It may not feel like it, but October is just around the corner. And with it comes the ultimate excuse to let your freak flag fly: Halloween.
Are you ready to dive into the season of spooks and scares with full gusto? If your answer is a resounding yes, then you've come to the right place. If not, you've also come to the right place.
We all know Halloween isn't just about donning creepy costumes and trick-or-treating. It's a peculiar kind of holiday that invites you to unlock your creativity, delve into the world of the paranormal, and make friends with the unknown. So why not make the most of it?
This guide will walk you through seven unique ways to celebrate the season that goes beyond the typical pumpkin carving and candy-hunting. From getting to know your town's spooky side to seeing just how much hair-raising fun you can handle in a single night, there are a million and one ways to get in the Halloween spirit.
So, grab your favorite fall treat and explore how you can make your Halloween as memorable as the tales of haunted houses and eerie apparitions. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your new favorite tradition.
Host a Murder Mystery Party
Costume parties are great and all, but why not up the ante with a murder mystery party? There are tons of kits you can buy online that will give you everything you need to host a night of intrigue and suspense—including, of course, a theme.
Masters of Mystery has whodunits in the Wild West, the 1920s, and even space. Be sure to let your guests in on the style of game you're playing so they can come dressed up for the occasion.
Go on a Local Ghost Tour
Every town has its own specific brand of lore and legends. After all, myths and monsters are born out of something—and oftentimes, that "something" is rooted in actual historic events.
Get to know your town's spooky side by finding a ghost tour run by local historians who can tell you the stories behind paranormal activity. These guided walks or rides will give you a chance to explore the city streets after dark while also learning the stories behind when (and why) certain places were deemed haunted.
If your town doesn't offer such a tour, you can always take a DIY version. By doing some research online or checking historical records at your local library, you can find out which places have the most spine-chilling tales and visit them yourself.
Hit All the Haunted Houses in Your City
Going to a haunted house, hay ride, or corn maze is a classic Halloween activity, but why not take it one step further? Challenge yourself (and your friends) to hit every spooky attraction in town and rank them on the hair-raising scale. Whether you attempt this feat in a single night or all month long, you're sure to have a thrilling good time.
Create Your Own Haunted House
Become your block's unofficial haunted house guru by creating your own spooky maze of horrors. Pick a theme, grab a fog machine and some black light fixtures, and start getting creative. You don't need to spend a fortune to make your house look convincing—some low lighting and a few well-placed props can go a long way. Post up a few signs and start inviting brave (or foolish?) visitors to your own Halloween attraction.
Stay at a Haunted Hotel
If we're talking creepy activities, you can't top a night spent in a haunted hotel. Some hotels have such an eerie history that they've been known to draw the attention of ghost hunters and paranormal investigators from all over the world. Luckily, you don't have to scour the internet for a room in a haunted hotel. Websites like HauntedRooms.com list some of the world's spookiest places and tell you all about their ghostly guests.
If you're feeling brave enough to spend the night, make sure you book ahead—these places tend to fill up quickly.
Enter a Costume Contest
Everyone dresses up on Halloween. But not everyone enters a costume contest. Doing so forces you to step up your game and create something truly spectacular. And no matter what the outcome, you'll still have a chance to show off your spooky side.
Have a Bonfire & Read Ghost Stories
Is there anything more classic than gathering with friends around a crackling bonfire and swapping ghost stories? We think not. So, pour out some cider, toast up some marshmallows, and get ready for an evening of spine-chilling tales.
Whether you opt to read stories from books or ask your pals to tell you their own, you'll soon find yourself surrounded by an atmosphere of eerie mystery. Here are a few questions you can ask the group to get the ghost stories rolling:
- Do you believe in ghosts—why or why not?
- What was the strangest thing you've ever seen that, to this day, you can't explain?
- Have you ever experienced something paranormal?
