As October rolls in and the crisp air brings the scent of pumpkin spice, several towns across New Jersey are transforming their neighborhoods into Halloween wonderlands. If you’re searching for epic decorations and spooky fun, here are seven standout communities where residents bring their A-game – and trick-or-treaters, photo-seekers and ghost-tour fans will want to mark their calendars.
1. Ridgewood (Bergen County)
In Ridgewood, the Halloween spirit goes big. The annual “Halloween House & Maze” is a must-see: a backyard labyrinth with mechanical ghouls and animatronic surprises draws visitors every October. Some homes add zombie graveyards and full-on haunt displays – ideal for photo-ops before you hit the village hall for trick-or-treating.
2. Westfield (Union County)
Westfield gets in full seasonal gear with ghost tours, lantern walks through historic burial grounds and a downtown spiced-up with face-painting, food trucks and costumed characters. The festive vision includes Halloween-themed activities that please families and thrill-seekers alike.
3. Madison (Morris County)
Tucked into Morris County, Madison offers classic suburban charm – but with residents who clearly love Halloween. Expect homes decked out with lights, fog machines and creative yard scenes. It’s a perfect spot for a family stroll after dusk.
4. Haddonfield (Camden County)
Haddonfield blends historic streets with creepy flair. With Victorian homes and wide sidewalks, the town offers a setting ripe for Halloween decoration, pumpkin patches and yard scenes that pull in visitors from around the region.
5. Glen Ridge (Essex County)
With tree-lined blocks and large, decorative homes, Glen Ridge becomes one of the Garden State’s most photogenic Halloween locales. Creative lighting and yard scenes transform typical suburban spaces into hauntingly beautiful vistas.
6. Summit (Union County)
Summit has one of the state’s higher home-value neighborhoods and the Halloween commitment to match. Big homes, bold displays and a community that clearly leans into the season make it a great drive-through or walk-along spot for spooky inspiration.
7. Metuchen (Middlesex County)
Rounding out the list is Metuchen, where smaller homes don’t mean lesser scenery. In fact, the tight-knit feel and well-decorated streets create an immersive Halloween atmosphere that punches above its weight class.
These seven New Jersey towns showcase how much fun October can be when communities come alive with creativity, lights, decorations and activities. Whether you’re in for selfies, trick-or-treating with the kids or an evening drive through eerie yard displays, you’ll find something to love. Just don’t forget your flashlight – and maybe a camera.
