December 09, 2024
After magicking myself to Austin’s Diagon Alley in October to enjoy its over-the-top Harry Potter Halloween display, I returned last weekend to see it in Yule Ball mode. The owners of this Circle C neighborhood home have conjured up a wintry Harry Potter landscape complete with “snow,” Hogwarts castle and other buildings, Christmas trees, a glowing patronus and hippogriff, and the Hogwarts Express. It’s a remarkable creation by owner Joel Pace, free for anyone who wants to come see it.
Last Saturday, during a chilly drizzle, I made a return visit. I couldn’t miss the Christmas transformation, nor the last chance to see Diagon Alley. Yes, that’s right — the last chance. The family has announced that this is the final year for their Harry Potter display.
Here’s what they shared on their Facebook page:
“Everything has a beginning and an end. After years of putting our hearts into this display, we have made the bittersweet decision to put down our wands, and move on to our next adventure. We have thoroughly enjoyed sharing the holidays with all our friends, family, neighbors and our community—both here in Austin, and those who follow our journey online every year. Thank you for sharing your holidays with our family, and for your support over the years. We will wrap up this season knowing that, with the help of your generous donations, we really have done some good for kids in our community. And more than ever, it would mean the world to us if you would consider donating this final year (Venmo: @DiagonalleyAtx).
Thank you all for bringing so much magic into OUR lives with your kind words and encouragement. It’s meant the world to us. In the end, we just built a creative project. The real magic is what we created together. We created friendships. We created community. We fostered kindness & generosity. Our family will look back on this time and smile.”
What a gift they’ve given Austin since they started making magic in 2017!
If you’re inclined to thank them for their creativity and generosity, they accept donations via Venmo for their favorite charities:
“We do not keep any portion of your donation for materials or expenses related to the project. All money collected will be split between Foster Angels of Central Texas, Variety Texas, and ZACH Theatre. All have been serving local children in our community & are worthy of our support. Please consider donating. You can Venmo: @DiagonAlleyAtx.”
If you’re in the area, don’t miss Diagon Alley’s final appearance.
Thank you, Diagon Alley ATX, for bringing holiday cheer into our muggle lives!
Diagon Alley will be up through January 1st. You can find it in the Circle C neighborhood, in the Vintage Place section, near the cross streets of Slaughter Lane and Bungalow Lane. Turn in on Bungalow Lane, and you’ll see the lights of Diagon Alley directly across a green space. If you’re able, park away from the house so as not to spoil the display with your car headlights, and walk over to enjoy all the details. According to their Facebook page, “Light show times will be announced in December but typically start at dusk and shows start every half hour until 8:00pm on weekdays and end around 9:00 pm. on Sat & Sunday.”
For a look back at Diagon Alley in Halloween mode, click here for my first visit.
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