The Halloween season is here! It’s our family’s favorite time of the year to visit Knott’s Berry Farm. How big is Halloween for theme parks? I googled it and saw almost all parks have some type of Halloween program.
Tracy B. from Los Angeles, California
Tracy, Halloween is our industry’s single biggest promotional event. You are correct, all of the major operators such as Disney, Universal, Six Flags, and Cedar Fair have a Halloween program at their parks.
Not only Knott’s Berry Farm, but as I mentioned above, all of the major operators and many independent operators have Halloween programs. Halloween is so important to the parks that many now begin their promotions in September! They are trying to bring out as many visitors as possible. The dates and number of days for the Halloween events change annually due to the way the 31st of October falls each year.
Universal Studios has a great event also. Last year, they drew over 600 thousand visitors for “Halloween Horror Nights”. Their program is in its 25th year and continues to grow annually.
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| Seriously - Find out more here |
- Knott’s Berry Farm runs its “Scary Farm” from September 24th to October 31st.
- The Universal Studios Parks (both California and Florida) run their “Halloween Horror Nights” through November 1st.
- The Busch Garden Parks (Florida and Virginia) have a “Howl-O-Scream” that runs from now through the end of October.
- The Disney Parks put on a great “Mickey’s Halloween Party” through November 1st.
- The Legoland Parks (California and Florida) offer their “Brick or Treat” Halloween event, which runs this year from October 3rd through October 31st.
- The Halloween event at the Six Flags Parks across the U.S. is called “Fright Fest”. Most open this weekend and run through November 1st.
Tracy, a major point of interest is that the USA theme park industry has exported the Halloween promotional event around the world. The event is popular in countries that actually do not have a “true” Halloween observance. Many countries with theme parks have added the promotional event based on the huge success in the USA.Halloween is estimated to generate over $2.15 billion in costume sales this year. Add in the candy and USA expenditures for Halloween, and Americans will spend over $6.9 billion on the holiday. Halloween is the second largest commercial program following Christmas.
More the 157 million Americans will celebrate Halloween this year according to the National Retail Federation.
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| Additional Statistics for 2015 are located at NRF's website. |
So Tracy, it is very important to the American theme parks and greatly enjoyed by millions of Americans. Within our industry, this single holiday can “make or break” how well a park does during the operating season.
Enjoy Knott’s “Scary Farm”, and while you are at it, head to the other parks in the Los Angeles area for a great time!
Thanks again for your question and enjoy this list of selected Halloween events occurring at theme parks across North America this year. Happy Haunting!
Download the list here in PDF format
Select nights Sept. 18 through Nov. 1
No Monday or Tuesday
Hours – 6:30pm-1:00 or 2:00am
25th year
9 Haunted Houses
7 Scare Zones and Shows
2 Shows
Rides
Separately Ticketed Event
General Admission - $101.99
Add on Ticket to your daytime ticket - $49.99
Select Nights Sept. 25 - Nov. 1
No Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays
Hours – 7:00 pm to 2:00 am
6 Mazes
Terror Tram
4 Scare Zones
Live stage show – Jabbawockeez
Rides
Separately Ticketed Event
Ticket prices vary depending on the day
General Admission - $85.00
Add on Ticket to your daytime ticket - $49.99
Add on Ticket to your daytime ticket - $49.99
Select Nights Sept. 25 - Oct. 31
No Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Hours – 7:30 pm to 1:00 am
7 haunted houses
Rides
Shows
Dining and Spirits themed to Halloween
Tickets - $90.00 at the gate
Select Nights Sept. 25 - Nov. 1
No Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Hours – 6:00 pm to 10:00 or 11:00 pm
5 Terror-Tories
3 shows
Rides
5 tours for an additional cost ranging from $5 to $250
Dining and Spirits themed to Halloween
Included with admission - $77.00
Weekends in October
Hours – 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
5 Haunts
6 Terror-Tories
Bars with Halloween themed drinks
Shows
Rides
Retail
Included with admission - $69.00
Select Nights Sept. 15 through Nov. 1
Hours – 7pm to Midnight
Trick or Treat
Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
Happy HalloWishes – Fireworks show
