Okay, okay. I know it’s still summer and an unbearably hot one at that. But if you stop to think about it, we’re really just two months away from my most favorite season—fall! For Colonial Williamsburg, that means beautiful and vibrantly colored leaves, hot apple cider, burning cressets, and yes—Halloween.
The word is officially out and we couldn’t be more excited! This year’s Haunting on DoG Street: Curse of the Sea Witch will take place over the span of FOUR nights! We’ll be offering family-friendly fun and free trick-or-treating the entire weekend leading up to Halloween.
Last year was our very first Halloween event and I can still remember the day the skeletons went up around all the trade shops and buildings along Duke of Gloucester. As I was out snagging pictures, I saw dozens of guests sipping on their hot chocolates, marveling at the creatively displayed decorations. Just a few days later, the same stretch of DoG was filled with adorable children, families, and costumed interpreters handing out candy. I felt like I’d stepped on to the set of the movie Hocus Pocus. I mean, even our Apprentice Tailor Mike McCarty was a dead ringer (pun intended) for Billy, sitting up in our carriage. Don’t you think?
I really wish there were words I could use to accurately describe the atmosphere. The closest I can come up with is a “community” feel. Everyone was super friendly, stopping to compliment each other’s costumes and interact with our staff. You could hear the squeals of laughter coming from the kids playing the pirate games and the ooohs and ahhhs as the skeleton horses pranced by the crowds.
This year’s activities start Friday, October 28 at 5 p.m., and we’re inviting everyone to once again join us for games, costume contests, dancing, and of course—candy! Mars, Inc has graciously donated tens of thousands of treats to distribute throughout the Historic Area. You have to log on to our special Halloween webpage to register. But again, the trick-or-treating part is FREE! After you complete the registration process, you’ll get a voucher to bring to our Visitor Center and exchange for your candy bag. Don’t forget this important step. Then, take the spooky shuttle to the Historic Area where we will point you in the direction of all the haunted festivities.
In addition to the free trick-or-treating, we have other ticketed activities planned for each night. The evenings are divided into two time “zones.” Everything that happens from 5-7:30 p.m. is geared toward younger kids (ages 3-12) and everything that takes place from 8-10 p.m. is considered PG-13 (think ghost pirates and angry Sea Witches).
Don’t worry. I’m also working on a blog about all the spooky behind-the-scenes info for Curse of the Sea Witch. So if that’s more your speed, stay tuned. But for now, let’s tackle some of the questions you might have about our PG family fun!
WILL THE SKELETON HORSES BE BACK THIS YEAR?
Oh, yeah!!! And this time they may just glow in the dark. If you attended our event last year, then you know our Coach & Livestock team stole the show (click here for a behind-the-scenes look at how they pulled it off) with the painted carriage and riding horses. Director Paul Bennett tells me they’re hoping to test a couple glow-in-the-dark options but admits for now, they’re focusing their efforts on this brutal heat and taking care of the animals. Still, he assures me Halloween is going to be spectacular!
WILL THERE BE TREATS FOR MY CHILD WITH ALLERGIES?
We are also once again teaming up with Food Allergy Research Education (FARE) to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project. When you check in at the Visitor Center, be sure to let the ticket agent know and your child will receive a special bag with a teal logo. Our participating trick-or-treat sites will have teal pumpkins and volunteers and staff will hand out Skittles and Starburst in addition to non-food treats. Expect spider rings, plastic fingers, stickers, etc. (Kids without allergies may also trick-or-treat at these sites). Closer to the event, we will provide a complete list of all those participating stops.
DO PARENTS NEED TICKETS TO GET INTO “A PIRATE’S LIFE FOR ME”?
No. This is a change from last year. However, every child must be accompanied by an adult and no child can enter any “A Pirate’s Life for Me” event without a wristband. That includes all paid activities such as pirate games, costume contests, and sing-alongs. If you did not purchase tickets for your children and decide you want to join in the fun, they will be for sale at access points into the activities. However, there is no guarantee they won’t sell out ahead of the fun. Each ticket costs $15 and you can purchase online when you register for trick-or-treating.
