Halloween is coming! Here are some of the best Halloween events in California and Arizona. Booook now before your time runs out!
Halloween is just around the corner, and there are great spots to enjoy and celebrate the spooky holiday across the Southwest. Here are our favorite travel-worthy Halloween events in the Southwest.
Hollywood-Style Halloween Events in California
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood immerses guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror and fright inspired by TV and film’s most compelling horror properties. The event includes several haunted house experiences and scare zones. Even better, you get the chance to ride several theme park attractions during the event.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights run on select dates in September and October. Photo courtesy Universal Studios
The event runs select nights from early September through Halloween. Check the website for the current year’s schedule.
Where to Stay in Hollywood
If you are looking for a place to stay while attending Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights – we found the best option to be Loews Hollywood Hotel. This spot is right smack dab in all the action—and close to the theme park! The hotel has 632 rooms, including 113 suites, a rooftop pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. Located right in the Ovation Center, there are dozens of shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and more right outside the hotel’s front doors.
For our family, the spot was a perfect option. Not only because of the location but also because they offer discounted rates with tickets due to their partnership with the theme park property.
Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND California
Brick or Treat is LEGOLAND’S signature Halloween event—check for new lineups each season. Guests can get a ton of candy, participate in Halloween-themed activities, and much more. This is a great spot for children still looking for some “spooky” scenes without all the big scares. The event will take place on Saturday afternoons and evenings from mid-September through Halloween—check the schedule for dates each year. Tickets are available online, and hotel package deals are available for overnight stays at the LEGOLAND property hotels.
Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND California. Photo by Gretchen Pahia
Where to Stay Near LEGOLAND
The best ticket and overnight accommodation deal is staying on property at one of the LEGOLAND hotels. However, there are many properties nearby. Some of our recommendations for the best hotels near LEGOLAND are West Inn & Suites in Carlsbad, Grand Pacific Palisades Hotel, and Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa.
West Inn & Suites in Carlsbad is a great hotel during your visit. Photo courtesy West Inn & Suites
Halloween Events at Disney
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort kicks off in early September and offers the whole family several Halloween events and festivities to enjoy. The park features seasonal décor, themed attractions, and more. You can see your favorite characters in costume, get in the wicked spirit at the Haunted Mansion, and taste specialty Halloween snacks.
Disneyland becomes a Halloween treat during September and October. Photo by Gretchen Pahia
Also, check out Downtown Disney District with Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit.
Don’t miss Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit. Photo by Gretchen Pahia
Each year, Disney throws an incredible Halloween bash of epic proportions at Disney’s California Adventure Park. The Oogie Boogie Bash features Halloween-themed entertainment, treat trails, unique not-too-spooky decor, and a frightfully fun parade. These themed nights sell out quickly, so purchase early.
Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon in Arizona
Get into the Halloween spirit just before the big day at the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. The event stretches over two nights the weekend before Halloween each year and includes more than 20 hot air balloons—that also serve as trick-or-treat stations for kids.
The Salt River Fields Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon celebration is ideal for the entire family. Photo courtesy Salt River Fields
This is a great event for the whole family. Along with a safe trick-or-treating experience, costume contests for kids and adults, arts and crafts, and great food and treats. You do need to buy tickets, and I advise you do so ahead of time to take advantage of early-bird discounts.
There are costume contests and trick-or-treating for kids of all ages. Photo courtesy Salt River Fields
Where to Stay Near the Salt River Fields
There are several hotels around the Salt River Fields, and my top suggestions are Talking Stick Resort, Tru by Hilton Scottsdale Salt River, or Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsdale Riverwalk.
Feel the Fear in Glendale, AZ
Halloween fear, that is! Touted as the largest outdoor haunted attraction in Phoenix, Fear Farm is a spooky spot for those looking for tons of big scares and screams. I recommend this for older teens and adults—it might not be the best option for younger kids.
Fear Farm is a very large area, about 30 acres, that include six indoor/outdoor haunted attractions and a 10-acre corn maze. There are fast passes/skip-the-line tickets available. These are the best way to be sure you see all the attractions on-site during your visit. Also, if you are bringing a purse or bag, be sure it is clear, as they only allow clear bags on site. Make sure you wear comfortable, closed toe-shoes as well. Even the website suggests no flip-flops or heels.
Fear Farm is not for the faint of heart. Photo by Nastco via iStock by Getty Images
Where to Stay Near Fear Farm
For a spot to stay near Fear Farm, if you are visiting the Phoenix metro area, there are several options. I suggest the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa or Home2 Suites by Hilton Glendale – Westgate. If you are looking for restaurant ideas or shopping nearby, you’ll find Westgate and Tanger Outlet Stores Phoenix—both great spots to catch a bite or do some shopping.
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Howling Family Fun in Scottsdale, AZ
This one is especially great for families. We love our visits to Great Wolf Lodge Arizona any time of year, but at Halloween, it is specially packed with fun for the annual Howl-O-Ween celebration. The spooky celebrations are family-friendly throughout the entire property, starting in the lobby decked out in full fall and Halloween festive décor. There are character celebrations, events for every age, Trick or Treat trail, and much more.
Have a howling great time at Great Wolf Lodge’s Howl O Ween in Scottsdale. Photo courtesy Great Wolf Lodge
And of course, the best part is the indoor water park, which is perfect for splashing around and enjoying all year. The Halloween event at the hotel takes place each October. For more information, check out their website.
As you can see, there are many Halloween events in the Southwest, from playful spookiness for the youngest celebrators to adult-themed frights and horrors. Consider the Southwest next time you’re planning a special Halloween trip! If you love Halloween, we also have great suggestions for haunted hotels.
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