5 things to know before seeing The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle

The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle show is back at Universal Studios Hollywood! Here are 5 must-know things to make your show experience extra magical.

Get ready show off your Hogwarts house pride, because The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle show has returned to Universal Studios Hollywood. As the most popular night attraction at the park, the areas surrounding Hogwarts Castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter get very crowded leading up to the first light show. It’s easy to get a prime viewing spot without too much hassle, and here are a few tips you might not know about how to have the best experience:

5 Tips for The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle

1 – Stay to the right side of The Owl Post

As you’re entering the Wizarding World area, you’ll be directed to fork right at The Owl Post. Even though you might be excited and think it could be best to stay straight, you should listen to the employees and stay to the right. You’ll walk through the alley behind shops and come out right by the TriWizard Stage and the larger gathering area where you can watch the light show. Staff will rope-off the right side of the walkway leading to Hogwarts Castle, so you want to make sure you stay to the right side and that you don’t end up on the left side of the rope (where you won’t be able to stop walking).

At the end of the show, staff will try to direct you out through the back entrance ( the archway to the right of Wisacre’s Wizarding Emporium). Listen to them (especially if it’s crowded). It will be easier to exit through the archway than trying to walk against the traffic of people lining up for the next show.

2 – Longer waiting times for Flight of the Hippogriff

I love the Flight of the Hippogriff coaster, even though I wish is was three-times as long of a ride, but we recommend that you don’t wait in line for the ride once the first light show has started. During each 6-minute show (about 4 times per night), the ride will stop operating. The coaster will start back up again in between shows, but you’ll be waiting in line for a longer period of time overall. We agree with the decision to stop the ride during the show so that the coaster’s noise doesn’t disrupt the music and narrator, but be wary before getting in line to ride Buckbeak.

3 – How to get the best view of the full show

Think of Hogwarts Castle as a giant movie screen. You don’t need to be in the front to have the best view. In fact, if you’re too close to the castle, you won’t be able to see the additional lights in the trees on both sides of the street. As long as you can see the castle, you’ll be able to see the show, but keep in mind that some of the effects also happen on the left side wall and not just on the center towers.

4 – Check the schedule and have patience

There are multiple shows each night and the last show is just as special as the first. Always check the show schedule (in the Universal Studios Hollywood app!) and listen to announcements in the park to make sure you know what times the shows will be. Go to the last, or second-to-last show for the best view and experience.

Photo credit: Universal Studios Hollywood, acquired from Universal Studios Press Site /

5 – Do ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

During the day, the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride in Hogwarts Castle can have waits over 60 minutes, but when we were waiting for the first light show that same night, the wait time for the ride was just 5 minutes. Because the crowd of people waiting for the light show is roped off on the right-hand side, it’s very easy to walk up the left-hand side and head straight for the ride!

Next: Jurassic Park fans celebrate the film's 25th anniversary

Visit Universal Studios Hollywood to learn more about ticketing and other attractions in the park!

Home/Entertainment

5 things to know before seeing The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle show

By Marissa Messiano | Jun 28, 2018