Harry Potter Shop Chicago rings in holiday season with hot Butterbeer, sock drive and other treats for Wizarding World fans

Hot Butterbeer, limited-edition confectionery treats and merch, a snow globe photo wall, and a holiday tree scavenger hunt are among the magical treats in store for young witches, wizards and muggles at the Harry Potter Shop Chicago.

The Chicago region’s only Wizarding World store, which opened in April, debuted its hot Butterbeer brew for the holidays Thursday. Guests who purchase the festive treat, featuring Chocolate Frogs and Butterbeer Cookie Crumble, now through Nov. 19 will receive free toppings. The drink will be available for purchase throughout the holiday season, employees said.

Customers lined up to sample the drink, which some likened to a warm hug on a cold winter’s day. It typically is made from a mixture of cream soda, butterscotch syrup, and heavy whipping cream.

“It was good … tastes like a Puerto Rican drink … coquito,” said Erica Martinez of Chicago.

Coquito — sometimes referred to as Puerto Rican eggnog — is made with cream of coconut, a combination of sweetened condensed, evaporated and coconut milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon and nutmeg, and “deliciousness,” Martinez added.

Aside from the hot Butterbeer, the store’s holiday menu includes macarons representing Hogwarts houses, Butterbeer popcorn, and other confectionery items highlighting elements of the “Harry Potter” book series.

Decked with holiday decor inside, the downtown store at 676 Michigan Ave. features a Christmas tree trail with hidden letters spelling out “Hogwarts,” offering guests who find them a prize at the end.

A holiday sock drive, inspired by the series’ house-elf character Dobby, runs through Dec. 24 to benefit the nonprofit Cradles to Crayons.

“We will have some holiday deals throughout the season, as well,” said Adam Riley, store general manager. “We’re definitely trying to create that buzz that we still have, even from when we first opened. And we’re really looking to bring some of this holiday magic to Michigan Avenue.”