Every year on 1st September, Harry Potter fans all over the world gather together to say “Happy Back to Hogwarts!” That’s right, it’s the start of a brand new term.
Here's how you celebrated in 2024 – both physically and digitally.
A special countdown at New York’s Grand Central Terminal at Vanderbilt Hall – and a very special guest
For the first time ever, we joined together at New York’s iconic Grand Central Terminal to countdown to 11 o’ clock after a beautiful weekend of festivities.
Hosted by Kierra Lewis, fans gathered in the beautiful (and may we say, very Hogwarts-esque!) Vanderbilt Hall to countdown to 11 o’ clock: that special moment where the Hogwarts Express sets off for school.
And just when we thought the moment couldn’t get any more spellbinding – special guest Bonnie Wright, AKA Ginny Weasley, surprised the visitors by coming along to say hello too! Thankfully, no Bat Bogey Hexes were cast. All good vibes here.
Sam Thompson got the party started in the UK
Filmed at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, self-confessed Potter superfan (and proud Hufflepuff) Sam Thompson was on duty once again to usher us into Back to Hogwarts day with his boundless energy. You can watch Sam’s show on our YouTube channel. Expect wizarding banter, trivia challenges – and of course – Sam trying out flying a broom.
The Back to Hogwarts showcase revealed magical surprises
Very much channelling our Professor Dumbledore energy... we love to deliver a few start-of-term announcements at the beginning of Back to Hogwarts day. This year, we got a glimpse of the trailer for Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, saw a tease of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort – and much, much more.
Round-the-world cinema screenings
All throughout the summer, cinemas across the world have been dusting off our favourite Harry Potter films and putting them back on the big-screen. And throughout September – this is all still going on! Check out our helpful guide on every screening currently playing.
International events took place all over the world – and still are!
Beyond the film screenings, there are so many amazing Back to Hogwarts celebrations going on in different countries right now. For example, in Spain, Príncipe Pío Station has had a magical makeover, with a mini Hogwarts Express appearing outside, as if by magic.
In the UK, lucky competition winners had the unique opportunity to dine like Hogwarts students at a VIP 'Welcome Feast' in the magnificent setting of the Great Hall at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London on 31st August. They tucked into a special dinner reminiscent of the Philosopher's Stone's start-of-term feast - served family-style - before experiencing the Studio Tour. On 1st September, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London toasted the 11am countdown at the Platform 9 ¾ set for fans at the Tour.
Meanwhile, in Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter, 300 fans, joined by Genki Hirakata, who plays Harry in the Japanese production of Cursed Child, joined the countdown in time for celebrating the special moment at their version of the very same platform!
In Osaka, Universal Studios Japan fittingly welcomed 934 (get it?) guests to celebrate Back to Hogwarts at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the first time. The festivities included exclusive access to the land and a special Hogwarts castle walk, in addition to the Cursed Child's famous Wand Dance.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. How did you celebrate wherever you are?
Our Back to Hogwarts Snapchat filters and lenses invite you to become your best magical self
You can jump over to Snapchat and try out some cute new filters and lenses, courtesy of us. Summon the Hogwarts Express to significant landmarks (such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris) try on the Hogwarts Sorting Hat, or see yourself as a Quidditch player, in full Quidditch garb. Or you can try our Hogwarts Express Portal Lens: this extra-special rear camera Lens will put fans in the shoes of a Hogwarts student stepping off of Platform 9¾ and onto the Hogwarts Express!
New Harry Potter goodies were unveiled
From a new trainer collaboration with basketball legend Breanna “Stewie” Stewart, to a wonderfully whimsical recreation of The Burrow from LEGO (coming 4th September) it wouldn’t be Back to Hogwarts Day without some cool new merchandise.
We also love this exclusive Back to Hogwarts pin set from the Harry Potter shop representing Harry, Ron and Hermione's trunks & pets.
You can check out our handy Back to Hogwarts gift guide for the full lowdown.
We cannot thank you all enough for celebrating Back to Hogwarts with us for a new year. Not to get all gooey, but it is your inclusion in this amazing event that makes it more and more special every single time.
And hey – this is not the end at all, more like the beginning. As a new Hogwarts term begins, we can’t wait to share new Harry Potter updates throughout 2024 and (gasp!) going into 2025 with you – or as Sybill Trelawney may say, “into the beyond”.
Be sure to keep checking out our Back to Hogwarts page or sign up to our newsletter to get all the hottest wizarding news, quicker than an owl delivery of a Daily Prophet.
