And another 7 worth checking out
Few cities rival the size and scope of Los Angeles. And the city of Angels rolls out the blood red carpet for Halloween. We were in LA last year just after Halloween, so we missed out on going to most of these last year. So don’t make the mistake we did. Get out and enjoy these astounding Halloween activities in Los Angeles.
Universal Studios Hollywood – Halloween Horror Nights
Few attractions have the scope and budget of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. HHN offers an unparalleled blend of horror, entertainment, and cinematic magic. What sets this event apart are its elaborate haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows.
Here’s everything you need to know about this spine-chilling event.
What’s planned for 2024
- Haunted Houses: The heart of HHN is its haunted houses, each themed around popular horror franchises, films, and original concepts. These houses feature detailed sets, live actors, and state-of-the-art special effects to create an intensely immersive experience. Past themes have included “The Exorcist,” “Stranger Things,” “The Haunting of Hill House,” and “Universal Monsters.”
- Scare Zones: Scattered throughout the park, scare zones are themed areas where actors in terrifying costumes roam freely, interacting with guests and creating a constant atmosphere of fear. Each zone has its own unique theme and style, ensuring that the scares continue even as you move between attractions.
- Live Shows: HHN also features live shows that blend horror with entertainment. These shows often include pyrotechnics, special effects, and high-energy performances. A popular staple is the “Jabbawockeez” show, which combines dance, music, and visual effects.
- Rides and Attractions: Select rides and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood remain open during HHN, often with a spooky twist. This allows guests to enjoy their favorite rides in a whole new, eerie light.
- Terror Tram: A unique feature of HHN Hollywood is the Terror Tram, which takes guests on a tour of the Universal backlot, transformed into a horrifying landscape filled with zombies, monsters, and other creatures. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the studio with a terrifying twist.
Tickets are an extra charge beyond admission to Universal. We’ve seen videos on YouTube highlighting people’s experiences this year. And it looks like it’s as incredible of an event as years past. You won’t go wrong spending a night with Universal’s monsters.
Reign of Terror
Reign of Terror is massive. With over 32,000 square feet of terror and 142 interconnected rooms, it offers a truly immersive and spine-chilling experience.
Reign of Terror has been scaring visitors for over two decades. And because of that they have gained a reputation for their high-quality production. With detailed sets, and intense scares.
The attraction is located at the Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks. They are typically open on select dates in October, November, and December, with special events sometimes held in other months.
Reign of Terror Sections
Reign of Terror is divided into multiple themed sections, each with its own unique atmosphere and style of scares. Here are some of the key sections:
- The Haunted House: The classic haunted house experience with dark hallways, creepy rooms, and unexpected scares around every corner.
- Infected: A post-apocalyptic setting where visitors must navigate through a world overrun by zombies and other nightmarish creatures.
- The Asylum: Explore the twisted corridors of an abandoned asylum, filled with deranged patients and sinister doctors.
- The Fun House: A nightmarish carnival with clowns and other freakish characters that will leave you questioning your sanity.
- Casa Blood: A haunted mansion dripping with gothic horror, featuring ghostly apparitions and blood-curdling scenes.
- The Miner’s Revenge: Venture into the depths of a haunted mine where vengeful spirits and deadly traps await.
- The White-Out: A disorienting maze filled with fog, strobe lights, and hidden scares that will leave you breathless.
- Quarantine: Navigate through a biohazard zone filled with infected victims and terrifying mutations.
- Unhallowed Ground: A cursed graveyard where the dead do not rest peacefully.
- The Ultimate Darkness: A pitch-black maze where your only guide is the sound of your own heartbeat.
Whether you love the scares, or just appreciate the remarkable attention to detail, Reign of Terror has something for everyone. The team designed each room meticulously to create a different kind of horror. That’s what makes it an ideal destination for horror fans looking for a high-quality haunted house experience.
Lakewood Haunted Car Wash
I love this idea. What’s better is how well they execute it. The Haunted Carwash, also known as the Tunnel of Terror, is located at 2729 E. Carson St, Lakewood, CA. It transforms a regular car wash into a haunted drive-through experience. Visitors remain in the safety of their vehicles while encountering a series of spooky surprises and live actors.
