Last Updated on 21 April 2026 by Colette
[I am updating this post regularly with suggestions of things to do this Halloween in York as information and reviews become available but do check with individual venues!]
If Halloween is your thing, then York and the surrounding area has got plenty to offer this October! With days out for toddlers through to teens, York can scare you silly or just provide you with a nice pumpkin to carve – take your pick! Some of the events listed have strict guidance on the age of guests they are able to welcome or require adult supervision so do check carefully before you book! (Click through here if you’re looking specifically for places to go pumpkin picking in York.)
I’ve tried to organise this list chronologically to make it easier to navigate but of course some events will run right through October so it’s worth scrolling right through to check what’s on!
Please note that, to the best of my knowledge, all information is correct at time of publishing but do check directly with individual venues to confirm!
Check out our list of Halloween days out if you’re looking for spooky things to do in York this October!
Below you’ll find a list of Halloween events in York that took place last year but which have not yet been confirmed for 2026:
Contents - Click here to jump to the section you need
Ghosts in the Gardens, Museum Gardens – Friday 19th September to early November 2025
Cementing York’s reputation as one of the ghostliest cities in Europe, the York BID (Business Improvement District) is bringing back Ghosts in The Gardens for 2025. The eerie sculptures have been installed in Museum Gardens for the last few of years and this year there will be even more ghosts with 45 ghosts to discover in some of the city’s beautiful public gardens and green spaces.
This is a completely free event – more details here.
Pumpkin Fest at Spilmans, Church Farm, Thirsk YO7 3NB – Weekends from Saturday 27th September and then Friday 24th to Friday 31st October 2025
Spilmans Pumpkin Patch near Thirsk have got 125,000 pumpkins grown on site a their family-run farm, ready for you to pick as well as a whole range of Halloween things to do – including giant pipe rolling, barrel train, carving barn, corn cannon, pumpkin sling shot and tractor rides.
Spilmans offer a range of free and paid activities rather than an “all-in” entrance fee which allows you to plan ahead and manage your budget for the day. If you book now, you’ll receive a £5 per person credit to spend on pumpkins or activities.
Spilmans also offer a “back to basics” pumpkin picking experience for those who’d like enjoy a quieter pumpkin picking experience without all the activities.
And, for something a bit different, this year Spilmans are bringing back their “twilight picking evenings” with live music, a bar, street food and cosy fire pits.
Pre-book your PYO experience at Spilmans
The Halloween Adventure at Stockeld Park at Stockeld Park – Weekends from Saturday 4th October and then every day from Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025
Stockeld Park comes to life this October half term bringing family-friendly spooky fun and some new surprises in the Enchanted Forest. The Playhive will be open to explore (we definitely recommend adding this to your booking -it’s by far the most impressive indoor play space we’ve ever seen). NEW FOR 2025 – Take a free Tractor & Trailer ride to the brand new home-grown pumpkin field.
Tickets for Halloween at Stockeld Park must be pre-booked and vary according to your chosen activities – a basic “Halloween adventure” ticket allowing access to the Enchanted Forest, five playgrounds, the Magical Maze and Pumpkin Patch costs £17 per person. If you’d like to visit the Playhive too, there’s a choice of Playhive tickets depending on whether you want a fixed slot or all day access.
Hallowscream at York Maze – Friday 10th October to Saturday 1st November 2025
The award winning Hallowscream returns to York Maze this October half term. Bringing five haunted houses to life with over 100 actors, Hallowscream promises an intense scare experience (for younger or more nervous guests, check out Hallowtween below!) Hallowscream runs every evening from 6.30pm (because let’s face it, everything is more scary in the dark!)
Check out the Hallowscream FAQs for details on age restrictions and health warnings!
Tickets for Hallowscream must be booked online and are on sale now. Hallowscream is now an over 16s event – this is a change from the previous 14+ age restriction and reflects the more adult nature of the event. Proof of age will be required for anyone who appears under 21.
Hallowtween at York Maze – Saturday 25th to Friday 31st October 2025
The multi-award winning Hallowtween runs daily between 12.30pm and 5.30pm and offers “frightening fun” for families with children aged 10-15 who are too old for trick or treating, but too young for Hallowscream!
Easily one of the best things to do in York for Halloween, Halloween offers four haunted house attractions, music, live stages acts and Halloween characters promise to shock and thrill this October half term (whilst offering a milder level of scare than the original Hallowscream event!)
Check out the Hallowtween FAQs for details on age restrictions and health warnings!
Tickets for Hallowtween are available now and must be booked online.