CAN ADULTS WEAR COSTUMES?
Yes! We know many of you may have themed Halloween costumes for your family and in the spirit of the event, we highly encourage you to dress up! This is during the 5-7:30 experience only. No costumes are permitted during the 8-10 activities.
We do ask that you take into consideration this is a family event. Please be mindful that there will be young children trick-or-treating. So, keep the scare factor PG. Our staff reserves the right to turn away any Freddy Kruegers, chainsaw-wielding murderers, etc. Nobody wants to deal with nightmares, including us!
We also have another request—no 18th-century costumes (please). This is so that guests can easily identify our staff working the event.
Still unsure if your costume is appropriate? Allow us to illustrate.
CAN OUR DOG(S) COME?
Sorry, but for the safety of guests, the answer is “no.” However, stay tuned for more information about this year’s Dogs of DoG Street parade happening in October which will feature a pet costume contest and an appearance from Liberty!
WILL I BE ABLE TO CHECK IN EARLY?
Yes! The Visitor Center opens at 8:45 a.m. Friday - Monday and you can stop by any time during the day you are registered to redeem your voucher and pick up any paid event wristbands. So take your time with dinner and putting those last minute touches on the costume. And don’t worry. If you can’t find your confirmation email, just give the ticket agent a photo ID when you check in. If you registered, you’re in our system!
WHERE DO WE PARK?
You must register at the Visitor Center to get your candy bags and/or wristbands. We encourage everyone to start at the Visitor Center (even if you register early) and take the spooky shuttle to all the action on DoG Street. You’ll be dropped off at the stop on the corner of Francis St. and Botetourt St. where you’ll make your way to the fun.
CAN I COME AND PEOPLE WATCH?
This is a special ticketed experience for trick-or-treaters and their families only. Unfortunately, your regular CW admission tickets and passes will not grant you access to this area beginning around 3 p.m. That’s when we rope off that area to prepare for the evening. We understand it’s a fun event to witness, but we ask that you please understand our priority is the children. We have established capacity limits to keep this a safe, and comfortable trick-or-treating event for the kids. You are welcome to stop by during the day to get pictures of the spooky decorations and if you happen to be in the area, you can sit near the access points to watch the people come and go!
One of my favorite parts of last year was going through all of the awesome pictures you all shared on social media, in particular our Facebook event page. Don’t forget to use our event hashtag - #HauntingonDoGStreet. We may share your images in an upcoming blog.
Oh, and don’t think you’ll be the only ones having fun! Our team is looking forward to getting out to meet you, take pictures, and share in the Halloween spirit. Be on the lookout for all of our friendly staff and volunteers. We’ll be the ones wearing the neon bracelets and Haunting on DoG Street t-shirts. We can help direct you to the restrooms, specific activities, and trick-or-treat sites. There will also be designated Customer Service locations in the Historic Area that will be open the entire time.
THE MOST IMPORTANT NOTE FOR FAMILIES: PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING ENDS AT 7:30 P.M. AND BY 8:00, THE STREETS WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO A PG-13 EXPERIENCE. THE FEAR FACTOR GOES UP—WAY UP—WHEN OUR SEA WITCHES APPEAR AND BLACKBEARD’S GHOSTLY CREW RETURNS FROM THE DEAD. THESE HAUNTS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 12!
SJ Venture says
When will you announce Halloween events for October 2017?
Thanks for your question, SJ. Tickets and the schedule of events for Halloween 2017 will be released on August 21.
Ivette Chacon says
Last Halloween was the first time for our family and my 1 year old son. ABSOLUTELY loved it!… will make it a family tradition. It was organized, clear, cleaned, parking was great, location perfect, well decorated, and every one was friendly!. I was not afraid to be in a crowed area and have to look around all the time, our family enjoyed themselves!.
Thank you for making it fantastic and a must from now on with my family!.
