Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience Returns to New York

The Forbidden Forest is officially reopening its gates just in time for the Halloween season. The immersive outdoor attraction inspired by the beloved wizarding franchise is making its highly anticipated return to New York for the first time in four years. Transforming a sprawling stretch of woodland into a magical nighttime adventure, the experience promises to captivate fans of all ages with its enchanting atmosphere and faithful recreations of iconic cinematic moments.

The experience officially opens on October 16 at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Westchester County, located about an hour north of Manhattan. Tickets are currently available for purchase through the ticketing platform Fever. This family-friendly event invites visitors to wander through a heavily illuminated forest inspired by both 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 winding path.

This year's iteration promises a significantly expanded experience compared to previous regional runs. The trail features more than 4,000 lights illuminating the dark woods, alongside over 20 life-sized magical creatures scattered throughout the property. Attendees can test their skills at six interactive spell-casting moments and view more than 15 recreated scenes from the films. Visitors can come face-to-face with iconic creatures such as Hippogriffs, unicorns, and mischievous Nifflers, conjure their own personal Patronus, and explore the forest through a newly designed, immersive storyline.

First launched in 2021 at Arley Hall and Gardens in Cheshire, England, the attraction was meticulously developed by Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment in collaboration with experiential entertainment companies Thinkwell and Unify, alongside ticketing partner Fever. Following its successful U.K. debut, the experience expanded rapidly to the United States in 2022, including an initial run at the exact same Westchester park and another installation in Leesburg, Virginia. The production has since traveled extensively around the globe, mounting successful stops in Belgium, France, Australia, and Singapore.

The attraction first arrived in New York in October 2022, when FDR State Park served as one of its earliest and most successful U.S. destinations. This upcoming return marks the very first time the experience has appeared in the region since that inaugural run four years ago. In addition to the illuminated trail, visitors can stop for themed food and drinks, including various wizarding-world-inspired treats, and browse an on-site merchandise shop stocked exclusively with Harry Potter collectibles, apparel, and souvenirs.