A Potterhead Bucket List: Harry Potter-Themed Places in New York State and Nearby
HAPPEE BIRTHDAE HARRY! That’s right, it’s July 31 and that means it’s Harry Potter’s birthday. So what better time to share a list of wizarding activities and Harry Potter-themed places in New York state and the northeastern United States? From official stores and immersive experiences to themed restaurants and decked-out rental properties, people still love the world of wizardry.
Note from the author: All references to Harry Potter belong with the author, Universal Studios, and Wizarding World. While I do not support or condone the disrespectful preachings of JKR, I can appreciate the world she has created and the joy it has brought to so many people.
See Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway
New York, NY
This is undoubtedly the most important thing on this list of Harry Potter-themed places in New York state. Premiering several years ago on The West End in London, it took quite some time to make it across the pond. And when it did, it was still split into two parts. So attendees would have to go on two different nights to experience the whole play. Or both the matinee and evening performances in the same day. But luckily that has changed and now Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is one show with a running time of three and a half hours.
Don’t worry if that feels long. It will be the quickest three and a half hours of your life. Because the magic entraps and envelops you into a whole new world. Even my husband, who is not a fan of theater, has not stopped raving about it since we saw it. The choreography. The acting. The special effects. It all led to such an enjoyable and unique night at the theater.
I don’t want to give too much away, but keep an eye out for some truly incredible special effects. It’s so hard to pick a favorite, but readers will be excited to see the magic come to life. Polyjuice Potion. Portkeys. Enchanted bookcases. Dueling with wands. Timeturners.
Discount tickets to The Cursed Child on Broadway
Yes, Broadway shows can be expensive. Particularly cost-prohibitive for some families. But not only is the play worth it, there are ways to get discount tickets. Before getting our tickets, I did some research online. The best way to get discount tickets for Harry Potter is through TodayTix. Yes, you will have to download the app to enter the ticket lottery, but trust me on this one.
Every week you can enter a lottery to get discount tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Known as “the Friday 40”, 40 winners will win the chance to buy 1-2 tickets for the following week’s shows for just $40.
But here’s the thing. Even if you don’t win, you may get offered a chance to buy highly discounted tickets anyway. That’s what happened to us. So we were still able to purchase 2 tickets at $60 each to be picked up at the theater the day of the show. And guess what. We were in ROW F. The seats were incredible. So it’s definitely worth entering the lottery!
In celebration of Harry Potter’s birthday, tickets for select fall dates for The Cursed Child are 50% off TODAY!
Unique Experiences at the Lyric Theatre
Another thing that makes seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway so special is the level of immersion they have incorporated. I highly recommend getting to the theater early so you can appreciate every little detail. Of course there is a merch shop with Broadway exclusive items. And then there are signature themed cocktails at the bar. You have to get your photo taken with your house flag. And don’t forget to use your phone for the augmented reality experience in the patronus room.
Visit the Harry Potter New York Store
New York, NY
We waited for ages for Harry Potter to arrive in New York City, but it proved to definitely be worth it! Visiting the Harry Potter New York store is the perfect complement to seeing The Cursed Child on Broadway. It’s also one of the most immersive shopping experiences you’ll ever have.
Located across from the famous Flatiron Building, Harry Potter New York has two massive floors filled with every Harry Potter item you could ever want. Clothing, accessories, wands, memorabilia, stationary, make-up, stuffed animals, collectible figurines, food… You think of it and I bet they have it. Plus an entire selection of New York exclusive items. And while branded items typically have a higher price tag, there are things for every budget – and yes, there are seasonal sales.
The backdrop of both sales floors is crafted to look like you’ve stepped inside the books (or movies). There’s the phoenix statue from Dumbledore’s office. A giant snake slithering overhead in the basement. A whomping willow filled with magical creatures. The quidditch pitch. And so much more.
While you’re there, don’t forget to…
Find the QR code on the walls to complete a quick survey. Show a staff member when you are done to receive a FREE pin.
Take advantage of all the photo opps!
Check out the Harry Potter New York exclusive items. I treated myself to a phoenix hoodie that I wore to the show that night.
Get a butter beer before you leave.
Order Truffles from Sweet on Chocolate
Syracuse, NY
This Harry Potter-themed activity is only once a year. When? For Harry’s birthday, of course! Adam Mazzoni, chocolatier and owner of Sweet on Chocolate, creates a signature Harry Potter-themed box of truffles every year at the end of July. But be sure to get yours quickly before it sells out!
Harry Potter-Themed Places in Nearby States
Do the Forbidden Forest Experience
Washington, DC
To be fair, this Harry Potter experience is the one nearby that I haven’t done yet! The Forbidden Forest Experience is an immersive night-time experience that travels to various locations each fall. Visitors get to interact with the magical creatures as they come alive in the forest. The trail is outdoors, family-friendly, and filled with photo opps.
Currently the waitlist is open for Montauban, France and Leesburg, Virginia (right outside Washington DC).
Can’t get enough Harry Potter in your life? Every true HP fan should add visiting the studio tour outside of London to their bucket list!
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