As autumn drapes New Jersey in golden leaves, the Garden State comes alive with harvest festivals, glowing jack-o’-lanterns and parades that fill small towns with music and laughter.
Halloween here isn’t just a night – it’s a season-long celebration, with events lighting up towns and cities, offering visitors a taste of small-town Americana at its most magical.
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🎭 Parades that Bring Towns to Life
From seaside streets to bustling boroughs, New Jersey’s Halloween parades are packed with community spirit. Sea Isle City’s Halloween Parade & Dance Party (17 Oct) sets the scene with music by the shore, while Freehold Spooktacular (26 Oct) fills Main Street with costumes and colour. On Halloween itself, the Toms River Parade (31 Oct) – one of the largest in the region – takes over the town with floats, marching bands and festive flair.
🎃 Illuminated by the Spirit of Halloween
Autumn evenings shine bright at New Jersey’s after-dark spectacles. The Demarest Farms Halloween Light Show (28 Sept–31 Oct) dazzles with a drive-through of glowing displays, while the Jack O’ Lantern Experience at Skylands Stadium (late Sept–early Nov) casts a magical glow with over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins, live music and the comforting aromas of cider and s’mores.
👻 Thrills, Treats and Seaside Magic
Theme parks and boardwalks take on a new charm in October. At Six Flags Kids Boo Fest (13 Sept–2 Nov), little ghouls can follow trick-or-treat trails before hopping on family rides. Along the coast, Boo at the Boardwalk (18–19 & 25–26 Oct) mixes pumpkin carving, magic shows and seaside fun for an unforgettable autumn weekend.
🕯️ Historic Streets with a Seasonal Twist
New Jersey’s historic towns know how to celebrate in style. Cape May’s Scarecrow Alley (5 Oct–2 Nov) lines the grounds of its Victorian estate with creative scarecrows, while Witches Day Out in Smithville (26 Oct) invites visitors to don pointy hats for a day of shopping, dining and festivities. Or, ride the Great Pumpkin Train (throughout Oct) in Phillipsburg for a nostalgic journey through autumn countryside – pumpkin in hand.
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New Jersey’s Halloween season offers more than pumpkins and costumes. It’s a chance to experience small-town America at its most authentic – friendly, festive, and full of creativity. Pair these events with the state’s beaches, historic towns, and easy access from New York City, and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable autumn escape.
Posted by: New Jersey Division of Tourism
Posted on: 15/09/2025