As Halloween approaches, you may wonder, “Is Halloween popular in Texas?” Ask anyone who lives here, and the answer will be a resounding YES!
Texans come together each year to celebrate this fun, spooky holiday, making it a day that everyone looks forward to.
Here’s everything to know about Halloween in Texas:
History of Halloween in Texas
Halloween in Texas hasn’t always been what it is today.
When asking, “Is Halloween popular in Texas?” it can be helpful to examine the holiday’s history and consider how the past has shaped the present.
Origins and Evolution of Halloween in Texas
Almost 2,000 years ago in Ireland, people celebrated a festival called “Samhain,” marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. On one evening during the festival known as “All Hallow’s Eve,” farmers dressed in costumes to try to keep spirits from coming out of their graves.
When Scottish and Irish immigrants came to America in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, they brought with them many of their long-standing traditions.
Today, “All Hallow’s Eve” is called Halloween, and Texans everywhere celebrate it with traditions like trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving.
Texas Traditions
While Texas might be young compared to all of the Halloween traditions around the country, our stories and traditions still date back over a century.
For example, in West Texas, people have been so mystified by random lights in the sky (known as Marfa Lights) that an observation center was finally built. In Fort Worth, the unsolved case of the Goatman monster still has people talking today. These mysteries and tales are what makes Halloween so different in Texas.
How do Texans celebrate Halloween?
Texas is known for its hot weather, and even on October 31st, it’s often still hot outside. However, that doesn’t stop people from getting out and celebrating!
Trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, corn mazes, and other Halloween activities are popular among residents, as is decorating neighborhoods with cobwebs, ghost figures, and strings of bats.
Haunted Houses in Texas
While some prefer a more relaxed Halloween, like getting cuddled up on the couch for a scary movie, others seek the thrill of jump scares in real life.
You can find numerous haunted houses in Texas, each with something unique to make it extra terrifying. Here are some of the best ones to visit:
13th Floor Haunted House
The 13th Floor Haunted House in Houston has been named as one of the most terrifying in the US. It has two separate haunted houses, and the theme of each one changes every year.
Cutting Edge Haunted House
Haunting Fort Worth, Cutting Edge Haunted House has been named to Guinness World Records as the world’s largest haunted house. Spanning 100,000 square feet, it’s in an old abandoned meat factory, and the machinery from the plant creates a truly horrifying experience.
House of Torment
Fittingly known as the House of Torment, this Austin-based attraction has 3 individual haunted houses, each with a unique theme. After going through the haunted house, chill out with mini-golf or escape games.
Festivals and Parades
Like all holidays, parades and festivals add fun and cheer to the season!
Whether you’re looking for things to do with your significant other or the entire family, there are plenty of cool things to do in Texas every fall.
Check these out:
Texas Pumpkin Fest
The Texas Pumpkin Fest in Leander, TX, just 25 miles North of Austin, has fun for all ages. Take your pick from their giant pumpkin patch, go through a hay maze, and play carnival games.
Stuff your face with a pumpkin pie eating contest, get your face painted, take the tots on a train ride, and have good old-fashioned fun!
Uhland Fall Fest
The Uhland Fall Fest is held every year over five weekends in Kyle, TX, offering everything from live music to food trucks and local vendors selling arts and crafts. You can decorate pumpkins, go on a hay ride, and even participate in a costume contest. For kids, there’s a petting zoo and bounce houses!
Dallas Halloween Block Party
Each year on Cedar Springs Road, the Dallas Halloween Block Party hosts hundreds of people for the biggest street party in Texas. Take part in the Voodoo Vengeance Costume Contest, enjoy fun and spooky drinks, and listen to live entertainment as you celebrate the Halloween season.
KLAQ Halloween Parade
The KLAQ Halloween Parade, held annually in El Paso, TX, by the local rock radio station KLAQ, is a popular event that draws large crowds each year.
The community comes together to decorate floats and vehicles, dress in costumes, and march through the streets of El Paso. With costume contests, lots of candy, and plenty of Halloween-themed food and activities, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
Pop Culture and Halloween in Texas
Another way to answer the question, “Is Halloween popular in Texas?” is to look at all of the horror movies that take place here.
From the Texas Chain Saw Massacre series to Leatherface, these iconic films not only highlight the eerie nature of remote parts of Texas but have also become go-to Halloween classics for people everywhere.
Texas Horror
The Lonestar state’s reputation for terror is so prominent that it created an entire genre: Texas Horror.
Time to Get Spooky, Texas!
So, is Halloween popular in Texas? You tell us!
Whether you go to a haunted house, trick-or-treat, or attend a parade, there’s always something exciting to look forward to on October 31st.
To kick off the fall season, don’t forget to attend the free, family-friendly DFW Fall Fest on October 19th from 10 am-2 pm. Get your free tickets here.
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