Cool air and chilling, spine-tingling experiences usher in spooky season in Williamsburg, Virginia. From scream-worthy theme park thrills to creepy ghost tours to serving on the jury of a witchcraft trial, there are plenty of intriguing ways to welcome Halloween here. With centuries of rich history and many fun-loving family attractions, the Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown is dripping with irresistibly spooky things to do.
Dark Thrills Await at Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream®
Voted the most beautiful amusement park every year since 1990, Busch Gardens® Williamsburg transforms into a Halloween-lover’s heaven on select fall nights. With graveyards, rolling fog, creepy lighting, and terrifying characters jumping out to scare you at every turn, the rides aren’t the only things that will make you scream.
During Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream®, the normally quaint and charming European villages of Busch Gardens turn into Terror-Tories, each with its own theme. People dressed as clowns, the undead, and creatures from nightmares wander around, sneaking up behind guests and jumping out to scare them. They’re experts at finding unsuspecting passersby and giving them a good jump-scare.
Five haunted houses each have unique themes and gruesome surprises – try all five to find your most fear-inducing favorite. The rides and coasters are still open during Howl-O-Scream®, and you can ride them in the dark. Riding rollercoasters (like Pantheon with its 95° drop) in the dead of night takes the thrill to the next level.
To get ready for this exhilarating night, it’s recommended that you purchase tickets and any parking tickets in advance.
History with a Haunting Twist: Yorktown Ghost Walks
A quaint town on the scenic York River, Yorktown is famous for being the site of the final major land battle of the American Revolution. It was here that British General Cornwallis was forced to surrender his army to General George Washington.
Yorktown has seen a lot over its existence, including the horrors of the slave trade, bloody military battles, and many generations of residents. It’s no wonder, then, that many claim the town is haunted. Some say the tragedies of the past have left their spiritual imprints on Yorktown’s buildings and sacred places.
On a candlelit ghost tour with Yorktown Ghost Walks, you’ll explore the town at night and learn about some of these alleged hauntings. This ghost tour is also a history tour – you’ll learn about Yorktown’s role during the Civil War and the stories of its early residents. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, it’ll give you a view of history through another lens. Book early as these tours tend to sell out, especially around Halloween.
Eerie Evenings in Colonial Williamsburg: Colonial Ghost Tours
Stepping onto the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, you’re transported back to the 1700s. With 89 preserved buildings from colonial times – and hundreds more meticulously recreated – it is the largest living history museum in the world. It’s also reportedly home to many spirits of the no-longer-living.
Through a tour with Colonial Ghost Tour, you’ll hear true tales that will give you a glimpse into the lives of people who lived here during colonial times, from their interests to their tragic ends. Learn about the human remains uncovered by archeologists and the related hauntings, discover stories about people who lived (and died) in colonial times, and hear about the supernatural experiences that people have reported in modern times.
At night, the streets of Colonial Williamsburg turn a little spooky. With little electric lighting, the darkness adds a layer of mystery. Your guide will lead you through the streets by candlelight for an extra eerie touch, pointing out notable paranormal signs such as faces that have appeared on old gravestones. At the Peyton Randolph House (supposedly one of Virginia’s most haunted houses), people have reported seeing a ghostly face in the window.
Decide the Fate of an Accused Witch: Cry Witch
While many people think of Salem, Massachusetts, when they think of witchcraft trials in colonial America, the first formal witch accusation and witchcraft trial actually occurred in Virginia. The southeastern area of Virginia, where Williamsburg sits, had the most witch accusations in the state.
Cry Witch is a long-running live performance in Colonial Williamsburg about one of the most famous witchcraft cases in Virginia – the case of Grace Sherwood. In 1706, Sherwood stood trial in Williamsburg, then the capital of the Virginia colony. The performance is held in the reconstructed Capitol building, and it involves the audience. The audience serves as the jury and can question the witnesses in the trial. Ultimately, the audience votes whether Grace Sherwood is innocent or guilty of witchcraft.
Throughout the performance, which is based on available historical records, you learn about the attitudes towards faith and the supernatural, as well as the legal proceedings of the time. A lot of it is shocking by today’s standards, and you’re asked to judge by the standards of the past. Note: Because of the intensity of the subject matter, this experience is not appropriate for young children.
Spooky Sweets and Treats: Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop
What’s Halloween without any treats? Located in Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square, Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop is the region’s largest candy store, stocking classic and artisanal candies made by local confectioners.
In the fall, the candy cases at Wythe (pronounced “with”) are filled with fun Halloween and seasonal designs. Beyond candy corn, you’ll find truffles carefully crafted to resemble pumpkins, monsters, and even eyeballs. The truffles come in delectable fall flavors like s’mores, apple pie, and maple pecan. Other tempting treats include different flavors of caramel apples, gummy worms, and brightly colored gummies in a mix of festive colors.
Can’t get enough of delicious fall flavors? Discover all things pumpkin in Williamsburg.
Create Your Perfect Halloween Adventure in Williamsburg
Whether you’re seeking the scariest thrills, an epic ghost story, or some delicious Halloween treats, Williamsburg offers plenty of ways to make your Halloween unforgettable. Browse all events to find more Halloween happenings, and check out our autumn activities guide to plan your fall escape.
