HBO Max is bringing a touch of Hogwarts to the holiday season. Ahead of the Christmas Day premiere of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (December 25, 2026), two cities are getting events inspired by the new series: Munich and Manila.
Munich: the first Harry Potter Christmas market
Munich is already famous for its Christmas markets, and this year it adds a magical one. HBO Max Germany announced on November 2 that it will open what it calls the world’s first Harry Potter Christmas market (Harry-Potter-Weihnachtsmarkt).
- Where: Praterinsel, a small island in the Isar river
- When: Saturday, November 28 to Sunday, December 6, 2026
- What to expect: a festive setting designed in the look of the new series, photo spots styled after the show, themed food and drink, and activities for children and adults, plus “further surprises”
- Size: around ten stalls, according to German news agency dpa
What we don’t know yet: opening hours, whether entry is free or ticketed, the menu, and whether hot Butterbeer will be served.
Don’t mix it up: the Praterinsel has hosted a separate Christmas market in past years. HBO hasn’t said how the two relate, so look for the Harry Potter branding and the November 28 to December 6 dates.
For now, this is a Munich-only event, with no other cities announced.
Manila: a Hogwarts-themed Christmas tree in BGC
Across the world, Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City (Taguig, Metro Manila) is launching its High Street Holiday season with a Harry Potter theme.
- When: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. Philippine time (10:00 a.m. GMT)
- Where: Specific Gravity, Bonifacio High Street Park, BGC
- What: the launch of High Street Holiday, including the lighting of BGC’s Christmas tree
- Tickets: none mentioned, and the invitation is open to the whole family
Not announced yet: special guests, the evening’s program, and any exclusive merchandise.
This isn’t BGC’s first Harry Potter tree. When Max launched in the Philippines in November 2024, James and Oliver Phelps lit one in the same district.
Also in London: Oxford Street lights and a new shop
HBO’s festive campaign extends to London too:
- Oxford Street Christmas lights: Harry Potter-themed designs light up on Monday, November 9, from 4:30 p.m. GMT. HBO confirmed that Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton (Harry, Ron and Hermione) won’t attend, citing their busy schedules with Season 2 filming and their education.
- Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street: billed as the UK’s largest official Harry Potter store, it opens Wednesday, November 4.
Quick calendar
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 4 | Harry Potter Shop opens | Oxford Street, London |
| Nov 4 | High Street Holiday and tree lighting | BGC, Manila |
| Nov 9 | Oxford Street lights switch-on | London |
| Nov 28 to Dec 6 | Harry Potter Christmas market | Praterinsel, Munich |
| Dec 25 | Series premiere | HBO Max |
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