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Every year, on the 1st September, Hogwarts students return to the wonders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for a new year of start-of-term surprises. And here in our Muggle lives, we’ve taken that day under our wing and made it special for fans all across the globe every year.
But how is 2025 shaping up? Come and see all of the Hogwarts happenings.
First up... get ready for our Back to Hogwarts showcase
Well, wait just a second now – we couldn’t celebrate Back to Hogwarts without a worldwide online showcase! So even if you can’t make any of these Harry Potter fan events below, you can log on with us at around 10.40 BST / 5.40 ET for our annual start-of-term announcements across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for many magical surprises and news fresher than a recently-owl-delivered Daily Prophet. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel right now to get ready.
It's the 20-year anniversary of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!
This year’s Back to Hogwarts season is extra special, as it coincides with a huge milestone for the fourth Harry Potter story – 20 years since Goblet of Fire film hit our screens. Earlier this year, the Studio Tour in London celebrated in fiery fashion, when a life-sized Hungarian Horntail turned up in the Big Smoke – but we’re not quite finished yet!
To commemorate the occasion accordingly, the film will return to cinemas worldwide, including a special screening in London’s Leicester Square on 31st August featuring James and Oliver Phelps, AKA the Weasley twins! Let’s hope they turn up with big, long white beards after a hearty swig of Ageing Potion. IYKYK.
In the US, fans can check out the Fandango website to find special screenings happening all over the states across the season. More theatres in Canada, EMEA and International territories will be joining in the fun very soon. Keep watching this space as more are revealed.
Snapchat releases Harry Potter Bitmoji Lenses
We love these new 3D Harry Potter lenses – coming soon to Snapchat. Launching in mid-August, Snap users can transform their Snapchat Bitmojis Back to Hogwarts style: place your Bitmoji in iconic locations, such as the Wizard Chess sequence, Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, the Goblet of Fire moment in the Great Hall, and the Privet Drive scene with Harry’s influx of Hogwarts letters. Again, we’ll keep you posted when these features are live and can’t wait to see your combinations.
Global celebrations
Click on the following territories to see what Back to Hogwarts activity is going on for you! This list is charmed, so expect it to magically grow.
The UK
Free screening of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Leicester Square with Phelps twins Q&A
As we mentioned above, Cineworld Leicester Square will play host to a free screening of the fourth Harry Potter film on 31st August. Fans can enjoy a live Q&A with the Weasley twins, James and Oliver Phelps with TV and radio host Yinka Bokinni as our fantastic MC – and you can bet they’ll be some fun in the foyer before the show too! If you’re lucky enough to snap up a ticket, we recommend you get your wizarding gladrags on and join likeminded fans for a very special night of magic.
Look out for goodies galore, including a complementary Wizarding World Micro Magical Moments Year 4 Collectible Figure set from Spinmaster.
Ticket info will be announced in due course!
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Wizarding Wednesdays return
Our weekly competition, Wizarding Wednesdays, is back back back, inviting UK folks to sweep up spellbinding prizes. Keep a watchful eye on our social channels every Wednesday to see what you could win.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London will host an 11am countdown on 1st September|
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – the Making of Harry Potter will host 300 lucky guests at a celebratory 11am countdown moment at the Studio Tour, held on the platform next to the iconic Hogwarts Express live on 1st Sept. Tickets are exclusively available by entering a competition to win, visit @wbtourlondon for more details on how to enter before the competition closes. The contest closes on 11th August, so you’ve got time!
The Platform 9 ¾ shop has a new merchandise and a photo opp
The official Harry Potter shop, tucked away at King’s Cross Station, is getting into the Back to Hogwarts spirit in all sorts of ways – including some fresh merchandise for 2025 and a photo opportunity frame. If you’re London-based, the shop begins celebrating from 28th July.
Meet & Greet at MinaLima
Also in London, fans can visit the headquarters of design team MinaLima, the masterminds behind many of the magical details of the Harry Potter films. Their shop is hosting a meet and greet event on the 31st August, where limited-edition Back to Hogwarts badges, exclusive for 2025, will be available to snap up. Make sure to practice your Seeker reflexes though: they won’t last long! All the info you need for this one is over on the MinaLima official site.
Special Hogwarts notice: alas, we must once again discourage fans from attending King’s Cross Station on 1st September, as there will be no countdown or train announcement occurring in 2025. Safety first, folks.
North America and Canada
Harry Potter: New York and Harry Potter: Chicago release Back to Hogwarts time-limited merchandise
If you’re New York or Chicago based, why not rock on down to the official Harry Potters shops in your area for some exclusive time-limited goodies for Back to Hogwarts 2025? Visit from 28th July to see what new items are on offer.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience comes to Chicago
More spellbinding stuff for Chicago fans! The Forbidden Forest Experience has been casting a Dark spell on fans over the past few years, and now, the immersive experience is coming to the Windy City. Visit the official website to find out more.
