Universal Orlando celebrates 25th anniversary of ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’
Universal Orlando is celebrating 25 years of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” throughout 2026, with the newly detailed Back to Hogwarts season joining limited-time food, merchandise and entertainment across all three Wizarding World lands. Looking ahead, Dark Arts and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter return.
Hogwarts photo by Blake Taylor
In 2001, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” hit the big screen, and the magic began for a generation of fans. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the film, Universal Orlando has a series of events planned throughout 2026 in its theme parks. (Warner Bros. also plans a global theatrical re-release of the film.)
Back to Hogwarts
Aug. 1 – Sept. 1, 2026
Universal Orlando has now revealed how it will celebrate Back to Hogwarts during the 25th-anniversary year of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” The seasonal offerings will stretch across the resort’s three Wizarding World lands, although not every item will be available at every park.
“Hogwarts Always,” the nighttime projection show following a year in the life of a Hogwarts student, will return to Hogwarts Castle in Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. Guests may also receive some additional back-to-school advice when meeting the Hogwarts Express conductor outside Hogsmeade Station.
A limited-edition 25th-anniversary Butterbeer mug will be served with Butterbeer and sold only at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure while supplies last. Universal has not announced a price.
Photo by Dave Parfitt
Hogwarts House Ice Lollies will also be available at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe, expanding beyond their previous location at Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment in Diagon Alley. The four flavors are:
- Gryffindor: Peach and strawberry
- Hufflepuff: Pineapple and milk chocolate
- Ravenclaw: Huckleberry and grape
- Slytherin: Coconut and matcha
Back to Hogwarts will also feature the park-exclusive Wizarding World of Harry Potter x Lug Build-A-Bag collection. Guests can combine different bag styles, straps, charms and accessories to create a customized Hogwarts house bag.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Second-generation interactive wands, featuring illumination and spell-specific haptic vibrations, are available throughout all three Wizarding World lands.
Dark Arts
Fall 2026
Corresponding with the Halloween season, the Dark Arts take over the Wizarding World in the fall. The “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” projection show will return to Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, and Death Eaters will emerge from Knockturn Alley to roam the streets of Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. Specific dates for the return of the Dark Arts to the Wizarding World in 2026 have not yet been announced.
Christmas in the Wizarding World
Nov. 14, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
With the excitement of the Yule Ball in the air, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter celebrates the holidays with festive décor throughout all three lands of the Universal theme parks: Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida, and Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe. Special seasonal medleys are performed by the Frog Choir as well as Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. Additionally, the “Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” projection show highlights traditional holiday moments featured throughout the books and films.
Butterbeer Season with 8 new treats
March 1 – May 31, 2026 (already passed)
For the past couple of years, Universal Orlando has celebrated “Butterbeer Season” in the spring with specialty food, drinks, and merchandise.
Here’s what’s new for 2026 during Butterbeer Season at Universal Orlando, and where to find it:
- Butterbeer Waffle
- Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure
- Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
- Butterbeer Cupcake
- Honeydukes in Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure
- Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
- Butterbeer Cookie Sandwich
- Honeydukes in Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure
- Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
- Butterbeer Candy Apple
- Honeydukes in Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure
- Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
- Butterbeer Shortbread Bar
- Honeydukes in Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure
- Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
- Biéraubeurre (Butterbeer) Crème Brûlée
- Café L’air de la Siréne in Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe
Photo courtesy of Universal
Photo courtesy of Universal
Two items will debut during Butterbeer Season and continue to be available permanently, even after the event is over:
- Butterbeer-flavored truffles
- K. Rammelle confectionary shop in Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe
- Butterbeer-flavored macaron
- K. Rammelle confectionary shop in Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe
As they can year-round, guests will certainly be able to sample Butterbeer in its cold, frozen, and hot drinkable forms as well as my personal favorite: Butterbeer soft serve ice cream. What’s your favorite Butterbeer form?
Stay connected with AttractionsMagazine.com for daily coverage of theme park news, trip reports, and exclusive interviews from Disney, Universal, Six Flags, and independent attractions around the world.
Follow us:
More Attractions Magazine stories:
No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation-planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
