YORK, Pa. — The calendar has turned to October, so it's officially Spooky Season in Central Pennsylvania.
Candy-hungry kids will have to wait until the end of the month to go trick-or-treating, but it's never too early to start looking ahead.
Halloween 2024 will be celebrated on Thurs., Oct. 31. Dozens of communities and municipalities across Central PA are planning to mark the occasion with parades, trick-or-treat nights, and more.
Here is a list of events on and around the spooky day to enjoy.
(If you don't see your trick-or-treat night or event on this list and would like it added, send an email with the details to news@FOX43.com.)
Adams County
The annual Gettysburg Halloween Parade will be held on Tues., Oct. 22, stepping off at 7:15 p.m.
You can enjoy the thrills and chills of ghouls and ghosts, superheroes and supervillains or just some of your favorite pop culture characters. From Lincoln Scare (Square) to the top of (Franken) Steinwehr, have a scream at this bone-shilling, spine-tingling, fun-filled family event.
The rain date is set for Wed., Oct. 23.
You can celebrate Spooky Season at Brookmere's annual Halloween costume party in the Brookmere winery barn on Fri., Oct. 18. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with live music from Katz 22 beginning at 7 p.m. Food will be available all evening long from Kish Valley Canteen food truck. Dress to kill as prizes will go to lucky winners for best costume categories:
1. Best couple, 2. Scariest, and 3. Most original.
No outside alcohol permitted. RSVP and pay $10 or $15 at the gate.
About 500 children celebrate fall during this free event, which will be held on Sat., Oct. 19.
Each child can paint one pumpkin, and Halloween costumes are encouraged.
Attendees can also watch as a master pumpkin carver turns giant pumpkins into works of spooky art.
You can purchase a raffle ticket, benefiting the Adams County SPCA, and you might win a carved giant pumpkin for your front porch!
The event is always the third Saturday in October. Registration is not required.
The Strawberry Hill Foundation will host a Halloween celebration on Sat., Oct. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event begins with a scavenger hunt at 5:30 p.m., along with s'mores at a campfire and a chance to meet Strix, a barred owl ambassador, fall crafts, and more.
At 8 p.m., there will be an outdoor screening of the movie "Night of the Living Dead." Viewers are advised to bring lawn chairs or blankets because seating will be in the grass.
Cost is $5 per person or $20 for families of four or more.
To register click here.
The New Oxford Harvest Day Festival & Parade will be held on Sat., Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The parade will begin at 3 p.m. at New Oxford High School.
The new route will turn right onto Berlin Road, make a left onto Carlisle Street, then turn right onto West Golden Lane ending at United Hook & Ladder co. # 33.
Cumberland County
The borough's annual Halloween Parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Oct. 28 along the following route: Market Street in front of the Trinity Lutheran Church, west on Market to North 24th Street, North 24th Street to Walnut Street, and ending at the Camp Hill Borough Building.
Camp Hill Borough policy regarding Trick-or-Treat is the following:
Trick-or-Treat is on Oct. 31, unless that date falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. In that case, Trick-or-Treat is on the prior Thursday.
If inclement weather, Trick-or-Treat will be on the following Saturday from 6-8 pm rain or shine. A decision will be made by noon and posted on the borough website and social media.
This year, Trick-or-Treat night is scheduled for Thurs., Oct. 31.
This year's parade is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 23.
The parade will line up at 6 p.m. and step off at 7 p.m.
Parade Route: From the intersection of North and East Streets, the parade route will go west on E. North Street to Hanover Street; turn south on Hanover Street to Willow Street, where the parade will disband. Total distance: 0.9 miles from start to finish.
The parade is fair weather only, with no rain date. In the event of rain, call the Carlisle Parks & Rec at 717-243-3318.
The borough's annual Halloween parade returns after a one-year hiatus and is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 8. It will be held rain or shine.
The parade's staging area is adjacent to Mechanicsburg High School and will step off on West Keller Street, proceed to Arch St., then down West Simpson Street.
NOTE: Due to high school area construction, the parade’s end/disband area is amended to be at the corner of West Simpson and George Streets.
