The Crystal Ball of 2026- Into the Depths and Up to the Light!
Schedule
Sat, 31 Jan, 2026 at 05:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Granville Inn | Granville, OH
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Почетна поканаDear Honored Guest,
It is with solemn pride and the highest regard that we, the faculty and students of the Durmstrang Institute of Magical Learning, in partnership with the Bulgarian Office of Magical Cooperation, extend to you a formal invitation to the 2026 Crystal Ball. Much like the ship that rises from icy depths to carry our students through dark waters and into the light, so too do we gather in a season where the shadows recede, and renewal begins.
Now in its second year since the revival of the Triwizard Tournament in Paris, the Crystal Ball continues one of the wizarding world’s most treasured traditions. This is a time to honor our shared commitment to unity, diplomacy, and magical fellowship.
Though the true location of Durmstrang remains veiled behind ancient protections, for this singular evening we welcome guests into a space inspired by its majestic halls, which will be a reflection of the proud, elemental traditions and the enduring strength of our magical heritage. Beneath vaulted ceilings aglow with winter starlight, you are invited to don your most enchanting attire and partake in an evening of ritual, revelry, and refined celebration.
We await your presence with great anticipation, and are honored to welcome you to the celebration of the year.
С уважение,
Magistr Veselin Dragomirov
Department Head, Bulgarian Office of Magical Cooperation
in coordination with
Headmistress Yordana Karkaroff
Durmstrang Institute of Magical Learning
You are cordially invited to attend a night of well-mannered frivolity on January 31, 2026.
From the first wand stroke to the last, attendees will enjoy a truly magical evening. The decorations are elaborate and beautiful, the feast is extravagant and mouthwatering, and the dancing is whimsical and enticing. There will be games, contests, prizes, spirited bidding during the auction, snowfall, and magic at every turn.
The pinnacle of the evening is when Goblet of Fire chooses the three champions of 2026, and each will be awarded a handcrafted wand to commemorate the honor.
Location: The Historic Granville Inn located in Granville, Ohio
While the Crystal Ball is billed as a formal event, the evening is whimsical and full of frivolity for those 21 and up.
The Yule Feast is a highlight of the Ball. Prepared by the gourmet chef and house elves of the Granville Inn, the feast will be plated and served. Th Winter Feast consists of a delicious entree, magical sides, salad, rolls, and dessert.
Durmstrang Winter Feast
Salad Course:
Winter Ironwood Greens
frisee / radicchio / walnuts / pickled currants / black-garlic vinaigrette
Entrée Course: Three choices
1. Dragonfire Roast Pork
slow roasted with cherry-blood glaze
Potato Dumplings with caraway brown butter
Black vinegar ember-roasted root vegetables
charred rye loaf / whipped juniper butter and black sea salt
2. Ironbound Pike
roasted pike with ashen lemon & dill sauce
Potato Dumplings with caraway brown butter
Black vinegar ember-roasted root vegetables
charred rye loaf / whipped juniper butter and black sea salt
3. Emberwisp Ash Cabbage Steak
marinated & charred red cabbage / smoked mushroom ragout / toasted barley
Potato Dumplings with caraway brown butter
Black vinegar ember-roasted root vegetables
charred rye loaf / whipped juniper butter and black sea salt
Dessert Course
Krampus Dark Chocolate Torte
cherry compote
After the feast, plan to dance the night away to a selection of Wizard and Muggle music. Put on your dancing shoes and ready your dance cards for a variety of ballroom and pop dances. Past activities consisted of optional group and partner dance lessons.
Games: There will be several games, activities, and prizes of the hands on variety. Bring your knowledge of the wizarding world, and brush up on all facts of our hosting school.
The silent auction: Madame Rosmerta has gathered many treasures from the wizarding world. Bidding will begin as soon as the doors open, and highest bidder wins. A portion of the proceeds will again be donated to the charity, Lumos. Payment of cash, PayPal, or Venmo is acceptable.
Dress: Clothing is creative black tie which can be witch and wizard-inspired from Madame Malkin’s or a muggle shop. This includes full length and ball gowns, tailcoats, tuxedos, bow ties, cravats, capes, cocktail dresses, or dress robes inspired by fantasy. Formal cosplay in the spirt of the magical world is also welcome.
Tickets can be obtained two ways in 2026:
Paypal Is the traditional way in the form of our magical quill recording your name via a paypal friends and family transfer.
New this year: Public Tickets available through EventBrite in late December. This will be through a public link, which is sharable. The prices will include an upcharge to cover fees.
Choose whichever way you prefer to secure your entrance to the Ball!
For the Hp-Ohio PayPal magical quill: Account name: [email protected]
Base all inclusive ticket price:
$87 until December 13 (includes taxes, service fee charge, gratuity for staff).