So I saw that parents don’t need a ticket, but what about other adult family members like grandparents? It’s not about the money, the tickets are actually very cheap, I’m just confused. Do you only buy tickets for children? We’re going to have one child and parent visiting, and two adult family members who live here. How many tickets for ‘A pirate’s life for me’ do we buy to all go together??
Hi Elara: We reached out to our Ticketing Department and here was their response: “Grandparents and other adults can accompany kids for free, provided everyone in the party is also registered for the free trick-or-treating. Only children ages 3-12 (and accompanying adults) with paid tickets will be able to enter these areas.” This means big brother or sister who doesn’t want a wristband can’t enter just to watch. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc are welcome to enter with the kids with tickets to take pictures! I hope that helps! Thanks for writing.
Hi! I was just wondering when the Halloween decorations will be put up? We are visiting from Colorado from October 21st through the 28th, and admittedly I will need to plan on getting any scenic, historically-accurate Autumn photos before the decorations go up. (They might significantly throw off the historic feel that I so value!)
Hi, Anna! Halloween decorations will be up by October 21st on DoG St and we will be setting up for the Halloween event starting Monday, Oct 24th!
Okay, thank you for the quick response!
I should have considered that before planning my trip… Admittedly, when I only get one week every few years to visit one of my favorite places in the world, I had hoped it would be in a time where we could appreciate its best qualities—namely, its historical accuracy and scenic Autumn beauty. The Halloween theme will throw that off.
However, it was my mistake to think we could come close to the holiday and still dodge the child-based festivities. While I am pretty disappointed, I’m sure we will still enjoy ourselves.
I just checked and am unable to move the trip, unfortunately.
In that sense, as a follow-up question: How invasive are the decorations? What I mean by that is, what will be up the whole week we are there? Will it he things like hay bales, which aren’t too distracting, or will things like the skeletons, pumpkins, etc. also be up the whole week too?
Essentially, will it be possible to escape the Halloween feel if we want to, or will it be hard to avoid? Also, will all of the tours and buildings be open as normal throughout the week?
Thank you.
Kevin says
Not to be rude but stop with the historically accurate autumn photos. Your multiple posts sound like you are trolling.
What about the historically accurate history. Does that interest you? Tons of that can be found. Assuming you are interested.
Thank you for your response, Kevin.
Anna - We were checking on more specifics for you. To answer your question, yes-the skeletons will be out just like last year in addition to the hay bales. Personally, I think they’re just an added fall ambiance. You’ll still have the same experience inside the shops and sites. These are all done on DoG Street-between Botetourt and Blair (Capitol Circle). Managed access in that area will begin at 3 p.m. on those nights (October 28-31) so it sounds like your trip will be over by that point. The only closures you might be interested to know are the Raleigh Tavern and the Gaol which will stop tours beginning October 24 to prepare for the more PG-13 haunted experience offered as part of this event. Please let us know if you have any more questions!
It is the same in November when our holiday wreaths and decorations go up leading up to Christmas.
Hi Jessica,
Thank you so much for looking into it all further for me! I really, really appreciate it. I’m looking forward to seeing the historic area all decked out. It’ll certainly be a fun way to get into the “spirit” of Halloween-yes, that silly pun was intended. 🙂
We can’t wait to be in our favorite place in October. Looking forward to it!
Thanks again.
Bunny Harrison says
Because I know CW’s mission is to preserve and educate, I think events like this slanted to our youth will bring happy and beneficial results — for our youth as they learn more of their country’s history — and for CW as more visitors are exposed to the wonderful preservation and reconstruction. One visit is never enough, and after more than 43 years, we are still eager to learn.
I can’t stand Halloween, and I don’t understand the prominence to which it has risen over the last decade. However, I think the Halloween programming started last year in Williamsburg is a clever way to introduce CW to some who might otherwise not visit. It doesn’t detract from all of the other great work CW is doing, and it has the potential to spur those visiting at Halloween to come back at other times of the year. Decreased attendance is arguably the greatest challenge facing the Foundation right now. I’m in favor of innovative efforts to boost attendance, even if those efforts aren’t things that would appeal to me personally.