The 37th annual parade will be held Sat., Oct. 26, beginning at 7 p.m.
Rain date: Tues., Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.
The annual New Cumberland River Rescue parade will be held on Tues., Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., beginning at the 16th and Bridge streets.
Dauphin County
The Dauphin-Middle Paxton Lions Club will hold its Halloween parade on Sat., October 19, in Dauphin Borough. The parade will begin at 4 p.m.
You can show off your best costumes and floats for a chance to win the prize money.
Parade Route: Start at Delaware & Erie Streets South on Erie Right turn onto Schuylkill Right on to Canal Street Stop for judges stand Straight to Carnival Grounds
The 76th Annual Hershey Halloween Parade will be held Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the Township of Derry Department of Parks and Recreation, in correlation with the Friends of Derry Township Parks & Recreation and the Hershey Federal Credit Union. Candy for spectators along the route is provided by The Hershey Company.
The 88th Annual Paxtang Lions Club Halloween Parade will be held Tuesday, Oct. 22, beginning at 7 p.m.
The parade will form at 30th & Derry Street at 6:30 p.m. and step off at 7, moving east on Derry Street to Wilhelm Road, north on Wilhelm to Montour, west on Montour to Paxtang Ave, south on Paxtang Ave to Derry and ending at the Municipal Building where the parade will conclude with the awarding of prizes as the results become available.
Residents living along the parade route are requested to turn on any exterior lighting.
The Bash at the Brownstone returns for a night of family-friendly and spooky fun on Wednesday, Oct. 23 in Reservoir Park.
There will be free food, raffles, crafts, a magician, a costume contest, and more.
The event will be held from 5-8 p.m.
You and your friends can dress up in your most creative costumes and hit the town.
After a mandatory check-in from 4-6 p.m., the bar crawl goes from 4-10 p.m. at venues across the city. Ticket prices range from $10-20, with no covers and drink specials at participating bars.
To get tickets, go here.
Fleet Feet's 4th annual Harrisburg Halloween Run on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Starting sharp at 9 a.m. at City Island, Harrisburg, this race is all about fun, costumes, and setting personal records on a flat and fast 5K course along the scenic Greenbelt.
Not just a run, it's a Halloween bash with a high-spirited costume contest, a creative pumpkin decorating showdown, and treats to keep the festivities jolly.
Every runner scores a shirt.
Entry fee: $45.
Come in costume to Fort Hunter Park at 5300 N. Front St. for the Trick-or-Treat Trek on Sunday, Oct. 24, from 2-5 p.m.
You can follow the clues to keep your search on track.
Your reward?
Goodies at each stop along the way!
Communities that Care and Word of Life Chapel have partnered to host a Trunk or Treat event at Veterans Memorial park from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31. There will be a DJ, a costume contest, and plenty of candy to go around!
Trick or Treat Dates
The following boroughs and municipalities have confirmed the date for Trick-or-Treating as Thursday, Oct. 31: Harrisburg, Hershey, Hummelstown, Steelton, Upper Paxton Township, Middle Paxton Township, Lower Paxton Township, Susquehanna Township, Swatara Township, Lower Swatara Township, Londonderry Township, Conewago Township, Derry Township.
Franklin County
Come dressed in your best costumes and enjoy trick or treating at Chambersburg's downtown businesses and restaurants on Main Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Trick-or=treating will be from 11-1 and a costume contest for both kids and adults will follow at 1:15 on the Courthouse Plaza.
Franklin County’s annual Trunk-or-Treat night will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Tues., Oct. 29, 2024 at Chambersburg Area Midddle School North, 1957 Scotland Ave., Chambersburg.
Representatives from the Franklin County Adult Probation Department, Franklin County Juvenile Probation, the Franklin County Jail, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin County Coroner, local law enforcement agencies, first responders and other organizations will be on hand for this safe, family friendly trick-or-treat event. Costumes are encouraged.
NOTE: This is one of several Trunk or Treat events being held in Chambersburg around Halloween. For a full list, go here.
The Franklin County Visitors Bureau is holding the first Scary Mini Movie Contest! Deadline to enter: Mon., Oct. 21.
