From August 22 through October 31, 2025, Disneyland® transforms into a spooky-fun wonderland filled with thousands of glowing pumpkins, decked-out rides, and limited-time treats. Spooky season is a fan-favorite at the parks, and it’s easy to see why so many people ask, “When does Halloween start in Disneyland®?” Between festive attraction overlays and exclusive after-dark experiences, Halloween at Disneyland® is one of the most magical times to visit. Whether it’s your first visit or a longstanding tradition, here’s everything to look forward to this year (which is also the park’s 70th anniversary!).

Haunted Rides and Spooky Overlays

Halloween at Disneyland® means several popular rides get a seasonal twist. One of the biggest draws is Haunted Mansion Holiday, which features characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas and a completely reimagined interior. The overlay runs through the holiday season and the end of the year, but Halloween is the perfect time to experience it.

Other highlights include Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark at Disney California Adventure® Park, the annual Main Street Pumpkin Festival, and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween in Cars Land, where several rides take on Halloween personas.

Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour

If you want a deeper immersion into the seasonal magic, book the Happiest Haunts: The Villains’ Trail Guided Tour. This two-hour walking tour includes Halloween-themed storytelling, priority access to Haunted Mansion Holiday, special keepsakes, and reserved viewing for the Halloween Screams nighttime spectacular. Reservations fill quickly, so plan well ahead if this Disneyland® Halloween experience is on your list.

Halloween Screams Returns

Every night during Halloween at Disneyland®, guests can enjoy Halloween Screams, an ooh-and-ahh-inducing multimedia nighttime show featuring projections, music, and spooky characters. On weekends and select weeknights, the show also includes fireworks. Best of all, it’s included with regular park admission—no special ticket or reservations required.

Pro tip: Watch from Main Street, U.S.A. or Sleeping Beauty Castle for the best view.

Don’t Miss the Food and Merch

Seasonal snacks are always a big part of Disneyland® California Halloween festivities. Expect returning favorites like pumpkin-spiced churros, caramel apple cake pops, and Mickey-shaped bat cookies, along with dozens of new items throughout both parks. Highlights this year include a ‘haunted’ pizza, purple ube drink, and pumpkin spice breadsticks. Keep an eye out for special menus, tasting passports, and mobile order options to maximize your time in the park.

Merchandise includes everything from themed Minnie ears to glow-in-the-dark spirit jerseys, along with special 2025 Halloween collections. The best places to check include World of Disney, Emporium, and Elias & Co.

Plan Ahead and Stay Nearby

Halloween is one of the most popular seasons at Disneyland®, especially weekends in late September and literally all of October. Book your park reservations as early as possible and consider visiting on weekdays for smaller crowds. Costumes are encouraged for kids 13 and under, and adults can wear Halloween-themed gear within park guidelines.Tropicana Inn & Suites is directly across the street from Disneyland®, making it ultra convenient for a particularly busy season. You’ll also be close to Anaheim’s best dining and shopping, plus, we’re an easy drive to nearby fall events across Orange County. Book your stay today, and get ready for an overload of pumpkins, spooky projections, and a whole lot of tricks and treats!