Inside Harry Potter’s Yule Ball Celebration in Manila: Dance-offs, fashion parades, magic and more
For avid Harry Potter readers, the Yule Ball is one of those magical moments best experienced through the imagination: a snow-dusted Hogwarts evening filled with enchanted decorations, sweeping gowns and robes, elegant dancing, and enough magic to make the scene unforgettable.
Starting this September, however, Filipino Potterheads will no longer have to imagine what it's like to step into the celebration.
For the first time in the Philippines, Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration has transformed The Space at Solaire into a whimsical wintertime ballroom inspired by the beloved Triwizard Tournament tradition.
From welcome dances and themed drinks to photo opportunities, merch shops, a fashion parade, and even a Champions Waltz dance-off, the ball certainly fulfilled its promise to transport guests to a celebration that feels straight out of the Wizarding World.
Welcome to Hogwarts
As soon as you step inside, you'll instantly feel like you've crossed into the familiar halls of Hogwarts as the space opens up to the dark, rustic charm of the wizarding school.
You can relax on various cozy lounges, with one area featuring a rich velvet sofa set against a wall lined with classic portraits. Just a few steps away, tall gothic windows cast a magical blue glow over couches, patterned rugs, and Christmas trees sparkling with fairy lights.
The main highlight of the space is a grand stone fireplace decorated with lush green garlands, stacks of old books, an intricate red carpet, and the crests of all four Hogwarts houses.
Food and merch galore
Once you’ve taken in the stunning surroundings, there’s plenty more to explore. The space also features a snack bar where you can fill your tummy and quench your thirst with a variety of themed drinks.
For something more substantial, guests can choose from sandwiches such as the Smoked Salmon Sandwich and Ham & Cheese Sandwich, both priced at P400, or the Roast Beef & Mustard Sandwich for P605. Lighter bites include Pigs in a Blanket at P355 and Potato Crisps for P80.
Those with a sweet tooth can choose from cookies inspired by the four Hogwarts houses. The Ravenclaw and Slytherin Cookies are priced at P176 each, while the Hufflepuff Cookie—a s’mores chocolate chip creation—costs P185. The Gryffindor Cookie, made with hazelnut and dark chocolate, is also available for P176, alongside a Yuletide Fruitcake for P310.
The drinks, however, are where the wizarding theme truly comes through. Priced at P310 for mocktails and P385 for cocktails, the signature concoctions take inspiration from some of the Wizarding World’s most recognizable objects.
The Sword of Gryffindor, for instance, blends pomegranate, lemon, and ginger beer, while The Locket of Slytherin combines green apple, cucumber, mint, and lemon. Other options include Merpeople's Song, made with elderflower, white grape, and ginger ale, as well as The Diadem of Ravenclaw, a mix of lychee syrup, lime, and sugar syrup.
For guests who want to take home a memento from the night, there's also a merch area filled with magical keepsakes.
Potterheads looking to fully commit to the experience can pick up a House Robe for P6,000 or a Yule Ball Hoodie for P4,400, while those wanting something a little more classic can take home a pair of Harry Potter Glasses for P3,650.
There are also Collectible Wands and Advent Calendars, both priced at P2,800, alongside smaller keepsakes such as House Mascot Plushies and scarves for P1,450.
Winter wonderland
Just when you think you’ve seen all there is to the experience, a second room opens up to reveal a completely different setting: a grand winter-themed ballroom that feels worlds away from the dark, rustic atmosphere of the first space.
Attendees will instantly light up at the spacious dance floor surrounded by towering arches wrapped in crystal drapes, glowing under the frosty blue and violet lights.
Toward the far end of the hall, a stage filled with snow-dusted, brilliantly lit Christmas trees sets the scene for the night's festivities.
There are also four dedicated house arches that are perfect for photo opportunities.
Beyond the dance floor
The ballroom isn't just a backdrop for photos and dancing. Throughout the show, six hosts keep the celebration going with a series of activities designed to get guests out of their seats and into the action.
Four of the hosts take on the roles of representatives from each of the Hogwarts houses, while two others step into the shoes of professors. Together, they lead guests through a variety of games and activities.
One of the highlights is the Champions Waltz, where the hosts teach guests choreography inspired by the iconic Yule Ball scene. There’s also a trivia quiz for those who want to show off their Harry Potter knowledge as well as a wizard duel where two players turn away from each other, walk a few steps, then turn around and call out their chosen spell to determine the winner.
For those who come dressed for the occasion, the fashion parade allows you to show off your outfits as the ballroom transforms into a runway of robes, dresses, and magical looks.
Things get louder during the house dance-off, where Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin each have their own cheers and try to outdo the other.
With the hosts constantly finding new ways to involve the crowd, there’s rarely a quiet moment in the ballroom, leaving you no choice but to let your inner Potterhead take over.
Tickets to the Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration can be purchased through TicketWorld’s website or at the Solaire Box Office. Prices for adults are at P2,750, while children aged seven to 10 years old get a discounted rate of P1,500. Tickets for senior citizens and persons with disabilities are meanwhile priced at P2,200.
Though not mandatory, guests are encouraged to dress up for the occasion, whether that means robes, house colors, magical accessories, or your best wizarding-inspired look.