The main attraction is the haunted car wash tunnel itself. As you drive through, you’ll encounter fog, eerie lighting, and a host of creepy characters who interact with your vehicle. The tunnel is designed to create an immersive horror experience with a mix of visual and audio effects.
Throughout the car wash, live actors dressed as ghosts, ghouls, and other terrifying creatures will approach your car, adding an element of surprise and interaction. These actors are skilled at providing scares while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out with the family, the Haunted Carwash promises a thrilling adventure that’s sure to leave you with lasting memories. So buckle up, keep your eyes peeled, and get ready for a drive-through experience like no other.
Magic of the Jack O Lanterns
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns transforms the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area into a glowing wonderland. The family-friendly event runs from late September through Halloween. The big draw are the over 5,000 intricately carved pumpkins. In addition, massive displays, themed sections, and interactive elements make it a perfect outing.
What to expect for 2024
- Hand-Carved Pumpkins: The centerpiece of the event is the thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, each meticulously crafted into various designs, from classic jack-o’-lantern faces to elaborate scenes and characters. These pumpkins are illuminated to create a mesmerizing glow that lights up the night.
- Themed Displays: The event features several themed sections, each with its own unique decorations and atmosphere. Themes may include spooky forests, enchanted gardens, and whimsical scenes that appeal to both children and adults.
- Interactive Elements: Visitors can enjoy interactive displays and activities, such as photo opportunities with larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures, themed backdrops, and hands-on activities for kids.
- Light Displays: In addition to the carved pumpkins, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns includes a variety of light displays that enhance the magical atmosphere. These displays often feature animated lights, synchronized music, and other special effects.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The event is designed to be family-friendly, with a focus on creating a magical and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. The atmosphere is more whimsical than frightening, making it suitable for young children.
- Food and Beverages: There are food and beverage options available on-site, allowing visitors to enjoy seasonal treats and refreshments as they explore the event.
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns in Los Angeles offers a delightful and visually stunning way to celebrate the Halloween season. With its impressive array of hand-carved pumpkins, themed displays, and interactive elements, it provides a magical experience that’s perfect for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a unique date night, this event promises to deliver a night of enchantment and wonder.
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
No Halloween season in LA is complete without the Haunted Hayride. For over a decade, this event has delighted horror enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. The event typically runs from late September through Halloween. Set in the eerie surroundings of the Old Zoo in Griffith Park, the Haunted Hayride provides a unique and atmospheric backdrop for a night of scares.
What to expect in 2024
- The Haunted Hayride: The centerpiece of the event, the Haunted Hayride takes guests on a journey through the dark woods of Griffith Park. The hayride features elaborate sets, live actors, and special effects designed to terrify. Each year, the hayride has a different theme, adding new elements and stories to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
- Midnight Falls: This is the fictional town where the Haunted Hayride is set. Midnight Falls is a fully immersive environment with its own backstory and characters. Visitors can explore the town, interact with its creepy inhabitants, and uncover its dark secrets.
- Trick-or-Treat: A unique experience where guests can walk through the neighborhood of Midnight Falls and knock on doors for a trick or a treat. This attraction combines the nostalgia of trick-or-treating with the thrill of encountering live actors and spooky surprises.
- Midnight Mortuary: A haunted house attraction within Midnight Falls. The mortuary is filled with terrifying scenes and grotesque characters that will keep your heart racing as you navigate its dark corridors.
- Roadkill Ranch: Another haunted house experience, this attraction takes you through a gruesome ranch where the inhabitants have a taste for human flesh. Expect intense scares and detailed, horrifying sets.
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is located at Griffith Park’s Old Zoo, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA. The event typically runs from late September through Halloween, with specific dates and hours varying each year.
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience one of the best Halloween events in Southern California. With its immersive storytelling, high-quality production, and variety of attractions, it offers a night of unforgettable scares and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or just looking for a thrilling night out, the Haunted Hayride promises to deliver a Halloween experience like no other.
Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest 2024
Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain offers a variety of Halloween-themed attractions and entertainment. The experience sets out to scare and delight visitors of all ages. During the day, the park maintains its family-friendly atmosphere. However as night falls, it transforms into a haunted wonderland with terrifying experiences around every corner.
Six Flags promises that this year’s Fright Fest promises to be the most intense yet. Let’s get into what you can expect:
2024 Highlights
- Haunted Houses: This year’s Fright Fest features 20 haunted houses, each with its own unique theme and scares. From classic haunted mansions to post-apocalyptic nightmares, these houses are designed to provide intense and immersive horror experiences.
- Scare Zones: The park is divided into multiple scare zones, where actors in horrifying costumes roam freely, interacting with guests and creating a constant atmosphere of fear. Each scare zone has a distinct theme, ensuring a variety of scares as you move through the park.
- Spine-Chilling Coasters: Experience your favorite Magic Mountain roller coasters in the dark for an added thrill. The park’s signature rides, such as Twisted Colossus and Goliath, take on a new level of excitement when ridden at night.
- Live Entertainment: Fright Fest includes a variety of live shows and performances, featuring everything from spooky dance numbers to eerie storytelling. These shows add to the overall atmosphere and provide a break from the haunted attractions.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA. Fright Fest runs on select nights from September 7th to November 3rd, 2024.
With its combination of haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and thrilling rides, it offers a comprehensive Halloween experience that stands out in Southern California. Whether you’re a horror aficionado or just looking for a fun night out, Fright Fest is sure to deliver a spine-tingling adventure.
Other Halloween Happenings in Los Angeles
Here are seven fantastic options that capture the spirit of Halloween and fall:
- Boo at the LA Zoo This family-friendly event is perfect for little ghouls and goblins. The LA Zoo transforms into a Halloween wonderland with trick-or-treating stations, animal pumpkin feedings, and themed photo ops. Kids can enjoy a safe and fun Halloween experience while learning about animals and conservation. It’s a great way to celebrate the season without the scares.
- Delusion Interactive Theatre For those seeking a truly terrifying experience, Delusion offers an immersive theatrical horror adventure. This interactive haunted play puts you right in the middle of a spine-chilling story. With professional actors, stunning set design, and a gripping narrative, Delusion pushes the boundaries of traditional haunted houses, creating a uniquely scary and unforgettable experience.
- Fall Festival at Original Farmers Market Embrace the autumn spirit at this charming festival. The historic Farmers Market hosts a family-friendly Fall Festival featuring carnival games, a petting zoo, and seasonal activities. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the crisp fall air, sample seasonal treats, and celebrate the harvest season without focusing solely on Halloween.
- Ghost Tours at The Haunt Experience the spooky side of LA’s history with these eerie ghost tours in Chinatown. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore the shadowy streets and hidden corners of this historic neighborhood, learning about its haunted past and supernatural legends. It’s a perfect blend of history and horror for those who love a good ghost story.
- Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch This iconic LA pumpkin patch offers a classic Halloween experience for all ages. Visitors can enjoy pumpkin decorating, straw mazes, and a petting zoo. With its festive atmosphere and wide range of activities, Mr. Bones is the perfect place to get into the Halloween spirit and find the perfect pumpkin for your jack-o’-lantern.
- Victorian Mourning Faire at Heritage Square Museum Step back in time at this unique event that explores the mourning customs of the Victorian era. Held at the atmospheric Heritage Square Museum, the Victorian Mourning Faire offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century Halloween traditions. Visitors can enjoy historical reenactments, macabre crafts, and spooky tours of the museum’s vintage homes.
- Hallowe’en Spooktacular at Bob Baker Marionette Theater For a whimsical and slightly spooky experience, don’t miss the Hallowe’en Spooktacular at the beloved Bob Baker Marionette Theater. This charming puppet show features Halloween-themed marionettes in a delightful performance that’s perfect for families with young children. It’s a magical way to celebrate the season with a touch of nostalgia.