Last weekend, a new Yule Ball-themed experience opened in Italy – inviting fans to dress up to the nines and dance the night away at an extremely festive party. Here’s what we learnt from attending the big opening.

Thanks to a collaboration from Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and Fever, the Yule Ball, as seen in the film, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, has now been brought to life in the most spectacular way. Take a look!

Here are just a few observations we made while visiting this truly fabulous occasion in Milan. And if you want to learn more about the Yule Ball as we see it in the books and films, we’ve put together this handy guide too.

A Hogwarts-themed photo opportunity at the Yule Ball experience in Milan

1. The outfits are truly divine

Milan is known as one of the major fashion capitals of the world, and that sentiment certainly translates here at the Yule Ball. From Harry Potter cosplay (we spotted a Luna Lovegood-inspired festive dress and a fabulous Ron, complete with ‘traditional’ Yule Ball robes) to gorgeous dresses, suits and even Hogwarts robes, this event inspires you to be your best self.

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2. There are some fantastic Harry Potter Italian translations

Italian is a beautiful language, and we loved watching it come to life and discover some Harry Potter translations. Did you know that Parseltongue translates to “Serpentese”? Or that a Niffler is a “Snaso”? And as for Wizarding World, you could say “Magico Mondo” instead.

3. Hogwarts house-dances are a thing we didn’t know we needed to exist

At A Yule Ball Celebration, the guests are asked to gather into their respective houses and learn a special dance dedicated to the themes of their Hogwarts house, taught to us by the fabulous performers. For example, Ravenclaw’s dance incorporates bird-like movements, while Hufflepuffs have a move called the “Huffle Shuffle Puff”. We are truly obsessed.

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4. House-themed drinks and bewitching nibbles are on offer

All this dancing is thirsty-work – thankfully the Yule Ball has its own beverage-experts on hand to create fabulous drinks themed in the house colour of your choice.

5. And an enticing market for some early Christmas presents

Oh no! Is it mid-November already? If you happen to find yourself at the Yule Ball, you’ll be relieved to find a festive selection of wands, accessories and all manner of other cute Harry Potter goodies to peruse. Christmas presents sorted.

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6. The ballroom was as magical as the Great Hall

Complete with Hogwarts-style giant Christmas trees, frost-covered photo opportunities and a glorious Triwizard Cup, this Yule Ball experience is full of rich details to make your visit extra special. Bathed in blue lights and enchanting music, you really will feel like it’s Christmas Day at Hogwarts during the Triwizard Tournament.

7. The venue, Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology, is full of rich history

Da Vinci was a huge influence on Milan’s history, and the venue that hosts the Yule Ball is named after him. You can even spot a bust of the great polymath in the Yule Ball’s main dance hall. Make sure to check out the rest of the museum during your visit.

8. The photo opportunities are as magical as everything else

Fabulously dressed people deserve fabulous backgrounds for their photos of this event – and the Yule Ball doesn’t disappoint. Perhaps you’d like to hang out near the Triwizard cup, or pose with the Hogwarts house motto? Or even stand on stage with gargantuan Christmas trees behind you? The wizarding world is your magical oyster.

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9. There are a number of spellbinding surprises to look forward to

We don’t want to spoil too much of the event for you, but look forward to some lovely festive moments of magic during your experience, alongside all the fabulous dancing. We promise you’ll be thoroughly entertained.

10. And there are more Yule Balls opening around the world…

To learn more about the Yule Ball, and how to get tickets at one of the locations, visit the official website and learn about future locations that will be opening with this event, in Houston, Montreal and Mexico City.

And if you’re going to go, for heavens’ sake, don’t borrow your dress robes from Great Aunt Tessie!