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What to Expect at Yule Ball
The O.W.L.S. Yule Ball is an annual fan-made event at Universal Studios Hollywood. Whether you're into cosplay, fashionable bounds, or vintage glamour, the Yule Ball is your time to shine. We invite all O.W.L.S. to meet us on the patio of the Three Broomsticks in your most festive finery to celebrate the magic of the season.
During our gathering, you can expect to take lots of pictures, make new friends, earn House points, and participate in several activities. Our most popular Yule Ball tradition is the annual White Hippogriff gift exchange. For 2025, we’ll also be hosting a Fashion Photo Scavenger Hunt, a huge prize raffle, and opportunities to earn special O.W.L. pins by wearing themed attire.
The first 24 guests to arrive will receive goody bags, and many O.W.L.S. love to bring shareable treats.
White Hippogriff Gift Exchange
The White Hippogriff is our magical twist on the classic White Elephant gift exchange. Everyone brings a wrapped gift, and through a series of “steals” and swaps, no one knows which treasure they’ll end up taking home.
Gift Guidelines
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Each participant must bring one wrapped gift valued at a minimum of $25.
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Gifts should be fandom-friendly, whimsical, or cozy — something you’d genuinely love to receive.
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Please avoid gag gifts, perishable food, or anything that could make others uncomfortable.
How to Play
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Check In: When you arrive, turn in your wrapped gift to the event hosts. You’ll receive a number token for your turn order.
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Choose a Gift: The first participant selects and unwraps any gift from the pile.
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Next Player’s Choice: Each following participant can either open a new gift or steal an already opened one.
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Stealing Rules:
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A gift can only be stolen up to three times total.
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You cannot immediately steal back a gift that was just taken from you.
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When your gift is stolen, you may choose and open a new one.
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Final Twist: After the last turn, the first player may choose to swap once with any opened gift — a little Hippogriff magic to end the round!
Fashion Photo Scavenger Hunt
Show off your style and your sleuthing skills! The Fashion Photo Scavenger Hunt is a friendly challenge that celebrates the creativity of our community—from cozy winter bounds to full-on magical couture.
How to Play
1) Snap a Photo
Take a picture that includes you and the person wearing each outfit from the hunt list. You can complete them in any order—just have fun meeting fellow O.W.L.S.!
2) Upload Your Pics
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Upload your photos to the event album on Amazon Photos using the QR code provided.
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No sign-up or login is required.
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Be sure to enter your name so you get credit for your submissions.
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You don’t need to find every outfit to earn your button — participation and creativity count most!
3) Check In for Your Reward
Once you’ve uploaded a few photos, check in with JoJo or another volunteer at the event. They’ll review your uploads and hand you your exclusive Hunt Button as a keepsake of your fashion quest.
So grab your camera, strike a pose, and may your fashion sense lead you to victory!
O.W.L.S. Admin
