From frightening fairy tales to nightmare-inducing animatronics, Northern Virginia’s homeowners are packing on the fear factor this Halloween season. Here are 12 homes with the best Halloween decorations in the region.
11 Mucklehany Ln., Sterling
Did you know an 8-year-old is behind this extravagant Halloween display? The .5-acre property is filled with more than 200 animatronics and inflatables in the front and back yard — and even on the roof. Be on the lookout for some favorite Halloween characters like The Headless Horseman and Beetlejuice.
410 E. Nelson Ave., Alexandria
Put on your detective hat before heading to this Alexandria home. Inspired by the board game Clue, this interactive display calls on visitors to follow the clues from room to room in order to solve the haunted mystery.
706 N. Jackson St., Arlington
Facing your own mortality is a true jump scare. When you pull up to this Arlington home, an actual hearse full of skeletons greets you along with the rest of the props in the funeral home theme. The whole street decorates too, so clear your calendar and enjoy a night full of frights on Jackson Street.
807 MacAlister Dr. SE, Leesburg
All of your nightmares come true in this Leesburg lawn display. Beware as you enter the scare zone — 12-foot giants, huge inflatables, and creepy animatronics lurk around every corner. Visitors should park on the street and walk to the display.
Ferry Farm Skeletons
Why stick with one theme when you can change it up throughout the holiday season? Every few days you’ll find a completely different scene made out of skeletons at this display. This year, the homeowners have already put together a car wash and ‘fried chicken dinner” design. 11 Pendleton Rd., Falmouth
Haunting of Yacht Haven
This haunt brings you up-close to the scares. Follow the path around this Alexandria home to find 150 animatronics lining the yard. From creepy clowns to goblins and ghouls, be prepared for endless jump scares. This display is lit from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays throughout October. 4400 Dolphin Ln., Alexandria
The Historic Herndon Halloween House
The Haunted Cosmic Space Carnival is landing in this Herndon yard just in time for Halloween. This display packs a punch, so expect to find aliens, clowns, and plenty of carnival attractions with a terrifying twist. 610 Spring St., Herndon
Lights on Robin Lynn Ct
Light shows are often reserved for Christmas, but this Manassas home brings its show to the dark side for Halloween. Keep your eye out for creatures lurking in the window, blinking lights, ghouls, and your favorite spooky songs. 9213 Robin Lynn Ct., Manassas
Nightmare on Conservation Drive
The father-daughter duo behind this Springfield home brings your favorite Halloween flicks to life. Don’t expect to find a display like this anywhere else — these decorations are completely handmade and engineered. As you make your way through the trail, find scenes from Silence of the Lambs, It, and The Shining. The display is open Friday through Sunday until Halloween night. 6988 Conservation Dr., Springfield
Once Upon a Scream
This Sterling home is reimaging your favorite fairy tales with a dark twist. Their spooky take on stories like Hansel and Gretel are sure to keep you up at night. The display will be open from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on October 24 to 26 (the 26th will be a “no scares” night) and on Halloween night. 122 Hopeland Ln., Sterling
Roxbury Haunted Manor Yard Haunt
The DIY decorations in this Haymarket yard are something to behold. Full of hand-built animatronics and decorations, this haunted trail is for the brave of heart. The full display with the walk through is open select times on October 24 to 26 and on October 31. The display will also be collecting donations for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 2413 Little River Rd., Haymarket
Schmitz Haunted Yard
During the Halloween season, you won’t be able to recognize this Lake Ridge home. Each year, the home transforms its exterior into a haunted manor fit with gargoyles, a glowing facade, and scary zombies. Hedges Run Drive, Woodbridge
Feature image courtesy Schmitz Haunted Yard
