The lead of the world-famous Harry Potter: The Exhibition, Eddie Newquist, EVP and Chief Creative Officer, GES Events, recently spoke to SnitchSeeker about the upcoming Christmas in the Wizarding World exhibit, including the first announced venue in Utah. Newquist noted that an international locale will be announced soon, as well as more places in the U.S. and worldwide hosting the pop-up.

For more information about Christmas in the Wizarding World, which will debut at The Shops at South Town in Sandy, Utah starting November 8, 2017, head here.

SnitchSeeker: Are these exhibits similar to the pop-up shop featured each year in Orlando at A Celebration of Harry Potter?
Eddie Newquist, EVP and Chief Creative Officer, GES Events: This is an all-new, first-of-its-kind shopping experience for fans that will feature a specially curated selection of Wizarding World merchandise, which will be on display and available for purchase in a holiday-themed setting sure to dazzle families of all ages.

SnitchSeeker: How many venues do you plan to have, and will they be located in indoor as well as outdoor malls?
Newquist: Christmas in the Wizarding World is designed for indoor shopping centers, and we look forward to announcing future shopping center partners and venues soon. We plan to present Christmas in the Wizarding in Sandy, Utah and an international location that’ll be announced in the future.

SnitchSeeker: Will there be new merchandise revealed at the exhibits? For both Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts?
Newquist: Yes, Christmas in the Wizarding World will feature many fan-favorite items from J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World including character wands, house scarves, and signature confections, as well as roll out a line of new holiday décor items, which will be unveiled at this unique holiday-themed retail experience.

SnitchSeeker: In which major U.S. cities can expect to find the exhibits? Will there any be outside the U.S.? How were the venues chosen? Why was Utah the first one to be announced?
Newquist: At this time, the Shops at South Town in Sandy, Utah will be the only US city to host Christmas in the Wizarding World, but we will be announcing an international location for 2017 soon. As a world-renowned franchise, Harry Potter’s appeal is global, but we try to select markets with a high percentage of both fans and families, so as many people as possible can experience this unique holiday-themed offering.

SnitchSeeker: Are all the venues going to open and run for the same time as the one in Utah?
Newquist: All venues will be open during the Christmas holidays but openings and closings will be staggered depending on the market.

SnitchSeeker: How long will the exhibits be up?
Newquist: Christmas in the Wizarding World is expected to be open through the holidays, with a stay of about three months.

SnitchSeeker: Why did you decide to offer these exhibits at this time?
Newquist: Our touring exhibition – Harry Potter: The Exhibition – has been so well received by fans and such a fun journey for GES. Christmas in The Wizarding World allows us to expand our reach and offer an all-new touchpoint for fans of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.

SnitchSeeker: Will there be a big media event for the unveiling?
Newquist: The Shops at South Town will be throwing a grand opening event in early November, to welcome fans, families, and shoppers to this unique Harry Potter-themed holiday experience.