Illustration of a generic haunted scene (MAPSOSCARY Halloween Home Decorating Contest)
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MAPSOSCARY Halloween Home Decorating Contest

Experience the spooktacular creativity of Maplewood and South Orange residents in the MAPSOSCARY Halloween Home Decorating Contest. Residents transform their homes into festive and frightful displays for all to enjoy. Tour the decorated houses, vote for your favorites, and discover the most inventive Halloween spirit in the community.

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What to Expect

Community-wide Halloween home decorating contest with public voting

Event Details

Duration

Approximately 2-3 weeks for viewing and voting

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Maplewood and South Orange

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

MAPSOSCARY

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (3/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families, halloween enthusiasts, community explorers

Vibe

Festive, creative, community-oriented, spooky

Energy Level

Low to medium (for touring)

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Medium (outdoor event, best enjoyed in clear weather)

Location

Maplewood and South Orange, NJ

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $
  • Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)

Tips & Advice

  • Submit clear, well-lit photos and a video of your decorations when entering the contest, as these are crucial for finalist selection.
  • Plan your house tour during daylight hours for the best viewing experience, especially if you have young children.
  • Check the official MAPSOSCARY Instagram for sneak peeks and updates on decorated houses before the official map is released.
  • Be a good neighbor when touring: respect private property, keep noise levels down, and avoid blocking driveways.
  • Encourage friends and family to vote online once voting opens to help your favorite decorated house win!

Special Events & Promotions

  • Enter your home into the decorating contest
  • Vote for your favorite decorated houses
  • Become a 2025 Sponsor

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a house 'contest worthy'?

They love all types of decorations – scary, creative, and weird! Houses with lots of effort, cool lighting, and special effects tend to stand out.

What is the deadline to enter the decorating contest?

The deadline to enter your home into the MAPSOSCARY contest is October 19, 2025.

When does online voting for the contest begin?

Online voting is scheduled to begin around October 22 on the official voting page.

How are the winners of the contest selected?

The top 3 houses with the most online votes will win. Additionally, local VIPs will select up to 5 'Honorable Mentions'.

How can I view the decorated houses?

A Google Map of the finalist houses will be published around October 22. Visitors can take self-guided tours by foot, bike, or car.

Tags

halloween festivalcommunity eventfamily friendlytrick or treatcostume contestjack o lanternsscarecrowshalloween lightsother

More Halloween Events Near You

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team