Immerse yourself in the macabre magic of York's Halloween season with our comprehensive guide, featuring a smorgasbord of spine-chilling events and ghostly gatherings. Uncover York's mysteries, no matter where you haunt.
Popular events include the York Maze Hallowscream, where visitors can brave a vast, eerie maze that promises surprises at every corner. For a more family-friendly experience, Ghosts in the Gardens offers whimsical haunts and historical tales in a beautiful setting. And the Halloween at Flamingo Land is something you definitely don't want to miss for its thrilling rides with a spooky twist. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around York
- York Maze Hallowscream
- The Original Ghost Walk of York
- York Halloween Night Market
- Halloween at Flamingo Land (Malton)
- Ghosts in the Gardens
- Piglets Adventure Farm’s Pumpkin Festival
- Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patches (Various)
- The Bloody Tour of York
- Pumpkin Patch and Outdoor Adventure Cinema at Castle Howard
- Let’s Go Halloween at Yorkshire Wildlife Park (Doncaster)
See these and even more events listed below!
York Area Haunted Experiences
York Maze Hallowscream
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted house experience with over 100 actors and live stage shows.
Description:
York Maze Hallowscream is a terrifyingly entertaining Halloween event featuring five live-action haunted house attractions, over 100 actors, and a variety of street theatre and stage performances. The event is set on a farm where a tragic event occurred in 1873, and the restless souls return each Halloween to torment visitors. The central entertainment zone offers undercover areas with bars, stage performances, and a Halloween merchandise stand.
Where: York | More Info: York Maze Hallowscream
The Original Ghost Walk of York
What to Expect:
Guides participants through thousands of years of history, mystery, folklore, and legends in one of the most haunted cities in Europe.
Description:
The Original Ghost Walk of York is a legendary and disturbing experience that captures your imagination and inspires your mind. It explores the haunted spots of York, promising a genuinely mysterious experience. This ghost walk is famous for being genuine, authentic, and magical, making it a must-visit for those who dare to face their fears.
Where: York | More Info: The Original Ghost Walk of York
The Bloody Tour of York
What to Expect:
An immersive and entertaining exploration of York's dark history led by the charismatic character Mad Alice.
Description:
The Bloody Tour of York is a 90-minute award-winning tour that delves into York's macabre and extraordinary history. Led by Mad Alice, the tour explores 2,000 years of gruesome tales, including those of the Romans, Viking invasion, and the Plague. It also covers the stories of famous figures like Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin, making it suitable for all ages, especially those who enjoy the darker side of history.
Where: York | More Info: The Bloody Tour of York
The Spooky Express
What to Expect:
A spooktacular steam train experience with specially decorated carriages and thrilling performances.
Description:
Embark on a spooky adventure with The Spooky Express, a Halloween-themed steam train ride along the Worth Valley. Enjoy specially decorated steam-heated carriages, thrilling performances, and a costume contest. The journey includes a round trip from Oxenhope to Keighley, offering a day rover ticket that allows you to explore local museums before or after your ride. The event features hot food and drinks, including sandwiches, pies, and special hot chocolates, as well as a bottle bar serving beers, ciders, and wines.
Where: Haworth | More Info: The Spooky Express
Kirkgate Ghost Count
What to Expect:
A detailed recreation of a Victorian-era high street with hidden ghosts for visitors to count.
Description:
The Kirkgate Ghost Count is an immersive event at York Castle Museum, where visitors can explore the recreated Victorian-era high street, Kirkgate, and try to count the hidden ghosts. This activity is part of the Ghost Week 2024 celebrations, offering a unique and atmospheric experience.
Where: York | More Info: Kirkgate Ghost Count
The Deathly Dark Tours
What to Expect:
A unique blend of spooky stories, dark humor, and historical insights.
Description:
The Deathly Dark Tours offers an award-winning ghost walk experience in York, where you can explore the city's darker and more unusual history with one of their outrageously talented guides. The tour includes both nighttime and daytime options, such as the Deathly Dark Tour and the Foul Fiends and Mysterious Murders Tour. These tours are family-friendly and feature a mix of spooky stories, dark humor, and historical insights.
Where: York | More Info: The Deathly Dark Tours
Paranormal Research York Ghost Tours
What to Expect:
A seek-and-keep ghost hunt with 125 hidden ghosts, including 20 rare Bright-eyed Phantoms.
Description:
The York Ghost Merchants present their fifth annual Ghost Week, a series of events celebrating the city's rich ghost story tradition. The week includes the Little York Ghost Hunt, where participants search for handmade ghosts along the ancient streets of York Minster. Other events include the release of the 24th Black Box Edition ghost and the 'Twilight Walls' event, raising money for the Friends of York Walls charity. This festive period offers a unique blend of history, heritage, and spooky fun.