You can read more about Hallowtween at York Maze here:
Hallowtween at York Maze – North East Family Fun
Check out these handy links to plan your next adventure …
Spooktacular at Piglets Adventure Farm – October weekends from Saturday 11th October and then daily from Saturday 25th to Friday 31st October 2025
This October half term, Piglets Adventure Farm have refreshed their Halloween offering with a brand new Spooktacular including petrifying portraits and a frightfully fun stage show and an all-new spooky Build a Teddy Bear experience
Every Spooktacular ticket also includes entry to Farmer Ed’s Pumpkin Patch and a free pumpkin for each child – making this year’s event more exciting than ever!
Tickets for Piglets Adventure Farm Spooktacular must be pre-booked online but not yet on sale. Last year they were priced from £15.95 for children including a pumpkin and from £14.95 for adults (a £3 per person increase on last year!)
York Dungeon Halloween Walking Tour – Saturday 25th to Friday 31st October 2025
Returning for 2025, The Little Peasants City Walking Tour is a 60-minute, family-friendly walking tour of York. Led by Jester and Smedley, it’s packed with laughs, famous landmarks and cheeky tales of York’s most infamous characters – the perfect alternative if your children aren’t quite ready for the Dungeon itself!
Tickets for the York Dungeon Halloween Walking Tour must be pre-booked and are priced at £9.95 for adults and £7.95 for children.
The Great Pumpkin Adventure with the Skelves at Castle Howard – Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025
The pesky Skelves of Skelf Island have got a story to tell at the Skelf Island Adventure Playground! Join them on a pumpkin-tastic adventure full of magic and mischief.
This event is included in your Castle Howard admission ticket.
Spooky Saturday in Rowntree Park – Saturday 25th October 2025 | SOLD OUT
The popular ‘Spooky Saturday in Rowntree Park!’ event returns offering Halloween-based fun for the family, all with a natural twist! There is a range of activities on offer including: broomstick making, potion creating, a haunted hunt and making tree gargoyles with clay as well as craft / story activities to entice and intrigue little witches and wizards! The activities are mostly suited to ages 2-11 – with each age range getting something different from it.
To find out more and book your place head to: www.rowntreepark.org.uk/events/booking (this event will sell out quickly)
October half term trail at Beningbrough Hall – Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025
This October half term, head to Beningbrough Hall to celebrate autumn with a special trail around the gardens.
Find the symbols in the walled garden and decipher them to make some autumnal nature words. You’ll need all your skills to put them together and crack the code this half term.
The October half term trail at Beningbrough hall is free however normal admission charges apply.
Tour and Halloween Truffle Rolling at York’s Chocolate Story – daily from Monday 13th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025
This Halloween you can upgrade your Chocolate Story tour with a 15 minute hands-on chocolate making experience where you’ll get the chance to decorate four ghostly chocolate truffles with a range of toppings.
Tickets for the Halloween Tour and Truffle Rolling at York’s Chocolate Story are available to book online now and prices start from £24.50 for children and £26 for adults which is a slight increase on last year’s prices. This event is suitable for children age 6+ and their grown ups! Under 15s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
The Little York Ghost Hunt, Walking route around the Minster – Monday 27th Thursday 30th October 2025
As night falls on the city of York, the Ghost Merchants invite you to join the search each evening for 125 Little York Ghosts, along the atmospheric ancient streets that surround York Minster.
This is a seek and keep hunt – free to take part of with maps available from The York Ghost Merchants in mid October or a printable version will be available here nearer the time. The Ghost Merchants do rightly request “that people should exercise good grace, kindness and compassion while participating in the Ghost Hunt.“
JORVIK Dark Saga Tours – Thursday 30th / Friday 31st October 2025
For something a little darker this Halloween, JORVIK is running adult-only Norse Saga tours – and they’re not for the faint-hearted! Step into Viking-age Coppergate for an immersive hour of gruesome legends, bloodthirsty battles and spine-tingling storytelling. With small group sizes, it’s an intimate (and chilling!) way to experience JORVIK like never before. Just remember – the floor is uneven, so sensible shoes are a must!
Tickets for the Dark Saga tours must be pre-booked and are priced are £25 per person. This event is strictly 16+
Haunted Hall at Barley Hall – Monday 27th to Friday 31st October 2025
This October half term, Barley Hall is hosting a spooky evening of family-friendly storytelling as part of York Ghost Week. In one of York’s most atmospheric medieval buildings, you’ll hear ghostly tales, eerie folklore and centuries-old superstitions in an immersive, interactive setting. Perfect for curious kids (aged 5+) and brave grown-ups alike – but book early, if you dare!
Book tickets for Haunted Hall priced at £10 for adults and £8 for children (this event is not suitable for children under 5).
