How to Plan a Harry Potter Themed Birthday Party in NYC
Let me guess… you’re planning a Harry Potter themed birthday party in NYC?
And for my next trick! ;-)
Hi, I’m Evan, or ‘Magic Evan.’ My goal in this article is to save you time, money and stress by sharing what I’ve learned from performing at Harry Potter themed parties across New York over the past 10 years.
By the end, you’ll be well on your way to casting a spell that leaves witches and wizards thanking you for “the best party ever!”
Where to celebrate
One of the biggest challenges parents face is finding a venue. These are some of my favorite spots because they remind me of different parts of the Wizarding World.
Oscar Wilde Restaurant
Located at 45 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001, Oscar Wilde is a Victorian-style bistro that reminds me of the Great Hall at Hogwarts.
Visit their website or call 212-213-3066 for more information
Pier Sixty
Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers is one of the most flexible and expansive event spaces in New York City.
Pier Sixty will even be temporarily transformed into a replica of Hogwarts Great Hall this summer.
Visit their website for more info about private events.
Dylan’s Candy Bar
Bertie Botts Beans, Chocolate Frogs, and wands — oh my!
Celebrate at Dylan’s Candy Bar, and you’ll feel just like you stepped into Honeydukes in Diagon Alley.
Located at 1011 Third Ave (at 60th St.), Dylan’s Candy Bar is a really fun spot for Harry Potter themed parties in NYC.
The Balcony Space at the Center at West Park
The Balcony Space, located at 165 W. 86th St on the 2nd Floor, is a unique and versatile performance space that features gorgeous Tiffany stained glass windows. Step inside and you can easily imagine you’re in Hogwarts Castle.
The Apartment
Don’t overlook your own apartment. Some of the most magical parties I’ve performed at have been in apartments across NYC.
Decoration Ideas
Apparate your guests into the Wizarding World with these decorations and the Harry Potter motion picture soundtrack.
Floating Candles
You can buy them on Amazon, or follow these step-by-step instructions to make your own.
Platform 9 3/4 Curtain
Delight kids and adults by hanging this Platform 9 3/4 Shower Curtain between rooms.
Ministry of Magic Toilet Decal
This Ministry of Magic Toilet Harry Potter Decal Sticker
Food and Drinks
Compliment the standard children’s party fare (hamburgers, pizza, chicken fingers, etc) with these sweet treats from Hogsmeade.
Chocolate Frogs
These chocolate frogs won’t hop out of their boxes before they’re eaten like in the books, but the children will hop with joy when they see them!
Check out this recipe from Bake Love Give.
Butterbeer
Served hot or cold, the the cream soda-meets-butterscotch flavor of Butterbeer is a favorite beverage among witches and wizards.
Check out these recipes to add this magical taste from the wizarding world to your party.
Birthday Cake
Two of my favorite spots for made to order Harry Potter cakes are….City Cakes, located at 251 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011 and The Butterfly Bakeshop, 47-09 30th St, Long Island City, NY 11101.
Activity Ideas
What if…you send out invitations to your child’s party that look like letters of acceptance to Hogwarts?
Then, upon arrival, each child gets a schedule with the different “classes” (activities) they’ll be taking. Here’s a sample:
Period 1: The Sorting Hat – every child takes turns wearing the Sorting Hat. Do they belong in belong in Gryffindor, Huggflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin?
Period 2: Wand Ceremony: Adapt a game of “Pass the Parcel” so that a wand chooses every wizard. Here’s a set of 12 wands.
Period 3: Advanced Magic Class: Witches and wizards love my Harry Potter-themed magic show. They’ll travel through time with a Time Turner, materialize a Hogwarts Express, magically suspend the guest of honor in mid-air and more!
Period 4: Lunch & Dessert in the Great Hall
Period 5: Potions Class: Every child makes and bottles their own “Skele-Gro” slime to take home.
What I like most about the schedule of classes idea is that it’s a concept that gives structure to the party planning process from beginning (invitations) to the end!
Broomsticks, Bludgers, and Butterbeer – Oh My!
Planning a Harry Potter themed party can sometimes feel like a game of Quidditch… there’s a lot that goes into planning, and it might feel chaotic at times…
…but rest assured it will pay off (maybe in the form of a butterbeer?) in the end!
I sincerely hope this guide gives you some inspiration and points you in the right direction.
Want more information about my Harry Potter themed magic show?
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I’m Magic Evan, and I’m wishing you the best in the planning of this special occasion!