Books

'Accio Date' And Spend Valentine's Day At Hogwarts

by Emma Cueto

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and if you're looking for someplace special to celebrate, might I recommend a certain school of witchcraft and wizardry? Warner Brothers will be hosting a Valentines Day banquet at Hogwarts in the Great Hall. For that kind of opportunity, it might just be worth the hassle of trying to find a date — maybe a summoning charm could make things easier. Accio date!

This isn't the first time that Warner Brothers, the movie studios behind the Harry Potter films, has hosted a dinner on the Great Hall film set — they also hosted a Christmas dinner last year — but it is their first Valentine's Day dinner at Hogwarts. And in fact, it's two dinners: one on Saturday, February 13, and one on Valentine's Day itself, Sunday the 14. The evening will feature special food and drink, including a Love Potion cocktail.

According to the official event website,

[You] and your partner will enjoy a delicious three-course dinner including a starter, main course and assiette of desserts to share. You'll then be given exclusive after-hours access to the Studio Tour with the chance to see sets such as the Gryffindor common room, Dumbledore's office, the Weasley kitchen at The Burrow and the Malfoy Manor dining table, before enjoying a drink on Platform 9 3/4.
Following a tankard of Butterbeer in the backlot cafe, you will be able to wander up the wizarding shopping street of Diagon Alley, before arriving at the breathtaking Hogwarts castle model for after-dinner tea, coffee and chocolates. The evening concludes when you return to the Studio Tour lobby to collect your chosen wand.

And although the dress code doesn't require you to come in wizarding attire, the website indicates that more Hogwarts-y attire is also welcome.

Now if only they had dwarves dressed as Cupid reciting awkward poetry or a chance to have tea at Miss Puddifoot's. Though, considering how those particular things played out in the books, maybe it's for the best they aren't included.

The price tag for the evening is a little high — 247 British pounds or about $360 per person — but if your date isn't someone who would enjoy the Harry Potter themed evening then it's safe to say that you don't want to spend your Valentine's with them anyway.

So pack your school books and your cauldron and get ready for a magical night.

Image: Warner Bros.; Warner Brothers UK