The spookiest night of the year is coming up, but you don’t need to wait until October 31st to get into the Halloween spirit. Here’s how to celebrate the haunted holiday around DC.
Interact With Local Ghosts
Looking for an audience with the occult? Brush up on your spooky lore with insights from DC-area tour guides. Then, check out a historical ghost tour, stopping at pubs, landmarks, and houses with a paranormal reputation. For an overnight haunt, book a stay in an allegedly haunted hotel or rental.
Snack on a Holiday Treat
If you’re craving fall flavors and boo-zy beverages, check out these food and drink specials that celebrate the holiday. Try candy corn cupcakes, get your palm read at a restaurant, and sip autumnal libations like hot cider.
Party at a Halloween Event
All Hallows’ Eve falls on a Monday this year, so you may want to check out a Halloween weekend event for themed bar crawls and brunches. Dressing up your dog? Show off your four-legged companion’s costume at one of these dog-friendly events.
Check Out Fun Decorations
Maybe you want to see how your giant skeleton stacks up. Or maybe you just need a dose of spooky vibes. Take a walk through neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Georgetown to peruse houses decked out in Halloween costumes of their own.
Explore a Haunted Location
Interactive experiences at haunted houses and forests feature zombies, clowns, and other monsters of the night. Whether you’re riding a creepy hayride or exploring a spine-chilling trail, prepare for plenty of jump scares and screaming.
Carve a Jack-o’-Lantern
Enjoy a classic fall activity, and pick a pumpkin at a farm near DC. Head home to chisel your find into a jack-o’-lantern or attend a pumpkin decorating event. (Many will provide the pumpkin for you.) Throwing a Halloween party? Impress your guests with an adults-only version, the pumpkin keg.
Rock a DC-Themed Costume
Show off your DC pop culture knowledge with a costume pulled from local headlines. If you are still seeking a get-up for your furry friend, find inspiration from this year’s Dachshund Dash, where dogs donned fabulous fits.
