Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year to visit Orlando! The theme parks go all out for spooky season, with haunted houses and scare zones for thrill-seekers, plus trick-or-treat trails, costume parades and character parties for little monsters.
In 2026, the fun stretches from August right into the first days of November, so there's plenty of time to squeeze some frightful fun into your holiday.
We've rounded up every major Halloween event happening in Orlando in 2026, with dates, ticket types, age guidance and our very own spooky rating. Some events are made for the whole family and others are designed to be seriously scary, so read on to find your perfect level of fright!
Key takeaways
- Halloween Horror Nights runs on 48 select nights between 28 August and 1 November 2026 at Universal Studios Florida - its longest season ever, with 10 haunted houses.
- Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party runs on select nights until 31 October 2026 at Magic Kingdom Park, and every 2026 date has now sold out.
- Howl-O-Scream takes place at both SeaWorld Orlando (select nights, 11 September to 31 October) and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (select nights, 11 September to 1 November).
- Included with regular admission: SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular, LEGOLAND Florida's Brick-or-Treat, Peppa Pig Theme Park's Peppa's Halloween Party, SEA LIFE Orlando's Pirates of the Haunted Seas and Gatorland's Gators, Ghosts & Goblins.
- Halloween Horror Nights and both Howl-O-Scream events are not recommended for children under 13, and guests can't wear costumes at any of the three.
- Beyond the parks, you'll find The Terror of Boggy Creek's night-time airboat adventure, a Halloween magic dinner show at WonderWorks Orlando and a free Halloween party at Old Town on 31 October.
Orlando Halloween events 2026 - dates and ticket types
Here's every major Halloween event in Florida this year, all in one handy table. The biggest thing to check is the ticket type: some events need their own separate ticket, while others are included with a regular day at the park.
Event | Where | 2026 dates | Ticket type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
48 select nights, 28 August to 1 November | Separate event ticket | Adults and older teens | ||
Select nights, 7 August to 31 October | Separate event ticket | Families and Disney fans | ||
26 select nights, 11 September to 31 October | Separate event ticket | Adults and older teens | ||
Halloween Spooktacular | 26 select dates, 29 August to 1 November | Included with park admission | Families with young children | |
Select nights, 11 September to 1 November | Separate event ticket | Adults, older teens and coaster fans | ||
Brick-or-Treat | 18 select dates, 5 September to 31 October | Included with park admission | Children aged 2 to 12 | |
Peppa's Halloween Party | Weekends, 3 to 31 October | Included with park admission | Toddlers and young children | |
Gators, Ghosts & Goblins | 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 October | Included with park admission | Younger children and families | |
Saturdays, 26 September to 31 October | Separate event ticket | Thrill-seekers and older teens | ||
Pirates of the Haunted Seas | Weekends, 19 September to 1 November | Included with admission | Families and young explorers | |
Screamin' Green Hauntoween | Select dates, 19 September to 1 November | Included with admission | Families with younger children | |
Nightly, 5 to 31 October | Included with dinner show admission | All ages | ||
Halloween at Old Town | Old Town, Kissimmee | Saturday 31 October | Free | Families and little monsters |
Event dates can change, so we'd always recommend checking the latest details before you travel.
How scary is each Orlando Halloween event? Our spooky rating!
Our spooky rating scores each event from one pumpkin (sweet, silly and perfect for toddlers) to five pumpkins (serious scares for serious horror fans). Use it to match each event to the youngest or most easily spooked member of your group.
