As autumn's crisp air arrives, Anaheim and Orange County embrace the spooky Halloween spirit. Beyond the typical trick-or-treating, discover unique thrills, chills, and family-friendly fun at these local events. Here’s our ultimate guide to celebrating spooky season all month long.
Screams and Spooks at the Theme Parks
It goes without saying that the theme parks in and around Anaheim go all out for Halloween. Expect all your favorite Disney villains, show-stopping decorations, and more pumpkins than you can count.
Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort
At Disneyland® Park and Disney® California Adventure Park, Halloween fun runs from August 22nd through October 31st. Enjoy themed rides like the Haunted Mansion Holiday, snag a bunch of Halloween treats, and hang out with all your favorite characters in their spookiest costumes. Plus, experience the best of the decorations when the sun sets and the pumpkins glow. Selfie anyone?
Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm
Running select nights from mid-September through early November, this is Orange County’s original haunt. With over a dozen haunted mazes, live shows, and scare zones, Knott’s Scary Farm is not for the faint of heart. After dark, the park transforms into a full-blown haunted experience (not recommended for under 13s!)
Adventure City
For a few nights only, visitors can enjoy Adventure City’s Boo-tastic Halloween Party. Enjoy 11 exciting rides, walk through their “Trick-or-Treat Street” for FREE candy and trinkets, ride the Halloween-themed Express Train, and get your groove on at the Spooktacular Dance Party.
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego
Further south on select nights up to November 1st, SeaWorld San Diego’s Howl-O-Scream offers haunted houses, creepy bars, live horror shows, and more. It’s more geared toward adults and older teens, and well worth the drive if you're seeking fresh scares.
By day, families can enjoy Halloween Spooktacular on weekends up to November 2nd. This daytime event is packed with kid-friendly fun like trick-or-treating, dance parties, colorful costumes, and Halloween-themed shows, all included with park admission.
Historical & Community Celebrations in Anaheim
Show some local love at these Anaheim events that combine tradition, culture, and Halloween fun.
Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade
This free family event on October 25th starts with a festive fair at Center Greens (11 AM–5 PM), followed by the beloved Halloween parade at 7 PM. It’s one of Anaheim’s longest-running traditions, and a must-see for locals and visitors alike, with costumes, classic cars, music, and small-town Halloween spirit.
Anaheim Cemetery: Over 150 Years of Orange County’s History
On Sunday, October 19th, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, local historian Cynthia Ward offers a fascinating talk on the Victorian-era Anaheim Cemetery, founded in 1867. Held at MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center, the event dives into the cemetery’s lore, architecture, and the stories of some of Orange County’s earliest residents.
Halloween is just one reason to visit Anaheim and Orange County this fall. Check out more spooky things to do here!
Theatrical Thrills in Orange County
If jump scares aren't your thing, celebrate spooky season with dramatic flair. Anaheim’s stages are set to offer a mix of chilling and cheeky performances, perfect for October nights!
Frankenstein at the Pacific Symphony Orchestra
Catch this hauntingly beautiful production of “Frankenstein” (ballet style) from October 2nd to 5th at Segerstrom Hall. Mary Shelley’s iconic monster comes to life in a visually stunning dance filled with gothic romance. Perfect for Halloween with a sophisticated twist.
Hokus Pokus: Live!
For something campy and fabulous, grab tickets to this drag spectacular at Grove of Anaheim on October 25th. Featuring DragRace superstars like Ginger Minj and Jujubee, it's a musical mashup of spooky, sparkly fun.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events
Halloween Treat Street at the Anaheim Plaza
Stop by the Anaheim Plaza's Halloween Treat Street on October 25 from 11 am – 1 pm for some trick-or-treating fun. This free, family-friendly event is filled with Halloween excitement from trick-or-treating throughout the center, plenty of photo opportunities, a DJ, raffle prizes, face painting, and more! Plus, the first 100 kids in costume will receive a special goodie bag.
