Click here for 2023 family Halloween events in Southern California.
Whether you are venturing into a nonsensical wonderland for a manic tea party or looking for a fa-boo-less event to take your little witches and ghouls, California is screamin’ with fun ways to ring in Halloween this year.
Click here for California’s best pumpkin patches for 2022.
Fall Staycation at Hilton Anaheim
Anaheim, through Dec. 31
No Fall season is complete without a trip to Disneyland; the magical park is taken over by familiar villains and features special events to celebrate the spooky holiday. In honor of this Disney spooktacular, Hilton Anaheim, located just one mile from Disneyland, is offering a sweet deal for California residents by adding a little bit of magic to their stay with 20 percent off guest rooms and free parking with a valid California state ID. This exclusive deal is available until the end of the holiday season in December. To learn more about a fall staycation at Hilton Anaheim, visit hilton.com.
Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge
Anaheim, through Oct. 31
It’s time to gather the kiddos and prepare for Great Wolf Lodge’s annual Howl-O-Ween in Anaheim. The fa-boo-less month-long event will feature fan favorites like the Trick-or-Treat Trail, Monster Bash Dance Party, Howl-O-Ween trivia nights, pumpkin patches, seasonal goodies and so much more for everyone in the family. Admission varies depending on your event of choice. To learn more about Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge, visit greatwolf.com.
Fall Fest at Belmont Park
San Diego, through Oct. 31
Back for 2022, the Fall Fest at Belmont Park has returned for the cozy season, offering the perfect destination for little ones and adults alike. The fest will feature free trick-or-treating on Sundays, live music, a pumpkin beer and cider garden, carnival rides, seasonal treats and tons more. Admission is free, with fees for goods. To learn more about Fall Fest at Belmont Park, visit belmontpark.com/fallfest.
Sleepy Hollow at The Westin Anaheim Resort
Anaheim, through Oct. 31
In honor of spooky szn, The Westin Anaheim Resorts’ pastry chef artist, Andy de la Cruz, has curated a deliciously magnificent Halloween display in the lobby entitled: Sleepy Hollow. The tasteful art piece is made entirely out of chocolate and by the hands of nine pastry chefs over the course of 120 hours. Pastry Chef de la Cruz conceptualized the idea to surprise the resort’s general manager Nicholas Price, a big Halloween enthusiast. The display features trees similar to the ones found in Sleepy Hollow, with candy pumpkins and scenes from the iconic feature. The display will be up all October long in the resort lobby. To learn more about Sleepy Hollow at The Westin Anaheim Resort, visit marriott.com.
Mad Hatter’s Mischief Tea Soirée
San Diego, Oct. 29
Escape to a nonsensical realm at Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa in San Diego for tea time mayhem courtesy of the Mad Hatter himself at the Mad Hatter’s Mischief Tea Soirée. The quirky tea party will take place in a magical garden and encourages all of its guests to come in costume. The soirée will feature a decadent five-course dinner, libations, live entertainment, giveaways, costume prizes and more mischief. The affair is $150 per person. To learn more about Mad Hatter’s Mischief Tea Soirée, visit estancialajolla.com.
Buena Vista Halloween Masquerade Ball
Sonoma, Oct. 29
Inspired by the first Buena Vista masquerade in 1864 (held by the Count of Buena Vista, Agoston Haraszthy), the Buena Vista Halloween Masquerade Ball is honoring its traditional origins by throwing a Halloween masked ball with a fun, vintage aesthetic. Attendees will enjoy a bewitching evening of wine, dancing, indulgent bites and lively traditions. Tickets are $125 per person or $100 for winery members. To learn more about Buena Vista Halloween Masquerade Ball, visit sonomavalley.com.
Dia de Los Muertos at Westfield Plaza Bonita
National City, Oct. 29
In celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, Westfield Plaza Bonita will be throwing a family-friendly celebration on Oct. 29 that will honor the lives of loved ones. The event will feature Pixar’s Coco characters for meet and greets; custom skull face paintings; a speech from the mayor; live music and dancing; and more. The fun will run from 1 to 5 p.m. with free admission. To learn more about Dia de Los Muertos at Westfield Plaza Bonita, visit westfield.com.
Hocus Focus Film Festival
Glendale, Oct. 28 to Oct. 30
Film festivals meet picture shows at the Hocus Focus Film Festival at Alex Theatre in Glendale. The festival will run from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30, featuring seven horror classics like “The Shining,” “The Sixth Sense,” “Nightmare on Elm Street” and more. Each major picture will accompany a short horror film submitted by local students in the greater Los Angeles area. Tickets are $19 for general admission, with discounts for those 12 and under. To learn more about Hocus Focus Film Festival, visit thealexpictureshow.com.
Trick-or-Treat at Westfield UTC
La Jolla, Oct. 31
The Westfield UTC center has been taken over by witches, offering a frightful night of trick-or-treating, live music, witch’s brew stations and professional spooky family photo opps on Oct. 31. The evening is free and open to the public, with trick-or-treating only available for those 12 and under. To learn more about Westfield UTC, visit westfield.com.