Toronto is gearing up for an epic Halloween season in 2024, with an exciting lineup of parties, spooky events, haunted tours, and family-friendly activities that make it easy for everyone to join in on the Halloween fun. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for the most frightening haunted houses or you prefer a relaxed pumpkin-lit stroll through the city’s parks, Toronto has it all. Here’s your guide to the top Halloween events in Toronto for 2024.
Haunted Houses and Terrifying Trails
Toronto’s haunted attractions are a Halloween staple, and this year, they’re scarier than ever. Canada’s Wonderland transforms into the largest Halloween event in the Greater Toronto Area with their Halloween Haunt, a scream park filled with terrifying attractions, hundreds of costumed monsters, and live shows. Running until November 2, 2024, this is the place to be if you’re seeking spine-tingling scares.
For those who crave a more natural setting, the Haunted Forest Trail in Oshawa offers an immersive horror experience. Equipped with only a flashlight, visitors navigate through a dark, eerie forest where surprises lurk around every corner. The Martino Manor Haunted House in Etobicoke takes guests through three floors of Victorian-era horror, combining live actors, animatronics, and intricate set designs to deliver a fully immersive experience that horror fans won’t want to miss.
Chilling Ghost Tours and Paranormal Experiences
Toronto’s historical locations and eerie past make it the perfect setting for ghost tours. The Fort York After Dark Tour takes guests on a lantern-lit journey through Fort York, where tales of the haunted lighthouse and the Battle of York come to life. Meanwhile, the Stanley Garrison Séance offers an intense paranormal experience for those brave enough to participate in an authentic Victorian séance at one of Toronto’s most haunted spots.
Beyond the Veil, a theatrical séance, offers another unique experience. Hosted by Francisco Perez, magician and occult performer, this intimate gathering invites a select few to witness mysterious phenomena up close. Toronto History Museums also opens its doors after dark, leading guests through historic homes with spooky stories about Toronto’s past inhabitants.
Halloween-Themed Light Displays
For a lighter, more visually stunning experience, Toronto has several illuminated Halloween attractions. Pumpkins After Dark in Milton showcases over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins that form intricate sculptures, creating an enchanting atmosphere that’s perfect for families. If you’re looking for a drive-thru experience, the Spooktacular Light Show in Ajax offers a 2-km route filled with dazzling lights, themed characters, and more, bringing Halloween joy for all ages.
The Halloween Nights of Lights at CF Sherway Gardens adds even more magic to the season, with over 2 million synchronized LED lights dancing to Halloween tunes. This event also includes Pumpkinville, where larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures create a whimsical Halloween village at the end of the light show.
Halloween Parties and Nightlife
For those seeking thrilling nightlife, Toronto’s Halloween party scene is unparalleled. The House of Horrors at Bodega on King is Toronto’s biggest costume party, promising a night filled with hip hop, R&B, top 40 hits, and afrobeats. Meanwhile, the Halloween Boat Party transforms the Pioneer Queen into a haunted mansion on the water, offering unparalleled views of Toronto’s skyline while guests dance the night away.
The popular Halloween on Church Street returns this year, taking over Toronto’s Village neighborhood for a massive block party. With shops, bars, and restaurants joining in, expect thousands to flood the area in their best costumes, creating a lively Halloween scene unlike any other.
Family-Friendly Halloween Fun
Toronto offers an array of events perfect for families and young trick-or-treaters. The Toronto Zoo’s Halloween event, Bump in the Night, gives families a chance to discover the unique traits of nocturnal animals through a moonlight hike, hands-on activities, and wolf howling sessions. Similarly, Pumpkin Parades throughout the city on November 1 let families display their Jack-O-Lanterns in a beautiful community setting, celebrating Halloween for one more night.
For fans of animated classics, Disney’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert at Roy Thomson Hall is an ideal family event that combines Tim Burton’s beloved film with a live orchestra. Finally, the Halloween Food Truck Festival in Scarborough brings food, music, costumes, and a festive atmosphere, allowing families to indulge in Halloween treats while enjoying a spirited community gathering.
Halloween Theatre and Film Screenings
Toronto’s theater and film scene also brings plenty of Halloween-themed entertainment. Legends of Horror at Casa Loma combines classic horror characters with a self-guided, immersive tour through the castle’s tunnels and hidden spaces. This theatrical experience includes 3D projections and interactive moments, making it a must-see for horror lovers.
If you prefer film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to Toronto’s theaters with an energetic Shadow Cast performance that adds a comedic twist. Meanwhile, for fans of true horror, Hotel X Toronto will host screenings of the classic film The Exorcist, offering a nostalgic fright night.
Unmissable Special Events and Pop-Ups
Toronto has some one-of-a-kind events this Halloween, including the Hellbar Halloween Pop-Up at Offworld Bar on Queen St. West. With spooky cocktails and a themed menu inspired by horror tropes, it’s a haven for Halloween enthusiasts looking to celebrate in style.
Additionally, the Night of Dread Parade at Dufferin Grove Park invites locals to join a family-friendly procession where they can dress up, dance, and mock their fears with vibrant costumes, music, and revelry. This community event brings together people of all ages for an unforgettable Halloween celebration.
Toronto’s Halloween season in 2024 promises a blend of terrifying attractions, lively parties, family activities, and artistic events that capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re in search of heart-pounding thrills, captivating visuals, or kid-friendly festivities, Toronto’s Halloween lineup has something for everyone.