Everything to Do in Hanover This Fall and Halloween
From local trick-or-treats to must-visit spooky stops, here are some fun seasonal events, activities and places to go in Hanover and the surrounding areas this fall season!
Trick-Or-Treating
Hanover Borough Trick or Treat Night
Hanover’s official Trick or Treat Night is a classic fall tradition. Kids in costumes head out through the neighborhoods, flashlights and treat bags in hand, while homeowners turn on their porch lights to welcome them. It’s a great way to enjoy the Halloween spirit close to home, whether you’re a longtime resident or new to town.
What to know:
Look for porch lights. A light on usually means the house is welcoming trick or treaters. Younger trick or treaters should be accompanied by an adult. And in case of any weather issues, check with the Borough for any weather-related changes to the schedule.
When:
Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where:
Neighborhoods throughout the Borough of Hanover
Admission:
Free
Codorus State Park- Trick or Treating
Trick-or-treating at Codorus State Park is unlike anywhere else. Families follow a traffic-free path past more than 100 Halloween displays, created by campers, local businesses, organizations, and the Friends of Codorus State Park. The path is stroller-friendly and about three-quarters of a mile long, so bring a flashlight!
Along the way, you’ll find food vendors (including s’mores at campsite #95,) music from a local DJ, and a nature tent near the entrance where the park educator will share fun facts about creepy-crawly critters and creatures that fly in the night. The event goes on rain or shine.
Are Pets Allowed?
Pets aren’t permitted on the trick-or-treat path because of the crowds.
Details:
Tickets are sold online only, and there are no refunds, exchanges, or re-entry. The event has a history of selling out, so buy early. All parking is within walking distance.
Tickets:
$20 per carload
When:
Friday & Saturday, October 23 & 24, 2026, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Where:
Codorus State Park, main entrance at 1699 Blooming Grove Rd, Hanover, PA
For tickets and details, visit codorusfriends.org/ctot.html.
Pets on the Prowl Halloween Pet Walk
Your four-legged family members get their own Halloween outing at Pets on the Prowl, Codorus’ Halloween pet walk (formerly the Halloween Pet Parade). Bring your dog or other leashed pet for a wickedly wonderful stroll through the park’s spooky, decorated campground, all in support of a local animal rescue.
Costumes are encouraged, so this is the perfect chance to show off your pet’s Halloween look. Everyone gets a treat bag, and there are random prize drawings along the way.
Details:
Park rules require pets to be leashed and cleaned up after. Pets aren’t allowed at the Friday and Saturday evening trick or treat event because of the crowds, so this walk is the way to include them in the fun. Arrive a little early to register, and check the Friends of Codorus State Park page for more information.
When:
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11 a.m. (registration begins at 10 a.m.)
Where:
Pavilion 1, Codorus State Park, 1699 Blooming Grove Rd, Hanover, PA
Admission:
Free, no entry fee
Local Halloween Parades
Annual Hanover Halloween Parade
Few Hanover traditions run as deep as the annual Halloween Parade, now in its 84th year. Every fall, the Hanover Area Jaycees bring the community out to line the streets for an evening of spooky floats, costumes, marching bands, and Halloween fun.
Expect a little of everything: elaborately decorated floats, local businesses showing off their Halloween spirit, antique and classic cars, street rods and muscle cars, dance troops, walking groups, and costumed marchers of all ages. High school bands also compete for cash prizes, with judging by the Mid Atlantic Judges Association.
The parade is family-friendly and keeps things non-political and non-religious. One fun detail for kids: candy isn’t thrown from vehicles. Participants walk alongside their floats and hand treats directly to the crowd.
What to know:
Arrive early to claim a good viewing spot, and expect road closures and no-parking zones along the route.
When:
Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Where:
Downtown Hanover, PA
Admission:
Free
Annual Gettysburg Halloween Parade
If you’re up for a short drive, Gettysburg hosts one of the area’s most popular Halloween parades, and it makes a great family night out. The fun starts well before the parade, with a dance party and food trucks on Lincoln Square beginning at 5 p.m.
Kids and adults in costume can sign up for the costume contest at 5:30 p.m., and judging starts at 6 p.m. on the Square. Then at 7:15 p.m., the parade kicks off with floats, costumed marchers, and community groups.
What to know:
Arrive early to enjoy the pre-parade festivities and find a good viewing spot. Expect road closures along the route, and plan for extra time to find parking near the square.
When:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 (festivities begin at 5 p.m., parade kicks off at 7:15 p.m.)
Where:
Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA
Admission:
Free
Annual Spring Grove Halloween Parade
Spring Grove, just a short drive from Hanover, rolls out the orange carpet each October with its annual Halloween Parade. Floats, costumed marchers, and community groups wind through the borough, and a judging station recognizes the best entries. It’s a great low-key evening for families, with a small-town feel and plenty of candy and costumes.
What to know:
Recent parades have started at Spring Grove Community Park and traveled along East Railroad Street and Main Street. Roads along the route typically close in the late afternoon and early evening, and cars left on the route may be towed. Plan to arrive early and park a few blocks away.
