Unlock the secrets of Elizabeth's darkest recesses this Halloween season with our in-depth guide, showcasing the most hair-raising attractions and paranormal hotspots. From Elizabeth natives to Halloween explorers, our guide helps everyone enjoy the season's spine-tingling festivities.
Popular events include the Skylands Stadium Jack O’Lantern Experience, where dazzling displays of intricately carved pumpkins illuminate the night. Discover the enchanting thrills of the Sesame Place The Count's Halloween Spooktacular, featuring festive characters and delightful attractions. And the Six Flags Boo Fest offers family-friendly activities that are sure to bring smiles this Halloween. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Elizabeth
- Six Flags Boo Fest (family-friendly events) (Jackson Township)
- Skylands Stadium Jack O’Lantern Experience (Augusta)
- Sesame Place The Count's Halloween Spooktacular (Langhorne)
- Bronx Zoo Boo at the Zoo (Bronx)
- Halloween Light Show at Demarest Farms (Hillsdale)
- Cape May County Zoo Boo at the Zoo (Cape May Court House)
- Pumpkin Nights at Bronx Zoo (Bronx)
- Turtle Back Zoo Boo at the Zoo (West Orange)
- Fall Hayrides & Pumpkin Picking at Secor Farms (Mahwah)
- Liberty Science Center Halloween Events (Jersey City)
See these and even more events listed below!
Elizabeth Area Haunted Experiences
Red Mill Museum Village Halloween Events
What to Expect:
An immersive and terrifying experience featuring live actors, special effects, and a slow hayride through haunted trails and buildings.
Description:
The Haunted Red Mill at Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton, New Jersey, is a 34-year annual tradition and the museum's top fundraiser. This year's theme is "UFO: Unidentified Frightening Objects." Visitors navigate through mazes, flee through trails, and take a slow hayride along the river before entering the allegedly most haunted building in Clinton, with over 200 years of haunted history. The event runs for four full weekends, with doors opening at approximately 7:15 PM.
Where: Clinton | More Info: Red Mill Museum Village Halloween Events
Columbus Farmers Market Halloween Events
What to Expect:
An immersive, interactive Halloween experience where guests drive through haunted sets with the option for enhanced interaction with actors.
Description:
Bloodshed Farms presents "The Last Drive Haunted Drive Thru," an immersive Halloween experience where guests drive through theatrical sets filled with nightmarish displays and special effects. Encounter twisted creatures and menacing characters while enjoying a terrifying journey. The event offers an interactive experience with the option to upgrade to the "Psycho Pass" or "VIP Psycho Path" for an even more intense experience.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Columbus Farmers Market Halloween Events
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Elizabeth
Six Flags Boo Fest (family-friendly events)
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with various spooky yet kid-friendly activities and attractions.
Description:
Six Flags Boo Fest is a family-friendly event at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, offering spooky fun for all ages. The event features trick-or-treating, unique fall festivities, fun character photo opportunities, and delicious treats. Highlights include the Trick-Treat Trail, where kids can trick-or-treat amid cornstalks, and the Crazy Corn Maze designed for kids under 12. The event also includes special daytime performances and attractions like Hunt Boo and Witch's Brew.
Where: Jackson Township | More Info: Six Flags Boo Fest (family-friendly events)
Skylands Stadium Jack O’Lantern Experience
What to Expect:
A 45-minute walk-through featuring over 6,000 hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns.
Description:
Experience the magic of over 6,000 hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns at Skylands Stadium. This 45-minute walk-through spectacular transforms the stadium into a family-friendly and festive fall festival, featuring seasonal food, drinks, and activities like pumpkin picking and painting. Enjoy live music and explore the beer garden with 30 craft beers, ciders, wine, and seltzers.
Where: Augusta | More Info: Skylands Stadium Jack O’Lantern Experience
Sesame Place The Count's Halloween Spooktacular
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with various themed activities and attractions.
Description:
Sesame Place transforms into a family-friendly Halloween haven with The Count's Halloween Spooktacular. Guests can enjoy trick-or-treating in Big Bird’s Beach, Halloween-themed shows, the Sesame Street Halloween Parade, dance parties, a Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and unique photo opportunities with their favorite furry friends dressed up in costume.
