Our giant list of Halloween events in Northern Virginia includes trick-or-treating, haunted trails, and kid-friendly events in Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and more. Plan a month of fun for Halloween in Northern Virginia with a mix of scary and not-so-spooky events plus trick-or-treating hosted by local businesses and towns.
2022 Halloween events are listed below in three groups:
- trick-or-treating and Halloween weekend events
- scary fun throughout October
- not-so-scary family fun throughout the month
Traditional trick-or-treating will be held in most towns this year but there are also many more chances to use those costumes with events for kids, adults, and your furry friend. Halloween 2022 is on a Monday so many events are scheduled on the weekend (Oct 29-30). There are so many ways to enjoy the spooky season in Northern VA!
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Find more fun in our guide to October Events in Northern Virginia.
Halloween Weekend in Northern VA: Trick-or-Treating, Parades Haunted Trails, + More
Here are more ways you can celebrate and trick-or-treat during Halloween weekend, both before and on Halloween night 2022.
Cox Farms Fields of Fear, Centreville, Oct 28 – 29
Older kids and teens head to Cox Farms at night for the Fields of Fear, featuring scares in the corn maze, forest trail, and wagon rides. After the frights, hang out by the bonfire with music, games, and food.
Workhouse Haunt 2022, Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, Oct 28 – Nov 5
Northern Virginia’s scariest haunted trail returns to the Workhouse Arts Center in 2022 with zombies, swamp creatures, and more creepy characters lurking in the abandoned buildings at the Workhouse campus.
The Haunt walk-through trail is open nightly during Halloween weekend. Timed entry tickets start at $30. 7:00 – 11:00, Sunday to 10:00.
Halloween House & Trick or Treat Trail, Reston, Oct 28 – 29
Meet a fun cast of Halloween characters and animals at Reston's Walker Nature Center. The nature-themed Trick-or-Treat Trail and Halloween House are non-scary and kid-friendly. Registration required, $15/$18 for residents/non-residents; 6:00 – 8:45
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest, Leesburg, Oct 29 – Jan 29
Enter the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest in Leesburg Virginia and experience fantastic beasts, haunting lights, and special effects. You'll follow a walk-through trail through the forest where the sights and sounds of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts come alive.
Prime night tickets are $55/$65 for children/adults with group discounts available. Many dates are sold out but the experience is open through January and may be extended. 5:45 – 9:45 nightly.
Haunted Trail, Salamander Resort, Middleburg, Oct 29-30
Walk a family-friendly .6 mile haunted trail featuring 10 scenes with live actors. The trail is geared to kids 4 – 12. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Tickets are $16, 3 and under free, purchase online. 7:00 – 9:00.
Ghost Town, Burke Lake Park, Oct 29 – 30
The annual Burke Lake Ghost Train is expanded this year to a family-friendly Ghost Town. Take a ride on the miniature train and the carousel, play in the bounce house, and enjoy trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, and more. Allow extra time for a picnic and a stroll around the lake. Tickets are $15 and will likely sell out. 11:00 – 5:00.
Old Town Trick-or-Treating, Alexandria, Oct 29
Old Town rolls out the orange carpet for all the ghouls and goblins this year. Visit Old Town Alexandria in your spookiest costumes to collect treats from participating restaurants, shops, and attractions. Free; 12:00 – 4:00.
Air and Scare Family Day, Air and Space Udvar-Hazy, Chantilly, Oct 29
The Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center's popular Halloween event is back in 2022! The annual event was held outside last year but will be held indoors and outdoors in 2022. Arrive in costume for safe outdoor trick-or-treating, creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities.
Timed entry tickets are required but free and this event will likely sell out. Note that real and costume weapons are prohibited and masks are not permitted inside the museum. Free admission, $15 parking; 10:00 – 3:00.
