What We’re Loving: Our Favorite Halloween Traditions

LifestyleEvents

Oct 23

In Alexandria, Halloween isn’t just a holiday—it’s an art form. Streets glow with purple lights and iridescent spiders, 12-foot skeletons guard front yards and doorways, and friendly rivalries over “most creative” and “most extra” displays are in full swing. Before the candy rush begins, our contributors shared how they celebrate spooky season in style:

Amy, Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post, Pippin Toy Co: Ok, so I'm one of those weirdos who love Halloween but don't do costumes. I know, a buzz kill. Instead I opt for pumpkin bread, mini versions of every candy imaginable, and not-so-scary entertainment. Annually I watch Coraline, The Corpse Bride, Sleepy Hollow, and Practical Magic. And, lest we not forget the classic, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. I've watched it every year since I was a child and it still delights me!

Dr. Shara, Back to Health: Omg…TEEN WITCH. It’s so bad it's good!

Kristin, Kristin Try Interiors: We love having our girls’ friends over pre and post trick or treating for Halloween dinner and movies!

Alexander, Alexandria Classical Christian Academy: One of my favorite fall traditions is the First Baptist Church of Alexandria Fall Festival. It’s held the Sunday before Halloween and is such a fun, family-friendly community event. Kids come dressed in their Halloween costumes and spend the afternoon playing carnival games, jumping in bounce houses, riding the train, and enjoying cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn.

This year, Alexandria Classical Christian Academy will have a face painting tent, so be sure to stop by and say hello! Sunday, October 26, 4–6pm — free and open to everyone!

Angelika, Eliana Curated: We love meeting friends on Key Blvd in Lyon Village around 5:30pm—just before sunset—so our littles can enjoy trick-or-treating before the big kids take over (and the witching hour hits 😅). The residents go all out with decorations and entertainment, and we’re so grateful for the extra magic they bring each year.

Sara, Athena Wellness: Heading to the pumpkin patch with the littles is one of our favorite Halloween traditions — it’s so fun watching them pick pumpkins twice their size to take home to decorate!

Celthia, Bellacara: I always love rewatching Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Interview with the Vampire—I even have a certified signed movie poster (total nerd alert 😄). I recently revisited Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana, where part of Interview With The Vampire was filmed, so my sister—who’s just as big a fan—could experience it, too.

Gabby, Coastal Collaborative Care: Halloween is my favorite time of year in our Old Town Alexandria neighborhood—we kick things off with a kids' pizza party, then the whole street turns into a festive block party with tables, treats, and even adult beverages. This year, we're handing out butterbeer for the grownups!

Laura, Convene Architecture: I love hanging out on our front porch in Old Town: admiring costumes, passing out candy, and enjoying catching up with our neighbors!

Katelin, Family First Law: My tradition for the last two years is to go to Orlando and attend the Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights!

Lauren, XML Financial: I love going up to Pennsylvania to visit my two nephews in October. The weekends are full of fall fests, treats, and pumpkin carving. This year I’m actually going up on Halloween to do trick or treating with them—my costume is on the way!

Rainbow, Alexandria Stylebook: I’ve always loved Halloween — the mystery, the lights, the costumes, the candy — it’s pure magic. We hit the Del Ray Halloween Parade and Old Town Trick or Treat every year, and I even organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt for the kids. It’s our way to admire the décor (and compete in our own house decorating contest). We’re not quite Del Ray-level yet, but we’re working on it!