5 Ways to Celebrate Halloween Near Hanover, PA in 2025

Halloween is right around the corner, and Hanover, PA, along with its neighboring towns, is bursting with festive ways to celebrate. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from family-friendly parades and heart-pounding haunted houses to tasty fall sweet treats at local markets, eerie ghost tours, and peaceful scenic fall drives. Hanover, PA, and the surrounding areas offer the perfect mix of thrills and Halloween traditions. Here are the five best ways to celebrate Halloween near Hanover, PA this year. 

Halloween Parades

Hanover’s Annual Halloween Parade is one of the community’s longest-running traditions and a highlight of the season. This year’s event kicks off on October 30th at 7 PM, beginning on Baltimore Street at Wirt Avenue. The parade winds its way through Center Square and down Carlisle Street, finishing near the library at the railroad tracks. Families can look forward to festive floats, lively music, costume contests, and plenty of spooky fun for all ages.

A little further up the road, Gettysburg hosts its annual Halloween Parade on October 21st at 7:15 PM. Starting in Lincoln Square and making its way to Steinwehr Avenue, this family-friendly event is packed with decorated floats, marching bands, and candy galore. Costumes are encouraged, and a few surprises along the route promise to bring just the right mix of festive fun and spooky chills. 

On October 22nd at 7:15 PM, Spring Grove will light up the night with its annual Halloween Parade. The procession begins at Spring Grove Community Park, loops through town, and returns to the park for the finale. Along the route, spectators can enjoy colorful floats, costumes, and music. Adding to the festive atmosphere, a variety of food trucks will be parked on W. Jackson Street between Main Street and N. Elm Avenue, offering tasty treats to make the evening even more enjoyable.

Haunted Houses

For thrill-seekers, the best way to celebrate Halloween is with a trip to a haunted house, and the Hanover area doesn’t disappoint. Just minutes away in Spring Grove, PA, Kim’s Krypt Haunted Mill delivers five terrifying attractions that take fear to the next level. Open from September 19th through November 2nd, Kim’s Krypt immerses visitors in everything from spine-chilling haunted woods to a pitch-black mansion where every step keeps you guessing. With so many unique scares in one location, it’s a must-visit for anyone ready to embrace the horror of the season.

Farmers Markets & Events

Trick-or-treating is a Halloween favorite, and this year, Main Street Hanover is bringing the fun downtown. On Saturday, October 11th, from 11 AM to 2 PM, local businesses will line the streets to hand out candy and special surprises. Families are invited to stroll through downtown, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and support small shops while collecting treats. Costumes are encouraged, though not required, making this a laid-back, family-friendly way to kick off the Halloween season.

If you’re craving seasonal flavors, the Hanover Market House on East Chestnut Street is the perfect stop. Open every Saturday from 6 AM to 1 PM, this historic market features a variety of local food and craft vendors. From farm-fresh produce to homemade fall desserts, there’s no shortage of autumn flavors to enjoy. For an extra dose of fun, plan your visit around Hanover’s 2nd Saturday event, where you can shop the market, explore downtown, and soak up the Halloween spirit all in one festive outing.

Ghost Tours

For those brave enough to face the supernatural, Hanover and its surrounding towns are rich with ghostly legends. Gettysburg, PA, which is regarded as one of the most haunted places in America as well as the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, is a short drive away. Guided ghost tours lead visitors through historic buildings, shadowy streets, and battle-scarred grounds where paranormal activity is often reported. As you learn the chilling history of the area, keep your camera ready; you never know when you might capture something unexplainable lurking in the background.

Scenic Drives & Fall Foliage

If you’d rather soak in the beauty of autumn without the frights, Hanover’s local parks offer the perfect escape. Codorus State Park, with its sprawling lake and tree-lined shores, is especially stunning in the fall as the leaves burst into shades of red, orange, and gold. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the crisp air at one of the park’s many picnic areas, or simply take a leisurely drive through the countryside to admire the rolling hills and vibrant foliage. It’s a peaceful way to celebrate the season while still embracing the Halloween spirit.

Plan your visit to Hanover, PA, today before the spooky season arrives before you know it. Looking to stay overnight? Discover Hanover has you covered with all the hotels and food places to enjoy during your stay.