First thing's first, check out our full timetable, for ease.

Are you ready to go Back to Hogwarts?

Yes, when we were young, we must admit, we weren’t exactly counting down the days to go back to school... but as we know all too well, Hogwarts is no ordinary school. This was the day where a young Harry Potter, only just coming to terms with the fact he is, in fact, a wizard, realised his life was truly changing – the day he passed through a magical wall through a Muggle train station into the world he truly belonged.

To learn more about what “Back to Hogwarts” means to us, check out our handy guide.

As such, the 1st September has become so important to Harry Potter fans (wherever you are!) and we love celebrating with you every year. This time around, here’s just a few exciting moments of magic to get ready for...

A spellbinding showcase

Earlier this week, we revealed that Jake Lovelady, a Harry Potter content creator, and Adriana Redding, fresh from her victory on quiz show Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses, have officially been summoned as your friendly hosts for our usual showcase, where we look at all the exciting Harry Potter goodness of 2023. Jake and Adriana will be announcing a few bits and pieces, while looking back at some things you might’ve missed going on in the Wizarding World this year.

A special competition

Update: this competition has now closed and we can't wait to show you the winner on the 1st September.

This year, we’re offering one lucky person the chance to win a Harry Potter prize package of a lifetime. Open to 5–17-year-olds based in the UK & Northern Ireland, we’re looking for someone to join us at King’s Cross Station to help lead the all-important countdown to 11 o’ clock and are now accepting submission videos from parents or guardians, where all we need each entrant to do… is count down!

The successful ‘chosen one’, if you like, including their parent or guardian, will not just win a trip to King’s Cross, but also a whole other selection of Wizarding World goodies, including a Wizarding World London Breaks Ultimate Experience (featuring tickets to both Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London) and a merchandise bundle from the Harry Potter Shop. Phew!

Read our article all about it for details, alongside terms and conditions.

A congregation at King’s Cross, naturally

UPDATE: We can now reveal that the lovely Sam Thompson will be back at King's Cross to host our celebrations!

But of course! If you’re based in the UK, once again, we will all be getting together at King’s Cross station on Friday morning, 1st September, as if we were getting ready for Hogwarts ourselves. (We can dream!)

There, we will all countdown together to 11 o’ clock. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Expect a day filled with activities and entertainment at the train station. You’ll get the chance to sip on Butterbeer, play Hogwarts Legacy on PlayStation®5 courtesy of Warner Bros. Games, and enjoy LEGO® Harry Potter giveaways and photo opportunities. Additionally, in celebration of the publication of The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac, you’ll also be able to spin Bloomsbury’s giant wand spinner and find out whose wand you’re best suited to, with free gifts up for grabs for those taking part.

It's also your chance to meet other Harry Potter fans (watch out for some killer outfits! The magnificent wizard robes are usually out in force!) and simply take in the fantastic atmosphere. And! The festivities are on all weekend, so if you can’t come on one day, King’s Cross Station will be Harry Potter-fied until the 3rd September.

Magical movie marathons

Go on, admit it. How many times have you watched the Harry Potter movies all together, over the years? We won’t judge you. In fact, we absolutely encourage it! This year, especially for Back to Hogwarts season, cinemas across the world will be putting Harry Potter back on the big screen for us all to get gooey and nostalgic over.

• In the UK, Everyman will screen all eight films at Everyman King’s Cross (how fitting!) and select Harry Potter movies at their cinemas nationwide.

• Meanwhile, ODEON will present Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets nationwide over the course of the 1st September weekend.

• Likewise, Vue is following suit - with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets screening from the 1st, and across the weekend, at their cinemas.

• And! If you live near a Cineworld, good news! This cinema chain is playing the first and second film all weekend also. Take a look.

• US fans can get their fix at Cinemark where 259 theatres will be showing an exclusive re-release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Parts 1 and 2.

• Down Under? You can join in the fun at 15 branches of Village Cinemas across Australia as they host screenings of the final two Deathly Hallows films in the iconic series.

You can learn more about all of the ways you can have a Harry Potter watch-a-long during Back to Hogwarts season right here, including a special watch party on streaming service, Max. If you're old enough, follow @HarryPotterFilm and @StreamOnMax to join the conversation!

The Harry Potter Watch Party takes place at 5pm PT on Threads on 1st September.

Harry Potter celebrations all across the world

Don’t you worry – it's not just King's Cross that has all the fun. Back to Hogwarts day can be celebrated wherever you hail from, and here’s just a taste of what’s going on around the world!

More from the UK

Not in London? Don't worry! If you’re in the UK, you can check out the range of Wizarding World Back to School products on Amazon. And don't forget to check out the movie screenings we mentioned above!

Germany

Hamburg goes magic! On 26th August, Germany recognises the anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter book with some extra-special festivities.

Carlsen Verlag, Warner Bros. Discovery, and the Hamburg Theatre will celebrate “Harry Potter und das verwunschene Kind” together with Audible. Hörverlag are inviting all Harry Potter fans to a huge fan event in the middle of Hamburg, featuring an exciting stage programme, a fan zone and photo opportunities, with areas hosted by Schleich and LEGO, alongside a pop-up shop by Thalia.

Special guest, Rufus Beck, the narrator of the German Harry Potter audiobooks will also be in attendance.

And to add to the thrills of the day, a world record is being attempted during the event. The challenge? Gather more than 997 people dressed up as Harry Potter on the square, in order to break the current world record.

You can learn more at the official website.

Italy

In Italy, from September 1st-2nd, an immersive area will come to life at Milan Central Station, mirroring the magic of King’s Cross in London. Fans can recreate their own journey to Hogwarts, with platform nine-and-three-quarters, the Hogwarts Express, and the Great Hall brought to life through photo opportunities.

Adding to the excitement, three life-size statues of the beloved trio – Harry, Ron, and Hermione will pop-up in Milan! We hope they enjoy their stay.

Mexico

In Mexico, a number of pop-ups and photo opps can be found dotted across the country, such as the shopping district Suburbia, which will celebrate Back to Hogwarts with some magical window displays. Additionally, store chain Chedraui will also be offering some enchanting photo opportuinites, while C&A will be joining in the fun too with some special displays to get fans excited.

Japan

Some fans will know that Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo is now officially open! But stay tuned for some special Back to Hogwarts-style celebrations at the new magical home soon.

France

This year in France, Back to Hogwarts celebrations will take place at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, where you will be able to show your house pride with the biggest quiz ever. Magique! Special guest Jany Temime, the costume designer of the Harry Potter film series, will be in attendance, with guests getting the opportunity to explore some of the most iconic outfits from the wizarding world.

And there you have it. For now... keep visiting WizardingWorld.com to learn more about Back to Hogwarts day across the coming weeks. We have so much we want to do and show you! So, pack a bag, grab your wand, and join us on 1st September for a global party.

Visit our Back to Hogwarts 2023 page for more updates, or sign up to our handy newsletter at the Harry Potter Fan Club, to be kept constantly in the loop.