Where: Langhorne | More Info: Sesame Place The Count's Halloween Spooktacular
Cape May County Zoo Boo at the Zoo
What to Expect:
A fun-filled Halloween celebration in a zoo setting with various activities for kids and adults alike.
Description:
The Cape May County Zoo's annual "Boo at the Zoo" event is a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration. Visitors of all ages are invited to wear costumes and enjoy activities such as games, candy, entertainment, animals, an inflatable obstacle course, and a pirate ship. A costume contest starts at 11:00 AM, with registration beginning at 10:00 AM. The event also features live animal presentations and special Halloween tunes.
Where: Cape May Court House | More Info: Cape May County Zoo Boo at the Zoo
Halloween Light Show at Demarest Farms
What to Expect:
Guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant Halloween light displays.
Description:
Experience the spooktacular Halloween Light Show at Demarest Farms, where you can take a guided tour through 32 acres of brilliant Halloween light displays. Enjoy farm fresh goodies in the retail farm market and make unforgettable memories with your family.
Where: Hillsdale | More Info: Halloween Light Show at Demarest Farms
Bronx Zoo Boo at the Zoo
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration in a zoo setting with various spooky and fun activities for all ages.
Description:
Bronx Zoo's Boo at the Zoo is a family-friendly Halloween event featuring a variety of activities such as a Halloween maze, face painting, a creepy crawly mystery wall, and more. Guests can enjoy trick-or-treating, costume contests, and spook-tacular animal encounters. The event includes both daytime and nighttime activities, making it a unique and fun way to experience the zoo during the fall season.
Where: Bronx | More Info: Bronx Zoo Boo at the Zoo
Turtle Back Zoo Boo at the Zoo
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration in a zoo setting with trick-or-treating and various themed activities.
Description:
Turtle Back Zoo's Howl-O-Ween is a family-friendly Halloween event where visitors can trick-or-treat at candy stations throughout the zoo. The event features stilt walkers, Halloween-themed shows, and a Dr. Diabolicals Mad Science Show. Additionally, there is a Spooky Storytime option where attendees can enjoy not-too-scary stories and crafts. The event is rain or shine, with limited zoo areas open, including the Touch Tank and Reptile House.
Where: West Orange | More Info: Turtle Back Zoo Boo at the Zoo
Pumpkin Nights at Bronx Zoo
What to Expect:
Immersive animal-themed pumpkin art installations in a zoo setting.
Description:
Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo is a family-friendly Halloween event featuring over 5,000 animal-themed jack o'lanterns along a half-mile trail. The event includes live pumpkin carvings, Wildlife Theater, outdoor games, and local food trucks. Guests can explore diverse ecosystems like the bioluminescent deep-sea and Amazon rainforest while enjoying festive music and atmospheric lighting.
Where: Bronx | More Info: Pumpkin Nights at Bronx Zoo
Fall Hayrides & Pumpkin Picking at Secor Farms
What to Expect:
Enjoy a scenic hayride through the farm, exploring the corn maze and picking a pumpkin amidst fall decorations.
Description:
Experience the magic of autumn at Secor Farms with their Fall Hayrides & Pumpkin Picking. Enjoy a scenic hayride through the farm, passing by the pond, willow trees, and fall decorations. Explore the corn maze, pick a pumpkin, and relax under the rustic pergola. The event also features a variety of traditional fall treats, including New York State apples, fresh pressed apple cider, and homemade apple cider donuts.
Where: Mahwah | More Info: Fall Hayrides & Pumpkin Picking at Secor Farms
Downtown Cranford Halloween Events
What to Expect:
A unique blend of Halloween-themed activities and community events.
Description:
Downtown Cranford is hosting a variety of Halloween events, including the Candy Stroll, Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade, and Monster Mash. These festivities offer a fun and family-friendly atmosphere with activities like parades, strolls, and themed events.
Where: Cranford | More Info: Downtown Cranford Halloween Events
Downtown Westfield Halloween Events
What to Expect:
The event features a Halloween parade with the Westfield High School Marching Band and costumed characters, making it a unique and festive celebration for families.
