Christmas has come early for Potterheads. On Friday December 16 Melbourne’s Fed Square will play host to Christmas in the Wizarding World for one night only. There will be Harry Potter-themed events taking place from 4pm until late.

Melbournians are encouraged to dress up in their best Hogwarts-inspired costume, with prizes for Best Dressed Individual, Best Dressed Couple – Fred and George, anyone? – and Best Group Effort up for grabs.

There’ll also be ample opportunity for photo opps thanks to the Platform 9 ¾, Hogwarts Express and Quidditch pitch backdrops that will be set up for attendees to cast a spell in front of. 

This year’s event includes a LEGO station at the Swanson Street Forecourt, where you can purchase and build your own Hogwarts Castle with Harry Potter LEGO to take home with you afterwards.

At 5pm sharp Dave Lee Down Under – Aussie writer, commentator and Harry Potter fan – will kick off the celebrations on the main stage, which includes Wizarding World Trivia and a Virtual Wand Combat workshop with the wand choreographer who worked on the films, Paul Harris. Expelliarmus!  

The night will wrap up with a special screening of Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets on a big screen in the Main Square at 7pm. So get your Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor (ok, Slytherin too) mates together for a magical night of fun under the stars. 

For more information head to fedsquare.com

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Image credit: Liam Neal