Event | Spooky rating | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
Pirates of the Haunted Seas (SEA LIFE Orlando) | 🎃 | Pirate treasure hunt through the aquarium |
Screamin' Green Hauntoween (Crayola Experience) | 🎃 | Halloween crafts and a scavenger hunt |
Brick-or-Treat (LEGOLAND Florida Resort) | 🎃 | Trick-or-treating, LEGO Monsters and a drone show |
Peppa's Halloween Party (Peppa Pig Theme Park) | 🎃 | Trick-or-treating and Peppa and George in costume |
Halloween Spooktacular (SeaWorld Orlando) | 🎃 | Daytime trick-or-treat trail and friendly characters |
Outta Control Spooktacular Magic Dinner Show (WonderWorks Orlando) | 🎃 | Candy-based magic, mind reading and a friendly spirit |
Halloween at Old Town (Kissimmee) | 🎃 | Trunk-or-treating, candy stations and a classic car show |
Gators, Ghosts & Goblins (Gatorland) | 🎃🎃 | Haunted Museum, trick-or-treating and character meet-and-greets |
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Magic Kingdom Park) | 🎃🎃 | Villains, parades, fireworks and trick-or-treating |
The Terror of Boggy Creek (Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures) | 🎃🎃🎃 | Night airboat ride, haunted truck mission and haunted trail |
Howl-O-Scream (SeaWorld Orlando) | 🎃🎃🎃🎃 | Haunted houses, scare zones and coasters in the dark |
Howl-O-Scream (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay) | 🎃🎃🎃🎃 | Haunted houses, scare zones and roaming scare actors |
Halloween Horror Nights (Universal Studios Florida) | 🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃 | Movie-quality haunted houses and intense scare zones |
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is the ultimate Halloween night out for horror fans, and 2026 is a big one! The event celebrates its 35th anniversary this year with 48 select nights between 28 August and 1 November 2026, the earliest start and longest season in its history.
The event officially begins at 6:30pm and runs until around 2am. In October, it typically runs Wednesday to Sunday, and Universal Studios Florida closes to daytime guests at 5pm on event nights.
The 2026 theme and haunted houses
This year's theme is the Infernal Carnival of Nightmares, and it brings back two fan-favourite icons, Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow, appearing together as allies for the very first time. There are 10 haunted houses for 2026, mixing big-name horror with brand-new original stories:
- Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control - the original 35th anniversary house
- Sinners: Club Juke - based on Ryan Coogler's 2025 vampire film
- Stranger Things 5 - based on the final season of the Netflix series
- H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular! - original
- Madlands: Caged Cannibals - original
- Cybergoria - original
- Invasion: Alien Abduction - original
- Hellraiser
- Evil Dead Burn
- Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness - a tribute to the late musician
Scare zones, street experiences and live shows
Outside the houses, the streets come alive with scare zones packed with roaming scare actors. The 2026 scare zones are Infernal Carnival of Nightmares, Sideshow of Decay, Downtown Clowntown and Fortnitemares.
You'll also find two street experiences, Killer Klowns from Outer Space and Death Eaters in Diagon Alley, plus two live shows: Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir and Stranger Things: Return to Hawkins.
Booking your Halloween Horror Nights tickets
Our Halloween Horror Nights 1-Night Ticket gets you into the event on the night of your choice, with 10 haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment and some of Universal Studios Florida's most exhilarating rides all included. Prices vary by night, so you can pick the date that suits your plans and your budget best.
Age guidance and costumes
Universal says Halloween Horror Nights may be too intense for young children and doesn't recommend it for under-13s. Guests can't wear costumes or costume masks, which keeps it easy to tell the scare actors from everyone else!
If you've got a nervous teen or a friend who'd prefer a gentler night, look out for the Deathly Afraid necklace, available to buy in the park. It signals to scare zone performers to dial down the intensity, though it doesn't apply inside the haunted houses.
Our top tip: The houses and shows are the same every night, so an early-season weeknight gives you the full Halloween Horror Nights experience at a lower ticket price than a peak October Saturday.
Want to dive deeper? Take a look at our complete guide to Halloween Horror Nights.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the most magical way to celebrate Halloween at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and it's perfect for children of all ages. This separately ticketed, after-hours party runs on select nights between 7 August and 31 October 2026 at Magic Kingdom Park.
The party runs from 7pm to midnight, and party guests can enter Magic Kingdom Park from 4pm, giving you a few extra hours to soak up the atmosphere before the celebrations begin. Capacity is limited each night, which helps keep the party feeling special.
What to expect at the party
- Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade - a spooktacular parade of Disney characters and floats
- Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular - a stage show starring the Sanderson Sisters and a host of Disney villains
- Disney's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular - a Halloween-themed fireworks show
- Stitch's Masquerade Mashup - an interactive dance party and ever-changing costume masquerade in Tomorrowland
- Trick-or-treating at sweet stations throughout the park, with a reusable Disney trick-or-treat bag
- Character meet-and-greets with Disney villains and favourite characters dressed in their Halloween costumes
- Halloween twists on some of Magic Kingdom Park's best-loved rides
The parade and fireworks run weather permitting.
