Every Halloween event in and around Orlando for 2026, with dates, ages, scare levels and costs, a filter to find the right ones, and local tips for doing spooky season right.
Orlando's Halloween season runs from early August to early November. The headliners are Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida (select nights, Aug 28 to Nov 1), Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom (select nights, Aug 7 to Oct 31) and Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando (select nights, Sep 11 to Oct 31). Families get free trick-or-treats like Eolaween at Lake Eola on Oct 24 plus included-with-admission events at SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, Gatorland and Crayola. Horror fans get more than a dozen haunted trails within an hour or two of the city.
We live here, and every fall we watch visitors try to piece spooky season together from a dozen websites. So we put it all in one place: every event we could find across Orlando and Central Florida, with the dates, who each one is for, what it costs and how scary it really is, plus a filter so you can find your events in seconds. Bookmark it; we update it as new events are announced.
Orlando Halloween 2026 at a glance
| Event | Where | 2026 dates | Best for | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halloween Horror Nights 35 | Universal Studios Florida | Select nights, Aug 28 to Nov 1 | Teens and adults | Separate |
| Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party | Magic Kingdom | Select nights, Aug 7 to Oct 31 | All ages | Separate |
| Howl-O-Scream | SeaWorld Orlando | Select nights, Sep 11 to Oct 31 | Teens and adults | Separate |
| Halloween Spooktacular | SeaWorld Orlando | Select days, Aug 29 to Nov 1 | Kids and families | Included |
| Brick-or-Treat | LEGOLAND Florida | Select days, Sep 5 to Oct 31 | Kids 2 to 12 | Included |
| Peppa's Halloween Party | Peppa Pig Theme Park | October weekends and Oct 31 | Toddlers and preschoolers | Included |
| Gators, Ghosts and Goblins | Gatorland | Select days, Oct 10 to 25 | Families | Included |
| Halloween at Disney Springs | Disney Springs | Aug 11 to Nov 9 | Everyone | Free |
| Eolaween | Lake Eola Park | Oct 24 | Families | Free |
Which Orlando Halloween event is right for you?
| If you are... | Go to | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Traveling with little kids | Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Brick-or-Treat, Peppa's Halloween Party | Trick-or-treating and characters, no scares |
| Tweens who want a little fright | SeaWorld Spooktacular by day, Gatorland's event, Face the Fear | Spooky without gore |
| Teens and horror fans | Halloween Horror Nights, Howl-O-Scream | The biggest haunted houses in Florida |
| Serious scare seekers | A Petrified Forest, Pemberton Haunted Acres, Tales of Terror | Local haunts that do not hold back |
| A couple | Nosferatu: The Citadel, Nightmare on Orange cocktails, Enzian's Halloween films | Grown-up, atmospheric and a little strange |
| Out with friends | A downtown bar crawl, Dead Coconut Club, Spooky Empire | Costumes and a party |
| On a budget | Eolaween, Disney Springs, trunk-or-treats, free Enzian lawn movies | Free |
Every Orlando Halloween event in one place
Use the filters to narrow by type, who is going, scare level and cost, or tap "Happening now" to see what is on today.
81 events
Disney's after-hours Halloween party: trick-or-treating through Magic Kingdom, a Halloween parade and fireworks, characters in costume and shorter ride lines thanks to limited capacity. The park closes early to regular day guests on party nights.
Fall decorations, roaming Halloween entertainers, seasonal treats and costume shopping, free to enter with free parking. Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar gets a Halloween makeover for the season.
Minnie's Halloween Dine
On nowA Halloween character meal with Minnie and friends at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Requires park admission.
Jock Lindsey's Halloween Hangar Bar
On nowVintage Halloween decor and a menu of themed cocktails at the waterfront bar.
Nightmare on Blues Street
On nowSeasonal cocktails and a mocktail served in take-home cups.
Dead Coconut Club
On nowRed Coconut Club's Horror Nights-season makeover. This year's theme is an alien-invaded harvest festival.
Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park
On nowA 20-acre horror park with five haunted houses, zombie paintball and actors who can grab you.
The big one. Universal's 35th Horror Nights fills Universal Studios Florida with haunted houses built on horror franchises and original stories, roaming scare zones and live shows. Announced houses include Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser and Evil Dead Burn, with Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow back as icons. Blood, gore and intense themes; no costumes allowed.
