Halloween Things To Do In Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, exciting and attractive city to visit any time of year, but it’s especially spooky and thrilling during Halloween time. The city is rich in history and culture, evident in its iconic architecture, world-class museums and diverse art galleries. But Chicago also knows how to celebrate Halloween in style, with an array of unique attractions and events. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly festivities or some serious costume inspiration, there’s something for everyone in the Windy City.

History of Halloween in Chicago

The earliest known observance of Halloween in the Chicago area dates back to the 1800s, when Irish immigrants brought the tradition with them from their home country. In the early 20th century, Halloween was celebrated with parties and parades, much like today. By the mid-1900s, trick-or-treating had become popular in the city, and it has grown in popularity ever since.

As the city grew, so did its Halloween celebrations. Today, Chicago is home to some of the largest and most extravagant Halloween events in the world. The city is home to numerous haunted attractions, spooky tours, and costume parties. The city is also home to an array of outdoor events such as The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and The Chicago Zombie Pub Crawl. There is also a wide selection of family-friendly events such as trick-or-treating at local businesses, pumpkin carving and decorating contests, and haunted hayrides.

Best Halloween Attractions in Chicago

Chicago is the perfect city for anyone looking for a truly spooky experience this Halloween. From haunted houses to outdoor attractions, here are some of the best Halloween attractions to check out in the Windy City:

Statesville Haunted Prison

Statesville Haunted Prison is one of Chicago’s most popular Halloween attractions. This terrifying destination features four haunted houses filled with frights and frightful creatures. It also offers a variety of interactive experiences such as an escape room, virtual reality attraction, and live entertainment. This is a great way to get your heart racing and experience some real horror this Halloween season.

Chicago Hauntings Tours

If you’re looking for a more educational experience this Halloween, then check out Chicago Hauntings Tours. This guided tour takes you around some of Chicago’s most haunted sites, including cemeteries, abandoned buildings, and more. You’ll learn about the city’s mysterious past as you explore its dark corners and discover its hidden secrets.

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is one of Chicago’s most popular Halloween attractions. This annual event takes place along the Magnificent Mile shopping district and features live music and entertainment, as well as family-friendly activities such as face painting, costume contests, and trick-or-treating. There are also food vendors and photo opportunities to take advantage of throughout the festival.

The Chicago Zombie Pub Crawl

The Chicago Zombie Pub Crawl is one of the biggest Halloween events in the city. Thousands of people dressed up in zombie costumes take to the streets in search of food, drinks, and a good time. The pub crawl takes you around some of the city’s most popular bars and nightclubs while offering plenty of scares along the way.

Popular Tours To Do on Halloween

In addition to these attractions, there are also several popular tours to take in Chicago on Halloween. From ghost tours and cemetery visits to haunted pub crawls, these tours provide a unique way to explore the city’s spooky history and hidden secrets. Here are two popular tours that you should consider this Halloween season:

Chicago Ghost Tour

Take a spooky journey into Chicago’s mysterious past with a ghost tour. This guided tour takes you to some of the city’s most infamous sites while offering plenty of tales about its haunted past. From eerie cemeteries to abandoned buildings, this tour provides an immersive experience that will leave you feeling a chill up your spine. Book a Chicago Ghost Tour here.

Haunted Pub Crawl

Get ready for a night of spooky fun with a Haunted Pub Crawl. This tour takes you to some of the city’s most notorious pubs while providing plenty of thrills along the way. From eerie bars to cursed restaurants, this tour provides an immersive experience that will leave you feeling a chill up your spine. Book a Haunted Pub Crawl here.

Family-Friendly Activities

Chicago is also home to plenty of family-friendly activities during Halloween time. From pumpkin carving contests to trick-or-treating at local businesses, there’s something for everyone this season. Here are some of the most popular family-friendly activities to enjoy this Halloween:

Trick-or-Treating

Local businesses throughout the city open their doors during Halloween time for trick-or-treating. This is a great way for families to get out and explore their neighborhoods while still having fun with costume contests and other activities.

Pumpkin Carving Contests

Pumpkin carving contests are another popular activity for families during Halloween time. Families can participate in pumpkin carving contests at local farms or even in their own backyards for some spooky fun this season.

Haunted Hayrides

For a truly unique experience this Halloween season, try out one of Chicago’s haunted hayrides. These thrilling rides take you through some of the city’s most haunted locations while providing plenty of scares along the way.

Conclusion

From haunted houses to family-friendly events, there are plenty of things to do in Chicago this Halloween season. Whether you’re looking for a spooky experience or just some fun activities for the whole family, there’s something for everyone in the Windy City this October. So don your costume and head out for a thrilling adventure this Halloween!