Where: York | More Info: Paranormal Research York Ghost Tours
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near York
Ghosts in the Gardens
What to Expect:
A display of 45 translucent 3D sculptures of historical and mythical figures in York's public gardens.
Description:
Ghosts in the Gardens is a unique event in York, featuring 45 translucent 3D sculptures of historical figures and mythical creatures crafted from wire mesh. The sculptures are displayed in various public gardens and green spaces across the city, offering a fun and educational experience for families and visitors.
Where: York | More Info: Ghosts in the Gardens
Halloween at Flamingo Land
What to Expect:
A comprehensive Halloween celebration with a variety of themed activities and decorations.
Description:
Flamingo Land is hosting a spooktacular Halloween celebration with a variety of events and activities for the whole family. The theme park is open from 10am to 5pm daily, offering rides, the Family Fright Halloween Show, and themed decorations. Evening-only tickets are available for special events like the Pyromusical Fireworks and Drone Swarm Displays. Additionally, there are Twilight Kids Rides, a Trick or Treat Trail, and a Halloween Fancy Dress Competition.
Where: Malton | More Info: Halloween at Flamingo Land
York Halloween Night Market
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with unique Halloween-themed goodies and a lively atmosphere in the museum's Victorian high street.
Description:
Celebrate Halloween in York with a spooktacular evening at the York Halloween Night Market. Explore the museum's Victorian high street filled with eerie stalls and ghoulish goodies. Enjoy festive fun, browse unique Halloween-themed items, and dress up in your favorite costume. This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, with children under 10 entering for free. The market is indoors, complete with lighting and sound effects, ensuring a lively atmosphere for a night of shopping and Halloween delights.
Where: York | More Info: York Halloween Night Market
Pumpkin Patch and Outdoor Adventure Cinema at Castle Howard
What to Expect:
A variety of spooky-themed activities and events for the whole family to enjoy, including pumpkin picking and outdoor cinema screenings.
Description:
Experience the magic of autumn at Castle Howard with their Pumpkin Patch, where you can pick the perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating. The Castle Howard Garden Centre Pumpkin Patch is back for the fourth year, offering a variety of sizes and colors. Additionally, enjoy spooky-themed activities like Spooky Afternoon Teas, Halloween Storytime, and Bath Bomb Workshops. For a thrilling evening, watch Halloween classics at the Outdoor Adventure Cinema, wrapped up warm with a cozy blanket.
Where: York | More Info: Pumpkin Patch and Outdoor Adventure Cinema at Castle Howard
Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patches
What to Expect:
The unique feature of Tulleys Pumpkin Farm is its extensive pumpkin patch with over 1 million pumpkins and gourds, offering a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors for visitors to choose from.
Description:
Tulleys Pumpkin Farm offers a magical autumnal experience with over 100 acres of pumpkin fields, featuring over 1 million pumpkins and gourds. Visitors can enjoy pick-your-own pumpkin patches, photo opportunities, live roaming entertainment, and delicious food options. The event also includes a Pumpkin Village with seasonal merchandise and a Pumpkin House for picture-perfect backdrops.
Where: Various | More Info: Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patches
Piglets Adventure Farm’s Pumpkin Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive Halloween celebration with interactive activities and themed attractions.
Description:
Piglets Adventure Farm’s Pumpkin Festival is a spooktacular event featuring a pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, and a maize maze. Visitors can also explore the mysterious maze to find hidden dragon eggs, meet a resident dragon, and participate in various Halloween-themed activities. The festival includes animal encounters, adventure play, and a craft tipi where you can make your own spooky bat companion.
Where: York | More Info: Piglets Adventure Farm’s Pumpkin Festival
Let’s Go Halloween at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration in a zoo setting with live shows and colorful characters.
Description:
Let’s Go Halloween at Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a spook-tacular celebration featuring live shows, creepy characters, wicked workshops, and fearful fairground rides. Explore the BRAND-NEW "Let's Go - Event Festival Village" filled with family-friendly fun and colorful characters. Plus, enjoy the UK's no.1 walkthrough wildlife adventure and discover hundreds of incredible animals that call it home.
Where: Doncaster | More Info: Let’s Go Halloween at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Halloween at Murton Park
What to Expect:
A witch-themed adventure with interactive storytelling and craft activities.
