Hey, Wizarding World fans.
Today, we're in Milan taking you along
to the first Harry Potter:
A Yule Ball Celebration event.
If you've ever wanted to attend
Hogwarts' ultimate festive occasion,
now's your chance!
Whether you'll be like Neville
and be the last on the dance floor,
or if you're more of a Harry and Ron.
Ruddy pumpkin head, isn't he?
Or even whether Hogsmeade
is just too far, and too fictional,
and you need to do a bit of last minute
Harry Potter themed Christmas shopping,
there's something for everyone at Harry Potter:
A Yule Ball Celebration.
So, here are our top seven things
you absolutely cannot miss when you attend.
Dress robes were mandatory
at the ball in the Goblet of Fire,
and while that's not so much of a rule here,
the event provides the perfect excuse
to don your best wizarding glad rags
or put together the perfect cosplay.
And you don't have to look
and smell like Great-aunt Tessie.
Though Ron's iconic look
is a great choice
to turn some heads at the ball,
we expect this look is a bit more traditional.
You can also, of course, represent another school.
You can't deny that Beauxbatons
and Durmstrang have style.
Why not even draw on other festive moments
from the stories for inspiration?
Like Luna at the Slug Club Christmas party.
If you want to represent Hogwarts,
and are looking for a simple cosplay,
look no further than Harry
or Cedric for inspiration.
Did you know that costume designer
Jany Temime was inspired
by Muggle prom events
when putting together the boys' looks?
What she went for in the end
were essentially wizarding tuxedos
to really emphasize that parallel.
All you'll need is a shirt,
a bowtie and waistcoat,
some black trousers.
Throw a robe over it all
and you're Yule Ball ready!
With that cosplay ready,
and Sleekeazy's Hair Potion in your hair,
you may as well show it off!
So, be sure not to miss the chance
to take part in this catwalk and strut your stuff.
In the words of McGonagall,
"The Yule Ball is first and foremost
a dance after all,
and you do not want to look
like a babbling bumbling band of baboons."
As per tradition,
at the celebration, the champions
of the evening will lead the dance.
But then you can jump in
and waltz to a wintry wizarding world soundtrack.
Take Parvati Patil's advice
and begin with a hand on the waist,
and then McGonagall's lessons
from Goblet of Fire
should see you through.
Just count one, two, three,
and you'll be fine.
If all else fails
and you're still stumbling around
like you've been Confunded,
just a join a conga line!
But you don't have to be like Neville
and practice your steps in advance,
your friendly house prefects
will teach you a few new moves.
Now these prefects
are nothing like perfect Percy.
They'll introduce themselves
towards the beginning of the evening
with the utmost flair
and are dressed for the occasion.
Which brings us on to number three,
Whether you're a brave Gryffindor,
a loyal Hufflepuff,
a witty Ravenclaw,
or a cunning Slytherin,
you can show off your house pride
at every chance.
Not only can you take some photos
with your house colours,
but throughout the evening your house prefects
will host and help you compete
against other houses.
They will put you into teams,
and teach you some house themed
moves to challenge the other houses with.
The prefects take on the role
of the Sorting Hat
and take their students to one side
for a crash course on the steps.
Gryffindors can channel their inner lion
as they prance and pounce.
Typically, the Gryffindors will get very competitive.
While the Slytherins keep it cool
as they learn some snake-like steps.
If you're a Ravenclaw,
you'll surely find some fellow studious
housemates who will pay
very close attention to their prefect
to make sure they don't miss a step.
And Hufflepuffs, channel the badger
when you learn your very quick steps.
When you gather back as a group,
it's time for a dance-off!
If you thought the House Cup was high stakes,
this dance-off is on another level!
Do your best not to look
like you've been hit with a Jelly-Legs Jinx
and follow the lead of your prefect.
When your hear your house called,
it'll be thrown to you
and it's time to follow your prefect
in a performance of your new routine.
Things get as competitive
as a quidditch cup final,
so keep an ear out for your house
being called and claim victory.
Did you put your name
in the Goblet of Fire?
Would you put your name
in the Goblet of Fire?
Make sure you don't miss
an opportunity to represent yourself
by spotting one of the hosts collecting names
throughout the evening.
You won't have to worry about Ageing Potion,
anyone in attendance can sign up
for a special surprise.
Later in the show,
your name could be called up
by the prefects
and you'll be able to prance
around as champion!
Eternal glory.
It's not for everyone,
but will definitely be a moment to remember.
Now all that dancing will certainly
have made you thirsty, and hungry!
So, tip number five is to make sure
you sample your house themed
drinks and finger food.
You can pick them up
from these beautiful Durmstrang
and Beauxbatons themed bars,
where some real-life magicians are at work.
There are two Harry Potter Christmas stores
to peruse throughout your visit.
So, whether your collection needs growing
or if you want to do a spot of festive shopping
for friends and family,
be sure to check out what's on offer.
You could pick up a wand or let the wand choose you.
You can make sure your house is Harry Potter ready
this holiday season.
These stockings will be great
for all the stocking fillers available
and make any Potter fan happier than Harry was
on his first Christmas morning at Hogwarts.
Or if you forgot that winter is a bit cold
and need an emergency house scarf and hat to get home in,
these shops have it all!
And of course our final tip
is to go absolutely Colin Creevey crazy and ...
Get yourself in the festive spirit
in front of these Great Hall worthy Christmas trees.
Even if you just need to rest your feet,
why not do it in a house themed photo op?
After all, Slytherins tend to stick together.
Transport yourself to the snowy gates of Hogwarts
or just gather all your friends
and make sure you remember the magical night.