1st September marks the iconic return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a tradition beloved by Harry Potter fans worldwide. In 2025, the ‘Back to Hogwarts’ celebration reaches new heights, with events, screenings, and surprises in every corner of the globe.
Notably, 2025 also commemorates the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, making this year’s festivities especially memorable. Fans will relive the magic through cinema screenings and themed experiences — both in-person and online.
Celebrate Goblet of Fire’s 20th Anniversary
To mark the milestone, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire will return to cinemas across the world. In the United States, fans can purchase tickets via Fandango.com for a limited time. Attendees will also enjoy exclusive giveaways and themed experiences. Meanwhile, fans in Canada, Europe, and international regions can also participate in these special screenings.
To plan your visit, be sure to check local listings or the full event schedule at HarryPotter.com.
New Magic Arrives on Snapchat
From mid-August, Snapchat users can enjoy four new 3D Bitmoji lenses. Fans can watch their avatars join their friends in iconic Harry Potter scenes, including:
Receiving Hogwarts Letters at the Dursleys’
Entering Platform Nine and Three-Quarters
Dropping names into the Goblet of Fire
Playing Wizard Chess from Philosopher’s Stone
Each lens comes with Back to Hogwarts themed outfits, bringing the magic to your screen.
Global Fan Festivities
Back to Hogwarts celebrations are happening everywhere and this year’s revelries are sure to make memories worthy of Dumbledore’s Pensieve! Look out for celebratory themed moments at Harry Potter destinations around the world.
Whether you’re in London, Paris, Tokyo or joining in online, there’s something spellbinding for everyone…
Back to Hogwarts: UK Fan Events
In London, a free screening of Goblet of Fire will be held at Cineworld Leicester Square on 31st August. Fans will enjoy a live Q&A with James and Oliver Phelps, hosted by Yinka Bokinni, plus themed photo opportunities and prizes.
At Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, 300 guests will join a countdown celebration on 1st September beside the Hogwarts Express. Entry is by competition via @wbtourlondon.
Fans can also visit the Platform 9¾ shop for exclusive merchandise from 28th July. Additionally, a special House of MinaLima meet-and-greet will be held on 31st August.
Meanwhile, Wizarding Wednesdays return between 13th August and 23rd September, offering weekly prizes through official channels.
Important: There will be no public countdown or train announcement at King’s Cross Station on 1st September.
North American Highlights
In the United States and Canada, exclusive merchandise will be available from 28th July at the Harry Potter Stores in New York and Chicago. The popular Forbidden Forest Experience heads to Chicago this year, with early waitlist access now open.
Salt Lake City fans can grab special tickets at Harry Potter: The Exhibition on 1st September. On Broadway, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child also offers $19 tickets for one day only on 1st September to celebrate “19 Years Later”.
Back to Hogwarts in France
Paris transforms the Sainte-Geneviève Library into a magical setting on 30th August. Fans can join for quizzes, themed dictation, LEGO and Haribo activities, and more.
Online celebrations will run from 30th August to 7th September, accessible via official Warner Bros. France and Harry Potter channels.
Germany’s Magical Moments
Hamburg hosts a three-day celebration from 29th August to 1st September. Visitors will enjoy interactive activities and giveaways from Thalia, LEGO, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
From mid-August to mid-September, ten Thalia bookstores will run themed promotions and events across Germany. Furthermore, Special Back to Hogwarts sleepovers will also be held in Dusseldorf, Hannover, Leipzig, and Hamburg. Limited free tickets will be available online.
Italy’s Wizarding Celebration
In Milan, fans can attend a spectacular event at Teatro Nazionale on 1st September. The venue will be fully transformed with games, quizzes, performances, and a magical countdown.
Tickets are free, though must be reserved via backtohogwartsmilano.it.
Magical Weekend in Spain
Madrid hosts a two-day celebration on 31st August and 1st September. The venue will be revealed soon, promising photo ops, countdowns, and immersive themed experiences.
Japan Joins the Fun
From 29th to 31st August, Tokyo’s Saitama Seibu Lions baseball games will feature a Harry Potter collaboration. Visitors can purchase unique merchandise and watch a special ceremonial pitch by a Cursed Child cast member.
China’s Expanding Magic
In Shanghai, fans can enjoy Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire in Concert from 7th to 10th August. Additionally, Hangzhou hosts a three-day event from 30th August to 1st September, including photo ops, new product reveals, and magical activities.
Singapore’s Hogwarts Style
Visitors attending Harry Potter: Visions of Magic in Singapore on 1st September are encouraged to dress in house colours for a chance to receive exclusive gifts and surprises.
Australia’s Exclusive Offer
In Melbourne, special ticket offers will be available for Harry Potter: The Exhibition on 1st September. Fans are encouraged to check event websites for availability.
Online
Don’t miss the Back to Hogwarts Showcase at 10:40 BST / 05:40 ET, which will be available on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Expect news, updates and announcements for the year ahead.
There are more Back to Hogwarts activities and events yet to be announced. Visit harrypotter.com to stay up to date and join the Harry Potter Fan Club.
Discover the best in Arts, Culture, Travel, Leisure, and Lifestyle news and reviews at The Arts Shelf. Enjoy reading about your favourite topics? If you love Movies, Theatre, Opera, Books, Travel, Video Games, Art and Exhibitions, Music, Ballet and Dance, Days Out, Events, Competitions, Gadgets or Collectibles, then we have something for you. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube. Additionally, Sign Up to the Mailing List and see all the latest updates, reviews, and exclusive content.
