Yes, Halloweentown is Real and it's in St. Helens, Oregon
- Angelica Lynn
- Oct 14, 2024
- 4 min read
As fall settles in, there's no better place to embrace the spirit of Halloween than in the enchanting town of St. Helens, Oregon. Each year, this charming riverside town transforms into the Spirit of Halloweentown, a month-long celebration filled with spooky fun, magical experiences, and a touch of nostalgia for Disney fans.
If you’re looking for a Halloween experience that combines the thrills of the season with small-town charm, Spirit of Halloweentown is the place to be. Whether you’re a die-hard Halloween enthusiast, a fan of the Disney Channel classic movie Halloweentown, or simply looking for some autumnal fun with the family, this celebration offers something for everyone.
Halloweentown in Oregon
St. Helens holds a special place in the hearts of Halloweentown fans. This quaint town was one of the primary filming locations for the 1998 Disney Channel movie Halloweentown, starring Debbie Reynolds and Kimberly J. Brown. The iconic City Hall building served as the backdrop for some of the most memorable scenes, making it a must-see stop for fans of the film.
Visitors can take a nostalgic journey through town with the Halloweentown movie locations walking Tour, visiting spots where key scenes were filmed. Whether you remember the town square's giant pumpkin, the spooky, magical atmosphere, or the lovable Cromwell family, you'll feel like you're walking right into the movie itself.
What to Expect at Spirit of Halloweentown
Spirit of Halloweentown has grown over the years into one of Oregon’s most popular seasonal events, running from mid-September to the end of October.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Halloweentown Decorations
St. Helens goes all out with its Halloween decor. From the movie's large, glowing pumpkin in the town square to cobweb-draped buildings and spooky street signs, everywhere you look there’s something to remind you that Halloween is near. The town truly comes alive with festive and spooky decor that makes every corner picture-perfect.
Live Performances and Parades
The celebration kicks off with the Lighting of the Great Pumpkin, a fun ceremony to ignite the Halloween spirit. Throughout the season, you’ll find haunted parades, costume contests, and live performances. From local artists to eerie street performers, you never know what surprises are around the corner.
Haunted Attractions
For those looking for a good scare, the Haunted House experience is a must. Each year, it features a new terrifying theme to keep even the bravest of visitors on edge. There are also tours that explore the haunted history of the town and give visitors a glimpse into some chilling local lore.
Family-Friendly Fun
Spirit of Halloweentown isn’t just for thrill-seekers. Families will enjoy pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, and fun photo ops with character cutouts and the Halloweentown movie props. Don’t miss the Boo Bash Pavillion, a family-friendly area with games, crafts, and food vendors.
You can even book your tickets for an event to watch the movie in the Columbia Theater; the actual theater from the Halloweentown movie where Kalabar cursed Grandma Aggie!
Meet and Greet with Movie Stars
A highlight for fans of the Halloweentown series is the chance to meet stars from the movie. This year there will be visits from celebrities such as Kathy Najimy (Mary Sanderson from Hocus Pocus), J. Paul Zimmerman (Dylan from Halloweentown), and Phillip Van Dyke (Luke from Halloweentown). It’s a wonderful opportunity to relive childhood memories and connect with others who share the same love for the film.
Things to Know Before You Go
Tickets: Some events and attractions require tickets, which can be purchased online in advance to ensure your spot. Keep an eye out for special weekend events that may sell out quickly.
Parking: St. Helens can get quite busy during this time, so plan ahead. Parking can be limited, especially on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea.
Costumes Encouraged: Embrace the Halloween spirit by showing up in costume! Many visitors don their best witchy attire or dress as characters from Halloweentown.
Weather: Our fall weather here in Oregon can be unpredictable, so pack layers and be ready for rain or shine.
Lodging: If you plan on staying overnight, there are only two hotels in the town of St.Helens and they usually fill up fast! Plan ahead and don't forget to enlist my help as a travel professional to get you all set for you trip; including transportation if you're booking another hotel outside of St. Helens (don't worry, there are some great options and they're within reasonable driving distance!)
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Spirit of Halloweentown
Spirit of Halloweentown is the perfect blend of Halloween magic, nostalgia, and family-friendly fun. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, yet spooky enough to give visitors that classic Halloween thrill. Whether you’re visiting for the Halloweentown nostalgia or to enjoy the fall festivities, St. Helens offers an unforgettable seasonal experience.
So, grab your broomstick, put on your favorite Halloween costume, and head to St. Helens this fall. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a returning visitor, Spirit of Halloweentown promises a magical adventure that you’ll cherish year after year.
✨🎃 Ready to visit Halloweentown? Let me plan and organize your Halloweentown vacation! As your travel professional, I'll handle everything from hotel bookings to tickets and reservations. Just sit back and enjoy the Halloween fun! Click here to get your vacation quote, and let’s plan your trip to St. Helens' Spirit of Halloweentown today!
For more travel magic and tips on making the most of your park adventures, follow me on Instagram @neverlandblonde! Stay tuned for all the latest updates on Disney Parks, Universal Studios, and other happenings.
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