What Ties Scotland, Harry Potter, and Christmas Together

Hello, my adventurous friend. Quite a few consider Harry Potter movies to be Christmas movies. ⚡️👓🦉 Personally, I can definitely see it in the first movie. That’s why I ran a poll on my Instagram page & decided that a blog post about Harry Potter [from here on referred to as HP] and Christmas is a must. Also, when I was in Edinburgh, some places said to have inspired Rowling made sense to me. So, here is how I see HP tying in with Christmas and Scotland. 🎄

Steam train rolling through the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Imagine that you are driving through the Highlands, taking in all the magnificent views of snow-covered mountains, hills, & roads while letting the crisp fresh air fill your lungs. The magic of the land seems woven into its very fabric.🏔 Now, picture this setting as the backdrop for the HP series that some of us grew up on & love. I believe that J.K. Rowling found much inspiration in the natural beauty of Scotland, incorporating majestic places such as Glencoe and the mysterious Loch Shiel into Harry's magical world. These breathtaking landscapes encourage us to appreciate the wonders of our surroundings. And, according to the author, these spectacular landscapes hold Hogwarts - School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a castle inspired by the country's grand architecture, but mostly by Edinburgh Castle, I hear. 🏰🪄📜

Discovering that some of HP’s most iconic scenes were filmed in Scotland, particularly the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct, offers you a unique real-life experience. The Jacobite Steam Train, affectionately known as the 'Hogwarts Express,' recreates the magic of the Hogwarts journey through the Scottish Highlands. Riding this historic steam train allows you to cross the very same viaduct featured in the films, immersing you more into the wizarding world while enjoying Scotland’s rugged beauty. This experience is a true gem & utterly amazing for HP enthusiasts and nature & history lovers of any age. It will definitely leave a lifelong impression. 🛤

The Museum of Context on Victoria St is a must-visit for HP fans!

Now, let’s look at winter celebrations in Scotland. Yule is a festive season closely tied to ancient pagan traditions and modern Christmas customs. Celebrated around the winter solstice, Yule marks the return of sunlight during the darkest days of winter. In the HP books, the Yule Ball is a magical and grand event that takes place during the Triwizard Tournament in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." ❄️🎶 While the Yule Ball is not explicitly connected to the historical Yule traditions in Scotland, I believe it does capture the enchanting & festive spirit of the holiday season. To me, the Yule Ball in the wizarding world mirrors real-world celebrations with its elegant attire, dance, and lavish decorations. This event brings students from different houses together to celebrate the holiday season with a touch of Yuletide magic and Scottish togetherness. So, in the wizarding world's Yule Ball, a sense of unity and festivity resonates with the holiday spirit celebrated both in Scotland & in the magical realm of HP. ✨

Hogsmeade storefront windows at the Universal Studios, Orlando, FL

Let’s also remember the decorations & the colossal holiday feasts in the movies featured for the winter holidays [& not only for the holidays. I wish I had some type of magic to prepare me any foods I want & a nice variety. Wouldn’t that be nice]. Of course, it ties together with the Christmas feasts that are held not only in Scotland but around the world, bringing together family & friends. Exchanging gifts [I think a share of us can say that we have received some type of ugly sweater or another piece of clothing, just like Ron. I know I have]. 🎁🏠

There you have it, my friend. These are the ways I see how HP & Christmas can be connected with each other. And as snowflakes gently fall on the Scottish Highlands & the pages of Harry’s story turn, remember the magic that lives in all of us. This connection between the two is a source of inspiration that warms the hearts of fans, young & old.