by Ana Delgado – Astor Hyde Park

WE SOLEMNLY SWEAR WE ARE UP TO NO GOOD

Let’s admit it, we’ve had enough time to go over the five stages of grief. It is time to face the fact that none of us reading this right now got our Hogwarts acceptance letter.

There, we said it. It is fine though. Totally fine. We haven’t done that bad, have we? I mean, we haven’t had the chance to try an invisibility cloak on, have a sip of Polyjuice Potion or save the world from all source of evil, but at least we haven’t had to go through Herbology class. Who has time for screaming Mandrakes nowadays.

However, because a little fantasy never hurt no one (and also because the whole Harry Potter industry knows how to make money, cards on the table), each year- usually around Christmas time – there’s a Harry Potter Christmas in the Great Hall. The same Great Hall in which two-faced professor Quirrell fake fainted while screaming There is a Troll in  the dungeons! What a scene.

Christmas Dinner in the Great Hall

Now, before you get your hopes up, tickets for this year have vanished. Just as your hopes of ever receiving that letter at some point before the 1st of September. Good news is, nonetheless, you can set your phone alarm and be the quickest Seeker next year. But lets take a look at the schedule first, just to see if it is really worth the hype.

During the 10th, 11th and 12th of December, a handful of lucky muggles (no hard feelings) will be greeted with drinks and canapés before entering the already decorated Great Hall. Original props from the movie will be used, as well as a replica of those big plates of food and Christmas puddings which really stole the spotlight in the blockbuster.

Because it is 2018 and Warner Bros knows not everyone shares the same eating habits, vegans and vegetarians have different options available, as well as people who have other dietary requirements. So that’s definitely something to point out.

Dessert will be enjoyed on Platform 9 and 3/4 before enjoying a tour around the studio and finally, the evening will end with drinks and dancing in the Studio Lobby.

Now, we know talking about this when there’s no tickets left is a bit of a downer, but let’s take a look on the bright side. There’s plenty of other tours you can join all year long, all focused on different aspects of the Harry Potter world.

After all, not getting the letter was probably just an unfortunate mistake. It makes sense that we look for ways to mend that mistake. Who can say that after one tour we can’t find a way to stay and finally join Herbology class.

At the end of the day, those mandrakes deserve to be potted.

For alternative Christmas in London ideas, check out our picks for the best markets around London, and the best places to see the Christmas lights.