You can have some spooky fun and win a little cash this Halloween season.
First prize is $250. Plus, two honorable mentions of $100 will be awarded. Winners will be announced on Oct. 30.
Entries must:
· Be original works.
· Be at least 90-seconds and no more than 5 ½ minutes with introduction and credits.
· Include a scream
· Have the phrase: "But, there is one thing…."
For more information, go here.
Juniata County
Trunk or Treat Events
The 3rd annual Trunk or Treat at the Port Royal Speedway Fairgrounds will be held on Sunday, October 20 from 4 to 6PM. Plenty of treats, a DJ and Magician sponsored by Juniata County Prevention Board too!
Juniata Elementary PTO’s annual Trunk or Treat is scheduled for Sunday, October 27 from 4 to 6PM in the parking spaces around the Juniata Elementary School. This event will be held rain or shine; being moved indoors in case of inclement weather.
They are looking for folks to host trunks as well as a few volunteers and donations to help with some of the needs of this great community event.
Juniata County Children and Youth Services is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat on Monday, October 28 from 5-7 p.m. Come on out to 133 Industrial Circle Suite 1 in Mifflintown for a spooktacular time!
East Salem Community Church, 7398 Rt. 235, Mifflintown, is hosting a Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy the fun! This event will be held rain or shine. Please enter using the road by the firehouse.
Lancaster County
Columbia’s Mardi Gras “Halloween” Parade will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24, beginning at 7 p.m.. The parade's sponsors, Columbia Lions Club and the Sunsnappers, offer up to $1,500 in cash prizes fort he best floats, walking groups, and individual participants.
The parade features high school and community bands, floats, baton groups, fire departments and local businesses. The last unit in the parade is always a steam calliope.
The parade steps off at 7 p.m. at the Columbia Borough Fire Department, 10th and Manor Streets.
The parade route is as follows: Manor Street to 4th Street; 4th Street to Union Street, Union Street to Second Street, Second Street to Locust Street, Locust Street to Sixth Street, Sixth Street to Cherry Street.
It consists of five divisions, with each division sponsored by local businesses and organizations.
This spooky parade will kick-off at Clipper Magazine Stadium and will travel through the City of Lancaster bringing family friendly haunts, performances, themed floats and candy to the community.
The parade will begin at 7 p.m. on Sat, Oct. 26.
The 2024 Lititz Lions Halloween Parade will be a night-time event on Mon, Oct. 28, starting at 7 p.m. at Locust and Main Street.
The parade will travel west on Main St. and end at the Square.
An Official Halloween Bar Crawl will be held on Sun., Oct. 26, beginning at 4 p.m.
Tickets cost $24.99 and can be ordered here.
Join us on Sat., Oct. 26 from 1-4 p.m. at Manheim Township Recreation Department's 8th Annual Halloween Carnival. Event will be held rain or shine at the Overlook Activities Center (301 Golf Drive.)
There will be carnival games with prizes, photo opportunities, lots of candy, costume parade, food trucks, and more!
The Manheim Twp. Police Department will again be joining us this year, hosting "Trunk-or-Treat" in the OAC parking lot during the carnival.
The carnival and Trunk-or-Treat are free to attend, but if you would like to participate in the carnival games, tickets must be purchased.
Cost is $5 for 10 tickets, that can be used on games and activities.
The final weekend of the Festival Season of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in Mount Hope is a special spooky celebration!
Trick-or-Treat, show off your costumes, relish in the festive spookiness with the people of Mount Hope one final time on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26-27.
Trick or Treat Dates
Most Lancaster County boroughs and municipalities adhere to the Lancaster County Intermunicipal Committee's Trick-or-Treat policy, which established a recommended Trick-or-Treat date and time of 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 31.
The LIMC includes the city of Lancaster; boroughs of Columbia, East Petersburg, Millersville and Mountville; and townships of Brecknock, East Hempfield, East Lampeter, Lancaster, Manheim, Manor, Pequea, West Hempfield and West Lampeter.
Lebanon County
Trick or Treat Dates
The Lebanon County Chiefs of Police Association and the City of Lebanon have announced that Trick-or-Treat 2024 will take place on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m, rain or shine.
