Bloomsbury Children’s Books has announced the upcoming release of Christmas at Hogwarts, a beautifully illustrated gift book celebrating the magical holiday season in the world of Harry Potter. Scheduled for publication on October 15th, 2024, this tome promises to enchant readers of all ages with its evocative artwork and heartwarming narrative.
Drawing inspiration from J.K. Rowling’s iconic novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Christmas at Hogwarts transports readers to the enchanting realm of wizardry and wonder. Through the skillful brushstrokes of illustrator Ziyi Gao, the book captures the essence of Harry’s first Christmas at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where snow-covered landscapes and twinkling decorations set the stage for a magical holiday celebration. The book will include text drawn from J.K. Rowling’s first novel.
Mandy Archer, Head of Harry Potter Publishing, expressed her excitement for the project, describing Christmas at Hogwarts as a testament to the enduring appeal of Rowling’s beloved series. Archer emphasized the book’s potential to become a cherished tradition for families, offering a glimpse into the festive enchantment of the wizarding world. For Ziyi Gao, a passionate illustrator whose journey from Beijing to New York City culminated in a degree from the School of Visual Arts, contributing to the Harry Potter universe is a dream come true: “Like countless children worldwide, I grew up immersed in the pages of Harry Potter, believing that my magical dream could one day become reality. Though the owl delivering my acceptance letter to Hogwarts missed me, I consider myself immensely fortunate to have become one of the illustrators for this beloved series of books, contributing to the construction of its world with my own vision. In this book, I have woven together elements from the enchanting wizarding world and traditional Christmas festivities. I wish to bring an immersive visual experience for every child and adult longing to spend a happy Christmas alongside Harry and his friends at Hogwarts.”
The publication of Christmas at Hogwarts will be accompanied by an extensive international campaign, featuring captivating advertisements, engaging social media initiatives, and festive events designed to delight fans around the globe. It will be published by Scholastic in the United State of America. Ellie Berger, President of Scholastic Trade, said “For over twenty-five years, Harry Potter has ignited a generation to love reading. With Christmas at Hogwarts, we’re thrilled to publish a timeless picture book for families to read-aloud together and enjoy alongside the original Harry Potter series. It’s a festive celebration of friendship, family, and sharing the joys of the season, and we hope it will inspire a new holiday reading tradition for many years to come.”
In the United States, the book will be priced at $19.99, while the Bloomsbury edition in the United Kingdom will retail for £16.99. This hardcover edition comes complete with a dust jacket and spans 48 pages.