As fall sweeps in with its crunchy leaves and pumpkin-spice-everything, it’s time to plan a family adventure that’s less “snooze-fest” and more “boo-fest.” Enter Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens, where the Disney Channel classic Halloweentown comes to life, minus the CGI goblins but with all the charm. This isn’t just a festival—it’s a full-on Halloween hug, perfect for kids, parents, and anyone who thinks candy corn is a food group. Here’s why your family needs to haunt St. Helens in 2025.
First off, it’s a family-friendly wonderland that’s designed for all ages. The festival transforms the historic riverfront district into a glowing Halloween haven, complete with jack-o’-lanterns, eerie decorations, and activities that blend fantasy with fall festivities. Kids under 5 get in free, and there’s no shortage of tame thrills: think costumed parades, pumpkin carving stations, and the iconic lighting of a massive pumpkin in Courthouse Plaza. For the little ones, there’s the Boo Bash Pavilion with games and a Hay Maze in the Enchanted Games Courtyard, plus classics like Witch’s Hat Toss and Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe. It’s spooky but not scary—perfect for introducing young ones to Halloween magic without the nightmares. Even on Halloween night itself (October 31), activities are limited and family-oriented, running from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
What really sets Spirit of Halloweentown apart is its star power and pop culture nostalgia. This year marks a special reunion: Kimberly J. Brown (Marnie) and Daniel Kountz (Kalabar’s Son) are appearing together for the first time ever on September 27-28, offering photo ops, autographs, and that rare chance to meet the iconic couple from the films. The following weekends bring more Halloweentown alumni like Emily Roeske (Sophie), Phillip Van Dyke (Luke), and J. Paul Zimmerman (Dylan) on October 4-5. And for a crossover thrill, Twilight star Jackson Rathbone joins the lineup, expanding the appeal beyond just Disney fans. If your family grew up quoting lines from the movies—or if you’re passing that torch to the next generation—this is a golden opportunity to create those “remember when” moments.
The attractions keep evolving, too, making each visit fresh. New for 2025: a Pirate Encampment with cannon demonstrations and live history lessons, plus Creature Encounters featuring reptiles, spiders, and insects for some hands-on (but safe) education. Classics return like the family-friendly Haunted House, Filming Location Train Rides that tour the movie spots, and Pumpkin Plaza for those Instagram-worthy photos. With the festival’s expanded footprint into Columbia View Park and Strand Street, there’s more space to roam, socialize, and enjoy riverfront views—ideal for avoiding crowds and letting kids run free. Add in live entertainment, themed weekends, and local vendors dishing out seasonal treats, and you’ve got a full day (or weekend) of immersive fun from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
Beyond the entertainment, attending supports a charming small-town economy while boosting your family’s fall tourism creds. St. Helens draws thousands from across the country, turning a local tradition into a national destination. It’s not just about the scares—it’s about bonding over shared experiences in a safe, welcoming environment. Tickets grant access to all official activities (though you can wander the town for free), with add-ons like reserved parking and pro photo ops for convenience. They went on sale August 11, so snag yours soon via the official site to avoid missing out.
Skip the overpriced theme parks and dive into Spirit of Halloweentown’s quirky, heartfelt vibe. It’s got nostalgia, laughs, and just enough spook to keep everyone grinning—whether you’re dodging pretend pirates or snapping pics with Marnie herself. Grab your tickets, pack your witch hats, and get ready for a St. Helens adventure that’ll have your family cackling with joy all the way home.
Tiffany Wilson is a 42-year-old stay-at-home mom from Tigard, Oregon, raising three kids—Sophie, Noah, and Riley. She’s a warm, hands-on parent who mixes daily routines with creative fun, whether it’s a backyard scavenger hunt or building a blanket fort in the living room.