Experience Halloween in Halloweentown

The spookiest season is finally here, and no one is more ready than the citizens of Halloweentown. In 1998, Disney dropped the ultimate fall movie with its instant-classic flick, “Halloweentown.” The film follows Marnie Piper, a young girl who discovers her witch heritage. The tale continues as Marnie must combat an evil force trying to take over Halloweentown, a fantastical land inhabited by goblins, witches, and other supernatural beings.

The quaint community of St. Helens, Oregon served as the backdrop for this quirky town during filming and hosted the cast and crew for about a month in 1998. Home to fewer than 15,000 residents, the town saw an influx of fans in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Rather than allowing its brief spotlight to fade away, St. Helens has become a spooktacular destination each year, hosting family-friendly Spirit of Halloweentown events throughout September and October.

If you haven’t experienced the film yet, now is the perfect time to do so on Disney+. Furthermore, consider planning a visit to the real Halloweentown. This year, the town is celebrating 25 years since the movie’s release with a special series of events, including unique screenings hosted by D23, the official Disney fan club.

Top Spirit of Halloweentown Events

25 Years of Halloweentown With D23: The official Disney fan club is hosting screenings of the film and various activities for the occasion on October 21. Special tickets are available for club members.

The Big Halloween Parade: Experience the excitement of the Big Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 7. Visitors can look forward to fantastic costumes, floats, and spooky displays throughout the festivities.

Pumpkin Lighting Ceremony: Head to the Courthouse Plaza to witness the grand pumpkin lighting ceremony that occurs on select nights throughout the season. Check the event schedule for more information.

Haunted House: Test your courage at Halloweentown’s haunted house, open every weekend and some weekdays until 8 p.m. Be cautious as this attraction includes some frightening elements, making it unsuitable for young children or the easily scared.

Haunted Hot Rods: On October 14, enjoy the Haunted Hot Rods car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., along with special events scheduled throughout the day.

Practical Information

This year, St. Helens officially transforms into Halloweentown from September 16 to October 31, with key events, including parades and celebrity appearances, occurring in October. Find the official event schedule on the Spirit of Halloweentown website. Guests can also enjoy lovely fall weather—along with peak fall foliage—during this time, as average temperatures range from the mid-70s in September to the low 60s in October. The town offers several lodges, home rentals, and chain hotels. Located just a 40-minute drive from Portland and approximately 2.5 hours from Seattle, it is a convenient getaway for Halloween enthusiasts. Visitors can find tickets for various events and attractions on the Spirit of Halloweentown website.