Halloween in the Poconos: Spooky Events and Fall Adventures to Enjoy in 2026

Fall in the Poconos brings crisp mountain air, colorful foliage, pumpkin patches, and plenty of Halloween fun. Whether you're planning a family getaway, a weekend with friends, or a spooky escape for two, October is a great time to explore the region's seasonal attractions and charming small towns.

From glowing jack-o'-lantern displays and haunted houses to historic ghost tours and Halloween parades, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season.

Family-Friendly Halloween Activities

Looking for festive fun that everyone can enjoy? These seasonal attractions offer a mix of pumpkin picking, outdoor adventures, and small-town Halloween traditions.

1. The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival

Location: Country Junction, Lehighton, PA
When: Saturdays and Sundays through October 25, 2026

Make a day of it at The Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival. Families can enjoy pumpkin picking, hayrides, games, and other fall activities in a festive setting. It's a great option for younger visitors and anyone looking to enjoy a classic autumn afternoon.

2. Mazezilla

Location: Saylorsburg, PA
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through November 8, 2026

Get ready to navigate a sprawling corn maze with a sweet-themed twist. Beyond the maze, visitors can enjoy pumpkin picking, hay forts, corn pits, mountain slides, and other outdoor attractions. It's an easy way to spend a few hours enjoying the fall weather with family or friends.

3. The Electrifying Jack-o'-Lantern Experience

Location: West End Fairgrounds, Gilbert, PA
When: Thursdays through Sundays, October 9–November 1, 2026

For a memorable evening outing, walk through a display of glowing, intricately carved pumpkins. The illuminated scenes create a festive atmosphere and plenty of photo opportunities. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, so plan ahead before visiting.

4. Spooky Stroudsburg

Location: Downtown Stroudsburg, PA
When: October 31, 2026, from 1–6 p.m.

Spend Halloween afternoon exploring downtown Stroudsburg as local storefronts embrace the spooky season. Enjoy decorated streets, a scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating, and other seasonal activities. It's a fun way to experience the community's Halloween spirit.

5. Halloween Parades and Fall Train Rides

Small-town traditions are part of what makes autumn in the Poconos special.

• Barrett Township Halloween Parade: October 18, 2026, in Cresco, featuring floats, fire trucks, marching bands, and costumes.
• Honesdale Halloween Parade: October 27, 2026, with a festive procession through town and treats for children.
• Pumpkin Patch Express: Select dates in October aboard The Stourbridge Line in Honesdale. Families can enjoy a scenic train ride and a stop where children can pick a pumpkin.

Check event details before leaving, as schedules and rain dates may change.

Spooky Experiences for Older Kids and Thrill Seekers

If your group prefers a little more suspense, the Poconos has several attractions that turn up the fright factor after dark.

The Curse of Camelback

Location: Camelback Mountain Adventures
When: Thursdays through Sundays through November 8, 2026

Enter an immersive, post-apocalyptic world filled with fog, tunnels, and eerie environments. This seasonal attraction is a good pick for visitors who want a more intense Halloween experience.

Ghost Walks in Old Mauch Chunk

Location: Jim Thorpe, PA
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and select Sundays through November 14, 2026

Discover the history and legends of Jim Thorpe on a guided walking tour led by a costumed storyteller. The experience combines local history with tales of mysterious encounters along the town's historic streets.

Ghost Tours in Honesdale

Location: Downtown Honesdale, PA
When: Select dates in October 2026

Explore the stories and spooky lore of Honesdale on a guided walking tour through downtown. It's a fun way to discover another side of this charming small town while enjoying the Halloween season.

Haunted Houses for the Brave

For visitors who love a real scare, two popular options include:

• Waldorf Estate of Fear: Located at Country Junction in Lehighton, with frightening seasonal attractions, live actors, and immersive effects.
• Hotel of Horror and Altered Nightmares: Located in Saylorsburg, offering two walk-through horror experiences for those ready to face their fears.

These attractions may be too intense for younger children, so check age recommendations and ticket details before booking.

Halloween Night Out: Events for Adults

Halloween isn't just for kids. If you're planning a weekend with friends or a couples' getaway, the Poconos also offers themed dining, nightlife, and seasonal entertainment.

A Nightmare on Broad Street

Location: Jive Bar & Lounge, Milford, PA
When: Fridays and Saturdays through October 31, 2026

Step into a Halloween pop-up inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas, complete with themed decor, music, and seasonal cocktails.

Witches' Midnight Market

Location: Downtown Lehighton, PA
When: October 24, 2026, from 2–10 p.m.

Browse a lively street festival featuring more than 125 vendors, food trucks, music, and plenty of witchy seasonal charm. It's a great option for an afternoon or evening out with friends.

Storytelling Dinner at The Settlers Inn

Location: Hawley, PA
When: October 23–24, 2026

Enjoy a seasonal dining experience featuring farm-to-table cuisine and storytelling in a warmly decorated setting. Reservations are required, making this a good option to plan ahead for a special fall evening.

More Halloween Weekend Events

Depending on your interests, you can also look into costume karaoke, Halloween-themed wine tastings, a murder mystery dinner, or an evening train excursion. These experiences offer something different from the usual haunted house visit and can make your weekend feel even more memorable.

How to Plan the Perfect Halloween Weekend in the Poconos

With so many events happening across the region, a little planning can help you fit in your favorites without spending the entire weekend driving.

Friday: Arrive and Ease Into the Spooky Season

Check into your vacation rental, settle in, and head out for an evening attraction. Depending on your group's interests, you could explore a glowing pumpkin display or visit a haunted attraction.

If you're arriving later in the evening, keep things simple with dinner and a relaxing night at your rental.

Saturday: Explore, Get Outside, and Embrace Halloween

Spend the morning exploring a pumpkin festival or corn maze. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive through the fall foliage or visit a nearby small town.

After sunset, choose your main Halloween activity, whether that's a ghost tour, a haunted house, or an adults-only event. Be sure to leave enough time for travel between attractions.

Sunday: Enjoy a Relaxed Morning Before Heading Home

Before checking out, grab coffee, browse local shops, or enjoy a leisurely breakfast in a nearby town such as Hawley, Milford, or Honesdale.

If you have more time, consider a scenic train ride or another fall activity before heading home.

Where to Stay for a Halloween Getaway

The right place to stay can make your Halloween weekend just as memorable as the events themselves.

A private vacation home gives you room to gather with family and friends, enjoy a cozy evening after a day of exploring, and make the most of your time in the mountains. Depending on the property, you might be able to unwind by the fireplace, soak in a hot tub, prepare a fall-inspired dinner, or enjoy a quiet morning surrounded by autumn scenery.

When choosing a rental, consider how close it is to the events you want to attend, how many people are in your group, and which amenities matter most for your trip. If you're planning to visit several towns, choosing a convenient home base can make getting around easier.

Ready to plan your fall escape? Explore Wander Home vacation rentals and find a comfortable home base for your Poconos Halloween adventure.

Make the Most of Fall in the Poconos

From family-friendly pumpkin festivals to spine-tingling haunted attractions, the Poconos offers plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween in 2026. Add in scenic drives, charming downtowns, and cozy evenings at your vacation rental, and you've got the ingredients for a memorable fall getaway.

Before you go, confirm event dates, ticket availability, admission prices, and age restrictions directly with event organizers. Some activities require advance reservations, and schedules may change.

Book your Wander Home stay and start planning your Halloween weekend in the Poconos.