Haunting of Yacht Haven With 150 Animatronics A Favorite Community Tradition

MOUNT VERNON, VA — About 15 years ago, Wade Woolwine and his wife, Lisa, started a Halloween yard display at their home simply for their love of the holiday.

When they lived in Jefferson Manor not far from the Huntington Metro station, one of Northern Virginia's first Spirit Halloween locations opened, and the couple went all in to buy items for their Halloween display.

"The response from the Jefferson Manor community was incredible and people loved it," Woolwine told Patch. "So we kept adding to the collection until we ran out of room."

Once the family moved to Yacht Haven in Mount Vernon, the tradition continued. But this time, they had a larger yard to fill.

"When we moved to Yacht Haven Estates, what used to fill our entire front yard was barely enough to fit in the small section between the front walkway and the house, yet the kids and adults alike absolutely loved it," said Woolwine.

To fill up the yard, the family continued to add 20 to 30 animatronics each year for six years. Today, the display is a spooky mix of 150 animatronics and lights. Children can get an extra treat on Halloween when Haunting of Yacht Haven hands out candy.

This year, they added to its traditions with a community barbecue and setup event. Family, friends and neighbors were invited to enjoy food and help set up the display.

"The turnout was so much more than we could have hoped. Needless to say, we're making this a new annual tradition," said Woolwine.

Haunting of Yacht Haven will open on Sept. 30 and be open Fridays through Sundays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Halloween. It is located at 4400 Dolphin Ln., Alexandria, VA. Visitors are asked to park in the street and be respectful of neighbors' driveways in the residential neighborhood. Visit Haunting of Yacht Haven's Facebook page for updates.

Submit your Halloween display for our 2023 Northern Virginia Halloween display guide.