Spooky Things to Do for Halloween in Florida

As usual, Florida has plenty of events to keep visitors happily amused for the next important date on the calendar – Halloween. Celebrated on October 31, and traditionally known as All Saints’ Eve (or All Hallows Eve), the celebration has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions.

The festival of Samhain dates back to 7th century Britain and means “Summer’s End”. It originally celebrated the harvest, the end of the lighter summer nights and the start of the “darker” half of the year. Superstition, witchcraft, supernatural powers and divination were all part of these pagan festivities. Over the centuries the celebration evolved into Halloween.

Zombicon 2012

Downtown Fort Myers is where around 20,000 zombie corpses will be heading over the weekend of October 20 and 21, 2012. During the day you can pop into the convention at the Harborside Event center and after dark zombies hit the streets in this themed art and music festival. Tickets are required for the convention but the Night Street Fest is free for those making a donation of canned food or, wait for it…BLOOD! The weekend includes theatrical workshops, horror makeup stations, dancing, music and of course the Best Zombie costume.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal

Often touted as being the largest and most elaborate Halloween celebration in the world, visitors to Universal Studios can join the horde of nightmarish walkers inspired by The Walking Dead, see inside the mind of Rock Legend Alice Cooper and watch magicians Penn and Teller (of Las Vegas fame) perform a trick that goes horribly wrong. Behind the terror is a team of Scream engineers who tap into your psyche and confront your deepest fears! Get ready to be terrified!

ZOOloween in Sanford

Central Florida Zoo is celebrating Zoo-loween on both weekends prior to Halloween. This Zoo Bash offers trick-or-treat in the “wildest” neighborhood, literally. Pitched to be fun for families rather than scary, children are invited to dress up for their visit and call in at the trick-or-treat stations for face painting and candy. Special activities include a haunted hayride and a photo opportunity at the pumpkin patch. Rangers and zoo staff are on hand as usual, teaching the myths and true facts about some misunderstood animals. Free event with normal admission.

Haunted Trails at De Leon Springs State Park

Saturday October 27, 2012, head to De Leon Springs in Central Florida and walk the haunted trail. The event starts at 7.30pm and costs $3 for children 6 and up, and free for the under 5s. Regular park admission is waived. There are treat stations along the way for young monsters to trick-or-treat. There is also pumpkin carving and a loot bag. Guests are advised to wear bug repellant and bring their own flashlight.

We know we have barely scratched the surface of Halloween events in Florida. If you know of another Halloween event, please join the discussion below or share it with other readers on the Florida Forum. Thanks!