From DIY haunted trails to yard transformations that’ll have you questioning where the house went, these over-the-top decorated homes make the perfect pit stop on Halloween night.
Curse of the Wendigo
Visit the Sugarland Run neighborhood for an event that’s been terrorizing Virginia communities for 14 years. This year’s theme will take scare-seekers to the Old West to battle the Wendigo. Fingers crossed you make it out alive. Visit from 7 to 10 p.m. on October 24, 30, and 31 to try out this at-home haunt. You can also admire the display without scares on October 25. 122 Hopeland Ln., Sterling
Dead End on Dulins Ford Road
Enjoy your tricks and treats at this one-of-a-kind scare in Fauquier County. It features giant spiders, more than 50 animatronics, and a cemetery. After your frights, head over to the fall festival for an inflatable obstacle course, concession stand favorites, and an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus on Halloween. 8023 Dulins Ford Rd., Marshall
Haunting of Yacht Haven
Be ready to jump as you walk through this Alexandria display. Find 150 animatronics of all shapes, sizes, and scares lined up to greet you as you follow the frightening path. The display is open from 5 to 9 p.m. throughout October, but can close due to weather. 4400 Dolphin Ln., Alexandria
Historic Herndon Halloween House
The Haunted Cosmic Space Carnival has moved on to the next planet, and the Oddities have taken over this Herndon home. This year, plan to find unusual Christmas, Easter, and St. Patrick’s Day scenes; characters in untraditional scenes; and forgotten decorations brought back to life. Don’t worry, the clowns and pirates will still make an appearance. 610 Spring St., Herndon
Obsidious Hill Sanitorium
Expect to meet some creepy characters as you walk through this yard ahead of Halloween. This sanitorium has skeletons escaping the underworld, a spider tunnel, and a creepy clown maze — just to name a few frights. Check back to see when the full display opens. 306 W. Colonial Hwy., Hamilton
Roxbury Haunted Manor
As Halloween nears, giants, ghosts, and singing pumpkins begin to haunt this Haymarket yard. Only the bravest will survive the haunted trail that weaves through the front yard with frights and jump scares behind every corner. This display will be open October 23 to 25 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. and Halloween night. 2413 Little River Rd., Haymarket
Schmitz Haunted Yard
Once October hits, this Woodbridge home transforms into the spookiest cemetery. Beware of the ghosts and skeletons that roam the yard as they search for their next victim. On Halloween night, a haunted house is open for an extra scare. Hedges Run Dr., Woodbridge
Spooky Scary Seabiscuit
It looks like Halloween threw up in this Middleburg yard — in the best way possible. You’ll find everything from jumping spiders and vicious dogs to skeleton versions of your favorite characters (like Mario and Luigi or Snow White). 37194 Seabiscuit Park Pl., Middleburg
10191 Wavell Rd., Fairfax
Forget Indiana Jones because Indiana Bones is coming to Fairfax. This family-friendly, Raiders of the Lost Ark–themed Halloween display comes with a booby-trapped temple and the mysterious golden idol.
11 Mucklehany Ln., Sterling
Ghouls and goblins take over the entire yard of this Sterling home once October hits. With around 250 animatronics, take your time exploring these creepy characters – all perfectly placed by the display’s mastermind, 9-year-old Kellan Reisinger.
42883 Redfield St., Ashburn
Don’t sniff the flowers waiting at this poison garden. Beware of the vines as they try to lure you in to greet the three-eyed monster that has taken over the facade of this Ashburn home.
This story originally ran in our October 2026 issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
