Life-size Diagon Alley built in Seattle dad's driveway gets magical holiday touch

A Seattle-area father who converted his driveway into Harry Potter's Diagon Alley is taking it to the next level to truly encapsulate the wizarding world during the holiday.

Jonathan Chambers, who GeekWire reports is a Seattle tech veteran with time on his hands after stepping away from a recent job, started the project in the fall.

After lots of trips to Lowes and patience with the 3-D printer, the re-creation of the cobblestoned shopping alley was completed just in time for Halloween.

The stunning interpretation of the books and movies was a wicked hit. His children love it. Thousands of people visited. His photos and videos of the recreation went viral.

So why take it down?

Chambers recently added Gringotts Bank and Leaky Cauldron playhouses – and and, in theme with the holiday season, he's set up an event to bring a Dumbledore Santa to town this weekend.

When guests arrive, they find fake snow dusting the magical alley. Professor McGonagall, Hagrid and Hermione will also make an appearance.

As Chambers’ event aims to enthrall Harry Potter enthusiasts, this weekend’s effort is to raise money for PurpleStrides and Pancreatic Cancer Research. He's already submitted $8,400 in donations.

Cox Media Group