Costumes at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Guests of all ages can dress up in costume at the party, making it a wonderful chance for the whole family to go all out together! Disney does have rules on what's allowed, so check the latest costume guidelines before you pack. For some inspiration, browse our Disney-inspired Halloween costume ideas.
Are 2026 party dates still available?
The party is hugely popular, and every 2026 date has now sold out. If Mickey's party isn't on the cards this year, SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular and LEGOLAND Florida's Brick-or-Treat are lovely alternatives, with plenty of trick-or-treating and friendly characters included with a regular day ticket.
Read more in our guide to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando hosts its very own Howl-O-Scream, a separately ticketed night event that runs alongside the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay version. It takes place on 26 select nights between 11 September and 31 October 2026, with gates opening at 6:30pm and the event running from 7pm to midnight.
The 2026 theme has a Y2K twist: the party ended forever when the clock struck midnight on 1 January 2000. Howl-O-Scream's icon Havoc returns, joined by a brand-new villain, Pestilence.
SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream haunted houses for 2026
There are five haunted houses this year, four of them all-new:
- I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch - SeaWorld Orlando's first-ever movie-inspired house, based on the 1997 film
- Everything Must Stay - a suburban home that's sat unsold for six years
- The Rave Yard (returning) - an underground rave in a cemetery
- The Dark Net - a futuristic city where cyborgs harvest blood
- The Crawl Space - abandoned underground tunnels
Scare zones, shows and coasters in the dark
Six scare zones fill the park: Dooms District, Extermination Order, Nekrosis, Just One More Chapter, Trailer Park Tragedy and Woodrot Hollow, along with two roaming hordes. There are four shows too, including Dead Air, an all-new undead '90s boy band show, plus five all-new themed bars.
The real highlight for thrill-seekers? Riding Mako, Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice, Ice Breaker and Pipeline in the dark!
Booking your SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream tickets
Our SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream ticket is open-dated, so you can choose any one of the 2026 event nights without having to pick your date in advance. That makes it brilliantly flexible if your holiday plans are still coming together!
Remaining 2026 event nights are 25 and 26 September, then 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 22 to 31 October.
Howl-O-Scream is a separate night-time event, so your ticket doesn't include daytime admission to SeaWorld Orlando. Pair it with a day ticket if you'd like to enjoy the park and Halloween Spooktacular before the scares begin.
Ages and costumes
The event contains intense adult themes including blood, gore and violence, and isn't recommended for under-13s. Under-18s are welcome at their parents' discretion, and there's no discounted child ticket. Costumes, masks and face-concealing make-up aren't permitted.
Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular is a fantastic daytime Halloween event for families, and it's included with regular park admission. It runs on 26 select dates between 29 August and 1 November 2026, during normal park hours.
New for 2026, characters from Sony's Hotel Transylvania, including Drac and Mavis, join the fun for the very first time! There's also a separately ticketed Hotel Transylvania "Monster Dread & Breakfast" character dining experience at SeaFire Inn.
What to expect at Spooktacular:
- A trick-or-treat trail for little ones to collect sweets along the way
- Spookley the Square Pumpkin, ready to meet his young fans
- Halloween fun in Sesame Street Land
To go trick-or-treating, you'll need a reusable SeaWorld trick-or-treat bag, which you can buy in the park. Apart from the optional character breakfast, the bag is the only part of Spooktacular that costs extra.
Costumes
Children are welcome to dress up, though guests aged 13 and over can't wear costume masks or hoods.
Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Howl-O-Scream turns the park into a thrilling, spine-tingling playground after dark. It runs on select nights between 11 September and 1 November 2026, from 7pm to midnight, and event ticket holders can enter the park from 5pm.
This year brings a brand-new haunted house, Anaconda: Fear Has No Escape, two new scare zones and the return of fan-favourite show Fiends, with six haunted houses in total.
Howl-O-Scream is separately ticketed, with a day-and-night combo and two-park options available. It's designed for mature audiences, isn't recommended for under-13s, and costumes aren't permitted.