Halloween themed food and drinks
Day-of Purchase Admission - $74 in September and $79 in
October
Select Nights Sept. 25 - Oct. 31
Hours – Event begins at 6 or 7 pm until 11pm or midnight
Trick or Treat
Costumes
Halloween Screams Fireworks Spectacular
Entertainment including Dance Party
Halloween themed food and drinks
Additional Admission Cost - $77.00 except Oct. 29 and 31 -
$84.00
Legoland
Brick-Or-Treat Party Nights
Select Nights October 3, 10, 17, 24, or 30
Hours – 5pm -9pm
Brick-or-Treat Trail which includes stops at SEA LIFE
Aquarium
Costume Contest
Music and Entertainment
Rides
Sponsored by Shutterfly
Night-Time Only Ticket - $35.00
Select Nights October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 23-25, 30, 31
Hours – 10 am – 8 pm
Brick-or-Treat Trail
Costume Contest
Giant 13 ft. long LEGO Hearse
LEGO Vampire Build
World’s Largest LEGO Pumpkin Photo Opportunity
Witching Hour
Music and Entertainment
Meet and Greets with LEGO Halloween Characters
Nightly Fireworks
Rides
Included with a General Admission Ticket - $82.00
Brick-or-Treat is also an event at Legoland Winsdor,
Legoland Malaysia
Legoland Billund - Halloween
Six Flags Fright Fest
Sponsored by Snickers
Select Nights Oct. 3 - Nov. 1
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours – Closing times vary at either 9, 10 or 11 pm
10 Haunts
Rides
General Admission - $61.99 at the gate
Select Nights Sept. 26 – Nov. 1
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours - Closing times vary at either 9 or 10 pm or Midnight
11 Haunts
3 Monstertainments
Rides
General Admission - $76.99 at the gate
Select Nights Sept. 26 – Nov. 1
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours - Closing times vary at either 9 or 10 pm or Midnight
9 Haunts
2 Monstertainments
Rides
General Admission - $91.14 at the gate
Select Nights Oct. 3 – Nov. 1
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours - Closing times vary at either 9, 10 or 11 pm
9 Haunts
4 Monstertainments
Rides
General Admission – Not yet listed
Fright Fest requires additional admission along with park
general admission
Select Nights Sept. 19 – Nov. 1
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours - Closing times vary at either 10, 11 pm or Midnight
12 Haunts – Some of which require another additional fee
5 Monstertainments
Rides
General Admission - $91.99 at the gate
Select Nights Sept. 26 – Nov. 1
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours - Closing times vary at either 10, 11 pm or Midnight
13 Haunts – some of which require an additional fee
8 Monstertainments
Rides
General Admission - $98.98 at the gate
Select Nights Sept. 26 – Nov. 1
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours - Closing times vary at either 11 pm or 1 am
7 Haunts – some of which require an additional fee
11 Monstertainments
Rides
General Admission - $96.99 at the gate
Select Nights Sept. 25 – Nov. 2
No Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays (except for Monday Nov.
2)
Hours - Closing times vary at either Midnight or 1 am
9 Haunts – some of which require an additional fee
6 Monstertainments
Rides
General Admission – Not yet listed
Fright Fest requires additional admission along with park
general admission
Select Nights Sept. 26 – Nov. 1
No Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours - Closing times vary at either 9, 10 or 11 pm
10 Haunts – some of which require an additional fee
6 Monstertainments
Rides
General Admission - $79.99 at the gate
Select Nights Sept. 26 – Nov. 1
No Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours - Closing times vary at either 10 or 11 pm or midnight
16 Haunts – some of which require an additional fee
8 Monstertainments
Rides
General Admission - $83.99 at the gate
Select Nights Sept. 26 – Nov. 1
No Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours - Closing times vary at either 9, 10 or 11 pm or
midnight
8 Haunts – some of which require an additional fee
6 Monstertainments
Rides
General Admission - $93.99 at the gate
Select Nights Oct. 2 – Nov. 1
No Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours - Closing times vary at either 8 pm or midnight
10 Haunts – some of which require an additional fee
6 Monstertainments
Rides
General Admission - $81.99 at the gate
Select Nights Oct. 3 – Nov. 1
No Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours - Closing times vary at either 8, 9 or 10 pm
7 Haunts – some of which require an additional fee
3 Monstertainments
Rides
General Admission - $78.99 at the gate
Cedar Fair
Select Nights Sept. 25 – Oct. 31
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours - Closing times vary at either midnight or 1 am
