|

Spooktacular Halloween Happenings Across New England

Byksbaxter

New England is renowned for its vibrant autumn scenery, historic towns, and spirited Halloween celebrations. Whether you’re seeking thrills, family-friendly fun, or classic haunted experiences, the region offers a diverse array of events each October. Below is a helpful guide to some of the best Halloween happenings in New England for 2025.

Top 8 Events

Halloween

1. Salem Haunted Happenings (Salem, Massachusetts)

Salem’s Haunted Happenings is one of the most famous Halloween festivals in the United States. Throughout October, the city comes alive with parades, haunted houses, psychic fairs, walking tours, costume balls, and more. The historic streets are filled with themed vendors and visitors dressed in elaborate costumes. Don’t miss the Grand Parade and the family-favorite Children’s Day.

2. The Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce (Bristol, Connecticut)

Lake Compounce, America’s oldest amusement park, transforms into The Haunted Graveyard each October. This event features a mile-long trail packed with haunted attractions, special effects, and live actors. There are also rides and entertainment for younger guests, making it suitable for all ages.

3. Spooky World Presents Nightmare New England (Litchfield, New Hampshire)

Spooky World is New England’s largest haunted attraction, offering multiple haunted houses, a haunted hayride, escape rooms, and midway games. The event is known for its professional actors and elaborate sets, providing a truly terrifying experience for those who love a good scare.

4. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular (Providence, Rhode Island)

Held at Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular showcases thousands of intricately carved pumpkins arranged along a wooded trail. Each year has a different theme, and the display is illuminated for a magical, family-friendly experience. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal treats and live entertainment.

5. Fright Fest at Six Flags New England (Agawam, Massachusetts)

Six Flags New England’s Fright Fest offers a mix of spooky fun and thrilling rides. The park features haunted mazes, scare zones with costumed actors, and special Halloween-themed shows. Daytime activities are available for children, while evening events cater to those seeking a fright.

6. The Village Halloween Parade (Kennebunkport, Maine)

This charming seaside town hosts a beloved Halloween parade featuring floats, local bands, and costumed participants. After the parade, visitors can enjoy pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, and ghost tours of historic homes.

7. Haunted Overload (Lee, New Hampshire)

Located on DeMeritt Hill Farm, Haunted Overload is famous for its towering, artistic props and creative sets. The event offers both daytime (less scary) and nighttime (intense scares) experiences, and it’s a must-see for fans of immersive haunted attractions.

8. Halloween on the Hill (Boston, Massachusetts)

Beacon Hill’s Halloween festivities are a tradition, with families decorating historic homes and thousands of children trick-or-treating along the gas-lit streets. The neighborhood’s old-world charm makes for an unforgettable Halloween experience.

Maine

Halloween
  • Fright at the Fort: It is located at Fort Knox. This event is often called Maine’s best Halloween experience. It transforms the fort into a terrifying attraction for several weekends before Halloween. 
  • Maineiac ManorThis haunted attraction is considered one of New England’s top destinations for scares and features a different theme each year
  • Trail of Terror: In Biddeford, this is a classic outdoor haunted walk through the woods with creepy characters and special effects
  • Destination Haunt (Screams of the Dead): It is located in Lebanon. This haunt is more intense. It features a haunted village with multiple terrifying zones and Hollywood-level special effects.
  • Pineland Farms Halloween Spooktacular: This event offers a costume contest. It gives a chance to enjoy the scenic fall foliage. This makes it a great choice for families.
  • Bangor Zombie Walk:Hundreds of people dress as zombies and walk through Bangor streets in an event described as both terrifying and hilarious and also family-friendly. 
  • Torby Family Orchard:Located in Leavitt, this orchard offers a charming corn maze and delicious apple cider donuts. 
  • Kennebunkport‘s Quaint & Creepy:The town of Kennebunkport offers a range of spooky events, including decorated houses, haunted house tours, and a witch walk. 

New Hampshire

  • Fright Kingdom (Nashua): This is frequently ranked as a top Halloween attraction. It features a variety of themed haunted houses. The houses have elaborate sets and animatronics. 
  • Haunted Overload (Lee): This attraction is located on DeMeritt Hill Farm. It uses movie-quality sets. It is celebrated for its creative and unique approach to scares inspired by local legends and folklore. 
  • Gould Hill Farm (Contoocook): A farm-style experience that offers unique Halloween fun.
  • DeMeritt Hill Farm (Lee): The location for Haunted Overload and a good spot for other seasonal activities. 
  • Coppal House Farm (Lee): Another farm-based option that offers Halloween-themed events.
  • Farmington Fright Fest (Farmington): A popular choice for Halloween-themed entertainment.
  • The Darker Woods (Milford): Offers a unique “Blackout + Contact Night” event on Milford, New Hampshire. 
  • Fright Kingdom (Nashua): It is often ranked as a top Halloween attraction. The attraction features a variety of themed haunted houses. These houses have elaborate sets and animatronics.
  • Haunted Overload (Lee): This outdoor trail attraction uses movie-quality sets and is celebrated for its creative and unique approach to scares inspired by local legends and folklore.
  • Farmington Fright Fest (Farmington): A popular choice for Halloween-themed entertainment.
  • The Darker Woods (Milford): Offers a unique “Blackout + Contact Night” event in Milford, New Hampshire.
  • Beyond the Veil – Halloween Event (October 31, Holiday Inn Portsmouth): Step into the realm of the supernatural with a live mediumship demonstration, light appetizers, and a cash bar.
  • “Dracula” at the Strand (October 25-27, Dover): A theatrical retelling suitable for all ages, following Lucy Seward’s mysterious illness and the hunt for Count Dracula.
  • Spookville Haunted Trail Kid Friendly Day Haunt (October 27, Nashua): A twisted Candyland trail for kids, open-air for safety, with free admission and optional donations.
  • The NH Pumpkin Festival (October 26, Laconia): An electrifying festival with pumpkin displays, activities, and entertainment.
  • Halloween Masquerade Ball A 21+ masquerade cruise featuring dinner, entertainment, and a costume contest.