Our planning tip: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is around 1 hour 20 to 30 minutes' drive from Orlando, so it makes a brilliant full day out. Pairing a daytime visit with Howl-O-Scream in the evening gives you the best of both! Our top tips for visiting Busch Gardens will help you plan.
For more on both Howl-O-Scream events, head to our guide to Howl-O-Scream.
Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a wonderful Halloween day out for children aged 2 to 12, and it's included with regular theme park admission. The 2026 season is its biggest ever, with 18 select dates between 5 September and 31 October.
Remaining 2026 Brick-or-Treat dates: 26 September; 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 October.
What's new at Brick-or-Treat in 2026
- Brick-or-Treat Street - trick-or-treating through life-size LEGO Monster homes, packed with interactive surprises
- Potion Mischief Light Trail - a brand-new glowing trail to explore
- Monster Skytacular - a drone and fireworks show on select nights
- LEGO Monster meet-and-greets and seasonal treats around the park
Sweet stations run from 2pm to 7pm, and costumes are encouraged. LEGOLAND Florida Resort is in Winter Haven, around 45 minutes from Orlando's main tourist area. Read more in our top tips for visiting LEGOLAND Florida.
Peppa's Halloween Party at Peppa Pig Theme Park
Peppa's Halloween Party at Peppa Pig Theme Park is the perfect first Halloween adventure for toddlers and little ones, and it's included with regular park admission. It takes place every weekend in October 2026: 3 and 4, 10 and 11, 17 and 18, 24 and 25, and 31 October.
What to expect at Peppa's Halloween Party
- Trick-or-treating at candy stations around the park, with a complimentary treat bag
- Meet-and-greets with Peppa and George, dressed up in their Halloween costumes
- Halloween-themed episodes playing in the indoor cinema, perfect for a cosy break
Peppa Pig Theme Park is right next door to LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, so you could turn a weekend visit into a Halloween double for younger children, with Brick-or-Treat and Peppa's Halloween Party side by side.
Halloween on International Drive and beyond
Orlando's Halloween fun doesn't stop at the big theme parks. Some of our favourite family-friendly Halloween events are at smaller attractions around the city, and they're all included with regular admission.
Pirates of the Haunted Seas at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
Pirates of the Haunted Seas brings a pirate-themed Halloween quest to SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium every Saturday and Sunday from 19 September to 1 November 2026. Young explorers can join the treasure hunt, meet pirates and complete the quest to earn a gold costume coin and a bag of sweets.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is at ICON Park on International Drive, making it an easy addition to a day exploring I-Drive. Discover more in our guide to the top highlights of International Drive.
Gators, Ghosts & Goblins at Gatorland
Gators, Ghosts & Goblins at Gatorland is a uniquely Florida way to celebrate Halloween, running on 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 October 2026 from 10am to 5pm. This family-friendly daytime celebration is included with regular admission, and it transforms the park with festive décor, themed entertainment and seasonal activities.
Highlights include:
- A Haunted Museum with a brand-new theme for 2026
- Trick-or-treating, games and candy giveaways
- Live shows and DJ entertainment
- Character meet-and-greets and animal encounters
- Festive photo opportunities around the park
It's a fun Halloween day out for younger children and families. Gatorland is around 20 to 30 minutes south of the main tourist area.
The Terror of Boggy Creek at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
The Terror of Boggy Creek is back for 2026 with The Terror 2 - The Swamp Awakens, a thrilling night-time Halloween event at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures. It runs every Saturday from 7pm to 11pm: 26 September, then 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 October 2026.
The Terror Combo ticket includes three spine-tingling experiences:
- A night airboat experience out on the dark water
- A haunted truck mission
- A haunted walking trail
The fun carries on beyond the attractions too, with themed food platters, specialty drinks, desserts and exclusive event merchandise, so you can fully immerse yourself in The Swamp Awakens. Availability is limited, so we'd recommend booking in advance. Find out more in our guide to Terror 2 at Boggy Creek here!
Screamin' Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience Orlando
Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall hosts Screamin' Green Hauntoween on select dates from 19 September to 1 November 2026. It's full of colourful Halloween crafts and a scavenger hunt, with trick-or-treating at weekends.
