Magic holidays: Changi Airport turns into Harry Potter site
Staff Writer |
A Wizarding World Holiday arrives at Changi Airport this festive season, delighting visitors and fans with a magical atmosphere.
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From 16 November 2018 to mid-February 2019, visitors at Changi Airport can embark on a journey inspired by J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts stories and films seriesas they experience the airport's annual festive campaign.
A first-of-its-kind collaboration with Warner Bros. in Singapore, fans will have the chance to explore a magnificent recreation of Hogsmeade Village, dress up as a wizard, learn how to cast a spell, and practice their Quidditch skills at A Wizarding World Holiday at Changi.
Four captivating, life-sized setups are spread across Changi Airport's three terminals, all inspired by some of the most iconic locations seen in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films such as Hogsmeade Village, Diagon Alley, the Whomping Willow found on the grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Newt Scamander's Menagerie as seen in the new film, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, which just opened in theatres.
Step into a wintry Hogsmeade Village at Terminal 3 (T3)
Inspired by the original Hogsmeade Village in the Harry Potter series, this breath-taking large-scale setup at T3's Departure Hall depicts the picturesque town with snowy rooftops set against the backdrop of the grand Hogwarts castle seen in the distance.
Look out for replicas of the town's most well-known shops like Zonko's Joke Shop, Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, Owl Post and sweet shop Honeydukes. Fans can get up close with a recreation of the iconic Hogwarts Express or take pictures of themselves as one of the many magical folks that frequent Hogsmeade.
To get everyone in the mood for the festive season, daily snow and light shows will be delighting airport visitors at this event area.
Magic and wizardry awaits at Diagon Alley at T3
Also situated in T3 is an enchanting interpretation of the famous Diagon Alley, where Hogwarts students purchase essential school supplies like school uniforms and wands in the films.
Take a stroll down this famed street and admire the exquisite shop facades including Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions, joke shop Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, and Quality Quidditch Supplies.
Visitors can dress up as their favourite wizard through the range of Hogwarts school uniforms and dress robes found at a Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions-inspired shop and capture a GIF photo in front of a magical mirror.
Next, learn some spell-casting skills at the Wand Challenge. Simply wave a wand to see how many correct spells can be cast.
Those who want to practice their Quidditch skills can try their hand at the Quaffle Toss - ride on a broomstick and throw Quaffle balls into a series of hoops to score points.
At another activity station, visitors can play with an adorable giant Niffler that promises not to snatch the shiny coins that players will take turns stacking until it topples.
Be awed by the fantastic and the magical
Fans can look forward to the Whomping Willow, an extremely rare replica of the magical tree set up at Terminal 2 Departure Hall. Reminder - bring along that selfie stick if you want to catch a photo with the flying car wedged in the tree!
Be treated to more rare sights at Newt Scamander's Menagerie located at Terminal 1 Transit Hall,where fans can catch more Instagram moments with a selection of magical creatures in the Fantastic Beasts series. Clue - follow the shiny objects to spot the creatures!
Find and collect exclusive Harry Potter premiums
Get hold of your favourite premiums from a range of official Harry Potter merchandise available exclusively at Changi Airport. These include plush toys in four different designs - Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Hedwig. ■