Spooky Season in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Spooky Season in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: October 2024 Activities

As October rolls in, the Westchester and Hudson Valley regions transform into a hub of haunted happenings, spine-tingling events, and festive fall activities. Whether you’re a fan of haunted houses, ghost tours, or family-friendly fall fun, this area has something to satisfy your spooky cravings. Here’s a roundup of the must-do activities this Halloween season!

The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country:

For a touch of magic in Sleepy Hollow, this Historic Hudson Valley event filled with brow-raising feat's and more than a little mystery leans into the folklore that surrounds Westchester County. Master illusionists Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace lead visitors on a journey through the history of famed figures like Washington Irving, Hulda the witch, and the headless horseman, all while enchanting the audience with acts that boggle the mind.

Irving’s Legend:

There are few better ways to kick off the spooky season than with a time-tested retelling of Washington Irving’s tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk will bring this seasonal story to life with an under-the-stars performance of the iconic tale at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown. Entertained by live music and an appearance from the headless horseman himself, Halloween hounds will likely find a lot to love at this literary occasion.

Hastings Flea Spooky Market:

The Hastings flea market turns spooky for the month of October. With over 50 vendors selling vintage items, home goods, clothing, crafts, records, and toys, there’s plenty to browse. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes as trick or treating will be available at vendor booths. There will also be live music, food, and additional surprises.

LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat:

Nothing like a day at Legoland filled with spooktacular activities! Kid's can participate in a scavenger hunt, concoct their own magical potions, and enjoy meet-and-greet sessions with beloved characters. The Brick-or-Treat event also lets kids' team up with the Master Model Builder for a unique Halloween building experience. It’s a fun-filled day that promises plenty of excitement!

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze:

Prepare to be amazed during this annual celebration of all things pumpkin. Ringing in 20 years of fun, this popular Halloween extravaganza takes over the grounds of Croton-on-Hudson’s Van Cortlandt Manor each year with roughly 7,000 hand-carved, illuminated jack-o’-lanterns in a dizzying array of forms — from a pumpkin carousel and bridge to an immersive river display — all enlivened by synchronized lighting and a ghostly original soundtrack.

Ghost Tour of Tarrytown Music Hall:

Walk through the doors of the 139-year-old historic theater and uncover the unexplained happenings and paranormal activity, from mysterious lights to the sound of vocal scales after hours. This ghost tour will take you from “balcony to backstage” as you discover the theater’s past, secrets, and lingering guests.

The Haunt at Wildcliff Mansion:

This immersive Halloween experience is back in New Rochelle, offering a wealth of spooky fun! On select nights this month, guests can explore Dr. Wildcliff’s forgotten laboratory, navigating chilling features like a graveyard and a cathedral. Be prepared to escape the haunted corn maze and the mansion's winding halls filled with ghostly figures and unexpected terrors. Plus, each night features local food trucks, because a little fright can work up quite an appetite!