Ah, Los Angeles! The city of angels, and around Halloween, perhaps a few playful spirits as well. Halloween in LA is unlike any other, with its unique blend of Tinseltown glamour and spine-tingling traditions. The air becomes crisp, jack-o-lanterns start grinning from porches, and LA's many infamous haunted houses throw open their creaky doors to thrill-seekers.
If you're brave enough, or simply want to experience the very best bone-chilling attractions LA has to offer this Halloween, then buckle up, my thrill-seeking friend. This guide is for you.
Dare to Enter?
Haunted houses have become synonymous with Halloween celebrations, and Los Angeles boasts some of the very best. These aren't your ordinary, make-believe spook-fests; they're immersive, terrifying, and absolutely unforgettable.
Tips for Surviving LA's Haunted Houses
- Stay Calm and Carry Garlic: Hey, it might not ward off vengeful spirits, but you never know when you'll run into a vampire in LA!
- Stick Together: There's strength in numbers. Also, more people to scream with.
- Respect the Ghosts: Remember, you're in their house now.
The Spooky Streets: Halloween Parades and Parties
While haunted houses are a major draw, LA's outdoor Halloween festivities are not to be missed.
The Legendary West Hollywood Halloween Carnival
An amalgamation of quirky costumes, celebrity sightings, and electric energy, the West Hollywood Halloween Carnival is arguably the most glamorous Halloween event. Think of it as the Oscars, but with more zombies and witches. Be sure to dress to impress!
The Lantern-lit Alleys of Downtown LA
For a slightly quieter but equally enchanting experience, roam the lantern-lit alleys of Downtown LA. Local artists often put up installations, turning these narrow lanes into eerie art galleries.
What to Wear and Carry
- Quirky Costumes: When in LA, outshine the crowd. Think outside the coffin... err, box.
- Comfortable Footwear: Ghosts don't get foot cramps, but you might.
- A Flashlight: For when things get a little too spooky.
LA Halloween For the Faint of Heart
Not a fan of jump scares and ghostly encounters? No worries. Los Angeles offers a range of Halloween festivities that won't have you sleeping with the lights on.
Pumpkin Patches and Harvest Festivals
Head over to any of the city's numerous pumpkin patches for a day of fun-filled activities. Carve a pumpkin, hop on a hayride, or simply enjoy the delicious harvest treats. Check out our list of Pumpkin Patches HERE.
Movie Nights Under the Stars
Classic horror movies, cozy blankets, and the LA skyline as the backdrop. Outdoor Halloween movie nights are a delightful way to get into the spirit of the season without any of the frights.
Los Angeles during Halloween is an experience in itself. From the spine-chilling haunted houses in Calabasas to the glittering parades of West Hollywood, there's something for every brave heart and scaredy-cat.
So, whether you're looking to scream your lungs out or just want a taste of the Halloween spirit, LA promises a ghoulishly good time. Remember, Halloween in Los Angeles isn't just about scares; it's about creating memories that will last... well, an eternity! Happy haunting!
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CALABASAS:
SEPT. 29-OCT. 31: 'Nights Of The Jack' Halloween Extravaganza: King Gillette Ranch. This one gets a "spooky, not scary" rating.
OCT 22: The Calabasas Pumpkin Festival. Did you know Calabasas got its name from the Spanish word "Calabaza" meaning "pumpkin" or "gourd"?
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BUENA PARK:
SEPT. 21 - OCT. 31: Knott’s Scary Farm: Knott’s Berry Farm. "No tomb unearthed, no crypt unrattled & no fear untouched. "
SEPT. 22-OCT. 31: The 17th Door Haunt Experience. Will you cry mercy at "Perpetuum Penitentiary"?
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CHINO:
SEPT. 29-OCT. 29: 'Haunted Harvest' Corn Maze: Frosty’s Forest & Pumpkin Patch. "One of the largest haunted experiences in Southern California."
