Updated on October 26, 2024 by Julie McCool
Our giant list of 2024 Halloween events in Northern Virginia includes trick-or-treating, haunted houses and trails, adult 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.
2024 Halloween events in Northern Virginia are listed below in two groups:
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- Kid-friendly Halloween Events
- Scary and Adult Halloween Events
Traditional trick-or-treating returns and there are many more chances to use those costumes with events for kids, adults, and your furry friend. Halloween 2024 is on a Thursday but many events are scheduled earlier. There are so many ways to enjoy the spooky season in Northern VA!
Find more seasonal fun in our guide to October Events in Northern Virginia and the best Fall Festivals in Northern Virginia.
Halloween Events for Kids in Northern Virginia
Here are the best Kid-friendly Halloween Events in Northern Virginia, before, on, and after Halloween night 2024. Our list includes Trick-or-treating, Halloween parades, less Haunted Trails, and fun events for every age.
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.
Brick or Treat, LEGO Discovery Center, Oct 1 – 31
Monsters take over the new LEGO Discovery Center at Springfield Town Center for extra Halloween fun. You'll find spooky decorations, special LEGO challenges, a new Halloween 4D movie, and more.
Goblin Golf, Burke Lake, Oct 5-6, 12-13, 19-20
Get a jump on Halloween fun with a themed round of mini-golf at Burke Lake Park. $10 per person, 11:00 – 5:00.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt, Meadowlark Garden, Oct 12-31
Give kids an extra reason to explore Meadowlark Botanical Gardens when they search for Halloween-themed signs hidden throughout the garden and receive a treat at the end. Wear costumes to take advantage of special photo spots. $7 per person.
Halloween Safari, Bull Run Mountains, Broad Run, Oct 18+25
Join a nighttime, non-scary hike through the Bull Run Mountains and meet native “wildlife” who perform natural history skits. Then 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.
Halloween Family Fun Day, Reston, Oct 19
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 magician then try carnival games. Activities are for 8 and under, free registration required.
Howl-o-ween, Reston, Oct 19
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.
Halloween Parade, Vienna, Oct 23
Don't miss Vienna's 78th annual Halloween Parade where the 2024 theme is Party Like It's 1999. The parade includes floats, bands, costumed kids, and more. Free, 7:00 pm.
Halloween on the Green, Vienna, Oct 23
Head to the Vienna town green for spooky crafts, games, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and more. Free; 10:30 – 12:30.
Haunted Trail, Salamander Resort, Middleburg, Oct 24-27
Walk a family-friendly .6-mile haunted trail featuring 10 scenes with live actors. The trail is geared to kids 4 – 12. They also offer a fright-free trail without actors at 6:30. Food and beverages available for purchase. Tickets are $20, 3 and under free, purchase online. 7:00 – 9:00.
Halloween House & Trick or Treat Trail, Reston, Oct 25-26
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/$20 for residents/non-residents; 6:00 – 8:45
Halloween on the Farm, Frying Pan Park, Oct 25-26
Enjoy Halloween fun at Frying Pan Farm Park. Kids can join in trick-or-treating, crafts, games, and more. Get your timed entry ticket for a one-hour visit. $10, 4:30 – 7:30.
Ghost Town, Burke Lake Park, Oct 26-27
The annual Burke Lake Ghost Train is expanded 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.
Air and Scare Family Day, Air and Space Udvar-Hazy, Chantilly, Oct 26
The Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center's popular Halloween event returns in 2024! Once again, the annual event will be held indoors and outdoors. 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.
Old Town Trick-or-Treating, Alexandria, Oct 26
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; 11:00 – 4:00.
Trick or Treating at Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, Oct 26
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.
Costume Parade, Occoquan, Oct 26
Costumed kids of all ages can join in the costume parade and contest in downtown Occoquan. Allow time to check out all of the great Halloween decorations throughout historic Occoquan. The parade begins at 10:00; free.
Halloween Bark Bash, Leesburg, Oct 26
The 6th 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.
Monster Mash, Village at Leesburg, Oct 26
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; 1:00 – 5:00.
Halloween at The Perch, Tysons, Oct 26
Celebrate Halloween at The Perch with an afternoon of family-friendly fun like kids and adult costume contests, spooky mini-golf, and pumpkin painting. Free but tickets are recommended. Noon – 6:00.
Boo at the Pool, Reston, Oct 26
Kids 6 months to 9 can 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. Registration required.
Family Trunk or Treat, McLean Community Center, Oct 26
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 – 8:00.
Halloween Crafts and Treats, Old Town Manassas, Oct 26
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 – 5:00.
Halloween at The Boo-roo, Tysons, Oct 26
Head to The Boro in Tysons for a Halloween party, trick or treating, kids activities, a dog costume contest, and more. Free, 1:00 – 4:00.
Witches and Warlocks SUP Parade, Reston, Oct 27
See one of the most unusual Halloween events in Northern Virginia as the annual Witches and Warlocks SUP Parade crosses the lake to the Plaza. (Check out our video on Instagram.) 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. Free, 2:00-6:00
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest, Leesburg, Oct 27-Dec 8
Enter Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest at Morven Park and experience the world of magic. On a walk through the forest you'll encounter fantastic beasts, haunting lights, and special effects. Tickets start at $45. Plan your visit with our Leesburg Getaway Guide.