Vermont

Halloween

Rhode Island

Halloween
  • 13th World (Cumberland):This haunted attraction features frightening characters and scenes from horror movies for visitors seeking a good scare. 
  • Scary Acres RI (West Greenwich):Known for its intense and terrifying haunted experiences, this popular attraction is a must-do for those brave enough to face their fears. 
  • Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular (Providence):An annual tradition, this event transforms the Roger Williams Zoo with a dazzling display of over 5,000 intricately carved pumpkins lining a walking trail. 
  • Confreda Greenhouses & Farms (Hope):Visit for a classic fall experience, including corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and other seasonal activities.
  • Salisbury Farm (Johnston):Another farm that offers fall-themed fun, including a popular hayride and pumpkin patch.
  • The Great Halloween Festival: A broader festival featuring various attractions and activities for a comprehensive Halloween celebration.
  • Slater Park Haunted Tunnel (Pawtucket): Young volunteers transform this tunnel and the surrounding park into a beloved Halloween event known as “Fright Night in the Park”.
  • Factory of Terror Haunted House: A popular destination for those seeking a thrilling scare.
  • Roger Williams Park Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular:Enjoy a spectacular display of carved pumpkins at the zoo, a very popular seasonal event.
  • Salisbury Farm: Get lost in their famous corn maze and take a hayride. 
  • Barden Family Orchard:A classic Rhode Island orchard for apple picking, cider donuts, and a festive fall atmosphere. 
  • Jaswell’s Farm LLC & Pezza Farm:Other excellent farms for apple picking, cider, and seasonal produce.

Massachusetts

Halloween
  • Salem Haunted Happenings: This city-wide celebration transforms Salem into a Halloween hub with festivals, ghost tours, parades, and parties. 
  • Salem Witch Museum: A staple of any visit to Salem, offering a glimpse into the history of the witch trials.
  • Witch City Broom Making Workshop: A unique, interactive experience to learn the art of broom making.
  • Maudslay Is Haunted: A walking tour through Maudslay State Park with family-friendly, rehearsed spooky vignettes and characters. 
  • The Darker Woods: This event is in nearby Milford, NH. It features a “Light into the Dungeon” jack-o’-lantern experience. The event offers a family-friendly path with carved pumpkins at New-Gate Prison. 
  • Spooky World Presents Nightmare New England: Formerly one of New England’s largest scream parks, this event was significant. It features haunted attractions. There is also a haunted hayride.
  • Barrett’s Haunted Mansion: A popular haunted attraction that often hosts multiple events during the Halloween season, such as “Bite & Fright” and “Lights On Tour”. 
  • Candlelight and Spiritualism Tour: Guided tours at the Hammond Castle in Gloucester focusing on the eccentric inventor and his interest in spiritualism. 
  • Haunted Harborwalk: A haunted walk event in the coastal city of Gloucester. 

Connecticut

Halloweeb

  • Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce: This legendary event transforms the amusement park into a spooky wonderland. It features elaborate haunted houses, scare zones, and costumed actors. Suitable for teens and adults who love a good fright.
  • Trail of Terror in Wallingford: One of Connecticut’s most popular haunted trails. It features creative sets and impressive makeup. Be prepared for plenty of jump scares. Visitors can expect a thrilling walk through the woods with surprises at every turn.
  • Fright Haven in Stratford: It is Connecticut’s largest indoor haunted attraction. It offers multiple themed experiences. These range from creepy clowns to haunted hospitals and dark mazes.
  • Pumpkintown USA in East Hampton: A family-friendly event featuring whimsical pumpkin-headed characters, a charming village, and fun photo opportunities. Great for younger children and families.
  • Legends of Fear at Fairview Tree Farm in Shelton: This outdoor haunt offers a mile-long trail through the woods. It is packed with eerie scenes, actors, and special effects. The event also includes hayrides and food trucks.
  • Haunted Isle at the Shore Line Trolley Museum: Ride a vintage trolley into the dark woods. Then walk a haunted trail filled with ghosts and ghouls. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
  • Scary Tales: Haunted House at the Connecticut Science Center: It caters to people who like both science and scary experiences. This haunted house presents spooky experiments. There are also hands-on activities for kids and families.

Related posts:

  1. Spooky and Sweet: Hauntingly Delicious  Halloween Treats

Similar Posts