A San Jose Home Transformed into a Magical Harry Potter World for Halloween
Every year, the Petersons transform their yard into a magical world, and this year's theme was inspired by J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter series. The Victorian home, usually a quiet neighborhood street, became an enchanting haven for hundreds of visitors from across the Bay Area. With an average of 500 people per night over 12 nights, the timed entry system ensured a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Britta Peterson, dressed as Professor McGonagall, welcomed guests with a warm smile, while her husband Glen kept watch as "Hagrid." The couple's love for creating and entertaining shone through in every detail of their decorations. From Hogwarts houses to magical creatures, the yard was a veritable wonderland for kids and adults alike.
The theme raised funds for the nonprofit Give Kids The World Village, which provides free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses. This year, the Petersons exceeded their fundraising goal of $25,000, demonstrating the impact that community events like this can have on those in need.
As visitors arrived, they were greeted by San Jose Fire Department personnel handing out glowsticks to ensure public safety. Captain Ben Naranjo explained that accidents tend to double during Halloween due to the influx of visitors and stressed the importance of fire safety measures.
For many attendees, like Leo Fedorov and Sabina Nasibullina from Mountain View, the experience was transformative. The couple found solace in embracing their inner child and rediscovering the joy of trick-or-treating, even if only for a few hours.
As the night drew to a close, the Petersons basked in the satisfaction of having created a magical world that brought happiness to so many people. Their passion for entertaining and giving back to the community had once again paid off, making their Victorian home a beacon of magic on San Jose's streets during Halloween.
Every year, the Petersons transform their yard into a magical world, and this year's theme was inspired by J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter series. The Victorian home, usually a quiet neighborhood street, became an enchanting haven for hundreds of visitors from across the Bay Area. With an average of 500 people per night over 12 nights, the timed entry system ensured a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Britta Peterson, dressed as Professor McGonagall, welcomed guests with a warm smile, while her husband Glen kept watch as "Hagrid." The couple's love for creating and entertaining shone through in every detail of their decorations. From Hogwarts houses to magical creatures, the yard was a veritable wonderland for kids and adults alike.
The theme raised funds for the nonprofit Give Kids The World Village, which provides free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses. This year, the Petersons exceeded their fundraising goal of $25,000, demonstrating the impact that community events like this can have on those in need.
As visitors arrived, they were greeted by San Jose Fire Department personnel handing out glowsticks to ensure public safety. Captain Ben Naranjo explained that accidents tend to double during Halloween due to the influx of visitors and stressed the importance of fire safety measures.
For many attendees, like Leo Fedorov and Sabina Nasibullina from Mountain View, the experience was transformative. The couple found solace in embracing their inner child and rediscovering the joy of trick-or-treating, even if only for a few hours.
As the night drew to a close, the Petersons basked in the satisfaction of having created a magical world that brought happiness to so many people. Their passion for entertaining and giving back to the community had once again paid off, making their Victorian home a beacon of magic on San Jose's streets during Halloween.
! It's amazing how one family can turn their yard into an entire magical world for just one night 
. And the best part is, they're supporting a great cause by raising money for Give Kids The World Village 
. I'm sure it was so cool to experience as a kid and now adults like Leo & Sabina got to relive that magic even if it's just for a few hours 
. The attention to detail in the decorations is also insane 
, I mean, who wouldn't want to see Hogwarts houses and magical creatures come alive? 
The Petersons really outdid themselves this year, transforming their yard into an actual magical Harry Potter world. I mean, 500 people per night is crazy! But it's great to see they implemented timed entry to keep everyone safe. It's awesome that the theme raised so much money for Give Kids The World Village - it's amazing what community events can do. I'm not surprised many attendees felt like kids again, there's something special about Halloween. 
. But what I love even more is that it raised so much money for Give Kids The World Village 
. It's wonderful to see how this community event can make a real difference in people's lives. And kudos to the San Jose Fire Department for keeping everyone safe with those glowsticks 
!
and what really gets my goat is they're making bank off the back of a charity event but i guess its not all bad that some kids got to experience some childhood magic for a few hours 
the petersons really outdid themselves this year... creating an entire harry potter world in their backyard is so cool! 
i love that they raised a ton of cash for give kids the world village too, it's such a great cause. 
and can you imagine walking into a neighborhood where everyone's just super friendly & welcoming? 