Nosferatu: The Citadel
On nowOrlando's immersive adults-only vampire experience with free-roam rooms, drag, music and the VBar afterparty. Wear black.
SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular
On nowDaytime trick-or-treating on a decorated trail with characters, costumes welcome for kids, and new Hotel Transylvania character experiences this year. Included with park admission.
Hotel Transylvania Monster Breakfast
On nowA character breakfast buffet with Drac, Mavis and friends.
Haunted Mangoni
On nowA Haunted Mansion-inspired makeover with themed food, cocktails and tarot readings on select nights.
Brick-or-Treat
On nowLEGOLAND's family Halloween with LEGO monsters, builds, live shows and a new Brick or Treat Street walkthrough. Included with park admission.
Monsters Bash at Sugar Factory
On nowA monster-themed pop-up with over-the-top desserts and bubbling drinks.
Beware the Night and Boo at the Zoo
On nowAn after-hours glowing-lantern walk through the zoo, with an optional scarier trail for teens on October Fridays and Saturdays, plus daytime trick-or-treating on October weekends.
Dates are as announced by organizers and can change. Scare levels are our own rating. Always confirm details and buy tickets from the official source.
The Orlando Halloween calendar, August to November
| When | What starts or peaks |
|---|---|
| Early August | Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins (Aug 7). Halloween arrives at Disney Springs (Aug 11). |
| Late August | Halloween Horror Nights opens (Aug 28), SeaWorld Spooktacular begins (Aug 29). Scream-A-Geddon opens (Aug 23). |
| September | LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat (from Sep 5), Howl-O-Scream in Orlando and Tampa (from Sep 11), Crayola and SEA LIFE Halloween (from Sep 19), most haunted trails open late in the month. |
| Early October | Local haunts in full swing, Enzian's 13+ Films of Halloween, Peppa's Halloween Party weekends, Gatorland (from Oct 10). |
| Late October | Peak weekends: trunk-or-treats across the region, Eolaween (Oct 24), Halloween on Central in St. Pete (Oct 25), Spooky Empire (Oct 30). |
| October 31 | Final party nights, Old Town's Halloween Bash, trunk-or-treats, bar crawls and Rocky Horror. |
| Early November | Horror Nights and SeaWorld's family event run through Nov 1, and Disney Springs Halloween through Nov 9. |
The big theme park Halloween events
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida
Horror Nights is the event people fly in for. On select nights from Aug 28 to Nov 1, Universal Studios Florida closes early to day guests and reopens as a horror festival of elaborate haunted houses, scare zones and live shows. 2026 is the 35th year, and the announced lineup includes houses based on Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser and Evil Dead, plus originals starring the event's icons, Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow.
- Go early in the season and midweek. Sunday to Thursday nights in late August and September are the least crowded; October Fridays and Saturdays are packed.
- Consider Express. Horror Nights Express passes skip the regular lines and can sell out on peak nights.
- No costumes. Guests cannot wear costumes or masks, and it is intense, bloody and not recommended for young children.
- Plan dinner at CityWalk. It is right outside the gate. See our CityWalk hours guide.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom
On select nights from Aug 7 to Oct 31, 7 p.m. to midnight, Magic Kingdom turns into a Halloween party with trick-or-treating throughout the park, a Halloween parade, special fireworks, characters in costume and shorter ride lines thanks to limited ticket sales. It is Disney's gentlest, most joyful Halloween, made for all ages.
- October nights sell out first. August and September nights are usually cheaper and easier to get, but hotter.
- The park closes early to regular guests on party nights, so check the party calendar before you pick your Magic Kingdom day. See our Magic Kingdom calendar.
- Costumes are welcome for all ages, with Disney's costume guidelines. Check them before you pack.
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld's answer to Horror Nights runs on select nights from Sep 11 to Oct 31, with haunted houses, scare zones, roaming hordes, themed bars and coasters in the dark. This year adds a house based on I Know What You Did Last Summer. Like Horror Nights, it is for teens and adults, with no costumes allowed. By day, the family-friendly Halloween Spooktacular is included with admission. See our SeaWorld Orlando calendar.
Family Halloween at the other parks
LEGOLAND's Brick-or-Treat, Peppa's Halloween Party next door, Gatorland's Gators, Ghosts and Goblins, Crayola's Screamin' Green Hauntoween and SEA LIFE's Pirates of the Haunted Seas are all included with regular admission. They are the easiest way to give little kids a full Halloween without a separate ticket.
