The ultimate guide to Halloween in Florida: Events, movies, costumes, haunted houses, more (2024)

Halloween spirits are descending upon the Sunshine State.

From the infamous Orlando theme-park events like Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights to the state's lesser known ghost stories, Florida has no shortage of frightening festivities to help you get in the Halloween spirit.

Whether you're looking to enjoy some traditional trick-or-treating in costumes or staying in for the best Halloween films, the USA TODAY Network - Florida has the information you need to celebrate safely.

Here is all of our Halloween coverage, including theme parks, Spirit locations and scary stories, all in one place:

Halloween in Orlando

• Universal StudiosHalloween Horror Nights - This Orlando staple allows guests to live out their horror movie nightmares with themed haunted houses and characters from movies and shows including "Chucky," "Stranger Things" and "The Exorcist." HHN is open Wednesday through Sunday until Nov. 4, and on Halloween night. Tickets vary by date, starting at $79.99.
• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party - Back on for the second season after a pandemic-hiatus, this family-friendly Halloween event features villain shows and meet-ups throughout the Magic Kingdom. In addition to seeing beloved characters dawning their spooky garbs, the limited capacity tickets mean that it can be a good chance to get shorter wait times for rides. We put together a guide on how to make the most of the event. The event runs select nights through Nov. 1, and tickets start at $109 for adults and $99 for kids.
• SeaWorld's Howl-O-Scream - This spooky takeover of one of the country's top-rated amusem*nt parks provides five haunted houses and seven scare zones. Guests can also take a spin on their favorite rides at night or see a terrifying show. But beware, this event is not for kids as it includes intense depictions of violence, gore and blood, and no costumes are allowed. The event runs select evenings from Sept. 8 until Oct. 31, and tickets start at $48.99.

Theme park hack: Universal Studios in Orlando, Halloween Horror Nights for less than $100

Halloween in Tampa

• Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens - Similar to the SeaWorld events, this full-park takeover includes haunted houses, scare zones, sinister spectacles and more. This year's new haunted house is D.H. Baggum's Circus of Fear. These attractions are intended for a mature audience. The event runs select evenings from Sept. 8 until Oct. 13, and tickets start at $48.99.
• SCREAM-A-GEDDON Horror Park - This family-owned park features six attractions across 60-acres at the Snowcat RidgeandTreeHoppersfacility just north of Tampa. The hub of the park is the Monster Midway, which has carnival games, alcoholic beverages and snacks. SCREAM-A-GEDDON is opening a new attraction this fall crawling with mutated species, "Breach." Guests who want an even more intense experience can break apart from their group for an individual, interactive experience. The park is open Sept. 8 through Nov. 4 on select nights, and tickets start at $24.95.
• Creatures of the Night - This family-friendly Halloween celebration at ZooTampa at Lowry Park gives kids the chance to connect with storybook villains and creepy, crawling wildlife. This year's event features elder vampires who thrive on the human celebrations, encouraging attendees to dance. The event runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from Sept. 29 until Oct. 29. Tickets start at $34.95 for non-members.

Compare: Universal's Halloween Horror Nights and SeaWorld's Howl-O-Scream, how much do they cost?

Halloween in Miami

• House of Horror Haunted Carnival - Miami's biggest haunted house experience is set up in the Miami International Mall in Doral, complete with a museum-themed house, a haunted-holiday-themed house and an immersive gaming experience. If you can stomach those scares, tickets include carnival rides, games and treats. Tickets start at $20 for children older than 6 and $30 for adults. The attraction will be open Sept. 28 through Oct. 31, everyday except for Mondays.
• Harvest Festival - The Berry Farm in South Dade hosts a special fall festival each year complete with a five-acre corn maze, pony rides and a pumpkin patch. The farm also puts on a spookier nighttime event, "Nightmare in the Redland," which is open select evenings in October. The festival runs Sept. 16 through Nov. 5. Tickets start at $16.44 for the Harvest Festival and $31.89 for the Halloween special events.
• Pumpkin Patch at Pinto’s Farm - This farm attraction in Redland includes pedal boat rides, tractor rides and magic shows. Some weekends also allow guests to bring their four-legged friends. The events run Sept. 23 until Nov. 5, and tickets start at $21.49.
• The Horrorland - This scary park at Jungle Island boasts scare zones, "terror-tories" and haunts scattered around the park. With dance shows and puppet displays, the park is considered family-friendly but recommended for guests 10 years and older. The park offers free, light-up "DON’T SCARE ME" necklaces that signal performers throughout the park to avoid startling guests wearing one. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 22 until Oct. 31, with extended hours the final three evenings. Ticket prices depend on the night, starting at at $48.99.

Halloween haunts around Florida

• Brick-or-Treat, LEGOLAND - Monsters take over LEGOLAND in Lakeland for live entertainment, character meet-and-greets and trick-or-treating. Costumes are allowed at this family-friendly event, and tickets are included with park entrance starting at $84. Brick-or-Treat runs select days from Sept. 16 until Oct. 29.
• Halloween Notte - During the last three weekends in October, Charlotte County brings together all the Halloween celebrations in one place with bounce houses, rides, haunted houses, food and a ghostly dance party. Tickets for select attractions start at $15.
• The Spooky Fun Halloween Science Show on the M/V Double Sunshine cruise in Naples. Saturday, October 21, 10 a.m. ET. Tickets: $23 for children, $46 for adults.
• Moonlit Masquerade Ball boat ride on East Lake Toho. Tuesday, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. in Saint Cloud. Tickets: $100.
• Planetarium Special Feature: Spooky Secrets of the Stars at the Emerald Coast Science Center. Thursday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. in Fort Walton. Tickets start at $12 for nonmembers.

Spooky legends in the Sunshine State

• Florida tops for ghost sightings with haunted restaurants, I-4 Dead Zone, Disney World ghost
• Ghosts, ashes and a bride's ring: 5 creepy haunted legends and rumors from Disney World
• Haunted Florida: Finding the creepiest places in the Sunshine State
• Sunshine State monsters: 3 Florida cryptids to learn about this Halloween season
• Who needs haunted houses? What to know about I-4's 'Dead Zone,' Florida's haunted highway

Staying in? Here are our watch recommendations

• What is Florida's favorite Halloween movie? The answer might just take your breath away
• Seeing Five Nights at Freddy’s? Here’s what to know about the long-awaited video game movie
• Looking for scary movies ahead of Halloween season? Check out these 15 spooky old films
• Get un-spooked: Halloween movies that won't give you nightmares, Where to watch them
• Not-so-scary watchlist: Here's where to stream Halloween episodes of your favorite shows

The Dos & Don'ts of Halloween costumes and decorations

• Crusty white dogs to Wednesday Addams: Last minute, night-before Halloween costumes from TikTok
• Too scary? Here’s a guide to not get overly creepy with your Halloween decorations
• Time to start thinking about costumes. Where can I find a Spirit Halloween in Florida?
• This list ranks the most Googled Halloween costumes. Which costumes top the list in Florida?

Halloween tips for pets (and other animals)

• Dressing up your dog or cat for Halloween? Here are some dos and don'ts to keep them safe
• Ignore those puppy-dog eyes: These popular Halloween treats can be deadly for your dog
• Where does Florida rank among the best states for bat lovers?

Halloween odds and ends

• Need to restock your Halloween candy? Make sure you have these Florida favorites
• McDonald’s has Boo Buckets at Florida restaurants this Halloween season. Here’s what they are
• Lewis the Target jack-o’-lantern Halloween decoration is viral on TikTok. Is he found in Florida?
• Do you know safest city in Florida during zombie apocalypse?

Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY