The Spirit of Halloweentown is a magical, month-long event held annually in St. Helens, Oregon, drawing visitors from across the country to experience Halloween like never before.
This unique festival, inspired by the beloved 1998 Disney Channel movie Halloweentown, has transformed the quaint waterfront town of St. Helens into a Halloween wonderland,
Captivating both children and adults alike.The festival showcases a blend of nostalgia, community participation, and thrilling entertainment, with activities tailored for all age groups.
It includes everything from haunted house tours to celebrity appearances and costume contests, ensuring there is something for everyone.
For fans of Halloween movies, the opportunity to revisit the iconic filming locations in the town where Halloweentown was shot adds an extra layer of excitement.
The Origins and Significance of the Festival
The Spirit of Halloweentown traces its roots back to the filming of the Disney movie Halloweentown in St. Helens during the late 1990s.
Capitalizing on the film’s cult following, the town launched the festival as a way to celebrate its connection to Halloween culture and embrace the season’s festive spirit.
Over the years, it has grown into a premier Halloween event in the Pacific Northwest, blending community traditions with entertainment that draws tourists and fans from far and wide.
This event also serves as a platform to boost local tourism and foster community engagement, with local businesses participating in decorating contests and hosting themed activities.
The Spirit of Halloweentown helps preserve the town’s identity while promoting it as a prime fall destination for families and Halloween enthusiasts.
Main Attractions and Activities at Spirit of Halloweentown
The Spirit of Halloweentown festival offers a wide range of attractions that captivate visitors, blending spooky adventures with lighthearted fun.
This section highlights the event’s key activities and attractions, making it a perfect getaway for families, Halloween enthusiasts, and fans of the original Halloweentown movie. Below are the main events and must-see features of the festival.
1. The Great Pumpkin Lighting Ceremony
One of the central attractions is the Great Pumpkin Lighting, an awe-inspiring ceremony held every weekend during the event. Guests gather in the Courthouse Plaza to witness the lighting of a giant,
intricately carved pumpkin, creating a magical ambiance. Special celebrity guests, including actors from Halloweentown and other Halloween classics, often join in the festivities, making it a must-see event.
2. Haunted Attractions and Tours
Visitors seeking chills and thrills can explore a variety of haunted experiences:
- Nightmare on 4th Street: A spooky walking tour that winds through eerie alleys and dimly lit streets.
- The Haunted House: Open on weekends, this attraction offers jump scares and interactive storytelling, making it perfect for thrill-seekers.
These haunted attractions are highly popular and tend to sell out quickly, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.
3. Family-Friendly Activities
Spirit of Halloweentown is not just for those seeking scares—it offers family-friendly activities that appeal to younger visitors:
- Costume Contests: Families, kids, and even pets can participate in costume competitions for prizes and recognition.
- Trick-or-Treating: The Old Town District transforms into a safe space for children to collect candy, with beautifully decorated storefronts and themed decor.
- Games and Crafts: Hands-on activities like pumpkin painting, face painting, and crafting sessions ensure that even the youngest attendees have a memorable time.
4. Celebrity Appearances
One of the highlights of Spirit of Halloweentown is the opportunity to meet stars from iconic Halloween movies:
- J. Paul Zimmerman and Phillip Van Dyke, actors from Halloweentown, appear on select weekends for fan photo-ops.
- Kathy Najimy, best known for her role as Mary Sanderson in Hocus Pocus, also makes special guest appearances, offering autographs and photos with fans.
5. Competitions and Contests
- Scarecrow and Window Decorating Contest: Local businesses participate by designing scarecrows and decorating their windows,
With elaborate Halloween themes. Visitors can view these displays throughout the town, adding to the immersive experience. - Mayoral Race for Halloweentown: Each October, residents and visitors can join a whimsical election, campaigning for the title of “Mayor of Halloweentown.”
Voting takes place digitally, encouraging participation from those visiting in person and online.
6. Food, Drinks, and Shopping
Throughout the event, local vendors offer seasonal treats and themed cocktails for adults. Visitors can also shop for Halloween-themed merchandise, including souvenirs, decorations, and memorabilia related to the Halloweentown movie.