How the big events compare
| Event | Scare level | Ages | Costumes | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halloween Horror Nights | 5 of 5 | Teens and adults | Not allowed | Separate event ticket |
| Howl-O-Scream | 5 of 5 | Teens and adults | Not allowed | Separate event ticket |
| Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party | Not scary | All ages | Welcome, with guidelines | Separate event ticket |
| SeaWorld Spooktacular | Not scary | Kids and families | Welcome for kids | Included with admission |
| Brick-or-Treat | Not scary | Kids 2 to 12 | Welcome | Included with admission |
Free Halloween events in Orlando
- Eolaween (Oct 24): trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, a pumpkin hay boat ride around Lake Eola and Haunted Mansion on the lawn.
- Halloween at Disney Springs (Aug 11 to Nov 9): decorations, roaming entertainers and free parking.
- Winter Garden Halloween Experience (Oct 18 to 31): a light show on City Hall, a hay maze and the Spooky Caboose on Halloween.
- Old Town's Spooktacular Halloween Bash (Oct 31): free trunk or treat, a costume contest and the classic car show.
- Trunk-or-treats: Lake Mary, Longwood, Ocoee, Apopka, St. Cloud, Clermont and Kissimmee all host free events the last week of October.
- Enzian's Wednesday Night Pitcher Shows: free Halloween movies on the lawn in Maitland.
- Milk Mart Spooky Soiree (Oct 4): hundreds of local makers in the Milk District, costumes expected.
More free ideas in our guide to free and cheap things to do in Orlando.
Ghost tours, glow paddles and spooky things to book
Not every Halloween night needs a haunted house. Orlando's ghost tours dig into the real, often grim history of downtown, Winter Park, Sanford and Mount Dora, and the downtown ghost tour is one of the highest-rated experiences in the city. For something different, paddle a glowing LED kayak after dark, or see the parks' fireworks from a helicopter.
Bookings are covered by Viator's Lowest Price Guarantee: find the same tour cheaper elsewhere and Viator refunds the difference. Terms
1. 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando
Americanghostadventures. com -This 2-hour walking tour will take you through historic downtown Orlando.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 770 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Private option for your group only
2. Orlando Ghost Tour: Ominous Otherworld Ghosts & Hauntings
Step into the shadowy streets of Orlando on our enthralling walking ghost tour, where history and hauntings come alive! Guided by a seasoned local expert and master storyteller, you'll explore multiple haunted and historic sites echoing with tales of the past.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.2 out of 5 by 50 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Private option for your group only
- Takes about 1 hour
3. Ghosts of Winter Park - A Chilling Walking Tour!
Winter Park has seen many famous business leaders, US President and celebrities pass along its cobble stone streets along and near famous Park Avenue. We'll tell you a little but about their time in this village, mostly about the ones who apparently never left!
Why it made our list
- Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 5 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Takes about 1 hr 30 min
4. Mount Dora Paranormal Ghost Tour
Explore the haunted history of Mount Dora on a unique ghost adventure that takes you through its picturesque streets and storied past. Starting in the lobby of the historic Lakeside Inn, this interactive tour immerses you in a hands-on paranormal investigation.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 53 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Private option for your group only
5. Sanford Ghost Tour
Dare to explore the haunted heart of Historic Downtown Sanford on a Historical Ghost Walking Tour like no other! Step into the shadows of Sanford’s storied past as our local expert guides you through eerie alleys and timeworn streets—sharing chilling tales passed down by those who know them best: the people who...
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.4 out of 5 by 16 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Small group experience
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
6. Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
If you want to spice up your work week or vacation with some spooky spirited fun, join us for our Haunted Pub Crawl! Experience up to two hours of haunting, history, and spirits of both kinds as you hop from one of Orlando's four favorite neighborhood bars to a number of haunted locations.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.5 out of 5 by 8 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Private option for your group only
- Takes about 2 hours
7. Clear Kayak Glow in the Dark Tour Through Winter Park
Be ready for a glow in the dark paddling excursion that will showcase Winter Park’s natural beauty from the water and lead guests through the night. Enjoy the glow from our LED equipped kayaks as we’ll guide the way through narrow Venetian style canals laced with history and lined with some of Florida’s finest...
