Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Greater Boston

Greater Boston, September 22, 2025

News Summary

This season, Greater Boston is celebrating Halloween with a variety of family-oriented events. Highlights include glowing pumpkin trails, the Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, and Stone Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo. Attendees can also enjoy the unique Candlelight Halloween Boston concert featuring orchestral tributes to horror movie soundtracks, all set against a backdrop of thousands of candles. With options catering to all ages, families can explore a range of activities from haunted tours to story times, ensuring everyone can join in the festive fun this spooky season.

Boston — Greater Boston is offering a wide range of family-friendly Halloween events this season, from glowing pumpkin trails and not-so-scary zoo adventures to moonlit walks, story times, haunted tours and immersive candlelit concerts. Several signature celebrations and a separate Halloween guide provide options for every age and interest.

Top events and immediate details

Key highlights include the Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, the Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival, and Stone Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo, each presenting family-centered activities appropriate for younger visitors. Candlelight Halloween Boston features music performances with thousands of candles illuminating the venue. This year’s Candlelight concert includes tributes to iconic horror movie soundtracks and the concert takes place at Temple Ohabei Shalom, creating an intimate and immersive atmosphere with candlelight.

The Golden Ghouls™ Halloween Drag Show takes place at Electric Haze in Worcester, MA. The drag show is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025, from 7 PM to 10:30 PM, at 26 Millbury Street, Worcester. Ticket prices range from $18 for seated to $28. A mystery theme is featured in the drag show, where one audience member will play a special role (#TokenSophia).

What to expect at Candlelight and other performances

The Candlelight presentation runs as a 60-minute concert with doors opening 30-45 minutes early so attendees can settle in and enjoy the candlelit ambiance. Performance selections will include orchestral and chamber pieces such as “Danse Macabre” by Camille Saint-Saëns and “Night on Bald Mountain” by Modest Mussorgsky, performed in arrangements suited for a string quartet and small ensemble settings. The combination of strings and thousands of candles aims to create a uniquely atmospheric Halloween experience.

Supporting events and community options

Across Greater Boston, organizers are programming a mix of daytime and evening activities that emphasize family-friendly content. Offerings span glowing pumpkin trails, moonlit walks and story times aimed at younger children, as well as guided haunted tours and themed fall festivals for older families. The region’s seasonal guides compile additional options for pumpkin patches, hayrides and other autumn activities.

A Halloween Guide provides additional ideas for festive celebrations, pumpkin patches, and hayrides. Boston’s Fall Fun Guide is available for more seasonal activities. These resources are intended to help families locate age-appropriate events across neighborhoods and nearby towns.

Planning, tickets and safety

Tickets for many Halloween events are in high demand, encouraging early planning for attendees. Organizers recommend reviewing event schedules and purchasing tickets in advance where possible. Family-focused events often limit capacity for safety and to maintain quieter, less intense environments for children.

Background and context

Seasonal celebrations in Greater Boston have grown to include both traditional outdoor fall activities and curated indoor performances that use lighting, music and staging to create a Halloween mood without relying on intense scares. Zoo-hosted events like Stone Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo typically emphasize animal-friendly programming with decorations and kid-oriented entertainment, while historic estates and gardens host large pumpkin shows and illuminated trails. Candlelit concerts bring a different option for families who prefer a seated musical experience blending classical repertoire and film-music tributes.

Practical tips

• Check event pages or box offices for age recommendations and any costume policies for children and adults.
• Buy tickets in advance when available to avoid sellouts, since tickets for the events are in high demand, encouraging early planning for attendees.
• Arrive within the stated door-opening window for concerts that open early to experience the full ambiance.
• For out-of-town events such as the Golden Ghouls™ Halloween Drag Show in Worcester, confirm parking and transit options in advance.

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Quick reference table

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Additional Resources

• Mommy Poppins: Best Halloween Events and Activities in Boston
• Wikipedia: Halloween
• Broadway World: The Golden Ghouls™ Halloween Drag Show
• Google Search: Halloween Drag Show Boston
• Travel Pirates: Halloween Getaway to Boston and Salem
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
• CBS News: Salem Officials Outline New Safety Measures Ahead of Halloween
• Google News: Boston Halloween Events

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