Visiting Hogwarts in the Snow felt like stepping straight into a Christmas version of the Harry Potter films. The entire Warner Bros. Studio Tour transforms for the holidays, and everything looks soft, snowy, and magical. I went in expecting a fun seasonal twist, but it ended up being one of the most festive things I did on my London trip.
Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio
Hogwarts in the Snow is the annual holiday version of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Where the entire Harry Potter studio transforms into a winter scene straight out of the films.
It runs from mid-November through early January, and it’s easily one of the most festive Christmas experiences near London.
During this seasonal event, the sets you normally see on the studio tour are covered in glittering snow, warm Christmas trees, garlands, and candlelit details inspired by the Great Hall’s holiday feast scenes.
Gryffindor’s common room gets cozy touches, Diagon Alley takes on a frosty glow, and the iconic Hogwarts castle model is blanketed in soft snow that sparkles under the lights.
Even before you reach the main sets, the holiday decorations begin the moment you walk through the doors.
My Visit to Hogwarts in the Snow
I visited Hogwarts in the Snow on a Saturday during the last weekend of November, and it was already extremely crowded by the time we arrived.
We took the bus from central London, which made the trip easy, but nothing prepared me for the moment we stepped inside the main entrance.
The entire space was covered in holiday magic from the start.
Right away, I saw a tall snow-covered Christmas tree surrounded by wrapped presents, glowing with warm lights.
Nearby stood a charming snowman from the films, dusted in glittery “movie snow” that instantly set the mood.
Even with the lines and the weekend rush, the atmosphere felt festive and fun, like walking straight into a winter version of the Wizarding World.
The entrance area was full of people taking photos in front of the displays, but it actually added to the excitement.
Walking Into the Great Hall at Christmas
Stepping into the Great Hall during Hogwarts in the Snow feels like walking straight into the films.
The entire room is lit with a soft, warm glow that makes the Christmas decorations look extra magical.
The long house tables are set for a holiday feast, complete with golden crackers, roasts, and the same whimsical desserts you see in the movies.
Check out all of my 26 Festive Things To Do in London This Christmas Season in 2025!
Exploring the Classroom Sets and Character Details
After leaving the Great Hall, the tour flows into a series of interior sets filled with character costumes, classroom props, and all the little details that made the films feel real.
One of the first displays that caught my eye was Professor Trelawney’s Divination setup.
The entire space was filled with mismatched teacups, patterned fabrics, and that whimsical tower of cups you see for a moment in the movies.
Right after that, we stepped into Hagrid’s world. Fang, my favorite character, sits right at the front of the hut!
Looking exactly like he does on screen. I just wish he was real!
The Forbidden Forest at Christmas
The Forbidden Forest ended up being one of my favorite parts of the entire Hogwarts in the Snow experience.
The moment I stepped inside, the room shifted into this cold, misty atmosphere that felt straight out of the films.
Snow covered the ground, fog drifted around the trees, and the lighting was soft and eerie in the best way.
Buckbeak was the first thing I saw, standing in the snow as if he had just landed.
The detail was unbelievable. His feathers looked frosted at the edges, and he had this gentle, life-like presence that made the whole scene feel magical.
Walking through the forest felt like moving through a movie set in real time.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this section alone makes the visit worth it.
Backlot Café & Butterbeer Bar
One of my favorite parts of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is stopping for something to eat, especially during Hogwarts in the Snow.
The Backlot Café had special holiday food when I visited, and I could not resist trying a few things.
We ordered the Hogwarts in the Snow hot dog, which is basically a cozy pigs-in-a-blanket upgrade with red onion chutney, roasted onion truffle mayo, and a sage and onion crumb.
It tasted just as good as it sounds and was the perfect warm break from the crowds.
We also got the Butterbeer Sharing Flight that comes with classic Butterbeer, Butterbeer ice cream, and a Butterbeer cupcake.
It’s honestly such a fun trio to try if you want the full experience in one go.
There is even a Butterbeer Bar if you only want a quick classic Butterbeer, and you can keep the cups.
They provide a little washing station right outside, which makes it easy to pack them home.
Book one of 4 Festive Afternoon Teas in London to Try This Christmas!
Outdoor Sets and Hands-On Experiences
After exploring the indoor sets, we stepped outside for some of the most fun parts of the entire tour.
This area feels more hands-on and playful, and it was such a nice break from the bigger indoor crowds.
We walked across the famous Hogwarts wooden bridge, which looks just like the films and makes for great photo moments.
One of my favorite stops here was the interactive Herbology setup. You can actually pull a mandrake from its pot, and it lets out a loud scream, just like in the movies.
It is silly, chaotic, and honestly, one of the most memorable moments of the day.
Gringotts Wizarding Bank
After exploring the outdoor exhibits, we headed back inside and stepped straight into one of the most memorable rooms of the entire tour, the Gringotts vault.
This room is filled with towering piles of gold, cups, and treasure just like the scene in Deathly Hallows Part 2.
Seeing it up close made me appreciate how detailed every piece really is.
The lighting gives the whole space a cool, eerie glow that makes the silver and gold shine in every direction.
The Hogwarts Castle Model in the Snow
The last stop on the tour is the moment everyone waits for, and it really does feel magical in person.
Walking into the room and seeing the full Hogwarts Castle model covered in snow feels like stepping right into the movies.
It was one of my favorite parts of the day because it shows how much work went into building this world.
How to Book Hogwarts in the Snow
I booked my Hogwarts in the Snow visit through Get Your Guide, and it made the whole day really easy.
The tour included round–trip bus transportation from Victoria Bus Station in London, which is a simple place to get to if you are staying anywhere in central London.
The ride to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour took a little over an hour, and we had four full hours to explore the sets once we arrived.
After the tour, the bus brought us right back to London, and we got in around 5:00 pm.
Our day started at 9:00 am and ran on time from start to finish, so it felt like a relaxed, stress-free way to visit, especially with how busy the studio can get on weekends.
Explore More of London at Christmas
I spent an entire week doing everything festive in London.
Make sure to read my 26 Festive Things To Do in London This Christmas Season in 2025.
I also recommend booking one, or all, of these 4 Festive Afternoon Teas in London To Try This Christmas.
My favorite dinner spot at 34 Mayfair, the Best Christmas Restaurant in London.
Also, go Ice Skating at Somerset House in London at Christmas.
Read all of my London Travel Guides!
Where Do You Want To Travel Next?