5 Halloween Events In Essex County: Trick-Or-Treating, Cemetery Tour, 'Howl-O-Ween'

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — There are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween in Essex County this year, including trick-or-treating, costume contests, a cemetery tour and an annual "Howl-O-Ween" at the zoo.

Here are five local events taking place over the holiday:

HOWL-O-WEEN AT THE ZOO

The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo will hold its annual “Howl-O-Ween” event from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31.

The family friendly event will include trick-or-treating at the zoo, with candy stations set up throughout the grounds. Visitors can also expect to see stilt walkers and other attractions. Guests are invited to come dressed in a costume, and should bring their own reusable bags for candy.

The zoo is located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Learn more about this local event or purchase tickets here.

HALLOWEEN IN DOWNTOWN MILLBURN

Spooky season is upon us, and Explore Millburn-Short Hills is inviting guests to save the date for “Halloween in Downtown Millburn.”

The event will take place from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. There will be a trick-or-treating trail at multiple businesses in Downtown Millburn. There will be fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, including costume contests, raffles, face painting, DJs, giveaways, crafts and pumpkin painting.

Learn more about this local event here. See a social media event post here.

TRICK OR TREAT IN MONTCLAIR CENTER

Ghosts and goblins are invited to visit Montclair Center from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, where many businesses will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters and showing off their most ghoulish goods.

Event organizers said that visitors should look for “Trick or Treat Here” posters in the windows.

“To maximize your candy haul, we recommend starting at the top of the district near the Montclair Art Museum and walking down the hill toward Lackawanna Station,” organizers suggested. “Don’t forget to check out the many treasures on the side streets along the way!”

See a map with participating businesses or learn more about this local event here.

TRUNK OR TREAT IN LIVINGSTON

Livingston is bringing back its annual “trunk or treat” event on Friday, Oct. 31.

The family event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Eastman Building parking lot, 290 West Mount Pleasant Avenue. Parking is available in the parking lot and parking garage.

Organizers said the event offers a safe way for kids to “trick-or-treat.” Youngsters can walk from vehicle to vehicle in the parking lot of the Eastman Building collecting treats while showing off their costumes. Registration for Trunk or Treat is not required.

Trunk or Treat celebrations include a Halloween costume contest and family photo booth. The costume contest will feature six different categories, and there will be two winners in each category; winners will receive a special prize.

Food trucks from Turano’s and Ice Cream Creations will be on site. Learn more about this local event here.

CEMETERY TOUR IN NEWARK

Halloween lovers and history buffs alike are invited to wander through Newark’s past at Mount Pleasant Cemetery from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 during the Halloween History Tour & Trick-or-Treat, hosted by the Friends of Historic Mount Pleasant. Admission is free (donations are welcome).

This family-friendly celebration blends local history with Halloween fun. Guests of all ages will stroll along the cemetery’s winding paths and visit gravesites where costumed actors portray more than a dozen notable Newark residents — including inventor Seth Boyden, brewer Peter Ballantine, insurance pioneer John Dryden, and suffragist Florence Eagleton. Each character will share their life stories… and offer treats along the way.

More than just seasonal entertainment, the event provides an engaging opportunity to explore Newark’s rich legacy of 19th-century innovators, artists, and reformers.

Tours will run in small groups for safety and accessibility. Visitors are encouraged to bring trick-or-treat bags, cameras, curiosity, and a sense of adventure. Costumes are highly encouraged.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery is located at 375 Broadway in Newark. Learn more about this local event here.

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