Halloween in Toronto 2024: Activities, Events, & What to Expect

Halloween in Toronto is a time when the city transforms into a thrilling playground for all ages. Whether you're new to the city, considering moving here, or just visiting, Toronto offers a variety of Halloween events that promise to entertain and excite. 

Here's everything you need to know about celebrating Halloween in Toronto.

Halloween in Canada: What to Expect?

Halloween is widely celebrated across Canada, but Toronto takes it to the next level. Expect to see streets lined with spooky decorations, homes decked out with jack-o'-lanterns, and a festive atmosphere in neighbourhoods. Popular areas like the Distillery District and Church Street are particularly lively during the season, featuring themed events and vibrant displays. Church Street, home to Toronto’s LGBTQ+ community, hosts one of the city’s most iconic block parties, while the Distillery District offers a family-friendly, artistic Halloween experience with pumpkin displays and local markets.

In Toronto, children go door-to-door trick-or-treating on Halloween night, and many neighbourhoods host community events. You’ll also find plenty of costume parties, haunted attractions, and seasonal festivals throughout the city.

Where Can I Buy a Halloween Costume for My Children?

If you're new to the city and looking for costumes, Toronto offers many options for Halloween attire:

• Spirit Halloween: A popular seasonal store that opens in various locations across Toronto, offering a wide range of costumes and decorations.
• Party City: A year-round option with a large selection of costumes, props, and party supplies. Visit their website.
• KidzKlozet: For more unique or eco-friendly costume options, check out this consignment store specializing in children's clothing.

While the reputation of Halloween comes with haunted houses and spooky stories, costumes don’t need to be “scary”. From cartoon characters to random objects or even puns, you and your children can be creative with your costumes and pick anything you want!

Where Can I Buy a Halloween Pumpkin?

Pumpkin picking is a fun family activity, and there are several places around Toronto to find the perfect pumpkin:

• Downey’s Farm Market: Located in Caledon, just a short drive from Toronto, Downey's Farm offers a great pumpkin patch experience. In addition to pumpkin picking, they host a "Pumpkinfest" with hayrides, corn mazes, and farm animals, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.
• Reesor's Farm Market: Situated in Markham, about 30 minutes from Toronto, Reesor's Farm is a great option for pumpkin picking, especially for those looking to stay close to the city. They also have a farm market offering fresh produce and baked goods.
• Brooks Farms: Located in Mount Albert, about 40 minutes north of Toronto, Brooks Farms offers a fun-filled pumpkin picking experience with a variety of fall festival activities like zip lines, wagon rides, and a corn maze.

However, you can still have fun with pumpkins even if you don’t pick them yourself. Most grocery stores and markets sell pumpkins during the fall season, and you can pick them up to cook with or decorate at home.

Don’t worry, the pumpkins you decorate can easily be discarded as yard waste after Halloween.

Tips for Enjoying Halloween in Toronto

Dress Appropriately

The weather in Toronto can be unpredictable in October, so it’s important to dress warmly, especially if you’ll be outdoors. Layering is key—you may want to add layers to your costume that can be removed if you get too warm while inside or dancing at a party.

Stay Safe

Toronto is a safe city, but with so many events happening, it’s crucial to take extra precautions. If you're attending a Halloween party, plan your transportation in advance. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) offers extended services during big events, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available.

Plan Ahead

Many Halloween events in Toronto require tickets, so be sure to purchase them in advance to avoid disappointment. Popular attractions such as Casa Loma’s Legends of Horror and Screemers tend to sell out quickly, so early planning is essential.

Family-Friendly Halloween Events

PumpkinFest Toronto

Held at Downsview Park, PumpkinFest is a must-visit event for families looking to enjoy the fall season. From pumpkin picking to inflatable rides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo, it’s an excellent way to spend a day with the family and get into the Halloween spirit.

Boo at the Zoo

The Toronto Zoo transforms into a spooky yet fun location for kids during Halloween. Boo at the Zoo offers a safe trick-or-treating environment, along with Halloween-themed exhibits and costume parades. It’s an educational and entertaining way to celebrate the holiday with your little ones.

Thrilling Halloween Experiences

Casa Loma’s Legends of Horror

For those looking for a more intense Halloween experience, Casa Loma offers Legends of Horror, an immersive theatrical production. Set within the historic castle and its eerie gardens, visitors walk through a 2-kilometer trail filled with live actors and elaborate sets. It’s one of the most popular haunted attractions in Toronto and ideal for horror enthusiasts.

Screemers

Located at Exhibition Place, Screemers is one of Toronto’s premier haunted attractions. With multiple haunted houses, terrifying live actors, and thrilling rides, it’s an event designed for older kids and adults looking for a real scare. Prepare for plenty of jump-scares and screams!

Unique Halloween Experiences

Ghost Tours of Toronto

Discover Toronto’s haunted history by taking a Ghost Tour. These guided walks offer eerie stories and legends as you explore some of the city’s most haunted sites. It’s a fascinating way to learn about Toronto’s past while getting into the Halloween spirit.

The Black Creek Pioneer Village Haunted Adventures

For an immersive, historical twist on Halloween, Black Creek Pioneer Village offers special haunted tours and theatrical performances in the fall. Set in a preserved 19th-century village, visitors can explore haunted houses, encounter costumed actors, and experience spooky nighttime events that blend history with horror.

These experiences add unique, historically-rooted elements to Halloween, offering a different take on Toronto’s spooky side.

Conclusion

Halloween in Toronto is an exciting and vibrant time, offering a diverse range of events for all ages. Whether you're enjoying family-friendly festivals or seeking out thrilling haunted houses, there’s something for everyone. As a newly arrived expat or someone considering a move, these events are a great way to experience Toronto’s unique mix of fun and community spirit. Make sure to explore these events, plan ahead, and enjoy everything Halloween in Toronto has to offer. Happy haunting!

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