Here’s how to celebrate Halloween in the Historic Triangle
Halloween may officially be celebrated on Oct. 31, but there are plenty of other holiday events in the Historic Triangle leading up to the spookiest day of the year.
Halloween with Heroes
Children can trick or treat with first responders on Wednesday at this James City County Police Department-hosted event. Children of all ages are invited to the event from 6-8 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Center, 4600 Opportunity Way, Williamsburg. Costumes are encouraged, and public safety equipment will be displayed.
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Spooky stories
Children ages 9 to 12 can visit the Williamsburg Regional Library on Friday at 4 p.m. to hear spooky stories and create their own. Snacks provided. Visit the website at www.wrl.org/event/spooky-stories-2/ for information. Call 757-741-3300, option 4, to register. The event takes place at the Williamsburg Library at 515 Scotland St.
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‘Haunted Williamsburg’
Hear parapsychologist Jamie Pearce discuss her paranormal experiences from the past two-plus years, her “Historic Haunts” book series and some of her favorite investigations. The talk is at 4 p.m. on Friday at the Stryker Center in Williamsburg, 412 N. Boundary St.
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Halloween Pet Costume Parade
Yorktown Market Days’ annual Paws at the River event, designed to bring awareness to animal rescue organizations and help place adoptable pets, will feature a Halloween Pet Costume Parade at 1 p.m. on Saturday. This popular trick-or-treating event at Riverwalk Landing will feature several Yorktown businesses and rescue organizations. Paws at the River runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.visityorktown.org/225/Market-Days.
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Sensory trick-or-treating
Bring the kids to trick or treat in a sensory-friendly environment and meet local organizations who serve individuals with disabilities. The event is free from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, 8901 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg. For more information, call 757-259-5354 or contact Joy at joy.johnson@jamescitycountyva.gov.
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Friends & Family magic show
The Williamsburg Society of American Magicians will hold its annual Halloween show at 3 p.m. Saturday at King of Glory Lutheran Church, located at 4897 Longhill Road. This family friendly show benefits the Williamsburg House of Mercy and the Lackey Clinic. Attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items for the House of Mercy’s food pantry or a donation for the clinic. Light refreshments provided.
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Pumpkin carving & movie night
Stop by the James City County Library to carve a jack-o-lantern at 5 p.m. Saturday. Pumpkins and tools provided. While supplies last; limit one pumpkin per family. Bring chairs and blankets along to get extra cozy while watching “Monster House” (rated PG) on the big screen outside. The country library is located at 7770 Croaker Road.
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The Ruins of Presidents Park
Remnants from the original Presidents Park will be on display from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, including the huge presidential heads along with several of the original placards, park signage, vintage park images, an authentic first lady dress and more. During two-hour time slots, attendees can take photos of the sculptures and hear interesting facts and stories. For tickets, which are selling out, visit https://tinyurl.com/56ypz3dz. The park is located at 8212 Croaker Road, near Water Country USA off Route 199.
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Haunting on DoG Street
Duke of Gloucester Street comes to life with lit cressets and spooky displays on Saturday. Join a Haunted Williamsburg ghost tour to see masked riders and skeleton horses, plus gain exclusive access to its historic spaces, including the gardens and other ghostly sites. For ghost tour tickets, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/events/haunted-williamsburg/. Other Colonial Williamsburg programs on the macabre side include “Cry Witch” and “To Hang a Pirate” held evenings throughout the fall.
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W&M Symphony Orchestra Halloween concert
The William & Mary Symphony Orchestra will hold a Halloween concert on Sunday at 4 p.m. in Sadler Commonwealth Auditorium. Selected pieces include Brahms’ “Hungarian Dance No. 11,” Borodin’s “Polovtsian Dances” and Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 4.” For information, visit events.wm.edu/event/view/wm/131527.
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Trick or treating
Regular trick-or-treating hours in James City County, Williamsburg and York County are Monday, from 6-8 p.m. for ages 12 and under. In Poquoson, trick or treating is from dusk to 8 p.m.