Cursed Child on Broadway offering shows for 19 dollars
As the play is set 19 years later, the Cursed Child production in New York has had the ingenious idea to release tickets to their shows for only 19 bucks. The special priced ticket will only be available to grab on 1st September, so mark this in your calendars and visit harrypotterbroadway.com or at the Lyric Theatre Box Office to get the full lowdown.
France
Take your exams at the Sainte-Geneviève Library
Sacre bleu! Exams?! Yes, you heard that right. You’re invited to a free ticketed event in the beautiful university library, crammed with almost as much history as Hogwarts! But don’t worry – it’s not that kind of exam, this is a fun, interactive quiz event for Harry Potter fans to test their magical acumen.
There will also be an appearance from actor Solange Boulanger, who dubbed Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films. Solange will be providing a special dictation session for visitors (remember: it’s Levi-O-sah...) while LEGO and Harry Potter Haribo displays will also be scattered around.
Fans who can’t make the event physically can get a proper wizarding education online from https://examen.retourapoudlard.fr/ - check it out from 30th August – 6th September.
Germany
Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier to host Back to Hogwarts 3-day bonanza
Why celebrate Back to Hogwarts day for one day when you could do it for three? This Hamburg-based shopping centre has the right idea about things, with Harry Potter activities galore available across 29th August, 30th August, 1st September. Thalia, LEGO, Haribo and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are all getting involved, so keep your ear to the ground for bewitching giveaways.
Select Thalia book stores will have a Back to Hogwarts takeover
Speaking of Thalia, the book store chain is getting into the Hogwarts spirit in more ways than one this summer, with select stores bringing a little slither of the wizarding world into 10 of their shops. Visitors can expect prize draws, Harry Potter displays, and of course, plenty of opportunities for a magical snap.
Visit the website here to learn more.
From takeovers...to sleepovers!
And in Dusseldorf, Hannover, Leipzig and Hamburg, there will be four Back to Hogwarts-themed sleepover events taking place in Thalia stores too! Join fellow fans for a wizarding all-nighter if you’re lucky enough to snag a free ticket.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child brings Back to Hogwarts fever to Hamburg
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The hit play is recognising Back to Hogwarts season with a start-of-term special on 31st August, with magical offers on this day and a costume competition to boot. Check out the official website to see what’s in store.
Italy
Back to Hogwarts event to take place in Teatro Nazionale, Milan
The fashion capital of Italy will most likely see a storm of Hogwarts robes on 1st September, as Harry Potter fans are invited to a countdown ceremony and a wonderful array of activities to go alongside. Expect quizzes, performances and even surprise guests! Visit here for more.
Spain
Mysterious magic is coming to Madrid
Vamos! On 31st August and 1st September, something wicked this way comes to Spain’s capital – in a venue yet to be disclosed...
But when the location is magically revealed, visitors will be able to engage in two days of Hogwarts fun, with your very own 11 o’ clock countdown. Watch this space, we promise to update you pronto.
Japan
The Saitama Seibu Lions will be casting a spell on baseball fans
It's been a huge year for Harry Potter fans in Japan – and the magic certainly doesn’t stop now. From the 29th August to the 31st August, the wizarding world is coming to the baseball pitch, dubbed Harry Potter x Lions. Fans of the team will discover bespoke products while attending games, and will even be treated to a special appearance from a Harry Potter and the Cursed Child cast member...
Who knew the Saitama Seibu Lions were Harry Potter fans? We bet they’re all Gryffindors.
China
Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire in Concert plays in Shanghai
From 7th August to 10th August, the third and fourth Harry Potter films will be brought to life in spectacular fashion with the In Concert series coming to Shanghai, complete with a live symphony orchestra.
The official website has a handy map of all upcoming locations for these gorgeous shows.
The West Lake becomes...The Great Lake?
In Hangzhou, on 30th August – 1st September, a Back to Hogwarts celebration set against the iconic backdrop of the West Lake will take place, with a plethora of community activities expected. The Harry Potter China social channels can tell you more about this one.
Singapore
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic promises Back to Hogwarts merriment
Visitors of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, the experiential and interactive art experience that has been spreading wonder around the globe, is upping the ante in Singapore for Back to Hogwarts day. If you have a ticket already and turn up in Hogwarts house regalia, there’s a chance to win complimentary gifts. Watch out for other surprises on site.
Australia
Harry Potter: The Exhibition offers special ticket offer on 1st September
All the way down under, Harry Potter fans can enjoy behind-the-scenes film magic with Harry Potter: The Exhibition, currently happening in Melbourne. But on 1st September, fans should stay tuned for a very special ticket offer... Ooh, mysterious. Maybe bookmark the official site and keep an eye out.
Phew! And that’s just a couple of things for the time being... sign up to our newsletter as we reveal more info on Back to Hogwarts 2025 or keep fervently refreshing this page as more magic presents itself.
