This Oregon Town Is the Real Halloweentown — and It Embraces the Spooky Season Fully

The eeriest season has arrived, and the residents of Halloweentown couldn't be more excited. In 1998, Disney released the quintessential fall movie, 'Halloweentown,' which quickly became a classic. The story revolves around Marnie Piper, a girl who discovers her witch heritage and must thwart an evil force threatening Halloweentown, a whimsical realm filled with goblins, witches, and other creatures.

The tranquil town of St. Helens, Oregon served as the backdrop for this quirky setting in the film, welcoming the cast and crew for about a month in 1998. With fewer than 15,000 residents, the town attracted fans of the film during the late '90s and early 2000s. Rather than fade into obscurity, St. Helens transforms into a spectacular Halloween hub each year, hosting family-oriented Spirit of Halloweentown events throughout September and October.

If you haven't watched the film yet, plan a movie night on Disney+ this fall. After that, start making arrangements to visit the real Halloweentown. This year, the town is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the movie with a lineup of special events, including exclusive screenings hosted by D23, the official Disney fan club.

Highlighted Spirit of Halloweentown Events 

25 Years of Halloweentown Celebrated With D23: The official Disney fan club will host film screenings and more for its members on October 21. Members can visit the D23 website to buy tickets.

The Grand Halloween Parade: One of the highlights of the season occurs on Saturday, Oct. 7, when crowds gather for the Grand Halloween Parade. Expect to see fantastic costumes, floats, and eerie displays. 

Pumpkin Illumination Ceremony: Join the festivities at the Courthouse Plaza to witness the grand pumpkin lit up. This event will take place on multiple nights this season; be sure to check the event schedule for more information.

Haunted House: Halloweentown’s haunted house is open every weekend and on select weekdays until 8 p.m. This attraction features some frightening elements, so it might not be suitable for young children (or those easily scared). 

Haunted Hot Rods: On Oct. 14, visitors can enjoy the Haunted Hot Rods car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., along with additional special events throughout the day.

Important Information

This year, St. Helens will officially become Halloweentown from Sept. 16 to Oct. 31, featuring major events like parades and celebrity appearances throughout October. You can find the complete schedule of activities on the Spirit of Halloweentown website. Visitors can also look forward to beautiful fall weather and vibrant autumn foliage, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s in September to the low 60s in October. There are various lodges, vacation rentals, and chain hotels available in the area. The town is a 40-minute drive from Portland and roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle. Tickets for a variety of events and attractions can be purchased on the Spirit of Halloweentown website.