BOO!!!-tle Bank Farm at Beetle Bank Farm – Monday 27th to Friday 31st October 2025
Don’t miss the Beetle Bank Farm Spooktacular this half-term! Packed with pumpkin picking, carving, ghoulish games, ghost hunts, apple bobbing and more plus a fancy dress competition on 31st October. Avoid the FEAR of missing out and get your tickets now.
The event is suitable for all ages accompanied by an adult!
The website suggests there is a “small fee per activity” with no more information so go prepared to pay for extras!
You can book tickets to Beetle Bank Open Farm online.
Halloween Family Masterclass at York’s Chocolate Story – Monday 27th / Wednesday 29th / Friday 31st October 2025
Join the chocolatier at York’s Chocolate Story for some hands on Halloween fun and learn how to make gory chocolate treats including chilling chocolate truffles and crafting your own miniature chocolate coffin. The 90 minute long experience includes a signature hot chocolate each for you all to enjoy.
Ideal for children aged 6+ (and their grown-ups). Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets for the Halloween Family Masterclass at York’s Chocolate Story are available to book online now and are priced at £37.50 per person (which is quite a jump on last year’s ticket price again!)
Cressida Cowell’s How to Train your Dragon School at DIG – from summer 2025
If you’re looking for something a little less scary this Halloween, Cressida Cowell’s How to Train your Dragon School at DIG might be just what you’re after.
This autumn, DIG is bringing Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon series to life with an interactive exhibition perfect for young Vikings aged 5–12. Kids can get hands-on with dragon-themed activities, dig for hidden treasures, meet favourite characters (and a few new ones!), and even see exclusive videos and artwork from the author herself.
Book Cressida Cowell’s How to Train your Dragon School at DIG
York Witch Walk – Saturday 1st November 2025
Join Ragnell Hagathorn for a spellbinding walk through York’s haunted streets — witches, ghosts, and eerie tales await!
It’s worth noting that the Witch Walk is recommended for mature audiences. This experience includes jump scares and is not for those of a nervous disposition! Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Book tickets for the York Witch Walk
Web’oween at The Web Adventure Park, YO32 2RH – Saturday 18th / Sunday 19th then Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025
This October half term at the Web expect including live Halloween-themed entertainment from Dazzling Daren, unlimited fairground rides, two bouncing pillows and an award-winning indoor play space.
Tickets for October half term at The Web Adventure Park are available now priced at £18.95 for children (£16.95 if under 0.9m tall) and £12.95 for adults.
York Halloween Night Market, Castle Museum – Saturday 25th October 2025
This October, the York Castle Museum plays host to the York Halloween Night Market – put on your best fancy dress and head down to for an evening of Halloween-themed shopping!
Keep an eye on the York Halloween Market instagram for details!
Book tickets for the York Halloween Night Market.
Vampire Hunters at Murton Park – Thursday 30th / Friday 31st October 2025
“We need your sleuthing skills to sniff out the real vampire lurking in our spine-tingling Halloween village!?”
This Halloween, Murton Park are hosting a special evening event – on arrival you will be greeted by the Head Vampire Hunter who will give you special money to buy everything you need from the Vampire shop. As you make your way through the village you’ll meet several villagers. Each will spin a tale to persuade you of their authenticity, but only one speaks the truth. It’s up to you to work out which Vampire is the real deal!
Book tickets for Vampire Hunters priced at £5 for adults and £10 per child (children’s ticket includes “vampire kit”. The experience should last around 45 minutes.
The Wizard Walk of York, York city centre – Selected dates all year round!
For more family fun than fright, why not try the award winning Wizard Walk of York this October. This “whimsical wand-er” around York features absolutely no spooky ghosts and no scary stories – just spellbinding magic, comedy and just a dash of York’s history on this quest to find magical creatures in the city.
The Wizard Walk of York begins at the bottom of The Shambles by St Crux Churchyard, over the road from The Golden Fleece pub. It finishes in Kings Square back near The Shambles.
You can book your Wizard Walk of York tickets now priced at £12 per person (under 3s go free) – tickets must be pre-booked as group sizes are limited to ensure everyone has a magical time. You can also add a Wizard Wand Kit to your booking priced at £6 each.
Follow @wizardwalkofyork on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Ghost walks in the city centre – 8pm every night, all year round
Whilst taking a Ghost Walk is not specifically a Halloween activity – October seems like as good a time as any to trek around the city scaring yourself with tales of spooks and ghouls! I’ve always felt the Ghost Walk is best done in the Autumn when the evenings are drawing in – it’s not really as spooky when it’s broad daylight! You’ll laugh, jump and learn all sorts of random stuff about the history of York and its inhabitants! I think I was about 12 the first time I did this. I’ve been promising to take Dave on a Ghost Walk for the last 22 years – maybe I’d better do that this year!
