The Harry Potter Yule Ball is an enchanting event that transports you straight into the magical world of Hogwarts. From the moment you step into the venue, you are swept away into a world of wizardry and wonder. I took my 7-year-old daughter and 6-year-old niece to a 3pm matinee session, and here’s what we found!
Enter into a World of Harry Potter
The decorations are nothing short of magical. The venue is transformed into the Great Hall of Hogwarts, complete with floating candles, snow-covered Christmas trees, and a starlit ceiling.
As soon as we entered, we headed up the decorated staircase (with Hedwig flying high), grabbed a drink from the bar (across from the hall), and went and sat down at the fireplace.
The kids pretended to roast the marshmallows from their cocktails on the fire and loved the cosy atmosphere of the room.
The doors opened into the hall about half an hour later and the kids’ eyes lit up as we walked in. There were plenty of photo opportunities, starting with this magical backdrop.
The stage was just as enchanting.
And naturally, the Goblet of Fire was a huge drawcard.
Yule Ball Fun & Activities
There was plenty of fun to keep the big and little kids engaged, you simply need to be willing to get up and give it a go. The house hosts for Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw led the event, teaching magical dance moves, encouraging a dance off and even a fashion runaway to show off your Harry Potter inspired outfits.
The magic doesn’t stop there, with spell-casting sessions (magically changing the colour of the lights and even producing fake snow) and plenty of dancing at the end. The hosts ensured everyone got involved and was having a great time.
The afternoon concluded with four lucky champions picked from the Goblet of Fire!
Food and Drinks
The food and drinks at the Yule Ball are a treat with plenty of themed options to choose from.
It’s important to note that all food and drinks need to be paid for separately.
The highlight for us was the delicious butterbeer, a frothy, sweet concoction that the kids absolutely loved. Watching it being poured is a spectacle in itself, adding to the overall magic of the evening.
- When: Starting 7 July 2023
- Where: Paddington Town Hall (249 Oxford St, Paddington NSW)
- Tickets: Tickets are available to purchase from harrypotteryuleballcelebration.com
- Age requirement: 12 years+ (afternoon sessions for 6+ years). Minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
