On the evening of Saturday, December 4, 2021 the Mission Viejo Library put on an amazing family friendly event called “The Magical Yule Ball.” The invitation was geared towards families inviting all “wizards and witches…for a delightful evening of crafts, live music, and refreshments.” This event was based on Harry Potter, so I had to check it out!

The event did not disappoint! It started when you checked in and got to pick a house for your group from the sorting hat. My group got Griffindor.  Many of the attendees were dressed up as a wizard or wore festive holiday attire.

As you moved through the stations at the event you were given a ticket after your participation in a craft,  that you would bring to a special table and deposit in your House’s jar to help your House win points.

There were crafts where you could make your very own wand out of sticks and crystals, craft a broomstick from a pencil, paper and string, and a prophecy orb to hang on your holiday tree.

After making all of these great things, our group was hungry so we headed over to the snack tables where we found Hagrid’s Rock Cakes (Nature Valley Granola Bars), Cloud Cakes (Rice Crispy Bars), Edible Flue Powder (Pop Rocks Candy), Licorice Wands (Twizzlers), Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans (Jelly Belly Beans), and Golden Snitches made from Ferrero Rocher candies with little paper wings stuck to them. Of course, there were also bottles of Felix Felici’s Liquid Luck (apple juice) to quench your thirst!

The live string quartet was great and even included a harpist.  They played a variety of instrumentals including lots of holiday favorites.

We are lucky to live in a city that does so much to bring our community together. I highly suggest you check out other events put on in the future by the Mission Viejo Library and other city groups because you will not be disappointed!

Oh, you ask which House won?  Perhaps you should check out this event next year and find out for yourself! 

-Brandon G.