Halloween has always been one of the celebrations that people look forward to the most. The fundamental celebration principles are the same for everyone, whether it's dressing up, wanting pumpkins, going trick or treating, or watching a horror movie with family and friends. But have you ever wondered what unique things there are to do in Chicago?
When the Chicago fall foliage reaches its height and the temperature begins to cool, Halloween arrives to give us all a nice scare. Haunted homes, horror film screenings, parades, costume balls, and other spooky activities will all be back this year to keep you engaged throughout the season.
Additionally, don't forget to visit the top pumpkin fields close to Chicago to select the ideal pumpkin for carving. You wouldn't want trick-or-treaters to arrive at your door without seeing a jack-o'-lantern there. With the assistance of our Halloween in Chicago guide, get ready for the most exciting holiday in the city.
Illumination returns for its 8th year in person as a fully immersive event and light art display to celebrate Halloween. Illumination 2024 is an exceptional evening of celebration, community, and fundraising set in a landscape of illuminated interactive installations, delightful playgrounds of light, illuminated participatory contraptions, lit characters, fiery parades, glowing processions and radiant spectacle.
The 27th Annual Northalsted Halloween Parade will take place on Oct 31st this year. Chicagoans bring out their weird, wild and spooky every year in Boystown. Each year, a wonderful cross-section of Chicago converges in Boystown for the Northalsted Halloween Parade. From drag queens to kids to pets, this annual Boystown event inspires some of the most stunning costumes in Chicago. So make sure you swing by the costume store beforehand!
Experience a night of opulence and eerie elegance at The Congress Plaza Hotel. Haunted Halloween Ball combines elements of a lavish VIP nightclub and lounge experience, with the exclusiveness of a luxury hotel gala, and the terror and chills of a haunted house. The moment you enter Congress Plaza Hotel, you will be directed to the massive 20,000 square-foot ballrooms of the 122-year-old hotel, which has been transformed into an abandoned hotel run by zombies.
Discover unique and spooky artisan creations at the Ravenswood Makers Market. From Halloween-themed arts and crafts to delicious treats, this market is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind decorations and gifts. This event is free to attend! You only pay for the items you wish to purchase and the drinks you want to consume.
Take your creativity to the next level at the 10th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade! Watch as Chicago becomes a living gallery of performances and artwork for an amazing evening of creativity and enchantment. Joining together with esteemed institutions, acclaimed cultural groups, and up-and-coming artists, this glittering parade honors Halloween as the ultimate artist's festival. Take in the striking puppets, unusual floats, and thrilling nighttime shows enthralling you. Take in the lively mood as 50,000 people assemble to honor the diverse cultural fabric of the city.
This festival of lights at the Chicago Botanic Garden is the ideal location for you if you're looking for a more sedate Halloween event in Chicago. On Halloween night, the garden is decorated with hundreds of hand-carved, vibrantly colored pumpkins, some weighing as much as 200 pounds. The premium event invites guests to bravely stroll the lovely grounds on the gloomy night, where many professional carvers display their pumpkin carvings. Many snack shops around the spooky grounds provide delectable fall fare, seasonal beer, ale, and spiced cedar.