Old Town Doggie Trick-or-Treating, Alexandria, Oct 27
Dress your furry friend for Halloween 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; 11:00 – 3:00.
Del Ray Halloween Parade, Alexandria, Oct 27
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.
Trick-or-Treat at Reston Town Center, Reston, Oct 27
Costumed children can visit participating retailers and the Information Center for treats and goodies on Halloween afternoon from noon – 3:00.
Halloween Spooktacular, Great Falls, Oct 27
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 3:00 – 4:00.
Harbor Halloween, National Harbor, Oct 27
Get a jump on trick-or-treating at the annual National Harbor Halloween celebration. In addition to the treats, watch Hocus Pocus on the big screen, see a pumpkin carving contest, join in the Pet Pawrade, and more. Free admission, noon – 3:00.
Trick-or-treat at Lake Anne Plaza, Reston, Oct 31
The kids enjoy Halloween fun as they trick-or-treat at businesses around the plaza. Free, 5:00 – 7:00.
County Trick-or-Treating in Northern Virginia, Oct 31
October 31 is the official date for trick-or-treating in Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County, though there is no official time. General concensus is that kids can start to trick-or-treat at dusk and finish no later than 9:00. (Note that some developments may set other nights to trick-or-treat.)
Halloween at The Parc, Tysons, Oct 31
Stop by The Parc, Tysons Community Center, for trick-or-treating, face painting, mad scientist activities, and more kid-friendly fun. Free, 4:00 – 7:00.
Mosaic Halloween, Mosaic District, Fairfax, Oct 31
Visit your favorite Mosaic stores all day to trick-or-treat, then stop by Strawberry Park for face-painting from 4:00 – 7:00. At 6:00, grab a spot on the lawn for a free outdoor showing of Scooby Doo on the big screen.
Downtown Trick-or-Treat, Culpeper, Oct 31
Enjoy a safe and fun hour of trick-or-treating in downtown Culpeper when downtown shops, restaurants, and businesses hand out treats. Free; 5:00 – 6:00.
Dead and Breakfast Open House, Hillsboro, Nov 3
Visit Hidden View Bed & Breakfast in Hillsboro for a spooky tour of this award-winning Loudoun County B&B. Rooms will be decked out for Halloween and you'll also have beautiful fall foliage views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Free, 3:00 – 8:00.
Scary / Adult Halloween Events 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 20-Nov 2
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.
Milltown Haunt, Leeseburg, Sep 27-Oct 27
The Milltown Haunt in Leesburg offers both a classic haunted house and a family-friendly midway. Tickets for the haunted house start at $30, but you can enter the midway for just $5 and kids 12 and under are free.
Haunted Nightmares, Winchester, Sep 27-Oct 31
Hill High Farm in Winchester hosts an excellent pumpkin patch and corn maze (including a nighttime maze). But for a real scare, take a walk through the haunted house. Choose a daytime less-scary version from 1:00 – 5:00 ($12) or experience the full Haunted Nightmares after 6:00 ($15).
Workhouse Haunt 2024, Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, Oct 4–Nov 2
Northern Virginia’s scariest haunted trail returns to the Workhouse Arts Center in 2024 with zombies, swamp creatures, and more creepy characters lurking in the abandoned buildings at the Workhouse campus.
The Haunt walk-through trail is open Friday-Sunday plus Halloween. Timed entry tickets start at $25 aany dates will sell out so get your tickets early. 7:00 – 11:00, Sunday to 10:00.
Madhaunter's Madhouse, Purcellville, Oct 4-27 Weekends
One of the most popular haunted houses in Northern VA, Madhaunter's Madhouse delivers scares and screams to those brave enough to enter. The Madhouse is open Friday – Sunday and returns to their location on Legard Farm Road in Purcellville. Tickets are $30 or $45 for a Fastpass.
Hauntings Loudoun Museum, Leesburg, Oct 17-19
Join Loudoun Museum for a downtown Leesburg walking tour full of spooky stories and eerie mysteries. This annual fundraiser supports the Loudoun Museum, one of the best places to visit in historic Leesburg VA. Tickets are $35, 6:00 – 10:30 pm.
Halloween Adult Night, LEGO Discovery Center, Oct 18
Adults get a turn at Halloween fun when the new LEGO Discovery Center at Springfield Town Center opens for a special adults-only night. A costume contest, special build challenges, spooky decorations, and a new Halloween 4D movie, are just part of the fun.
Factory of Fear, Manassas, Oct 25-26
Embark on a spooky journey through all four floors of the Art Factory haunted by ghouls and demons. Now in it's 3rd year, guests can also enjoy food trucks outside and a Factory of Fear Art Exhibit. Tix are $25/$25 advance/at the door. 6:00 – 11:00.
Clifton Haunted Trail, Buckley Park, Clifton, Oct 26
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.
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).
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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