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HOLLYWOOD:
SATURDAY OCT. 29: 'Dia De Los Muertos. "Hollywood Forever Cemetary comes to life for this annual cultural event."
THROUGH OCT. 31: 'Hollywood True Crime & Haunted Tales' Walking Tour. "If you love Hollywood, the paranormal, or true crime - this is the tour for you!"
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LAKE ARROWHEAD:
SEPT. 30: 'Bracken Fern Manor Lockdown' Ghost Experience. A once-in-a-lifetime (if you survive) experience.
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LAKEWOOD:
OCT. 6-31: 'Tunnel of Terror' Halloween Haunted Car Wash. "Expect unique surprises each night!"
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LONG BEACH:
SEPT. 28-OCT. 31: 'Shaqtoberfest' Haunted Halloween Festival: Queen Mary. Back for a second year with haunted trails, carnival rides, themed lounges & more.
THROUGH OCT. 31: The Queen Mary Paranormal Ship Walk Tour. An after-hours experience for ages 13+.
THROUGH OCT. 31: The Queen Mary Haunted Encounters Tour. A "non-scary" introduction to the ship's legendary, ghostly tales.
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LOS ANGELES:
SEPT. 15-OCT. 31: 'Angel Of Light' Halloween Walk-Thru Haunt: LA Theatre. A spine-chilling merging of technology & live theater.
SEPT. 22-OCT. 31: LA Haunted Hayride: Griffith Park. Tagline: "Veil between living and dead is at its thinnest." Oh, boy.
SEPT. 28-OCT. 31: 'Boney Island' Halloween: Natural History Museum Of LA County. Family-friendly with glowing lights, creepy crawlies, silly skeletons & more.
THROUGH OCT. 1: 'Sunset Strip True Crime & Ghost Stories' Walking Tour. "Hear all manner of LA legends, from gangsters to ghosts & see some of LA's most infamous haunts along the way."
OCT. 19-21 & 26-28: LACHSA 'Halls Of Horror' Halloween Haunt. The creative brainchild from Los Angeles County High School for Arts students.
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NORTH HOLLYWOOD:
OCT. 6-31: Zombie Joe's 'Urban Death' Haunted Halloween Show: Underground Theatre. For terror-seekers 18 & up.
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PASADENA:
SEPT. 29-OCT. 1: 'Halloween: 45 Years Of Terror' Bus Tour & Movie Fan Convention. Remember Michael Myers?
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POMONA:
SEPT. 21-NOV. 19: 'Delusion' Interactive Horror Theatre: Phillips Mansion. Become a key player in a sinister escapade.
OCT. 6-31: 'Lights Out' Halloween Haunt: Fearplex/Fairplex. With three terrifying mazes ... and no guarantee you'll find your way out.
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SANTA CLARITA:
SEPT. 8-OCT. 31: 'Fright Fest': Six Flags Magic Mountain. Celebrating 30 chilling years with 30 nights of frights.
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THOUSAND OAKS:
SEPT. 29-NOV. 4: Reign Of Terror Haunted House. With 138 bone-chilling rooms, 10 terrifying attractions in 28,000 square feet ... good luck!
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UNIVERSAL CITY:
SEPT. 7-OCT. 31: Halloween Horror Nights: Universal Studios Hollywood. Buckle up! Scary awaits with eight haunted houses & the "Terror Tram."
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VALENCIA:
SEPT. 8-OCT. 31: 'Fright Fest': Six Flags Magic Mountain. Celebrating 30 chilling years with 30 nights of frights.
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WEST HOLLYWOOD:
THROUGH OCT. 1: 'Sunset Strip True Crime & Ghost Stories' Walking Tour. "Hear all manner of LA legends, from gangsters to ghosts & see some of LA's most infamous haunts along the way."
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FOR STATEWIDE LISTINGS: Haunted Houses 2023: California Guide To Halloween Bone-Chilling Best
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