A Magical Chest Filled With 26 Harry Potter Memes to Take With You on the Hogwarts Express

Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor

Jan 2, 2026 10:00 AM EST

Happy New Year, Potterheads, and welcome to 2026!

In honor of the new year, here is a Harry Potter fact that you may not have known, which is highly relevant to 2026: Did you know that Voldemort, or Tom Riddle, was born on December 31, 1926?

If you do the super easy math, you will realize that dear Voldemort's birthday was just a few days ago, and that he would have turned 99. So if you think about it, if Voldemort weren't so obsessed with living forever, and didn't create the seven Horcruxes, 2026 would have been the year that the Dark Lord would have turned 100. And we're sure that if he had, he wouldn't have looked a day over 80.

Instead, Voldemort went on a dark path to try and become the most powerful wizard in the world, and ended up living only until the age of 71. Dumbledore, on the other hand, lived until he was 115 (or 116, it was debatable), which meant that he beat Voldemort in the old-age competition. In 2026, Harry Potter and his best friends will all turn 46, and we are sure they are all living their best middle-aged lives. Their kids are probably having the time of their lives in Hogwarts, while Harry, Ron, and Hermione are all working in the Ministry of Magic and providing for their families.

2026 also brings us one year closer to 2027, which is the year the new Harry Potter series on HBO is supposed to grace our screens. We couldn't be more thrilled to get a brand new Harry Potter series, and we're excited to see how the show will compare to the books and the beloved films.

What are your expectations for the new year? Do you have New Year's resolutions, and do they include the magical series in any way, shape, or form?

While you consider your answers, scroll down to enjoy this week's collection of Harry Potter memes that are sure to bring some enchanting vibes to your new year. After that, maybe go for a visit to Hogsmeade to toast to 2026!