Description:
Halloween at Murton Park offers a spellbinding experience with witch-themed activities, including a witches' trail, craft sessions, and interactive storytelling. Visitors can participate in wand making, jar lantern crafting, and the "Which Witch?" mystery game. The event promises a fun-filled day for families with children aged 5 to 12 years old.
Where: York | More Info: Halloween at Murton Park
Little York Ghost Hunt
What to Expect:
A seek-and-keep ghost hunt with over 100 ghosts hidden each evening.
Description:
Join the Little York Ghost Hunt, a fun and free activity happening around York during October half term. Each evening, over 100 Little York Ghosts will be hidden in the streets around York Minster. This is a seek-and-keep hunt where you can find one and take it home. Maps will be available from the York Ghost Merchants in mid-October.
Where: York | More Info: Little York Ghost Hunt
Murton Park Halloween Activities
What to Expect:
A witch-themed trail where children can find the witch's lost belongings around the park.
Description:
Murton Park transforms into a spooky wonderland during Halloween with a variety of activities. The event includes a witches' trail where children can find the witch's lost belongings, craft activities like making jar lanterns and bat garlands, and storytelling sessions in the eerie Halloween village. The highlight is the "Witch Which?" event on October 30th and 31st, where participants must identify which witch is which. This event offers a fun and festive experience for families.
Where: Murton | More Info: Murton Park Halloween Activities
Trick or Treat Street at William's Den
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration tailored for young detectives with a focus on fun and imagination.
Description:
Trick or Treat Street at William's Den is a unique Halloween experience designed for young detectives and Halloween enthusiasts. The event features a spooky adventure with a focus on fun and imagination rather than scares. Participants are encouraged to bring their costumes and detective skills to explore the themed activities.
Where: North Duffield | More Info: Trick or Treat Street at William's Den
A Truly York Halloween Celebration
What to Expect:
An exclusive Halloween celebration featuring a Spooky cocktail, a private tour of York, and a live performance by Alistair Griffin.
Description:
Celebrate Halloween at an exclusive and exciting event at York’s Mansion House. Guests will be welcomed with a Spooky cocktail created by the award-winning Potions Cauldron Group. Enjoy a Pie and Pea Supper, then embark on a quest to search for the houses' hidden souls. Mad Alice will take guests on a private tour of York, ending with a final intimate tale. Local singing star Alistair Griffin will perform a 45-minute Spooky set, including the hit "Monster Mash."
Where: York | More Info: A Truly York Halloween Celebration
Pugneys Light Railway Halloween Spooktacular
What to Expect:
A 10-12 minute train ride through spooky woods.
Description:
Experience a spooky Halloween adventure at Pugneys Light Railway, where you can take a round trip through the eerie woods behind one of their steam or diesel locomotives. This family-friendly event is suitable for all ages and lasts approximately 10-12 minutes. The journey is filled with spooky goings-on, making it a perfect activity for the Halloween season.
Where: Wakefield | More Info: Pugneys Light Railway Halloween Spooktacular
Trick or Treat Street
What to Expect:
An immersive Halloween mystery-solving adventure with spooky characters and treats.
Description:
Trick or Treat Street at Williams Den is an immersive Halloween experience designed for children under 12. The event features a new mystery each year, where young detectives must unravel clues and discover the identity of the mischievous suspect. Along the way, they will encounter spooky characters, collect sweets, and enjoy food, drink, and music in Denville village square.
Where: Various | More Info: Trick or Treat Street
The Hole in Wand York
What to Expect:
The unique feature of The Hole in Wand York is its immersive magical mini golf experience with interactive elements like the 'Light Spell' and a free magic potion gift for each player.
Description:
The Hole in Wand York offers a magical mini golf experience filled with bubbling cauldrons, magical portals, and a giant picture frame where you become part of the painting. Trainee wizards can try to perform the 'Light Spell' to illuminate their way and awaken spirits. After completing the 9-hole adventure, players receive a free magic potion gift and can relax in the Wizard Tavern with delicious potions and cakes. This immersive activity is perfect for families and fans of the wizarding world.
Where: York | More Info: The Hole in Wand York
Jollydays Glamping Autumn Event
What to Expect:
Luxurious glamping accommodations in a serene woodland setting with family-friendly activities.
Description:
Jollydays Glamping offers a serene and luxurious autumn getaway in the heart of North Yorkshire's woodland. The site features stylishly appointed shepherds huts with private bathrooms, wood-burning stoves, and covered decks perfect for barbecues. Guests can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, including the nearby Northwood Trail and Englands Fairy and Hobgoblin Sanctuary. The site is family-friendly, with activities like forest bathing and exploring the woodland trails. It's an ideal retreat for those seeking a peaceful and nature-filled autumn experience.