$90 after December 13
We have two sponsor levels:
Sponsor, Prefect Level is $95. Comes with sweets, and a bottle of our buttery beverage.
Sponsor, Head Student level will be $110. Comes with one of our famous bottles of buttery beverage, sweets, and a unique thank you gift.
To maintain the unique nature of this event only 72 seats are available.
A note about sponsorship: Sponsor levels will be optional. Each year sponsorship is available to freely give if you so desire without expectation.
Please accept your invitation by January 16!
For those not apparating Saturday night, a block of rooms is on hold at the Granville Inn for a discounted rate of $179. Rooms are king or single queen. Adjoining rooms are available.
For reservations: Reservations can be made on the Granville website. In the "Book A Room" drop down box. The code to access the block and the lower rate will be sent in a confirmation email after ticket purchase. Rooms by phone call to the front desk.
To purchase entry for the Crystal Ball:
1. "Tickets" are done though Paypal.com. All names and email addresses must be recorded by the hp-ohio magical quill for entry as there are no physical tickets.
2. Send payment via "Send Money to Family or Friends" to [email protected]
If your payment is submitted incorrectly as goods and services, it will have to be refunded, and will need to be resubmitted correctly.
3. Go to the Note Section. When you purchase your ticket, please write:
A. Your full name and the full name of all those attending if purchasing more than one ticket. You may also indicate the name you wish to use for the event if different than your I.D. or PayPal handle.
B. Meal option preference.
Choose from 3 entrees from the Durmstrang Winter feast -Option1: Dragonfire Roast Pork. Option 2: Ironbound Pike, or Option 3: Emberwisp Ash Cabbage
If needed, vegan (dairy and egg free) and gluten free options are available as a plated meal by request. A plated option is also available for most allergies but must be requested with purchase. You will be contacted with options if the Inn cannot accommodate the request. As with all severe allergies, we recommend speaking to the Granville staff prior to arrival and at the venue before partaking.
C. If there is a guest/partner/friend you would like to be seated at your table. If the other party is purchasing separately, they must also note mutual seating preference.
D. Your Email address
A confirmation email of purchase will be sent to the email address you have on file (or listed) within 72 hours. If after 72 hours you have not received an email, please make a post on the FB event page and allow at least 24 hours for a response. There are no physical tickets. Your ID is what will allow you to step through the age line and pass through into the event center.
Remember: Tickets are not available at the door.
Tickets must be purchased by January 16, 2026 or until the event sells out.
Must be at least 21 to attend and to consume spirits.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if there are any issues or questions.
**Detailed Instructions for PayPal transfer:
To purchase entry for the Crystal Ball:
1. Visit Paypal.com Account name: [email protected]
2. Log in, click Send Money.
If you are not a member: click Transfer, then send someone money.
3. Enter the HP-Ohio email: [email protected] (non Paypal members will also need to enter their email address).
4. Enter the amount for the event
5. Paypal Members will then need to click “Send Money to Family or Friends” (This option is defaulted for non Paypal members) If you are transferring money from a Paypal or bank account there is no fee. If you are transferring money from a debit or credit card there is a small fee you will pay.
If your payment is submitted incorrectly as goods and services, it will have to be refunded, and will need to be resubmitted correctly.
6. Go to the Note Section. When you purchase your ticket, please write:
A. Your full name and the full name of all those attending if purchasing more than one ticket. You may also indicate the name you wish to use for the event if different than your I.D. or PayPal handle. All names must be recorded by the hp-ohio magical quill for entry as there are no physical tickets.
B. If there is a guest/partner/friend you would like to be seated at your table. If the other party is purchasing separately, they must also note mutual seating preference.
C. Meal option preference.
Choose from 3 entrees from the Durmstrang Winter feast -Option1: Dragonfire Roast Pork. Option 2: Ironbound Pike, or Option 3: Emberwisp Ash Cabbage Steak
If needed, vegan (dairy and egg free) and gluten free options are available as a plated meal by request. A plated option is also available for most allergies but must be requested with purchase. You will be contacted with options if the Inn cannot accommodate the request. As with all severe allergies, we recommend speaking to the Granville staff prior to arrival and at the venue before partaking.
7. Review payment and check your name and email are correct in the message box.
8. Complete Payment.
9 (and 3/4). A confirmation email of purchase will be sent to the email address you have on file (or listed) within 72 hours. If after 72 hours you have not received an email, please make a post on the FB event page and allow at least 24 hours for a response. There are no physical tickets. Your ID is what will allow you to step through the age line and pass through into the event center.
This event is produced by fans for fans. As with any hp-ohio event, the Crystal Ball is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Warner Brothers, or any other person or entity who holds copyright claims to the Harry Potter books or films.
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Where is it happening?
Granville Inn, 314 E Broadway, Granville, OH 43023-1308, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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