2026 Guide to 10 Must-See California Halloween Events
Ghosts, goblins, superheroes and princesses will soon be taking over California streets, theme parks and neighborhoods. Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for children—but it also brings some very real safety concerns for families.
Attorney James Johnson offers parents some safety reminders and tips for Halloween.
Meanwhile, California has no shortage of ways to celebrate Halloween. Here are 10 notable events and attractions taking place around the state this season.
1. 🎃 Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort — Anaheim
Disneyland Resort’s Halloween celebration runs Aug. 21 through Oct. 31, 2026, with seasonal decorations, entertainment and attractions throughout the resort. Disney California Adventure also hosts the separately ticketed Oogie Boogie Bash on select nights.
Safety tip: Large crowds and excited children can make it easy for family members to become separated. Establish a meeting location and make sure children know how to identify a uniformed park employee. Older kids and adults who prefer the nightmare never ends can also visit Knott’s Scary Farm in Buena Park.
2. 👻 Halloween Horror Nights — Universal Studios Hollywood
For older teens and adults who enjoy serious scares, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights from Sept. 3 through Nov. 1, 2026. The event features haunted houses, scare zones and the Terror Tram. Universal notes that the event is intended for guests 13 and older.
Safety tip: Wear comfortable, secure footwear. Haunted attractions can involve darkness, uneven surfaces, crowds and sudden movements.
3. 🧱 Brick-or-Treat — LEGOLAND California
Carlsbad’s LEGOLAND California offers a decidedly kid-friendly Halloween with its Brick-or-Treat celebration. The 2026 event takes place on select dates from Sept. 19 through Nov. 1, featuring trick-or-treating, entertainment, costume contests and LEGO monster characters.
Safety tip: With candy stations throughout the park, children may become distracted. Keep younger children within sight and establish a family meeting point.
4. 🐠 SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream — San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego’s Howl-O-Scream runs Sept. 11 through Oct. 31, 2026, with family-oriented entertainment, trick-or-treating, seasonal activities and themed celebrations.
Safety tip: Comfortable shoes, hydration and regular breaks can help prevent fatigue-related falls during a long day at the park.
5. 🦁 HalGLOWeen — San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo gets into the Halloween spirit with HalGLOWeen, scheduled for Fridays through Sundays during October. The 2026 celebration includes music, performances and glowing nighttime entertainment. Children 11 and younger can attend free during October’s Kids Free San Diego promotion.
Safety tip: Nighttime events mean reduced visibility. Keep children close and consider reflective accessories or glow-in-the-dark items.
6. 🎃 Night of the Jack — Calabasas
At King Gillette Ranch, Night of the Jack offers a roughly one-mile Halloween trail filled with illuminated displays and giant jack-o’-lanterns. The 2026 season runs Sept. 25 through Nov. 1. Get tickets here.
Safety tip: Because the attraction involves walking after dark, watch for uneven pavement, curbs and other changes in walking surfaces.
7. 🌹 Carved at Descanso Gardens — Pasadena
Hundreds of carved pumpkins become the stars of Carved at Descanso Gardens, a nighttime one-mile walk through the gardens. The 2026 event runs Oct. 2 through Nov. 1.
Safety tip: Stay on designated paths and remind children that beautiful displays are for looking—not climbing or touching.
8. 🏚️ Festival Fright Nights — Winchester Mystery House, San Jose
The historic Winchester Mystery House hosts Festival Fright Nights from Sept. 18 through Nov. 1, 2026, adding Halloween entertainment to one of Northern California’s most famous attractions. Learn more or get tickets.
Safety tip: If you’re attending with young children, check the event’s scare level before purchasing tickets. Not every Halloween attraction is designed for little ones.
9. 🎡 The Great Big BOO! — Gilroy Gardens
Gilroy Gardens turns Halloween into a family-friendly celebration with costumes, seasonal entertainment and activities designed for younger visitors. The 2026 event opened Sept. 25 and runs during the fall season. Find out more.
Safety tip: Theme parks can mean lots of walking and crowded areas. Take frequent breaks and keep an eye on children around rides, pathways and entrances.
10. 🦒 Boo at the Zoo — Oakland Zoo
Families in Northern California can celebrate Halloween at the Oakland Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo, scheduled for weekends Oct. 17 through Nov. 1, 2026. Activities include Halloween-themed programming and costume fun. Learn more and get tickets.
Safety tip: Costumes should allow children to move easily and see clearly. Avoid oversized accessories that could snag on railings, rides or other people.
Have Fun—and Get Home Safely
Halloween is supposed to be spooky. Your trip home shouldn’t be.
Whether you’re heading to a major theme park, a neighborhood trick-or-treat event or simply walking around your own block, remember that Halloween brings together two things that require extra attention: children and nighttime traffic.
Drivers should slow down and watch carefully for pedestrians. Parents should make sure children are visible and understand basic street-crossing rules. And everyone should stay alert.
From all of us at Johnson Attorneys Group, have a safe, happy and frightfully fun Halloween! 🎃👻
Event dates and details can change. Check with each event’s official website before making travel plans or purchasing tickets.
When You Need Someone on Your Side
Attorney James Johnson understands that an accident can turn your life upside down. He cares about his clients and is committed to helping injured Californians understand their rights and options. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, call James Johnson at 1-800-208-3538 for a free case review.
James Johnson — I’m on your team.
