Hey there, ghost and ghoul enthusiasts! It's that time of year again when San Jose, California, transforms into a playground for the paranormal. If you want to get your fright on, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into the Halloween happenings that'll make your spine tingle and sweet tooth ache.
Haunted Houses and Horrifying Hotels
Winchester Mystery House: Unhinged: Hotel
First, we've got the granddaddy of all haunted houses - the Winchester Mystery House. This year, they're serving up a fresh slice of terror with their new attraction, "Unhinged: Hotel." It's like checking into the Bates Motel but with more staircases to nowhere and doors that open into walls.
Located at 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, this bizarre mansion is already creepy on a regular day. But during Halloween? It's a whole new level of weirdness. Imagine wandering through dimly lit corridors, never knowing what's around the corner. A ghostly bellhop? A phantom maid? Or maybe just another door that leads to a two-story drop? Who knows! That's half the fun.
The Bernal Scream Haunted House
If you still crave more scares after the Winchester Mystery House, head to The Bernal Scream Haunted House on November 3. This local haunt is perfect for those who like their frights with a side of community spirit. It's like if your neighbor's garage decided to have a horror movie marathon and invited you over.
Family-Friendly Frights
Trick-or-Treat The Row Halloween Family Festival
For those of you with little monsters in tow, don't miss the Trick-or-Treat The Row Halloween Family Festival on October 29. It's a great way to show off those costumes and score some candy without having to trek through the neighborhood. Plus, you won't have to explain to your kids why Mr. Johnson, from two doors down, is dressed as a "sexy nurse" again this year.
Children's Halloween Haunt at History Park
Another family-friendly option is the Children's Halloween Haunt at History Park on October 28. It's like stepping back in time but with more candy and fewer cholera outbreaks. Your kids can learn about history while also learning the important life skill of maximizing their candy haul. It's educational and delicious - a win-win!
Sweet Treats and Pumpkin Spice Dreams
Speaking of delicious, let's talk about the real reason we all love Halloween: the treats. And in San Jose, that means a trip to Peter's Bakery for their famous pumpkin spice flavor. It's like autumn decided to hug your taste buds.
Located at 3108 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95127, Peter's Bakery is a local institution. Their pumpkin spice offerings are so good that you might forget about all those fun-size candy bars you've been sneaking from your kid's trick-or-treat bag. (Don't worry, we won't tell.)
DIY Halloween Fun
Now, if you're more of a homebody or just trying to save some cash (those pumpkin spice treats aren't cheap), San Jose's got plenty of options for DIY Halloween fun.
Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza
Grab a pumpkin from one of the many local patches and have yourself a carving party. Pro tip: Newspapers make for easy cleanup, and roasted pumpkin seeds make for a tasty snack. Just try not to recreate the Texas Chainsaw Massacre in your living room. Your roommates (or kids) might not appreciate it.
Costume Creation Station
Why buy a costume when you can make one? Hit up the local thrift stores and craft shops to create a one-of-a-kind outfit. Remember, the weirder, the better. If people can tell what you're supposed to be, you're not trying hard enough.
Spooky Movie Marathon
For the ultimate lazy Halloween experience, curate your horror movie marathon. Mix it up with some classics and cheesy B-movies, and maybe throw in a few episodes of "Stranger Things" for good measure. Don't forget the popcorn and candy—it's not a proper movie night without a sugar rush.
Safety First, Scares Second
Before we wrap up this ghoulish guide, let's talk safety. Halloween is all fun and games until someone trips over their vampire cape or eats too much candy and pukes in your car. (Trust me, that's a horror story you don't want to live through.)
- If you're out trick-or-treating, bring a flashlight and stick to well-lit areas.
- Check your kids' candy before they eat it. Yes, it's annoying, but so is a trip to the ER.
- If you're driving on Halloween night, slow down and watch for little goblins darting across the street.
- And if you're partying, remember: drunk driving is scarier than any haunted house. Call a cab or use a ride-sharing app.
So there you have it, folks - your guide to Halloween in San Jose. Whether you're into heart-pounding scares, family-friendly fun, or just stuffing your face with pumpkin-flavored everything, San Jose's got you covered. Now go forth and get spooky!
Sources: sanjose.org, eventbrite.com, Peters' Bakery | San Jose CA Facebook Page
Header Image Source: blog.cirquedusoleil.com