York Dungeons – open daily all year round
Again, The York Dungeon is not specifically a Halloween adventure but it’s definitely full of gore!
The York Dungeon is so much more than a dusty old museum – this unique actor led experience means you will see, hear, feel and smell the history of York – featuring the Minster, Guy Fawkes (he was born in York and went to St Peter’s school don’t you know!), The Shambles and Yorvik to name but a few.
Is York Dungeon scary? I haven’t been to York Dungeon since I was about 10 but I remember screaming and laughing a lot!
Sam from North East Family Fun visited York Dungeon with her tweens recently and said,
“My children are aged 9,10 and 13 and love anything scary – they LOVED York dungeons. I would say you do need to be brave though as there are moments when you are plunged into darkness and actors will jump out at you. The special effects are really good and at one point, I really did feel as if we were being chased by Vikings. York Dungeons is very much like Horrible Histories with the gore levels cranked up a few notches. You will watch human dissections, feel leeches crawl over your skin and witness historical torture techniques. If your tweens and teens are not of a sensitive nature, I can highly recommend York Dungeons as an educational trip which does not take itself too seriously.”
It’s worth mentioning that York Dungeon is a Merlin attraction so entry is free with your Merlin pass
Home of Halloween at York Dungeon – Saturday 12th October to Sunday 3rd November 2024
This autumn, join The York Dungeon as they set the scene for one of York’s most dark and infamous historical tales.
Set in York Theatre Royal, built in 1744 on the site of the medieval St Leonard’s Hospital, you will learn of the forbidden love of demure young nun Florence and her nobleman patient.
After being discovered by the enraged Mother Superior, Florence was imprisoned, walled up in a windowless room; the nun’s eternal tomb.
Her body was found after years of searching but her spirit remains amongst the walls of the Theatre, known as The Grey Lady. It is said that on the opening night of a new show, she will appear.
Face The Grey Lady this Halloween, if you dare!
Entry to the York Dungeon Halloween events must be pre booked.
Outdoor Adventure Cinema at Castle Howard | No event for 2025
The information below relates to a previous event – your nearest Outdoor Adventure Cinema events for Halloween 2025 will be at Harewood House in Leeds.
This October half term, Castle Howard hosts Outdoor Adventure Cinema with a range of seasonal screenings including The Lost Boys (15), Hocus Pocus (PG), and The Witches (PG)
Celebrate spooky season with a classic film on a giant cinema screen under the stars at Castle Howard. You’ll also get the chance to enjoy a specially curated soundtrack before the movie. Themed fancy dress is encouraged but don’t forget to wrap up warm and make sure you take camping chairs or blankets to sit on because it’s definitely not going to be warm! Picnics and drinks are welcome but no glass is allowed – I think a hot picnic would go down a treat or maybe a flask of hot chocolate with a little something extra in!
DIG After Dark: Ghosts in the Graveyard | No event for October 2025
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
If ghost stories are your vibe, the DIG after Dark is for you – take part in interactive and immersive storytelling sessions around the campfire in the grounds of the 11th Century St Saviour’s Church, and hear the tragic tales of the ghost of a Viking warrior and even the ghost hunter who yearned to witness him!
Dress for the weather, this is an outdoor event!
Book tickets for Dig After Dark priced at £10 per person. This event is recommended for children age 7+
Annus Horribilus – Ghost Week at Fairfax House | No event 2025
The information below relates to last year’s event and will be updated as soon as details become available.
This October half term you are invited to join Fairfax House for an unforgettable evening, “where history comes alive through an immersive soundscape and the warm glow of candlelight”. You’ll also be in the with chance of winning one of the exclusive Ghost Merchant’s Black Box Edition No. 22.
Tickets for this event can be pre-booked online or in person at Fairfax House priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children under 16. This event is not suitable for children under 5.
What is there to do in York this Halloween?
That’s quite the list of Halloween events in York this October but if you know of anything else happening that you think should be on this list then drop me a message and I’ll include it!
And, if you fancy pumpkin picking – then here’s a list of the best places to go pumpkin picking in York this October!
Please note that, to the best of my knowledge, all information is correct at time of publishing but do check directly with individual venues to confirm!
Why not read one of these posts next:
Pumpkin Picking in and around York
Halloween things to do in Leeds
Things to do in Manchester this Halloween
Things to do in York that have absolutely nothing do with Halloween
Bonfire Night events in Manchester
Where to visit Father Christmas in York
Christmas days out in the York area
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