8 Mazes
3 Scare Zones
4 Shows
2 Experiences
Rides
General Admission - $35.99 at the gate
Select Nights in October
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours – 7pm to midnight
10 Mazes
2 Scare Zones
3 Shows
3 Experiences
Rides
General Admission - $39.99 ( for the Haunt only and does not
include daytime admission) at the gate
Select Nights in October
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours – 7pm to midnight except Oct. 24 & 31 which close
at 1 am
7 Mazes
5 Scare Zones
5 Shows
Rides
General Admission - $52.99 ( for the Haunt only and does not
include daytime admission) at the gate
Called HalloWeekends
Select Nights in Sept. 25 - Nov. 1
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours – 6 pm to midnight Fridays and Saturdays
6 Mazes
6 Scare Zones
4 Shows
5 Experiences
Rides
General Admission - $49.99
Select Nights in Sept. 25 - Nov. 1
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours – Fridays and Saturdays 6pm – Midnight
7 Mazes
4 Scare Zones
2 Shows
3 Experiences
Rides
General Admission - $54.00 at the gate
Select Nights in Sept. 25 – Oct. 31
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours – Fridays 7pm – Midnight, Saturdays 7pm to Midnight,
Sundays to 10 pm
9 Mazes
6 Scare Zones
6 Shows
5 Experiences
Rides
General Admission - $39.00
Select Nights in Sept. 25 – Oct. 31
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
Hours – Fridays 7pm – Midnight, Saturdays 7pm to 1 am,
Sundays to 10 pm
11 Mazes
4 Scare Zones
3 Shows
Rides
General Admission - $61.99 at the gate (Saturday all day and
haunt admission)
Fridays - $43.99 at the gate
Select Nights in September 24 - October 31
No Mondays and Tuesdays
Hours – Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 7pm-1am; Fridays
and Saturdays 7pm -2am
12 Mazes
3 Scare Zones
2 Shows
3 Experiences
Rides
General Admission - $68.99 at the gate
Select Nights Sept. 25 – Oct. 30
No Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
Hours – Thursday or Friday 7 pm – midnight; Saturday 7 pm to
midnight
7 Mazes
5 Scare Zones
3 Shows
3 Experience
Rides
General Admission - $47.99 at the gate (Saturday all day and
haunt admission)
Fridays - $33.99
Select Nights Sept. 19 – Oct. 31
No Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday or Thursdays
Hours – Friday 6pm – Midnight; Saturday 6pm – 1am
8 Mazes
5 Scare Zones
3 Shows
Rides
General Admission - $54.99 at the gate
Select Nights in October
7 pm to midnight
No Mondays and Tuesdays
6 Haunts
5 Scare Zones
Live shows
Rides
General Admission – Starts at $35.95 on select nights with a
maximum of $45.95
Three weekend in October 16-18, 23-25 and 30-Nov. 1
Hours – Fridays 5pm-10pm; Saturdays 12pm-10pm; Sundays
12pm-9pm
Rides
Trick-Or-Treat Adventure through Hershey’s Chocolate World
attraction and Hersheypark
Flashlight tours during Creatures of the Night at ZooAmerica
Halloween themed shows
Admission - $35.00
Friday and Saturday Nights in October
Hours – 6pm to 11pm
11 Haunted attractions (some require an additional fee)
Rides
General Admission - $32.99 at the gate
Select Nights in October
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Hours – 5pm to 10 or 11pm
23 Scares
Rides
Costume Contest
Admission – The Haunted Graveyard and Rides - $31.99
Select Nights Sept. 15 – Oct. 31
Hours – Dusk around 8 pm till 11 pm
4 haunted attractions
5 scare zone
Creatures of the Dark
Comedy and Magic show
Rides
Included with park daytime admission - $48.00
Select Nights – Oct. 2 – Nov. 1
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Hours – Fridays 6 pm till 10 pm, Saturdays 5 pm till 10 pm and
Sundays 5 pm till 9 pm
3 Haunted attractions
Live shows
Rides
General Admission - $49.99
Some Fright By Night Haunted Attraction cost extra on top of
General Admission
1 Haunted House $10
2 Haunted Houses $15
Séance $7
Select Nights – Oct. 2 – 31
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Hours – Fridays 6 pm till 11 pm, Saturdays till 11 pm and
Sundays till 10 pm
5 Haunted attractions
Shows
Rides
General Admission - $36.99
Some Fright By Night Haunted Attraction cost extra on top of
General Admission
Nightmare Haunted House – Additional $5
Select Nights Oct. 2 – 31
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Hours – Fridays 6 pm – 11 pm, Saturdays 5 pm – 11 pm, Sunday
5 pm – 9 pm
2 Haunted Houses
Rides
Booville for children
Costumes
Admission - $27.99
25th Anniversary
Select Nights Oct. 1-31
Thursday – Sunday
Hours – Thursday and Sunday – 6pm Until 10 pm; Friday and
Saturday – 6 pm until Midnight
4 Haunted Attractions
4 Live Shows
5 additional attractions that cost an additional fee
General Admission - $26
