There’s nothing quite like the glow of twinkling lights, the scent of pine, and a mug of hot cocoa while diving into the world of Hogwarts. Harry Potter may not be a “holiday” series, but its wintry charm and heartwarming moments make it perfect for festive viewing.From cozy dorm rooms to magical adventures that span the wizarding world, these films — some of them, at least — capture the spirit of friendship, wonder, and a little bit of whimsy and mischief along the way. Here are the best Harry Potter films to enjoy over the holidays.1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s StoneCredit: Warner Bros.Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) is the ultimate winter-welcome to Hogwarts. The first film introduces the iconic Christmas feast in the Great Hall, complete with sparkling decorations and the first of many snowy grounds outside the castle.Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) receives his very first presents and experiences the magic of the wizarding world in full, making this the perfect starting point for any festive Potter marathon. It’s no coincidence that this film, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), were helmed by Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) director Chris Columbus!2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsCredit: Warner Bros.Flying cars, horse-drawn carts in the snow, and a Great Hall decorated to its fullest make Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets a winter classic in its own right.Hogwarts is aglow with holiday charm all year, and the warmth of friendship and bravery shines through in the first sequel in the series as Harry, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) face a chilling secret that dwells beneath the castle.Related: ‘Harry Potter’: The Wizarding World’s Santa Claus Explained3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanCredit: Warner Bros.The snow-covered grounds, cozy Gryffindor common room, and the magical presence of Hogsmeade in winter set a distinctly festive tone in Alfonso Cuarón’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004). Plus, with the introduction of the Marauder’s Map and a lot more whimsical magic, this adventure mixes mystery with cozy holiday vibes perfectly.Like The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Prisoner of Azkaban, with its pumpkins and werewolves and shrunken heads, also feels in equal parts a Christmas movie and a Halloween movie.4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1Credit: Warner Bros.We might be pushing our luck a bit with the very brooding installment Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1 (2010), the penultimate chapter in the series directed by David Yates (who would go on to direct Deathly Hallows — Part 2 and all three films in the Fantastic Beasts series). But the scene at Godric’s Hollow where Harry and Hermione reflect at his parents’ grave in the snow while a church choir sings is a poignant moment that captures the bittersweet side of the season.5. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemCredit: Warner Bros.Set in 1920s New York, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) isn’t snowy Hogwarts, but there are some snowy Central Park sequences that evoke Home Alone 2.The film also has its own seasonal charm — festive lights, bustling streets, and the magical chaos of Newt Scamander’s creatures make it a whimsical addition to your holiday lineup — especially for fans who want a broader view of the wizarding world.Whether you’re revisiting Hogwarts for the first time or your hundredth, Harry Potter reminds us why the holidays are more magical with wands, spells, and friendship. So cozy up with a blanket, a Butterbeer, and let the wizarding world lead your Christmas movie binge.Of course, there’s a lot more to the wizarding world than just the films.6. “Hogwarts Legacy”Credit: Portkey GamesWhile it may not be a film, “Hogwarts Legacy” (2023) might be one of the most “Christmassy” wizarding world experiences you can have. Set in the 1800s, the open-world RPG lets players roam Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and the surrounding Scottish Highlands as the seasons change — and winter is where the game truly shines.Snow blankets the castle grounds, the Great Hall is dressed with festive decorations, and Hogsmeade glows with warm lights as villagers wander through the cold. Simply walking through Hogwarts in winter, hearing the crackle of fireplaces and soft music echoing through stone corridors, captures the same cozy feeling that made the early films holiday staples.7. “Christmas at Hogwarts” (Book)Credit: Warner Bros.If you want something quieter and more reflective, “Christmas at Hogwarts” is an ideal seasonal companion. The illustrated book, brought to life by artist Ziyi Gao, pulls together memorable holiday moments from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and presents them with soft, gorgeous storybook artwork.From snowy courtyards and candlelit halls to intimate character moments around the holidays, the book leans fully into the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas at Hogwarts.Harry Potter Walkthrough and Theme Park ExperiencesCredit: UniversalIn addition to the films, the game, and the book, sometimes the most magical holiday experiences come from wandering Hogwarts at your own pace, which is why a visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios or Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter are must-do’s during the holidays.Alternatively, you can always forget everything on this list and simply bury your head in the Harry Potter books themselves.Will you be watching any of these Harry Potter films this Christmas? Let us know in the comments!The post Every ‘Harry Potter’ Christmas Experience Perfect for the Holidays appeared first on Inside the Magic.