York County Halloween Parades 2024

Halloween in York County, Pennsylvania, is an eagerly awaited time filled with parades, trunk-or-treat events, and family fun. Each town and borough brings its own.

Festive spirit to the season with colorful floats, creative costumes, and musical performances. This article offers a detailed look at the 2024 Halloween parades.

Events in York County, including the much-anticipated 74th Annual York Halloween Parade. Use this guide to plan your spooky season and enjoy the best Halloween celebrations across the region!

Table of Contents

Key York County Halloween Parades in 2024

York Halloween Parade (October 27, 2024)

Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Starts at the York Fairgrounds, travels east along Market Street, from Richland Avenue to Broad Street.
Theme: “Rave from the Grave” – encouraging participants to embrace zombie and skeleton themes.
Special Attractions: School bands, local nonprofits, cash prizes for top floats and performances. The event is rain or shine with street closures starting at 11:00 AM to ensure safety.

Dallastown Halloween Parade (October 17, 2024)

Time: 7:00 PM
Highlights: The parade features community floats and local bands, with candy giveaways along the route.

Red Lion Halloween Parade (October 28, 2024)

Time: 7:00 PM
Special Details: Held the night before Halloween, the parade brings spooky fun and themed performances to the heart of Red Lion.

Manchester/Mount Wolf Halloween Parade (October 20, 2024)

Time: 2:00 PM
Route: Begins at the Manchester Fire Company, winding through several neighborhood streets.

Other Halloween Events in York County

Beyond parades, several other festive events will take place throughout York County to celebrate Halloween 2024.

Trunk-or-Treat Events:
1. West York Pumpkin Walk: October 19, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
2. Hanover Market House Trick-or-Treat: October 26
3. Cousler Park Halloween Festival: October 18
4. York Trunk-or-Treat at City Hall: October 24, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Community Festivals:
1. West York’s Jack-o-Lantern Festival: October 19, featuring live music, food vendors, and pumpkin carving contests.

Parking and Route Tips

For the York Halloween Parade, parking is available at several downtown garages. However, spectators should note that parking along Market Street is prohibited to accommodate.

The parade route. Expect road closures starting at 11:00 AM along George Street and additional cross-streets by 1:30 PM. Arrive early to secure a good spot!

Safety Tips for Families

Keep children close in large crowds, and ensure their costumes are visible at night with reflective materials.
Bring water and snacks to stay comfortable while waiting for parades.
Be mindful of traffic and follow road closures announced for each event.

York Halloween Parade 2024: The Main Event

The York Halloween Parade is the centerpiece of York County’s Halloween celebrations. Scheduled for October 27, 2024, this grand event kicks off at 2:00 PM at the York Fairgrounds and proceeds along Market Street from Richland Avenue to Broad Street

This year’s parade marks the 74th edition of the event, and it promises to bring captivating performances, decorated floats, and vibrant costumes.

Local schools, community organizations, and non-profits participate in the parade, competing for cash prizes generously provided by the Arthur J. and Lee R. Glatfelter Foundation.

Other Key Halloween Parades in York County

Beyond the city of York, several other parades and events highlight the festive season:

Manchester/Mount Wolf Parade (October 20, 2024): This community parade begins at 2:00 PM and winds through residential neighborhoods, bringing candy and cheer to localsYork Dispatch.
Red Lion Parade (October 28, 2024): A nighttime parade that draws families and local performers, making it one of the must-attend events in the area.
Dallastown Parade (October 17, 2024): Known for its intimate charm, this parade kicks off at 7:00 PM with community floats and school bandsMacaroni KID North York.

York County’s Trunk-or-Treat Events and Festivals

In addition to traditional parades, trunk-or-treat events are hosted across various neighborhoods and venues. These events provide a safe, family-friendly environment for children to enjoy trick-or-treating from decorated car trunks.

York City Trunk-or-Treat (October 24, 2024): Hosted at City Hall, this event runs from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM and features candy giveaways and gamesYork Dispatch.
Cousler Park Halloween in the Park: A popular event with a mix of trunk-or-treating, food stalls, and live entertainmentMacaroni KID North York.

Road Closures and Parking Information for York Parade

Spectators planning to attend the York Halloween Parade should arrive early. George Street will close at 11:00 AM, and several cross streets will follow with closures by 1:30 PM to prepare for the event York Dispatch.

Parking is available at downtown garages, but no parking is permitted along the Market Street parade route.

Prizes and Participation Incentives

The York Halloween Parade offers cash prizes for the best floats, performances, and group entries. School bands receive a participation stipend of $800, while non-profits.

Local performers compete for prizes up to $1,500 for first place. Additional awards include $1,000 for second place, $750 for third place, and honorable mentions with a $250 prize each.

Conclusion

York County’s Halloween celebrations are a delightful mix of tradition, creativity, and community spirit.

Whether you enjoy large-scale parades or smaller trunk-or-treat events, there’s something for everyone.

Mark your calendars for the key dates listed in this guide, and don’t miss out on the magic of the 2024 Halloween season in York County!

FAQs

Are the parades free to attend?

Yes, most Halloween parades in York County, including the York Halloween Parade, are free to the public.

Will the parades happen if it rains?

Yes, all events are scheduled to proceed rain or shine unless otherwise specified by local organizers.

Are there prizes for participants?

The York Halloween Parade offers cash prizes for the best floats and performances, with additional incentives for participating school bands.

What safety measures are in place for children?

Organizers emphasize safety, especially along the parade routes, with police supervision and road closures. It’s recommended to bring children early to avoid crowds and traffic congestion.

York County Halloween Parades 2024 | Complete Guide