Great America Halloween Haunt: 2025 In-Depth Guide

When October’s chill rolls across the South Bay, California’s Great America has traditionally morphed into a cauldron of eerie entertainment for the season. However, it’s important to know that for 2025, California’s Great America will NOT be hosting the Halloween Haunt or the family-friendly Tricks & Treats events. This pause marks a significant change compared to prior years when the park was a major Northern California destination for spooky seasonal fun.

Where to Find the Fright

The fog has lifted—expect thrills without the chills.

California’s Great America is located at 4701 Great America Parkway in Santa Clara, just off Highway 101. In the past, the entire park would be transformed with fog machines, pumpkins, and colossal Halloween set pieces creating a thrilling atmosphere the moment guests passed through the gates.

For 2025, since no Halloween events are planned, visitors can expect the park to operate with its usual rides and attractions but without the thematic Halloween décor and scares.

When the Screams Begin

No night terrors this fall—Halloween Haunt sits out the 2025 season.

Previous Halloween Haunt events ran nightly from mid-September through late October. These nights included extended hours with haunted houses, scare zones, and coasters running under eerie lighting. In contrast, for 2025, California’s Great America’s operating calendar DOES NOT include any Halloween Haunt or after-dark scare events. The park will close its season before Halloween and does not have any special spooky activities scheduled.

Who Should Brave the Night?

In prior years, Halloween Haunt was perfect for a wide audience:

• Fearless teens eager for intense haunted house thrills.
• Families looking for daytime “Tricks & Treats” candy-collecting activities with little ones.
• Theme park enthusiasts among all age groups.

Since there will be no Halloween event in 2025, families and thrill-seekers should explore alternative Bay Area haunted attractions or plan visits during regular park hours for classic amusement park fun.

Why It’s Wickedly Special

Previous editions of California’s Great America Halloween Haunt offered:

• Four immersive themed lands: Everfall, Sweet Tooth Acres, Spooky Spires, and Ickyville, each featuring unique decorations, interactive experiences, and thematic treats.
• Night rides on popular coasters like RailBlazer and Gold Striker, enhanced with spooky lighting effects.
• Multiple haunted mazes and scare zones staffed by talented live actors.
• Special seasonal food and beverages, such as pumpkin-spiced funnel cakes and themed cocktails.
• Entertainment spectacles, including dance parties, seasonal shows, and costume contests—perfect for social media sharing.

Parking: Your Pumpkin-Carriage Plan

Park as usual—just leave the cobwebs and costumes at home.

General parking at California’s Great America typically costs around $30 per vehicle, and RV parking is around $40. The parking lots are conveniently located just steps from the main entrance, making arrival straightforward even with elaborate costumes during past Halloween Haunts. For 2025, these parking arrangements remain the same for regular park visits, although there will be no Halloween event-related parking perks.

No Haunt? No Problem—Tripster Still Delivers the Fun

While Halloween bundles for California’s Great America won’t be available in 2025 due to the event’s cancellation, Tripster still makes it easy to book tickets, hotel stays, and attractions across the Bay Area and beyond.

Explore discounts and vacation packages for year-round favorites, or consider nearby haunted attractions and fall festivals happening across Northern California. When the scares are back, Tripster will be ready—until then, let us help you plan a getaway that’s still full of memories (minus the monsters).