First things first, why not see the magic on the big screen?
From the moment Dumbledore first appeared in Privet Drive, we knew that the Harry Potter films were going to be something special. Honestly, we still get emotional remembering what it was like to see Hogwarts on screen for the first time. With that in mind, what better way would there be to celebrate the anniversary of the first film than recreating that extra-special cinema experience?
Luckily, over the Back to Hogwarts period, the sounds of ‘Yer a wizard, Harry’ will be ringing out in cinemas around the world as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will make a return to the silver screen. Grab your popcorn, your nearest and dearest and go back to where the magic began.
You need to embrace the nostalgia
Speaking of heading back in time, with it being almost a quarter of a century since the first film came out, it’s safe to say that the world we live in now looks rather different to how it did back then. Which is why we think another brilliant way to celebrate the anniversary would be to embrace the warmth and nostalgia of the world of Harry Potter.
Remember this?
Whether you have been here since the beginning or discovered the wonder of the wizarding world more recently, now is the time to reacquaint yourself with what makes this story special.
One excellent way to do this would be to browse all of our 25th anniversary content right here on HarryPotter.com! From giving your Portrait a special celebratory makeover to playing our first film-themed quizzes to taking a deep dive into our articles where you can uncover behind-the-secrets and so much more – an ideal starting point for your journey.
In fact, we will be celebrating across all our channels! If you are old enough, look out for some excellent Philosopher’s Stone moments over on our social media. In particular, if you were a big fan of the original Harry Potter video games (that Hagrid face still haunts our dreams) keep your eyes peeled as we revisit some of their best moments over the coming months.
Go behind-the-scenes
The Harry Potter films didn’t just happen. It took the hard work, creativity and talent of hundreds of people to bring it to life on the big screen. The anniversary is a brilliant moment to reflect on that journey and to explore all the extra behind-the-scenes secrets.
The perfect place to remember where it all started? The first official Harry Potter podcast! Join host Rhianna Dhillon on a heartfelt, funny and insightful rewatch of all eight Harry Potter films, alongside co-hosts from across the entertainment world. That’s not all, each episode features exclusive behind‑the‑scenes guests who reveal exactly what it took to bring the wizarding world to the big screen.
Or if you are looking for a real-life experience, then we would suggest heading to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter for their fantastic summer feature. Aptly named First Year at Hogwarts, this feature showcases iconic moments, costumes and props from the first film that will allow you to feel just as Harry did when he first walked the halls of Hogwarts.
Why not throw your own 25th anniversary party?
Over here, we love a good Harry Potter party and think that the anniversary is an excellent excuse to dust off our glad rags and throw a spectacular soiree! However, actually planning a party can be rather daunting, so we’ve got a few helpful hints to make this one magic.
Find your ideal theme
First things first, no party is complete without a theme. You might be wondering isn’t the first film a theme by itself? Yes, absolutely! You could definitely throw the most memorable event based on the film in its entirety. However, as the wizarding world is so vast and varied, it would be equally cool to home in on one element or theme from the film.
Why not lean into the idea of Harry’s first Sorting Ceremony and encourage a bit of friendly house rivalry? You could decorate your party space with the house colours and mascots, come dressed as your favourite character from your house and even sort all of your friends into their houses!
With this being a celebration of the first film and Harry’s first year at Hogwarts, we think it would be fun to take the idea of ‘firsts’ one step further and centre everything on Harry’s first experiences of the wizarding world – like sending your guests their very own personalised Hogwarts Letter.*
Or add an extra splash of excitement to the proceedings with a ‘Through the Trapdoor’ inspired party – complete with all sorts of weird and wonderful games based on the trials that the trio faced.
Honestly, there is so much to dig into. If you need more inspiration, we think taking a look at our 25th anniversary compilation will help to get your creativity flowing.
Craft the perfect decorations
Once you have settled on your theme, it’s time to make your vision a reality with some excellent decorations! For those who are fans of the homemade, why not put your crafting skills to the test and relive the moment Harry saw Hogwarts for the first time by building your very own magical castle? Just imagine the looks on your guests faces as they see your stunning recreation.