When:
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 7 p.m.
Where:
Downtown Spring Grove, PA
Admission:
Free
New Oxford Harvest Day Festival & Parade
New Oxford celebrates fall with its 19th Annual Harvest Day Festival & Parade, an official America 250 event. It’s a good pick for families who want a daytime celebration instead of an evening Halloween event.
The festival fills downtown with craft and food vendors, young entrepreneurs, and a free kids’ activity area. New this year is a car show. The parade rounds out the day, kicking off at 3 p.m. from the back of New Oxford High School.
The Harvest Hunt.
This town-wide scavenger hunt runs from Saturday, October 10 through Sunday, October 25. Participating businesses hide a leaf at their location, and you record the number on each leaf in your Harvest Hunt booklet. Visit at least eight businesses to be eligible for prize drawings worth around $100, so it’s a fun way to explore downtown and support local shops.
When:
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (parade steps off at 3 p.m.)
Where:
Downtown New Oxford, at the New Oxford Circle
Admission:
Free
Spooky Shops and Other Fall Adventures
The Serpent’s Key
If your idea of a perfect October includes tarot, candles, and a little mystery, The Serpent’s Key is the spot. This metaphysical and occult shop opened in downtown Hanover in 2023 as both a store and a community sanctuary, centered on Earth-based spiritual practices, tarot, wellness products, and alternative spirituality.
Owner Beck Ravenswood built the shop after growing a following online by sharing tarot and spiritual practices. Today, the shop also hosts readings, classes, and events, and works with local artists and businesses. Past events have included a holiday photo shoot with Krampus and a reptile meet and greet.
Where:
28 Carlisle St., Hanover
Find them online:
Ghouls and Grinds
For some, every day is Halloween, and Ghouls and Grinds is where they prove it. This Halloween-themed coffee shop opened in Hanover in 2019 and is open year-round, so the spooky atmosphere doesn’t end on October 31.
Grab a seat in the café, sip a “scary sip” or bone-chilling brew, and watch Halloween movies on a never-ending loop. The Maple French Toast coffee is a local favorite. It’s an awesome way to spend your days during this spooky season.
Where:
455 Carlisle St. and 701 3rd St., Hanover
Facebook:
Ghouls and Grinds
The Baker’s Cauldron
If you have a sweet tooth and love a little dark magic, The Baker’s Cauldron is a must-visit this fall! This Hanover micro-bakery specializes in homemade treats with a spooky twist, making it the perfect stop for the Halloween season. From oversized stuffed cookies and cupcakes to jumbo cinnamon rolls, every treat is handmade with a little extra magic. Whether you're craving something sweet after a day of fall adventures or looking for a unique local bakery to try, The Baker’s Cauldron is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Where:
455 Carlisle St., Suite B, Hanover
Website:
Sycamore Springs on Sunset (Pumpkin Patch)
Nothing says fall quite like picking the perfect pumpkin! Sycamore Springs on Sunset is a seasonal farm in Hanover that makes it easy to embrace the autumn spirit. Stop by to pick your own pumpkins, browse seasonal decorations, and find the perfect additions to your fall porch display. Whether you're planning a fun family outing or simply looking to enjoy the season, it's a great way to experience the charm of fall right here in Hanover.
Where:
777 Sunset Dr., Hanover
Facebook:
Sycamore Springs on Sunset
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about dietary options, reservation policies, and hours of operation.
Visitors often inquire about the Hanover Historic District, which is known for its over 2600 mid-19th to mid-20th-century buildings.
In Hanover, Pennsylvania, history enthusiasts can enjoy a journey through time with visits to the Hanover Area Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town’s rich past; the Warehime-Myers Mansion, a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century architecture; and the Neas House, one of the oldest surviving structures in Hanover, offering a glimpse into the life of the 18th-century Pennsylvania German settlers. These historical landmarks provide a captivating window into Hanover’s heritage and are a must-visit for those looking to experience the town’s historical charm.
In addition to Codorus State Park and Hickory Falls, Hanover is also known for the Snack Town Street Fair, a vibrant festival celebrating the town’s snack food heritage with craft vendors, food, and entertainment, created in partnership between the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and Utz Brands.
Hanover provides a rich historical experience with tours like the Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour and the Spirits of Jennie Wade Ghost Night Tour in nearby Gettysburg.
Hanover, Pennsylvania, is renowned as the Snack Food Capital of the World, home to iconic brands like Utz Quality Foods and Snyder’s of Hanover, which is part of the Campbell Snacks portfolio.
Dolphin & Anchor Pub: Located in the heart of Hanover, they offer traditional beer styles with a twist.
Fat Bat Brewing Company: A local brewery started by a beer-loving brother and sister team, known for their craft beer selections.
Sign of the Horse Brewery: A contemporary brewery catering to craft brew enthusiasts with a range of house taps.
Lydian Stone Brewing Company: A nano brewery offering a variety of craft beers, from the light or malty to the hoppy or stouts; and, plenty of conversation.
The Borough office at 33 Frederick St, Hanover has everything you will need to find your way around Hanover.