Nightmare on Center Street
On October 30 from 11 am-3 pm, the Anaheim Farmers Market will host Nightmare on Center Street. Wear your costume to trick or treat from market booths decked out in spooky decor, then shop from vendors, grab a bite to eat, and more.
Halloween Spooktacular in Anaheim Hills
Trick or treat around the Anaheim Hills shopping center during their Halloween Spooktacular on October 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be a DJ, face painting, photo ops, balloon twisting, and more.
Pumpkin Patches and Hayrides in Orange County
Throughout October, Orange County's pumpkin patches offer a delightful way to celebrate the fall season. Discover the joy of handpicking your own gourd at one of these local patches!
- Tanaka Farms, the oldest family-run farm in Irvine, undergoes a delightful transformation each fall, becoming one of the OC’s most beloved pumpkin patches. Pick your perfect pumpkin straight from the vine, enjoy a hayride, navigate the twists and turns of their corn maze, and enjoy tasty Halloween treats at this sprawling 30-acre property.
- The Pumpkin Patch at the OC Fair & Event Center: Beyond their impressive selection of pumpkins, this patch in Costa Mesa provides family fun with inflatable slides, kiddie games, a petting zoo, and train rides.
- Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch invites families to embrace the spirit of Halloween. Located behind the historic train station in Orange, explore the patches sprawling pumpkin fields, take a leisurely hayride, or challenge yourself in their maze. With train rides, a petting zoo, carnival games, and even a spooky haunted house, it’s set to be one of the OC’s most action-packed patches!
- Pumpkin City in Laguna Hills is a massive pumpkin patch offering a wealth of Halloween fun. Beyond their pumpkins, enjoy carnival rides, test your luck at game booths, and meet friendly animals at the petting zoo. Hayrides, gold panning, bounce houses, and a beer garden with tasty treats round out this festive patch that runs through October.
Haunted Houses, Haunted Car Wash, and Ghost Walking Tours
Haunted Houses, Haunted Car Wash, and Paranormal Tours
If you like being scared, don’t miss one of the many haunted houses that are sure to make you scream! Visit The 17th Door in Buena Park for one of the longest haunts in all of California with 30–45 minutes of spooky thrills.
If you’d rather face your fears from the comfort of your own car, drive through Tunnel of Terror OC, Southern California’s Haunted Car Wash. The immersive car wash experience returns from October 3 to November 1, 2025. Tickets are available online.
Want to meet real ghosts? Embark on one of Haunted OC’s paranormal tours, hosted at one of the six most haunted spots in Orange County.
More Things To Do in Orange County for Halloween
The Huntington Beach Surf City Spooktacular
On October 31st, head to Huntington Beach for their Annual Halloween Spooktacular at Mariners Park. This free community event promises a ghoulishly good time with trick-or-treating, a "Monster March" parade, a costume contest, and meet-and-greets with local heroes and costumed characters. Plus, enjoy thrilling rides on the Boo Wave and grab a bite from local food trucks.
Pretend City's Halloween Extravaganza
From October 26th to 31st, Pretend City Children's Museum in Irvine invites you to unleash your imagination during Costume Week. On Halloween, step into a world of spooky surprises at their annual Halloween Bash, where kids can trick-or-treat through the museum’s exhibits and galleries, participate in themed activities, and enjoy a not-so-scary atmosphere perfect for little ones.
Haunted Trails in Laguna Niguel
For those seeking a frightfully fun evening this Halloween season, the Haunted Trails in Laguna Niguel is a must-visit haunted experience. From October 16-19th, brave the trails at Crown Valley Park and encounter undead monsters and frightful surprises lurking in the shadows. Tickets go on sale in September, so book early to secure a spot!
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Events Calendar
The fun in Anaheim never dies. We hope you have a terrifyingly good time! Stay tuned for more Halloween events and fall happenings in Anaheim and the OC by checking out our events calendar! Happy Halloween!
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