Or perhaps you want to take inspiration from the end of year celebrations from the first film and fill every surface with your homemade house banners and colours. Gryffindor may have won in Philosopher’s Stone but that doesn’t mean your party couldn’t be a celebration of every house! You could even make these fun Hogwarts house bookmarks for each of your guests.
Making your own decorations isn’t for everyone! If you don’t fancy getting crafty, there are still plenty of brilliant ways you can decorate your party. From the Hogwarts trunk inspired jewellery box to the adorable mini Mirror of Erised, our friends over at the Harry Potter Shop have some excellent 25th anniversary goodies to inspire you. *
It’s all fun and games
Every party needs entertainment and your 25th anniversary shindig is no exception! There are so many ways you can add a wizarding twist – here are just a few ideas for inspiration.
You could host the film quiz to end all film quizzes and find out who truly is the biggest Harry Potter expert among your nearest and dearest. Add a bit of rivalry by trying to win points for your houses. Don’t forget to check out our quizzes, such as our Philosopher’s Stone opening lines quiz, to help create your questions!
The moment that Hagrid burst onto our screen with Harry’s pink and green birthday cake will always be iconic. Pay homage to that moment by having your own mini bake-off inspired by Hagrid’s colourful creation.
Plus, you can’t go wrong with the basics. For example, swap your very Muggle ‘pin the tail on the donkey’ for the very magical (and trickier) ‘pin the heads on Fluffy’.
All games need prizes and your anniversary party is no exception! Once again, the Harry Potter Shop have just the thing! We think this exclusive Limited Edition Philosopher’s Stone Icon Mini Pin Set is perfect. You could give each pin away to each of your winning friends. *
Or perhaps a cosy evening in is required?
For the introverts among you, the idea of a raucous party might fill you with dread. Never fear! That’s not the only way you can have your own celebration. You can commemorate this historic anniversary in an equally meaningful way with your own cosy evening in.
Create the perfect atmosphere and rewatch with your nearest and dearest
Why not get together with those who are closest to you and have your own watch party at home complete with cosy blankets and your favourite snacks. You don’t just have to stop at the first film, with all eight streaming on HBO Max you can make a real day of it and have your own Harry Potter marathon!†
If you are going to settle in to watch every film, then you need to create the perfect, relaxing atmosphere. We’re thinking you wear your comfiest pyjamas, find your fluffiest slippers and add a few snuggly trinkets to make that magical ambience – like this brilliant Harry Potter Collector's Edition Bear and the Hogwarts Express Acceptance Letter Cushion from the Harry Potter Shop. *
Spend quality time together
You don’t just need to watch Philosopher’s Stone to have a cosy 25th anniversary celebration. It’s also the perfect opportunity to spend time together as a family and bond over a shared activity. With details such as the first LEGO® Hedwig snowy owl figure with closed wings, a replica Philosopher’s Stone and a movable Queen of the wizard chess board (among many more surprises), we think there would be no better place to start than with the Harry Potter Philosopher's Stone – Collectors' Edition from The LEGO Group®. **
Most importantly, however you decide to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone… don’t forget to have fun.
Looking for more 25th anniversary vibes? From deep dives to quizzes, you can find it all on our website. Plus, don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest updates on this special anniversary year!
* The Harry Potter Shop is operated by Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden Limited. Before making any purchase from the shop, please ensure that you read and are happy to agree to their terms of purchase. Any issues with your purchase should be directed to Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden Limited – you can find the relevant contact information here.
** Certain products on this website are offered by third parties. Before purchasing those items, you will need to agree to the third party’s purchase terms and conditions. Please ensure you read their terms and conditions before making any purchase. Any issues with your purchase should be directed to the relevant third party.
† HBO Max subscription required. Content varies by plan. Not all content available at launch. HBO Max Terms of Use apply. 18+. © Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved.