Outta Control Spooktacular Magic Dinner Show at WonderWorks Orlando
The Outta Control Spooktacular Magic Dinner Show is a magical Halloween night out for the whole family, returning for the 2026 season inside WonderWorks Orlando on International Drive. This special Halloween version of Orlando's longest-running dinner show runs nightly from 5 to 31 October 2026 at 6pm, with extra shows every Friday and Saturday at 8pm. It's included with regular dinner show admission.
Expect candy-based magic, mystical mind reading and costumed characters, and a friendly spirit may even make an appearance! You'll dine on unlimited cheese and pepperoni pizza, house salad and soda, plus a special dessert created for monsters of all ages. Guests are welcome to come in costume and join the celebration.
Which Orlando Halloween events are included with park admission?
Knowing which events come with a regular ticket makes planning your Halloween holiday much easier. Here's how they split.
Included with regular admission:
- Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando (the reusable trick-or-treat bag is extra)
- Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
- Peppa's Halloween Party at Peppa Pig Theme Park
- Gators, Ghosts & Goblins at Gatorland
- Pirates of the Haunted Seas at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
- Screamin' Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience
- Outta Control Spooktacular Magic Dinner Show at WonderWorks Orlando (with dinner show admission)
Free to attend:
- Halloween at Old Town, Kissimmee (31 October)
- Día de los Muertos - La Experiencia at Fiesta de Reyes, Old Town Kissimmee
Needs a separate event ticket:
- Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida
- Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
- Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando
- Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- The Terror of Boggy Creek at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
For families, the included events are a brilliant way to enjoy lots of Halloween fun as part of a day you'd already planned. Take a look at our Orlando theme park money-saving hacks for more ways to make your budget go further.
Halloween beyond the theme parks
Orlando's local Halloween scene is packed with festivals, farm days and street parties. These events are a lovely way to experience a more local side of Halloween in Florida.
Día de los Muertos celebrations
- Día de los Muertos & Monster Party - the 17th annual celebration at CityArts in Downtown Orlando on Thursday 15 October 2026, blending Day of the Dead and monster-inspired art, with a street party from 6pm to 10pm
- Día de los Muertos - La Experiencia - a free, family-friendly celebration at Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town Kissimmee, running 1 September to 2 November 2026, with Catrinas, altars, marigolds and a new nighttime lighting experience
Halloween at Old Town
Round up your little monsters for Halloween at Old Town - a free, spooktacular evening in Kissimmee on Saturday 31 October 2026, from 3pm to 11pm. There's free trunk-or-treating from 5pm to 7pm (while supplies last), candy stations throughout the property, live entertainment, a Classic Car Show and plenty of Halloween-themed activities and surprises.
Masks are only permitted for children aged 10 and under.
Pumpkin patches and corn mazes
Central Florida's farms put on fantastic autumn festivals, with pumpkin patches, hayrides and corn mazes. Look out for:
- Great Scott Farms in Mount Dora
- Amber Brooke Farm in Eustis (weekends, 26 September to 15 November)
- Southern Hill Farms and Showcase of Citrus in Clermont
- Harvest Fields Corn Maze in DeLand (weekends, 3 to 25 October).
Halloween runs
Lace up for a costumed run! Options include:
- Spooky Sprint Orlando (5K, 10K or half marathon) on 24 October 2026
- Track Shack's Halloween 5K & Kids' Run in Baldwin Park
- 5K Zombie Run Orlando on 31 October 2026
Adults-only Halloween fun (21+)
Grown-ups can keep the party going with Orlando's Halloween nightlife:
- Orlando Halloween Bar Crawl - Saturday 31 October 2026, 4pm to 10pm, starting in Downtown Orlando
- Boos Fest - a trick-or-treat bar crawl on Saturday 24 October 2026
- OSC After Dark - an adults-only Halloween party at the Orlando Science Center on 31 October, 8pm to 11pm
All three are for guests aged 21 and over, with photo ID. For more ideas, browse our guide to Orlando nightlife.
Final thoughts
Halloween in Florida is a truly unforgettable experience, with something magical (or terrifying!) for every member of your group. Mix a spooktacular daytime event with a night of thrilling scares, pack a costume or two, and get ready for a Halloween holiday you'll be talking about for years!
Browse all of our Orlando attraction tickets today, including tickets to the most popular Orlando Halloween events!