The Lebanon Valley Family YMCA’s annual Trunk-or-Treat event is scheduled for Tues., Oct. 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
This year's 6th & Chestnut Streets Fall Block Party is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 26, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 22 S. 6th St. (Rain Date: Oct. 27, 2-5 p.m.)
There will be free food, a kids' craft, trunk-or-treat, a musical revue, and tours of the church.
Mifflin County
Lewistown Halloween Parade
The Lewistown Halloween Parade is set for Wed., Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.
McVeytown Halloween Parade
The McVeytown Halloween Parade is set for Wed., Oct. 16, stepping off at 6:30 p.m.
Trunk or Treat
Granville Fire Company is hosting a Trunk or Treat on Sun., Oct. 27 from 5-7 p.m.
Admission to this event is by donation with proceeds benefiting the fire company.
Safe Night in Lewistown
Safe Night Trick or Treat Night in Lewistown is set for Fri., Oct. 25 from 5-7 p.m.
Businesses and organizations will be lined up in Downtown Lewistown, ready to hand out treats to the kids.
Trick or Treat Dates
Trick-or-treating in Mifflin County will be held on Oct. 31 from 6–8 p.m. in the following townships: Armagh, Bratton, Brown, Burnham Borough, Decatur, Derry, Granville, Juniata Terrace, Lewistown Borough, Oliver, and Union.
In McVeytown Borough, trick-or-treating is from 6–7:30 p.m., and in Menno Township, it's from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Perry County
Perry Human Services is hosting the first annual Halloween Fun Run on Sat., Oct. 26.
The race starts and finishes at Little Buffalo State Park in Newport. There are two races to participate in: a 5K, or 1 mile run/walk.
Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the race will step off at 9. Stick around for food, activities, music, a costume contest and prizes.
Pre-registration fee is $20. Race day registration is $25. Children under 3 can participate for free!
All proceeds from this event go to helping individuals overcome substance abuse addiction.
The Marysville Halloween Parade will be on Mon., Oct. 21, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
The parade will begin at the Perry Lodge located at 105 Sylvan Street and ending at the Bethany United Methodist Church.
Rain Date: Mon., Oct. 28.
Trunk or Treat
UPMC Newport Family Care, 300 Bretz Ct. Newport, is hosting a Trunk or Treat on Fri., Oct. 25 from 6-7 p.m.
Treats donated by UPMC will be handed out to the litle ones in costume. This event is open to the public.
Trick or Treat Dates
Most Perry County boroughs and municipalities are marking Trick-or-Treat Night on Thurs., Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m.
York County
The borough's annual Halloween parade will be held on Oct. 17, beginning at 7 p.m.
The parade route goes as follows: Starts on New School Lane heading north toward Main Street. It then turns left on Main Street heading west until the square at Walnut Street. There again, it will turn left heading south back towards the high school where the parade will conclude.
The Dillsburg Farmers Fair Fantastic Parade will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, beginning at 7:30 p.m. It is a rain-or-shine event.
One of the oldest Hanover Area traditions, this year's Halloween Parade will be held Thurs., Oct. 24, beginning at 7 p.m.
The parade starts at Wirt Avenue on Baltimore Street, continuing through Center Square to Third Street.
The Annual Manchester/Mt. Wolf Halloween Parade is scheduled for Sun., Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.
The 2024 Red Lion Halloween Parade will take place on Mon., Oct. 28, from 6–9 p.m. The parade will feature a contest with prizes for the top participants.
The borough's Halloween parade will be held on Oct. 23, beginning at 7 p.m.
Marking its 74th march through downtown York, the parade will launch Sun., Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. from the York Fairgrounds and travel east on Market Street from Richland Avenue to Broad Street.
NOTE: This is a rain-or-shine event.
Trick or Treat Dates/Times
With the exception of Hanover (Oct. 22, 6-8 p.m.), Manheim Township (Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m.), and Penn Township (Oct. 22, 6-8 p.m.), most York County boroughs and municipalities who have made their information available online are holding Trick-or-Treat nights on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m.