Across Anaheim, California, attractions and visitor experiences are preparing to give the ultimate fright this Halloween. International visitors can once again explore local ‘haunts’, be spooked at Halloween events and get a scare at a number of theme parks as scream-worthy attractions are heightened this season. For those heading stateside this month, or to plan ahead for next Halloween, check out these top seven scares in and around Anaheim:
Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort: As part of their multi-day entry ticket to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, visitors this month will be able to access free experiences across the park during “Halloween Time at Disneyland”. Jack Skellington has decked the haunted halls of the Haunted Mansion with ghoul-tide surprises inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas; Mickey Mouse and other favourite Disney characters will be dressed to pose for photos in their Halloween attire; villainous visions and spooky tunes will accompany Halloween Screams fireworks as the parks gets dark; and hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins will take over Main Street, U.S.A.
Book ahead for Disney California Adventure Park’s Oogie Boogie Bash. This special ticketed event series occurs on over 20 nights across September and October and closes the park early for Trick or Treat trails, a special edition of World of Color (the park’s night-time spectacular), and villain trails. This event is so popular, it’s already sold out for 2022, so any travellers keen to experience the spooky spectacular in future years will need to book early. Tickets generally go on sale around June.
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort/
Knott’s Scary Farm: California’s oldest Theme Park, Knott’s Berry Farm, transforms into Knott’s Scary Farm during the spooky season – Southern California’s most iconic haunt. More than 1,000 scary creatures lurk in the fog around the park, with special attractions including a terrifying maze, Carnaval Du Grotesque and other shows, and dark rides for visitors over the age of 13. For younger children, Knott’s Spooky Farm on weekends leading up to Halloween is included with park admission. Suitable for ages 3-11, the family can enjoy Trick or Treating, new Halloween themed shows, cookie decorating in a pumpkin patch and creepy critters at Spook Farm. Knott’s Berry Farm is located a 10-minute drive from Disneyland Resort. https://www.knotts.com/events/scary-farm
Great Wolf Lodge Howl-O-Ween: During the entire month of October, this water park resort offers guests a series of fab-BOO-lous events, from BOO Bingo to a Howl-O-Ween costume contest and Monster Bash Dance Party, there’s frightful fun for the whole family.
https://www.greatwolf.com/howl-o-ween
The Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade: Returning to Downtown Anaheim on Saturday 29 October after adopting a virtual presence during the Pandemic, family fun awaits in the form of costume contests and live variety shows, with the Halloween Parade as the cornerstone event. Anaheim’s long-running Halloween festival and parade has been on the events calendar for almost 100 years.
https://www.anaheimfallfestival.org/
Halloween Carnival at STC GardenWalk: Explore a carnival filled with spooky fun, including more than 50 vendors and food stalls; get a photo in the pumpkin patch and enjoy entertainment from the Boo Belles and more every weekend in October at Anaheim’s celebrated outdoor entertainment destination, the GardenWalk. Admission is free with advance registration required online.
https://anaheimgardenwalk.com/event/Halloween-Carnival/
Universal Halloween Horror Nights: Further afield, with easy transfers available from Anaheim though Karmel Shuttle, Universal Studios Hollywood goes full on horror with Universal Halloween Horror Nights. Taking place on select nights until 31 October, horror fans can navigate through 8 haunted houses, board the Terror Tram and relive scary moments from some of Universal’s ultimate Horror titles, including coming face-to-face with Michael Myers in the 1978 Halloween, Wolf Man and Dracula.
https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/hhn/en/us
For more information about Anaheim at Halloween, see www.visitanaheim.org.