Why it made our list
- Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 104 travelers
- Small group experience
- Private option for your group only
- Takes about 1 hr 30 min
8. Limited Time Halloween or Christmas 77 Miles Fireworks Tour
This tour is a 40-45 minute experience of all the theme parks at night plus an amazing fireworks show! **There is a limited number of shows offered** You will watch the full Fireworks special show for the Holidays (Halloween or Christmas Season).
Why it made our list
- Free cancellation available
- Private option for your group only
- Takes about 43 min to 45 min
9. Walt Disney World Orlando Special Event Tickets
More of a good thing is always a great thing, and more Disney magic just might be the best thing of all. That’s exactly what you get at a Disney After Hours event.
Why it made our list
- Rated 3.1 out of 5 by 20 travelers
- Takes about 5 hours
Worth the drive: Halloween beyond Orlando
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (about 90 minutes): its own Howl-O-Scream at night and a family Spooktacular on weekends.
- Plant City (about an hour): Sir Henry's Haunted Trail and Pemberton Haunted Acres, two of the region's best haunts.
- Tampa: UNDead in the Water on a real WWII ship, and Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa.
- St. Petersburg: Halloween on Central (Oct 25), 22 car-free blocks of costumes and candy.
- Dade City: Scream-A-Geddon, a 20-acre horror park with zombie paintball.
- The Space Coast: Brevard Zoo's lantern-lit Beware the Night. Add a launch; see our rocket launch hotel guide.
Local tips for Halloween in Orlando
- It is still summer in August and September. Evenings at the early parties are hot and humid, with a chance of storms. October nights are far more comfortable, which is why they sell out.
- Buy tickets early. Party and Horror Nights dates, especially October weekends, sell out. Weeknights early in the season are easiest and often cheaper.
- Check costume rules. Horror Nights and Howl-O-Scream do not allow costumes; Disney's party does, with guidelines; many local events encourage them.
- Pick the right park day. Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios Florida close early to day guests on event nights.
- Use rideshare for bar crawls and plan for heavy traffic on I-4 and around downtown on Halloween weekend.
- Read the age guidance. Many haunts recommend no one under 11 to 13, and some are 18 or 21 and over.
Where to stay for spooky season
For Horror Nights, stay near Universal so you can walk or take a short ride back after a late night; Universal's premier hotels also include Express for the parks, though not for Horror Nights. For Mickey's party, a Disney resort makes the midnight exit easy. See our guides to hotels near Disney World, hotels near SeaWorld Orlando and luxury resort hotels.
Frequently asked questions
When does Halloween season start in Orlando?
Early August. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starts Aug 7, Disney Springs decorates from Aug 11, and Halloween Horror Nights opens Aug 28. Events run through early November.
What are the dates for Halloween Horror Nights 2026?
Halloween Horror Nights 35 runs on select nights from Aug 28 to Nov 1, 2026, at Universal Studios Florida. Check Universal's calendar for exact nights.
When is Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026?
On select nights from Aug 7 to Oct 31, 2026, from 7 p.m. to midnight at Magic Kingdom. October nights sell out first.
Is Halloween Horror Nights OK for kids?
It is not recommended for young children. It is intense, with blood, gore and actors who get close. Families with kids should look at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, SeaWorld's Spooktacular or LEGOLAND's Brick-or-Treat.
What Halloween events in Orlando are free?
Eolaween at Lake Eola (Oct 24), Halloween at Disney Springs, the Winter Garden Halloween Experience, Old Town's Halloween Bash and dozens of trunk-or-treats across Central Florida are free.
Can adults wear costumes to Orlando Halloween events?
At Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, yes, following Disney's guidelines. Halloween Horror Nights and Howl-O-Scream do not allow costumes. Most bar crawls, parties and local festivals encourage them.
What is the scariest Halloween event in Orlando?
Among the theme parks, Halloween Horror Nights and Howl-O-Scream. Among local haunts, A Petrified Forest, Pemberton Haunted Acres and the 18-and-over Tales of Terror have the biggest reputations.
What is the best week to visit Orlando for Halloween?
Mid-October gives you the most events at once with cooler evenings, but it is also busiest. For smaller crowds, choose a weeknight in late August or September for the theme park events.
Plan your spooky season
Start with the headline events, fill the gaps with local haunts, free trick-or-treats and a ghost tour, and book the popular nights early. For more of the season, see Halloween in Orlando, things to do in Orlando in October and the Universal Studios Florida calendar.
We research Orlando tours, attractions and events so travelers and locals can plan with confidence. More about us.