Thanks, NKD. Well said!
Greenfield Village up here in Michigan has been doing Hallowe’en for nearly two decades and does a fine job with the presentation, And it doesn’t take away from the daily activities at all. If nothing else, it gives people who would not normally visit the Village a chance to see what it offers and could entice them to return for what it does best: present history..
I believe the same can be said for Colonial Williamsburg. I would be very surprised if many of the Halloween visitors do not return during other times of the year.
I would love to see the skeleton horse - - - how cool!
And as for the “Billy” (from Hocus Pocus) costume - - heh heh heh - - I think I know what I’m dressing as this year!
Ken, You’re absolutely right!
I have been a visitor to Williamsburg for 50 years & have seen many changes, good & some not so much. We are at a point where history is not a required education subject. None of the new events including Halloween, pokemon, ice rink have destroyed or otherwise changed the value or historical importance of the city. All are providing new revenues on which the foundation depends plus they’re bringing in new people, adults & children from far & wide who will keep things going. I appreciate the innovative programs being presented.
New revenue streams! That new Prez of CW is on the ball!
Next up: Rock concerts on Market quare!
:
Mr. Watts, I remember you were not a fan of the uplighting either but I do so hope you’ve made it to Colonial Williamsburg in the past year to see the true effects in person. They are wonderful. We know some of these changes and new programs are difficult to truly grasp until you are able to witness for yourself. As for Halloween-last year, hundreds of families (many who would have never considered a drive into Colonial Williamsburg) fell in love with our colonial capital during our first free community trick-or-treating. And several of them became pass holders and have since returned with their children to learn more about our American story.
As for the music, I do not believe you are being serious with your comment, but just in case you’re truly interested-we do offer free concerts for the community up Duke of Gloucester in Merchants Square. They take place every Wednesday night and feature all different types of bands. Next week, the USAF Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble will play!
Kevin says
Metallica on the Palace Green would be awesome! Duran Duran too!
I anxiously await the imaginary presentation of your rationale for the appearance of the USAF Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble in the Restored Area to Dr. Goodwin and Mr. Rockefeller. That’s just for starters. I expect at times appropriate (or not) to explore how Halloween has sneaked in the door behind the Christmas decorations so elaborately explained away every year in spite the absence of their historical authenticity. Then, maybe we’ll move on to the pointless and inferior replacement for the Journal of Colonial Williamsburg, an artificial skating rink with piped in music obstructing the formerly open vista between the Wren Building and the Capitol, complete with a concession stand that would fit comfortably in any traveling carnival and a cute little doggie in a tricornered hat who arrived complete with multiple accessories for purchase by discerning guests. The possibilities threaten to be endless, particularly if the new rules of the game are that the ends justify the means…
Lighten up Jim. I too love CW for it’s historic aspects. As Jessica says if these breathes of fresh air bring in new younger faces to embrace our beloved Williamsburg then I say Keep up the good work!
It’s hard to feel the history when the Halloween sound effects can be heard from one end of DOG Street to the other.
The fall is a busy (beautiful) time in the Historic Area! In addition to the regular educational fun you find inside our historic trades and buildings every day, we have a couple special events that happen each year. For example,Washington’s Army Descends on Williamsburg is the weekend of October 8-9 when “The public is invited to meet part of a vast army on its way to lay siege to Yorktown in what proves to be a decisive battle of the American Revolution.” One of my personal favorites is the annual firing of the kiln at the Brickyard when they bake bricks (Nov 16 this year). We also have Veteran’s Day programming with a military march featuring the Fifes and Drums, Military Programs staff, and members of community veteran groups. And we are partnering with Heritage Humane Society for a weekend event in October called Dogs of DoG Street that includes a parade of dogs up and down Duke of Gloucester Street, led by our Briard mascot Liberty. Last year, General Washington also attended!
What’s happening in the fall besides Halloween?