This year, we’re excited for: a very special event in New York’s Grand Central Terminal, our annual Back to Hogwarts showcase and several cool global events spreading magic all over the world.

And if you’re sat there wondering what it truly means to go “Back to Hogwarts” – don’t worry, we’ve put together this handy explainer.

The Harry Potter films return to the big screen

As Harry Potter fans, we have a lot of special cinema memories, from our first time hearing the rousing notes of Hedwig’s Theme to the electric atmosphere of a midnight screening. Now, we’re recreating those magic moments by bringing the Harry Potter films back to theatres all over the world. Expect these special screenings to take place throughout the summer, all the way down to Back to Hogwarts day itself.

Stay tuned for further details on local listings right here.

Look out for our Hogwarts Express Snapchat Filters and Lenses

That iconic red steam engine, the Hogwarts Express, is a huge part of what makes Back to Hogwarts day so special; just think, without that grand old train, Harry would have never known the true wonders of the wizarding world. (Maybe he’d have to just hang out at the Leaky Cauldron – who knows!)

To commemorate the train in style, we’ve created a fun new filter for Snapchat, where you can summon the Hogwarts Express to classic landmarks across renowned cities across the world: London, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, New York City and Tokyo. Try it out on The Eiffel Tower, Copacabana Fort, The National Gallery, Grand Central Terminal, and the Hachiko Statue.

If you’re old enough to use Snapchat, simply scan the landmark and watch the train glide into view – as if it was coming to pick you up! Try it out between the 26th August to the 9th September.

That’s not all for Snapchat fun: users will also be able to access two brand new Lenses: one inspired by the Hogwarts house sorting and a homage to the upcoming game, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, exclusively via the app on 1st September.

Expect an impressive array of global fan celebrations

The joy of the wizarding world is that it is hidden everywhere, as Harry learnt for himself when he discovered the wonders of Diagon Alley tucked away in London. This year, we want to spread the magic as far and wide as we can, with global festivities wherever you turn.

Expect magical surprises from LEGO retail stores, (and online!) the Warner Bros. Studio Tours, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Destinations & Experiences, to name just a few.

The UK

Here at the home of Harry Potter, the UK’s Back to Hogwarts festivities have significantly grown in popularity as more fans join the community. In recognition of this, celebrations are adapting so that as many fans as possible can be part of the magic. We’re inviting fans to take part in new competitions and take part in special events both physically and digitally.

First – an important notice from us:

• Come 1st September, fans are strongly discouraged from attending Kings Cross Station this year, as there will be no event, departure board or countdown held at the station. Instead, we’ve recruited our resident Hufflepuff (and recently appointed King of the Jungle!) Sam Thompson to be with you all in spirit once again in a specially recorded online programme made in celebration of Back to Hogwarts. Head to the official Harry Potter YouTube channel to watch along with us at 11am to see him in action.

• From today, UK and Ireland-based fans are invited to enter a competition to win the ultimate Back to Hogwarts experience. One lucky winner and their family will be whisked away on an exclusive celebration weekend, where they will receive a personalised Hogwarts house bundle, attend a VIP feast in the Great Hall at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter on 31st August, followed by a stay at the luxurious Grove Hotel. For details on how to enter and full Ts & Cs, please take a look here.

Update: this competition has now closed. For information about other ways to win the opportunity to attend the Back to Hogwarts ‘Welcome Feast’ see here.

• Wizarding Wednesday's giveaways return from 31st July, with prizes including tickets to the multi-award-winning Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a personalised Hogwarts House Gift Trunk and a copy of the forthcoming Warner Bros. Games title Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions - and more! Terms & conditions apply.

• Fans are also invited to join a special Wand Dance Workshop, hosted by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s Resident Movement Director Tash Holway. Visit the Cursed Child website for details on how to enter for the chance to take part.

• Our friends at the House of MinaLima in London (the design studio responsible for all the magical details of the Harry Potter films) invites fans to a special event on the 1st of September, where they will have the chance to get their hands on a limited-edition Back to Hogwarts 2024 button badge, while supplies last, of course. Visit the MinaLima website to explore further.

• Find out all the ways you can celebrate Back to Hogwarts in the UK right here.

USA (Update: tickets for this event are now sold out!)

• For the first time ever, US fans are invited to a special Back to Hogwarts pop-up, held in the beautiful Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal in New York City.

• Expect unique performances, exciting LEGO building activities, an interactive Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions fan experience , plus contributions from Scholastic, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Fans will also be able to raise a hearty toast of Butterbeer, courtesy of flagship store, Harry Potter New York!

• On 1st September, there will also be a live hosted 11am countdown moment which fans will need a free ticket to attend. Further details on how to register interest will be announced soon.

France

It’s not just the Olympics that Paris are hosting this year – they’re also delving into magical sports too! France-based fans can look forward to a special Quidditch-themed event taking place at Parvis de la Part-Dieu in Lyon, between 31st August and 1st September. Visitors can brush up on their Quidditch skills, strike a pose with our Back to Hogwarts-themed photo opps, play games, enjoy giveaways and much more.

Germany

Heading to Germany, on 1st September, a special fan event will be held outside the Theatre at Hamburg's Großmarkt, the German home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Expect an engaging panel, live countdown, and appearances from special guests. Fans in Munich can also stop by Harry Potter: The Exhibition as well as the Wizarding World by Thalia store to celebrate the exciting occasion.

Italy

The iconic Galleria Alberto Sordi in Rome will play host to a fan get together on 1st September, where aspiring wizards and witches can look forward to a live 11am countdown, brand new Harry Potter themed photo opportunities and activities suitable for the whole family. Molto bene, indeed.

Spain

Fans in Spain are invited to a special event in Madrid at a soon to be revealed location, which will run between 30th August and 1st September. Festivities include photo opportunities and surprises throughout the day.

China

Fans are invited to head to Changsha for this year’s Back to Hogwarts celebration where there is a host of activities in store from 30th Aug – 1st Sept, including photo opportunities, artwork displays, and stalls packed to the brim with Harry Potter goodies.

On the 1st September, fans in Macau can live their best Hogwarts life at Harry Potter: The Exhibition and explore many fascinating galleries.

Japan

In Japan, on 1st September, lucky fans can join a special 11am countdown at Platform 9 ¾ in Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter! Guests visiting Universal Studios Japan on the big day should also be ready to raise their wands in celebration as a special event will be put on in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to mark the moment for holders of the special after-hours event pass.

Or! Celebrate online with us right here.

While we wait with a healthy dose of anticipation for our favourite ever countdown (yep, we love it more than New Years’ Eve!) you are always welcome to join us here for our usual slew of quizzes, puzzles, features and other magical morsels throughout WizardingWorld.com and our social channels to get you in the Back to Hogwarts mood.

Back to Hogwarts wouldn’t be the same without a few ‘start of term announcements’. Tune in to the official Harry Potter YouTube channel at 10:30 BST / 05:30 ET for our annual Showcase.

Expect updates from Portkey Games, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Destinations & Experiences, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Harry Potter publishers, Scholastic, Pottermore and Bloomsbury.

Visit our Back to Hogwarts page, which will be magically updating all through the summer, as we countdown to the big day.