Clifton Haunted Trail, Buckley Park, Clifton, Oct 29
A trail of terror awaits, so watch out for monsters and stick to the trail. The PG-13 rated trail in Clifton’s Buckley Park includes scary skits with live actors, including local legend The Bunnyman. Tickets are $18/$13 online for adults/12 and under and $20/$15 day of event. The haunted trail is likely too intense for younger kids. 7:00 – 10:00 pm.
Trick-or-Treat at Virginia Gateway, Gainesville, Oct 29
Bring the little ghouls and goblins to Virginia Gateway for free trick-or-treating at the stores. 2:00 – 4:00
Family Trunk or Treat, McLean Community Center, Oct 29
Get your costume on and enjoy music, games, food, contests, and loads of candy treats at the Old Firehouse in McLean. Free, registration required; 5:00 – 10:00.
Holiday Crafts and Treats, Old Town Manassas, Oct 29
Join the Halloween fun in Historic Downtown Manassas. Trick-or-treat at local merchants, join in family-friendly activities, and enter the Halloween parade and costume contest. Free, 10:00 – 4:00.
Trick or Treating at Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, Oct 29
Trick-or-treaters head to historic Mount Vernon for an afternoon of fun and history. Activities include a special scavenger hunt, a wagon ride on the 12-acre field, a boo-tiful Halloween craft, and a children’s costume parade. This event sells out and is held rain or shine. The event is $25/$15 for adult/youth; 2:00 – 6:00.
Spirits and Spirits, Occoquan, Oct 29
Costumed kids of all ages can join in the costume parade and contest in downtown Occoquan. Allow time to visit the Haunted Maze and Spirit Garden and vote for your favorite decorations and costumes at area businesses. The parade begins at 10:00; free.
Halloween at The Perch, Tysons, Oct 29
Celebrate Halloween at The Perch with an afternoon of kid-friendly fun and an evening of scary creatures and ghostly vibes. The afternoon includes dog and human costume contests, spook mini-golf, and adoptable pups in costume. Free but reservations are recommended. Noon – 8:00.
Old Town Doggie Trick-or-Treating, Alexandria, Oct 30
Dress your furry friend in your Halloween finest and head to Old Town Alexandria for trick-or-treating fun. Begin your visit at The Dog Park store to register and pick up a bag of doggie treats then walk to participating stores to pick up more boo bags. Free; 1:00 – 5:00.
Del Ray Halloween Parade, Alexandria, Oct 30
Don your best Halloween costume and join in one of Del Ray's favorite traditions. The annual Del Ray Halloween Parade welcomes children, pets, and strollers in costumes to march in their favorite Halloween costumes. Prizes are awarded in multiple categories including Best Decorated Stroller and Best Pet Costume. Free; 2:00 – 4:00.
Fall Frolic, Lee-Fendall House, Alexandria, Oct 30
Kids 3 to 12 enjoy safe and seasonal fun in the garden of the Lee-Fendall House during the Fall Frolic. Wear your Halloween costumes and join in crafts, a ghost hunt, a Trick or Treat walk, and more. Purchase timed entry tickets in advance. $5/$15 adult/kids 1-18; 10:00 – 4:00.
Mosaic Halloween, Mosaic District, Fairfax, Oct 30
Visit your favorite Mosaic stores all day to trick-or-treat, then stop by Strawberry Park for face-painting from 2:00 to 7:00. At 6:00, grab a spot on the lawn for a free outdoor showing of The Addams Family on the big screen.
Halloween Bark Bash, Leesburg, Oct 30
The 3rd annual Halloween Bark Bash is a fun day for dogs and their people. Enjoy trick-or-treating, music, a costume contest, and adorable adoptable dogs. Free; Noon – 3:00.
Spooky Sprint, Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton, Oct 30
Put on your Halloween costume and get ready to run in the 4th annual Spooky Sprint Fun Run and 5K. The Brickmaker paved course is family, stroller, and pet friendly so dress up the whole gang. Registration is $25/$20 for adult/youth. 1.3-mile Fun Run starts at 8:45 and 5K starts at 9:00.
