With the air getting colder, it’s officially spooky season in Williamsburg! From the haunted houses and rides of Busch Gardens to creepy ghost tours and serving on the jury of a witchcraft trial, there are plenty of things to do around Williamsburg, Virginia, for Halloween.
The Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown is rich in history, and it lends itself to building the perfect Halloween itinerary. With these activities, you’re in for a treat–or maybe a trick!
Dark Thrills Await at Howl-O-Scream: Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens has been voted the most beautiful amusement park every year since 1990, and during select nights, once the summer ends, it turns into a Halloween-lover’s heaven. With graveyards, rolling fog, creepy lighting, and spooky characters jumping out to scare you at every turn, the normal screams from the rides gain new meaning.
The normally quaint European villages turn into Terror-Tories, each with its own theme. There, people dressed as clowns, the undead, and creatures from nightmares wander around, sneaking up behind guests and jumping out to scare them. They’re experts at finding unsuspecting passersby and returning them to the creepy Halloween setting.
Beyond the characters roaming the streets, the five haunted houses each have their own themes and gruesome surprises. I found myself screaming without the haunted house actors even having to make a move at me! Try to go to all five and see which one you like the best.
The rides and rollercoasters are still open during Howl-O-Scream, and you can ride them in the dark. Riding rollercoasters (like the terrifying Pantheon with its 95° drop) in the dark adds a new level of terror that makes the screams even louder.
One of my favorite things about amusement parks is that the rides make people scream out in surprise, delight, and a little fear. No matter the age or the ride, it feels exhilarating to let go and have fun.
With spooky live shows and the year-round Oktoberfest celebration in full force, it’s easy to make a night of it. Rideshare drop-off and pickup are available for those who don’t want to drive.
It is recommended that you purchase your tickets and any parking tickets ahead of time.
Location: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, One Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg, VA 23185
History with a Haunting Twist in Yorktown: Yorktown Ghost Walks
A quaint town on the beautiful York River, Yorktown is famous for being the site of the final major land battle of the American Revolution and the place where British General Cornwallis was forced to surrender his army to General George Washington.
The town has seen a lot over its existence, including the horrors of the slave trade, bloody military battles, and the lives of generations of residents. It’s no wonder, then, that it is said to be haunted by the spirits of the past.
It is said that the tragedies of the past left their spiritual imprints on the historic buildings and places of the town. On a candlelit ghost tour with Yorktown Ghost Walks, you’ll explore the town at night and learn about some of the reputed hauntings.
Our tour also was a form of a history tour. We learned more about Yorktown’s experiences during the Civil War and the histories of early residents and their homes. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, it gives you a view of history through another lens.
You’ll want to book beforehand, as they can sell out, especially around Halloween.
Location: 301 Main Street, Yorktown, VA 23690
Eerie Evenings on the Streets of Colonial Williamsburg: Colonial Ghost Tours
Stepping into the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, you’re immediately transported back to the 1700s. With 89 preserved buildings from colonial times, it is the largest living history museum in the world. It’s also reportedly the home to many spirits of the no-longer-living.
Through our tour with Colonial Ghost Tours, we learned about remains that archeologists have found and related hauntings, stories about those who lived (and died) in colonial times, and what people have reported experiencing.
At night, the streets of Colonial Williamsburg turn a little spooky. With little electric lighting visible, the darkness adds a layer of spookiness. Our guide led us by candlelight through the streets.
Our tour guide pointed out some notable paranormal signs to us. In the graveyard, we saw some faces that appeared on old gravestones. At the Peyton-Randolph House (reportedly one of the most haunted houses), I saw what could have been a face in the window.
The ghost stories gave us an idea of what life was like in colonial times. It told us more about the people who lived there and what was important to them.
Location: 424 Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Decide the Fate of an Accused Witch: Cry Witch
While many people think of Salem, Massachusetts, when they think of witchcraft trials in colonial America, the first formal witch accusation and witchcraft trial occurred in Virginia. The southeastern area of Virginia, where Williamsburg sits, had the most witch accusations in the state.
Cry Witch is a long-running live performance in Colonial Williamsburg about one of the most famous witchcraft cases in Virginia, that of Grace Sherwood. In 1706, Sherwood stood trial in Williamsburg, then the capital of the Virginia colony.
The performance is held in the reconstructed Capitol building, and it involves the audience as well. The audience serves as the jury and can question the witnesses in the trial. Ultimately, the audience votes whether Grace Sherwood is innocent or guilty of witchcraft.
Throughout the performance, which is based on available historical records, you learn about the attitudes towards faith and the supernatural, as well as the legal proceedings of the time. A lot of it is shocking by today’s standards, and you’re asked to judge by the standards of the past.
Location: 500 East Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Spooky Sweets and Treats: Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop
What’s Halloween without any treats? Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop has cases filled with fun fall treats, like truffles decorated as eyeballs, different flavors of caramel apples, gummy worms and bugs, and more.
Wythe (pronounced “with”) is the region’s largest candy store, with classic candies like candy corn and many artisanal candies made by local confectioners. Their truffles especially come in beautiful Halloween and fall designs, with carefully crafted pumpkins and monsters. Many seasonal truffles feature fall flavors like s’mores, apple pie, and maple pecan. Brightly colored gummies in orange, green, purple, white, and black lend to the festive air.
The truffles decorated as eyeballs were my favorite, looking like something out of a horror movie.
Location: 414 W Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Create Your Perfect Halloween Adventure in Williamsburg
Whether you’re a thrill seeker looking to scream on a rollercoaster or you prefer to snack away on some Halloween treats, the area offers plenty of ways to make your Halloween unforgettable. These spooky options blend history, legend, and fun so you can explore haunted houses, learn new ghost stories, and even decide the fate of an accused witch. If you’re in Williamsburg this fall, you can make the perfect spooky trip by adding these activities to your Halloween itinerary.
