A chill in the air and spine-tingling experiences usher in spooky season in Williamsburg, Virginia. From scream-inducing theme park thrills to creepy ghost tours and an immersive witchcraft trial, you’ll find plenty of intriguing ways to welcome Halloween here. Few places in America have accumulated as many layers of history, legend, and lore as the Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, making it one of the spookiest corners of the country — and one of the best places to spend an enchanting Halloween season.
Dark Thrills Await at Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream®
Busch Gardens® Williamsburg transforms into a Halloween-lover's heaven on select fall nights, with fog rolling over eerie graveyards and terrifying characters jumping out of the shadows at scare zones across the park. The roller coasters 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 hair-raising theme. Brace yourself as evil clowns, the undead, and creatures from nightmares wander around, sneaking up behind you. They're experts at finding unsuspecting passersby and giving them a good jump-scare.
Dare to explore five themed haunted houses, each with gruesome surprises. The rides and coasters are still open during Howl-O-Scream®, so you'll get an extra thrill riding them in the pitch-black dead of night. It’s recommended that you purchase tickets and parking in advance.
Looking for a less scary alternative? The Busch Gardens Halloween Spooktacular caters to young kids with Sesame Street characters and family-friendly fun.
History with a Haunting Twist: Yorktown Ghost Walks
If you’re looking for a dose of real haunted history, the Historic Triangle is just the place. A charming town on the York River, Yorktown is famous for being the site of the final major battle of the American Revolution. Yorktown has seen much over the past 300-odd years, including bloody military battles, the horrors of the slave trade, and generations of struggle and sacrifice. 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 uncover some of these suspected hauntings. This ghost tour is also a history tour — you'll learn about Yorktown's role during wartime and hear stories about its early residents. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this tour offers a view of history through another lens. Book early, as these tours tend to sell out, especially as Halloween approaches.
Eerie Evenings in Colonial Williamsburg: Colonial Ghost Tours
Step back into the 1700s as you wander the streets of Colonial Williamsburg. With 89 preserved colonial buildings and hundreds more meticulously recreated, it is the world's largest living history museum and is reportedly home to countless spirits.
Through a Colonial Ghosts tour, you'll hear true tales that offer 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 archaeologists and the related hauntings, and hear about the supernatural experiences visitors have reported in modern times.
At night, the streets of Colonial Williamsburg turn spooky. With little electric lighting, the near-total 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.
See Williamsburg’s guide to the best ghost tours.
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 trial actually occurred in Virginia. The southeastern part of Virginia, near Williamsburg, 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, influencing how the performance unfolds. Ultimately, the audience votes on whether Grace Sherwood is innocent or guilty of witchcraft.
Throughout the performance, which is based on available historical records, you learn about the attitudes toward faith and the supernatural, as well as the legal proceedings of the time. Note: Because of the intense subject matter, this experience is not appropriate for young children.
Scary-Good Sweet Treats: Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop
What's Halloween without the 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 the typical candy corn, you'll find rich chocolate 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 housemade caramel apples, nostalgic candy offerings, and any flavor of soda you can imagine.
Can't get enough of delicious fall treats? Discover all things pumpkin in Williamsburg.
Craft Your Perfect Halloween Adventure in Williamsburg
Whether you're craving a good scare, an epic ghost story, or some delicious treats, Williamsburg offers plenty of ways to make this Halloween season unforgettable. Browse more Halloween events and experiences, and check out the autumn activities guide to plan your fall getaway.
