SAN JOSE EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
A Family-Friendly Haunt: History Park’s Halloween Comes to Life in San José
An afternoon of crafts, trick-or-treating in historic houses, a Sugar Skull workshop with Elizabeth McCarthy, and a single evening Light Show—everything you need to plan a full-family visit.
A Family-Friendly Haunt: History Park’s Halloween Comes to Life in San José.
History Park in San José transforms into a family-friendly Halloween park each October, staging crafts, activities and trick-or-treating through its collection of historic houses—culminating in a single showing of the traditional Halloween Haunt Light Show.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Historic Houses & Trick‑or‑Treating
Families circulate among preserved historic houses where crafts and trick‑or‑treating stations are set up, offering a chance to experience Halloween within the park’s living-history setting.
Sugar Skull Decorating with Elizabeth McCarthy
A featured Sugar Skull workshop—hosted by Elizabeth McCarthy—is available for a small fee; participants learn the history of Sugar Skulls and decorate one to take home (purchase the ticket option that includes the workshop to attend).
Halloween Haunt Light Show
The afternoon ends with a single showing of History Park’s traditional Halloween Haunt Light Show, a closing spectacle that caps the event.
What the day feels like
What the Afternoon Feels Like
Over roughly four and a half hours, History Park stages a paced, family-oriented program: daytime crafts and activities, roaming trick‑or‑treating through historic houses, an optional paid Sugar Skull workshop, and a single Light Show that concludes the event.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this event suits—and who might want to skip it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Event date and primary hours are Sat. Oct 25 | 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM; the program runs about 4.5 hours and includes a single Light Show at 6:00 PM.
Online ticket sales are closed; tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. The Sugar Skull workshop carries a small additional fee and requires purchasing the ticket option that includes the workshop.
Bring whatever small essentials families typically need for an afternoon event; purchase the specific ticket option if you plan to join the Sugar Skull workshop.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When is the event scheduled?
Sat. Oct 25 | 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM, with a single Light Show at 6:00 PM.
How long does the event last?
The event runs approximately 4.5 hours.
Are tickets available online?
Online ticket sales are closed; tickets will be available for purchase at the gate.
What is the Sugar Skull workshop?
A workshop hosted by Elizabeth McCarthy where guests learn about the history of Sugar Skulls and decorate one to take home; it is offered for a small fee and requires purchasing the ticket option that includes the workshop.
What activities are offered for families?
Families can enjoy crafts, activities and trick‑or‑treating staged in the park’s historic houses throughout the afternoon.
Who operates the event?
The event is operated by History San José.