When it comes to decorating and celebrating the creepy time of year, Angelenos really do know how to give it that Hollywood touch. Every year, Halloween artisans pour their blood, sweat and tears into creating an otherworldly experience in their front yards. And after the foggy haze of the pandemic, the interactive mazes and spooky spectacles are back and more over-the-top than ever before. So add these thrilling displays to your list of Halloween events and activities.
1. Rotten Apple 907, Burbank
Rotten Apple 907’s Haunted House Manor started off as part of a child’s birthday party but has grown to become an epic experience that people look forward to attending all year long. This year, the displays and show will be themed “Evil in the London Fog” which you can experience from October 22 through Halloween.
Locations: 907 N California St, Burbank, CA 91505, USA
Hours: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
2. The Haunted Shack, Torrance
This is a small home haunt that is always free to the public. Every year they create a haunting maze starting at the driveway which typically takes 6-8 minutes. All funds raised from the event go directly to Cancer Support Community. They have raised $7500 in charitable donations since 1997. You can find out more and make a contribution here.
Location: 5112 Maricopa St, Torrance, CA 90503, USA
Hours: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Holiday Fantasies, Burbank
Homeowners in Burbank have taken it upon themselves to bring Disney right to their neighborhood with their ‘fantasmic’-themed Halloween decorations. And boy, did they deliver. Expect to see tons of spirited yard displays, inflated monsters, illuminated jack-o-lanterns, and ghostly projections in this decked-out slice of suburbia. Those looking to be surrounded by all things Halloween migrate to this festive street for a reason.
Location: 1505 N Valley St, Burbank, CA 91505, USA
4. Carroll Avenue, Angelino Heights
The block is filled with beautiful historic Victorian mansions which not only give it the perfect spooky-curb appeal but also gather fans of recognizable shows and films like Charmed and Salem’s Lot throughout the year! If you keep an eye out, you’ll even spot the very house that Michael Jackson’s Thriller used in the iconic music video – one year, a zombie dance group even reenacted those killer moves! For Halloween decorations and yard, haunts walk a block over to Douglas Street.
5. Toluca Estates Drive, Toluca Lake
When comedian Bob Hope lived in this prestigious neighborhood, he would hand out full-sized candy bars and toys! Since then, this neighborhood of manicured lawns has become a mecca for costumed visitors to fill the closed-off cul-de-sac and gaze in awe over the house with the best Halloween lawn displays. Security patrols the area and the street lights are dimmed, making bold costume ideas come to life!
Where: Toluca Lake
6. Beware The Dark Realm, Santa Clarita
This home is ranked highly for its home haunts that send people through an enclosed maze every year. But during the strange pandemic period, Beware The Dark Realm will be offering a walkthrough filled with sacres every weekend, starting October 15.
Location: 28621 Sugar Pine Way, Santa Clarita, 91390
Hours: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
7. Fillmore Graves’ Jack-O-Lantern Farm, Van Nuys
When a Disney Imagineer with a decade of Halloween display crafting in the bag puts on a show, you make dead sure you stop by. Scott Goddard has meticulously designed an eerie farm realm that seems to come to life as curious visitors peer in. When you least expect it, a door might creak or an empty rocking chair on the porch might begin to rock.
Location: 14318 Emelita St, Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
8. Cemetary Lane, Heritage Square
If you didn’t get your fix of Victorian homes on Carroll Avenue, head to Heritage Square where you can go trick-or-treating with some incredible haunts created by the producers. of Midsummer Scream. Tickets range from $27 to $32 and while it has an eerie edge, it is a child-friendly Halloween event.
Location: 3800 Homer St, Los Angeles
[Featured Photo: @thehauntedshack]