Allow extra time to visit the new Women's Suffrage Memorial and head across the river to visit historic Occoquan.
SUP Coven Parade, Lake Anne, Reston, Oct 30
Head to Lake Anne for one of the most unusual Halloween events in Northern Virginia as the annual Witches and Warlocks SUP Parade crosses the lake to the Plaza. Once they arrive, enjoy a spooky brew at Lake Anne Brew House, take a walk around the lake, or visit one of Lake Anne's many local shops and restaurants.
Trick-or-Treat at Reston Town Center, Reston, Oct 30
Costumed children can visit participating retailers and the Information Center for treats and goodies on Halloween afternoon from 1:00 – 3:00.
Downtown Trick-or-Treat, Culpeper, Oct 31
Dress up the little ones and enjoy a safe and fun hour of trick-or-treating in downtown Culpeper. Downtown shops, restaurants, and business will be handing out treats. Free; 5:00 – 6:00.
Halloween Spooktacular, Great Falls, Oct 31
Children up to age 12 are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes for the Halloween Spooktacular. Visit the Haunted House, enjoy trick or treating with local merchants, and enter your costumed pets in the pet parade. Free; 5:00 – 7:00; Pet Parade 4:00 – 4:45.
More Adult and Scary Events: Halloween in Northern Virginia
Haunted Trails in Northern Virginia are a fun place for teens and adults to enjoy an extra scary night out. The haunted trails listed below are gear to older visitors and may be too intense for young children. Follow the website links to purchase tickets and check for weather-related closures.
Cox Farms Fields of Fear, Centreville, Sep 23 – Nov 5
Older kids and teens head to Cox Farms at night for the Fields of Fear, featuring scares in the corn maze, forest trail, and wagon rides. After the frights, hang out by the bonfire with music, games, and food.
Find more Autumn fun in our guide to the best Fall Festivals in Northern Virginia.
Workhouse Haunt, Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, Oct 1 – Nov 5
Northern Virginia’s scariest haunted trail returns to the Workhouse Arts Center in 2022. Zombies, swamp creatures, and more creepy characters terrify those brave enough to walk through the abandoned buildings at the Workhouse campus.
The Haunt walk-through trail is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays plus Halloween. Timed entry tickets start at $30. Many dates will sell out so get your tickets early. 7:00 – 11:00, Sunday to 10:00.
Ghosts and Graveyards Tours, Alexandria, Sep – Oct
Join a Colonial-costumed guide on a lantern-lit walk through Old Town Alexandria. Hear ghost stories, legends, folklore, unsolved mysteries, tales of romance, and angry ghosts looking for revenge. $15/$10 adult/children (geared to 9 and older).
Death Comes to Carlyle House, Alexandria, Fridays in October
Experience an evening tour of Carlyle House (rumored to be haunted) mansion and learn about death and mourning in the 18th century. Reservations are required. Tours will be led through the house on the hour; $12, 6:00 – 9:00.
Shocktober, Leesburg, Oct 8
Sadly, the most frightening mansion in Northern VA has closed and will not be offering haunted tours in 2022. Instead, the organizer is hosting a one-night Shocktober Haunt Party and concert featuring They Might Be Giants. General admission tickets start at $40. Pre-party starts at 6:00; concert at 8:00
Clifton Haunted Trail, Buckley Park, Clifton, Oct 29
A trail of terror awaits in Clifton’s Buckley Park, with scary skits and live actors, including local legend The Bunnyman. Tickets are $18/$13 online for adults/12 and under and $20/$15 day of event. The haunted trail is likely too intense for younger kids. 7:00 – 10:00 pm.
Not So Scary Halloween in Northern VA October Fun
Halloween on the Green, Vienna, Oct 15
Head to the Vienna town green for spooky crafts, games, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and more. The event is free but registration is required. Free; 10:30 – 12:30.