Description:
The Downtown Westfield Halloween Family Fun Parade is a festive event that brings the community together. The Cops & Goblins event, sponsored by the Westfield Police Department, features face painting, balloon artists, and food trucks. The Halloween Parade, sponsored by the Westfield Optimist Club, includes the Westfield High School Marching Band and costumed characters. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and preference is given to those living in Westfield or neighboring communities. The event is a fun-filled celebration for families.
Where: Westfield | More Info: Downtown Westfield Halloween Events
Whippany Railway Museum Halloween Events
What to Expect:
Children can pick out a free kid-sized pumpkin and receive a pumpkin decorating kit after each ride.
Description:
The Whippany Railway Museum's Pumpkin Patch Train is a delightful Halloween event where families can enjoy a 10-mile, 45-minute round trip from Whippany to Roseland. After each ride, children with valid train tickets can pick out a free kid-sized pumpkin and receive a pumpkin decorating kit while supplies last. The event encourages children of all ages to come dressed in their Halloween costumes, making the train a spooky sight.
Where: Whippany | More Info: Whippany Railway Museum Halloween Events
Unexpected Farm Halloween Events
What to Expect:
Experience a 1-hour horse-drawn carriage ride through the village of Jackson with a Pumpkin Surprise.
Description:
Nestlenook Farm in Jackson, New Hampshire, offers a variety of fall and winter activities. The All Things Pumpkin Tour features a 1-hour horse-drawn carriage ride through the village of Jackson, including a Pumpkin Surprise for all guests. Additionally, the farm offers Sleigh Rides along a 1.5-mile trail decorated with lights and kerosene lanterns, and Ice Skating on Emerald Lake. Visitors can also explore the picturesque forest on snow-covered trails.
Where: Jackson | More Info: Unexpected Farm Halloween Events
Historic Smithville Halloween Events
What to Expect:
A variety of Halloween-themed activities and festivals that cater to both children and adults.
Description:
Historic Smithville offers a variety of Halloween events in 2024. The month is filled with festive activities, including Oktoberfest, an Irish Festival, a Costume Pet Parade, a Corvette Show, and a Monster Bash. The festivities culminate with Witches Day, featuring magical shopping and scary good deals. These events provide a fun and family-friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Where: Absecon | More Info: Historic Smithville Halloween Events
Presby Memorial Iris Gardens Halloween Events
What to Expect:
An elaborate display of carved botanical, floral, and Halloween-themed pumpkins.
Description:
The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens will come alive with an elaborate display of carved botanical, floral, and Halloween-themed pumpkins during the Gardens Aglow event. This family-friendly event will feature activities, entertainment, and refreshments, making it a spooktacular celebration for all ages.
Where: Upper Montclair | More Info: Presby Memorial Iris Gardens Halloween Events
Brookdale Park Dog Park Halloween Events
What to Expect:
A free and festive Halloween event where dog owners can show off their pets' creative costumes.
Description:
Join Brookdale Park for the annual Strut Your Mutt Canine Halloween Costume Contest, where dog owners can showcase their creative talents and celebrate their pets in a fun and festive atmosphere. The event features a parade and costume contest with free entry and prizes. This event is a great opportunity for families and dog lovers to come together and enjoy a happy Halloween celebration.
Where: Bloomfield | More Info: Brookdale Park Dog Park Halloween Events
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near Elizabeth
Liberty Science Center Halloween Events
What to Expect:
A variety of themed parties and activities, including laser shows and haunted universe planetarium shows, make LSC After Dark a unique and exciting Halloween experience.
Description:
Liberty Science Center's LSC After Dark Halloween events offer a thrilling experience with various themed parties. Each event features a fun theme, delicious bites and drinks, a dance floor, live DJ, and a full bar for guests 21+. The planetarium and laser shows add an extra layer of excitement, and all museum exhibits are open. Guests can enjoy Disney-themed parties, murder mystery events, freak shows, drag performances, and hip-hop Halloween parties. The events also include costume contests, trick-or-treating, and haunted universe planetarium shows.