- By MuggleNet Editorial Staff
- 22 Jul, 2026
- Films
For years, Back to Hogwarts has been one of the biggest dates on the Wizarding World calendar, bringing us together each September 1 to celebrate the moment the Hogwarts Express departs Platform 9¾ at 11 a.m. This year, however, the tradition has something new to add to the mix.
With the new HBO Harry Potter television series arriving this Christmas, the 2026 celebration will feature the first official Back to Hogwarts event centered on the upcoming adaptation, marking a shift as the series begins to take its place alongside the books and films.
HBO’s New Series Takes Center Stage
The big announcement for this year’s celebration is a brand-new live event in London hosted by HBO Max on September 1.
Inspired by the upcoming television series, the one-day experience will include interactive fan activities, exclusive giveaways, and other experiences themed around the new adaptation. While organizers have not yet revealed the exact location or ticket information, more details are expected in the weeks ahead. We (along with many of you) are desperately hoping for another trailer, but no official word on that yet.
The festivities will culminate with the annual Back to Hogwarts Showcase, which streams live on September 1 across the official Harry Potter YouTube and TikTok channels. As in previous years, the showcase promises announcements and surprises from across the Wizarding World.
Looking for the full picture? Visit MuggleNet’s complete guide to HBO’s Harry Potter TV series for release date updates, teasers and trailers, streaming details and the latest news.
Please Don’t Head to King’s Cross
One important update for anyone planning to celebrate in London: there will not be an official event, countdown, or announcement at King’s Cross Station this year. Instead, organizers are encouraging everyone to take part in the official celebrations elsewhere.
More Ways to Celebrate Around the World
The HBO event may be grabbing most of our attention, but there are plenty of other official celebrations planned.
At Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, visitors will experience special 11 a.m. announcements throughout the attraction, additional broadcasts at Platform 9¾ during the day, themed food and drinks, photo opportunities, and exclusive Back to Hogwarts activities.
Meanwhile, Harry Potter Shop New York and Harry Potter Shop Chicago will host their own 11 a.m. countdowns, along with limited-edition treats and exclusive merchandise. Chicago visitors will also be able to commemorate the occasion with a special digital photo frame available through the Sorting Hat experience.
Official celebrations are also planned in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, China, Australia, Japan, and several other countries as additional details are announced.
Universal Is Joining the Celebration Too
Universal theme parks are once again embracing Back to Hogwarts with limited-time offerings.
Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will feature anniversary-themed food, merchandise, exclusive experiences, and returning entertainment through September 1. Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort are also planning special events, including nighttime experiences, projection shows, themed giveaways, and exclusive merchandise.
Celebrate 25 Years of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
This year’s Back to Hogwarts also doubles as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on the big screen.
As part of the anniversary, the film is returning to cinemas around the world during the Back to Hogwarts period, giving us another chance to experience where Harry’s journey began. Many screenings will also include previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage created especially for the anniversary celebration.
If you’d rather celebrate from home, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is also available to stream. Check out streaming options below to find out where you can watch it before boarding the Hogwarts Express once again.
About MuggleNet: MuggleNet has covered the Wizarding World since 1999, offering news, guides, editorials and fan resources for readers around the world.
Photograph by Aidan Monaghan/HBO