Logistics, Ticketing, and Visitor Tips for Spirit of Halloweentown 2024
Planning your visit to the Spirit of Halloweentown requires some preparation, especially given the event’s growing popularity.
Below, we provide detailed information about logistics, ticketing, and practical tips to ensure visitors enjoy a smooth and memorable experience in St. Helens, Oregon.
1. Event Schedule and Key Dates
The Spirit of Halloweentown 2024 runs from September 28 through October 31, with a packed lineup of activities spread across the weekends.
While decorations and themed displays are available daily, the most engaging attractions, such as celebrity appearances and haunted tours, are held on Saturdays and Sundays.
That Oregon Life. Key dates include:
- October 5–6: First themed weekend with the Great Pumpkin Lighting ceremony.
- October 12–13: Celebrity weekend featuring stars from Halloweentown and Hocus Pocus.
- October 26–27: Halloween weekend, leading into the grand finale on October 31.
2. Ticketing Information and Packages
While the town is open to walk around, several attractions require tickets. Here’s a breakdown of the ticketing options:
- General Admission Day Pass: $40 online or $45 at the gate (adults), $20–25 for kids (12 and under). This pass covers a range of activities, including stage performances, costume contests, and access to haunted houses.
- Haunted House Tickets: Available separately for $15 online or $20 at the door.
- Celebrity Photo Ops: Prices vary based on the guest—photo sessions with Halloweentown stars start around $85, while photo ops with Kathy Najimy are available for $65+.
Pro tip: Since some events sell out quickly, purchasing tickets in advance from the official website is recommended. Refunds may not be available, so it’s best to finalize plans early.
3. Parking and Transportation
Navigating the event can be tricky due to limited parking and street closures during weekends. Key details include:
- Street Closures: South 1st Street is closed from Friday evenings through Monday mornings to accommodate pedestrian traffic and festival activities.
- Parking Options: Free parking is available on weekdays along South 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Streets. However, paid parking lots operate closer to the event venue on weekends.
- Shuttle Services: Shuttle buses run from designated parking areas to the main plaza, easing the burden of finding close parking. Visitors are encouraged to use these services, especially during peak times.
4. Accessibility and Visitor Tips
The Spirit of Halloweentown strives to be inclusive, with accessible facilities and events for everyone:
- Accessibility: Key attractions, including the Great Pumpkin Lighting and haunted tours, are designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
- Weather Preparedness: Oregon’s autumn weather can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers and bringing rain gear is advisable.
- Best Times to Visit: Weekdays are ideal for those seeking a quieter experience, as crowds tend to swell on weekends. Visiting early in the day or late in the afternoon can also help avoid peak congestion.
5. Food, Drinks, and Souvenirs
Visitors can enjoy an array of seasonal treats from local vendors, including pumpkin-flavored delicacies and themed cocktails.
There are also plenty of opportunities to purchase souvenirs, ranging from Halloween decorations to Halloweentown-themed memorabilia.
Conclusion
The Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens, Oregon, offers an immersive experience that blends nostalgia, community spirit, and spooky fun for visitors of all ages.
Inspired by the Disney Channel classic Halloweentown, this month-long event transforms the town into a festive Halloween wonderland with haunted attractions, celebrity appearances, costume contests, and the iconic Great Pumpkin Lighting.
FAQs
The event runs from September 28 through October 31, 2024. Weekends are packed with activities, including special celebrity appearances and haunted attractions.
1. Adult day passes: $40 online / $45 at the gate.
2. Children (12 and under): $20–25 depending on purchase method.
3. Additional tickets are required for specific events like the Haunted House ($15–20) or celebrity photo ops ($65+).
Yes! Many attractions, such as decorative displays, public performances, and trick-or-treating, are free. However, some premium activities require tickets.
For a quieter experience, it is recommended to visit during weekdays or early in the morning on weekends. Special themed weekends tend to attract the largest crowds.
Yes, the event offers many family-friendly activities, including costume contests, games, and crafts. However, some haunted attractions are designed for older children and adults.
There are free parking spots available on weekdays, but paid lots and shuttle services are recommended during weekends due to limited space and road closures.
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