Howl-o-ween, Reston, Oct 15
Dress your furry friend in costume and head to Brown's Chapel Park in Reston for some doggy Halloween fun. Enjoy music, costume contests, doggie treats, pet vendors, and more. Plus there are food trucks and drinks for the humans. Free; 2:00 – 5:00.
Mall-o-ween Trick-or-Treating, Tysons Corner Center, Oct 16
Head to the Plaza Concourse for candy and some spooky entertainment and activities at the Tysons Fall Festival. Then trick-or-treat at the 50+ participating stores.
Trunk or Treat Trail, Fairfax, Oct 19
The City of Fairfax Police Department is holding a fun Trunk or Treat Trail for a safe Halloween. Get the kids in costume and head over to the Fairfax Government Center to walk trunk-to-trunk for Halloween treats. Music and decorations add to the fun. Free but registration is required, 6:00 – 8:00.
Halloween Safari, Bull Run Mountains, Broad Run, Oct 21
Join a fun, night-time, non-scary hike through the Bull Run Mountains and meet native “wildlife” that perform natural history skits. After the hike, relax by the bonfire and enjoy live music. The event is held at Leopold's Preserve in Broad Run. Timed tickets are $10; register in advance. 7:00 – 8:30.
Monster Mash, Village at Leesburg, Oct 22
The Village at Leesburg is getting into the Halloween spirit with pumpkin carving. trick-or-treating, cookie decorating, and more. Wear your costume and bring your costumed pet to join in the Halloween parade. Free; 3:00 – 6:00.
Halloween Family Fun Day, Reston, Oct 22
Get the little ones dressed in their Halloween costumes and head to the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods for free family-friendly entertainment. Enjoy a one-man band and puppeteer then try your hand at carnival games. Activities are designed for ages infant – 8. Follow the link to register.
Boo at the Pool, Reston, Oct 22
Here's a fun event for kids 6 months to 9 years old. Swim for bobbing treats or dive for treats on the bottom of the pool. Every participant gets a goodie bag and there are prizes for poolside costumes. Advanced registration required.
Haunted Trail, Salamander Resort, Middleburg, Oct 26-27, 29-30
Walk a family-friendly .6 mile haunted trail featuring 10 scenes with live actors. The trail is geared to kids 4 – 12. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Tickets are $16, 3 and under free, purchase online. 7:00 – 9:00.
Halloween Parade, Vienna, Oct 26
Don't miss Vienna's 76th annual Halloween Parade. The 2022 theme is Time Machine so get ready to travel through Vienna's part, present, and future. The parade includes floats, bands, costumed kids, and more. Free; 7:00 pm.
Historic Herndon Halloween House, October
Stop by anytime in October to see one of the most over-the-top Halloween decorations in Northern Virginia. The yard of the Historic Herndon Halloween House (610 Spring St Herndon) is packed with a wacky mashup of Halloween and Christmas decorations.
Bonus Party Fun for Halloween in Northern Virginia
Here’s an easy, fun appetizer to serve on Halloween in Northern Virginia.
Ingredients: cheese sticks, slivered almonds, marinara sauce
To make: Trim tops of cheese sticks and add “knuckle” lines with a butter knife. Stick on almond sliver “fingernails” with a little honey. Sprinkle the underside with a little salt and pepper and serve with marinara sauce. Ooooh, spooky!
Whichever event you choose, we wish you a safe and Happy Halloween in Northern Virginia!
More Fall Fun in Northern Virginia
And you'll find more fall fun in these Autumn guides:
- Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals in Northern Virginia
- 21 Fantastic Fall Festivals In Northern Virginia for All Ages
- Fantastic Ways to Celebrate Fall in Northern Virginia
- Northern Virginia Fall Foliage: Best Places to See Fall Colors Near DC
- 16 Favorite Fall Hikes in Northern Virginia
- Fantastic Northern Virginia Scenic Drives
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