many, including a chocolate frog tree outside the frog cafe. Adorned with decorations inspired by the Wizarding World, it is clear to all, no expense has been spared!

“Glittering silver trees”

The magic truly begins, however, when we enter the Great Hall.

From the moment the enormous, wooden doors open and we catch our first glimpse of what is perhaps one of the most iconic sets from the films, the magic feels tangible.

The iconic dining hall is decked out for the season in full Yule Ball regalia, complete with glittering silver trees, tables laden with festive treats, wreaths and garlands draped across the walls, real twinkling Christmas trees – one for each of the houses – and candles magically suspended in the air, while the flickering firelight of the long tables adds a warmth to the festive ambience. There are even some of the special Christmas costumes on display. It’s as if we’ve stepped straight into The Philosopher’s Stone during the Hogwarts Christmas feast.

This room is breathtaking at any time of year, but at Christmas, it’s something else. The attention to detail is impeccable.

I previously visited the studios 10 years ago, when I was pregnant with my daughter, Jessica, who is accompanying me this evening. However, seeing it in all its wintry splendour makes for an entirely new experience.

“Festive and cosy”

Moving through the tour, we soon see all the other sets have been given a snowy makeover.

The Gryffindor common room feels especially festive and cosy with its roaring fireplace and festive decorations, alongside the tinsel wrapped bed frames in the dorms. While over at Weasley’s Burrow, Molly Weasley can be seen knitting her famous Christmas initial jumpers.

Hagrid’s hut has also been given a festive makeover. Here, his costume is on display, including a sprinkling of snow in his bushy beard!

As we approach the Forbidden Forest, I am mesmerised by the spectacle. This wasn’t here the last time I visited, and with its snowy makeover, complete with frozen mist, it really is something special. The sighting of Buckbeak has Jessica rushing in with no hesitation.

“Behind-the-scenes magic”

For those fascinated by the behind-the-scenes magic, the many displays of props and costumes reveal how the holiday scenes were created and there is a chance to learn about the techniques used to make the snow – ranging from paper-based snow to salt crystals and glitter that are used for the outdoor shots. It is a chance for visitors to appreciate the artistry up close, and you are even allowed to touch it!

Another big highlight for us is the backlot area, which features the Hogwarts Bridge, Privet Drive and the Knight Bus. Here, the snow effect is particularly immersive. Complete with frosty grounds and seasonal lighting (and the fact it had been snowing the day before), I actually thought this was real, and momentarily panicked at the thought of getting stranded. I soon realised however, this was all part of the Hogwarts magic, and it was, in fact, soap blowing out of a snow machine.

Despite the cold evening, we spent quite a lot of time here, taking advantage of the wonderful photo opportunities.

“Glistening”

The Wizarding shopping street of Dragon Alley, hidden behind the Leaky Cauldron, has to be a particular highlight for anyone on this tour. Usually bustling, tonight, it is somewhat quieter as we tentatively meander up the street, its cobblestones glistening under the lights as we peek into the likes of Flourish & Blotts, Florian Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour and Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. It is a visual delight for all, evoking the wonder of Harry’s first visit to the magical shopping street but with a nostalgic, wintry twist.

As we reach the end of the tour, we are treated to, what is perhaps a standout moment for many – seeing the impressive model of Hogwarts Castle. It is the crown jewel of the tour. This too has been given the festive treatment, and with a sprinkling of snowflakes, it is truly breathtaking. The detailed ‘miniature’ was used in the movie for the exterior shots, Here, the blanket of snow that covers it, and the soft lighting that illuminates it, accentuates the intricate details even more. It is simply breathtaking.

“Nostalgia with magic”

What makes Hogwarts in the Snow particularly special is its ability to blend nostalgia with magic. For many, Christmas is synonymous with rewatching the Harry Potter films, where the cosy and snowy scenes remain some of the most memorable. A visit to the studio at this time of year brings those beloved moments to life.

If you were feeling the post-festive blues before you entered, you certainly won’t be when you leave. It is a heartwarming and enchanting event that brings the magic of Christmas and Harry Potter to life in a truly unique way. Whether you are a lifelong fan of the series or simply looking to keep the magic of Christmas alive for that bit longer, this experience combines nostalgia, artistry and festive cheer into a magical package. It’s a journey that will leave visitors of all ages with unforgettable memories.

Hogwarts in the Snow runs until the 19th January and booking at wbstudiotour.co.uk is advised.