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The Forbidden Forest is reopening its gates just in time for Halloween.
“Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience,” the immersive outdoor attraction inspired by the beloved wizarding franchise, is returning to New York for the first time in four years, transforming a sprawling stretch of woodland into a magical nighttime adventure. The experience opens Oct. 16 at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Westchester County, about an hour north of Manhattan, with tickets available now through Fever.
The family-friendly experience invites visitors to wander through an illuminated forest inspired by the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films, encountering life-sized magical creatures, interactive spell-casting stations and recreations of some of the franchise’s most memorable scenes along the way.
This year’s iteration promises an expanded experience, with more than 4,000 lights illuminating the trail, over 20 life-sized magical creatures, six interactive spell-casting moments and more than 15 recreated scenes from the films. Visitors can come face-to-face with Hippogriffs, unicorns and mischievous Nifflers, conjure their own Patronus and explore the forest through a newly designed storyline.
First launched in 2021 at Arley Hall & Gardens in Cheshire, England, the attraction was developed by Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment in collaboration with experiential entertainment companies Thinkwell and Unify and ticketing platform Fever. Following its U.K. debut, the experience expanded to the U.S. in 2022, including a run at the same Westchester park and another installation in Leesburg, Va. The production has since traveled internationally, with stops in Belgium, France, Australia and Singapore.
The attraction first arrived in New York in October 2022, when FDR State Park became one of its earliest U.S. destinations. Its return marks the first time the experience has appeared in the region since that inaugural run.
Visitors can also stop for themed food and drinks, including wizarding-world-inspired treats, and browse an on-site merchandise shop stocked with “Harry Potter” collectibles and souvenirs.
“Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience” opens Oct. 16 and is scheduled to run through Nov. 29 at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. Tickets start at $35.90 for adults and $28.90 for children, with prices varying by date and availability. The attraction is open to visitors of all ages.
Get tickets to “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience” here.