Last September 3, The Space at Solaire opened its doors and transported witches, wizards, and muggles of all ages to the Wizarding World with Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration. This fully immersive, one-of-a-kind event invites guests to don their Hogwarts robes for an unforgettable night of dancing, party games, trivia, and Harry Potter-inspired food and drinks.
PULSE got a sneak peek the night before opening and stepped into the magic to see what the Yule Ball has in store. Now, we’re giving you the scoop on what to expect, and you can decide whether this enchanting night is worth the price of admission.
Here are five things to expect when you walk through the halls of Hogwarts and make your way to the Yule Ball:
1. Wands at the Ready: Audience Participation Required
Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration is not your ordinary fan experience. It’s an interactive, nearly two-hour show where you’re part of the action, so make sure your social batteries are fully charged and get ready to mingle. Throughout the night, actors and performers will invite guests to join in, whether it’s learning a dance, participating in wizard duels, or taking part in a Hogwarts House cheer competition. You can also enter your name in the Goblet of Fire for a chance to be chosen as a Champion at the end of the evening.
Even between segments, actors roam around the venue and strike up conversations while staying in character. Check in with your introverted friends because things can get a little overwhelming if you’re not prepared. For those whose wands are at the ready, however, it’s likely going to be the most immersive Harry Potter-themed party you’ll ever attend.
2. Wear Your Comfiest Wizard Clothes
Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to dress up in Harry Potter-inspired clothing. During the media preview, more than half of the partygoers showed up in Hogwarts house colors, robes, and gowns, which made the whole experience feel even more fun and transportive. Whether or not you’re coming in costume, our best advice is to prioritize comfort, especially when it comes to your footwear.
As mentioned above, this is an interactive show where you’ll be standing for the better part of two hours. You’ll be asked to move around the space multiple times, whether for dancing or party games, and you’ll also want to explore the merchandise area, photo booth, and other attractions. The restroom is also located outside the room. While there is some seating available inside the space, it’s quite limited, and once the main show begins, most of the action takes place away from the seats. So come prepared to spend a good chunk of the night on your feet!
3. Come With a Gringotts Vault Full of Galleons
If you don’t have any Harry Potter gear of your own, you can pick up some wizarding essentials at the merchandise area in the center of the first room. There are robes, hoodies, shirts, wands, and other items for sale. Of course, as officially licensed merchandise, these don’t come cheap. Your ticket gets you into the event, but everything else comes at an additional cost, so make sure your wallet is well stocked. For example, a House Robe can set you back as much as Php 6,000.
You’ll also need to shell out for the official event photo, as well as any food and drinks you order inside the venue. The Hogwarts-inspired cocktails, like The Sword of Gryffindor (rum and pomegranate) and The Diadem of Ravenclaw (lychee, vodka, and blue curaçao), cost more than Php 300 each, while the savory food is around Php 400.
4. Fill Up Before the Magic Begins
Speaking of food and drinks, most of the food inside the venue consists of finger foods, sandwiches, and simple baked goods. If you’re heading to a dinnertime show, we suggest grabbing a meal at one of Solaire’s restaurants (or anywhere nearby) beforehand so you’re full and ready for the evening’s festivities. This will also save you the trouble of lining up to buy food and drinks inside, and potentially missing part of the show because of it.
5. Come Ready to Capture the Magic
Finally, come photo-ready because you’ll definitely be taking plenty of pictures and videos (and moving portraits) all night long. The whole point of the experience is to transport you to the Wizarding World, and the space is decked out to do just that.
Whether you’re posing in front of the many, many photo opportunities around the venue (such as fireplaces, portraits, and Hogwarts House décor) or simply documenting the night’s events, you can easily end up with hundreds of photos and videos. Just note that there are no charging ports inside the venue, so make sure your phones and cameras are fully charged, or bring a power bank with you just in case.
Is It Worth It?
With all this information, you can decide whether A Yule Ball Celebration is worth your time and money. It’s not cheap, but the show will definitely conjure up a memorable experience, especially for massive Harry Potter fans and families looking for a little taste of the Wizarding World.
Whether you’re a die-hard Potterhead or simply looking for a fun night out, Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration offers plenty of enchantment. Just come ready to participate, dress comfortably, bring enough cash, and keep your phone charged as you’ll want to capture every bit of the fun and make the most of the festivities.