Hosted by the Chestnut Hill Business District, the month-long event promises a captivating blend of playful Halloween magic, from a massive straw maze and a creative scarecrow walk to spooky ghost tours and a neighborhood-wide trick-or-treat.
All-Month Adventures: Mazes and Scarecrows
Two of the season's biggest attractions are open all month long, offering the perfect fall weekend activity.
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18th Annual Scarecrow Walk: A beloved Chestnut Hill tradition, this walk transforms the scenic pathways of the Morris ArBOOretum & Gardens (100 E Northwestern Ave) with hundreds of handcrafted scarecrows. Created by local families, schools, and organizations, the figures range from classic Halloween icons to pop-culture favorites. Visitors are invited to vote for their favorite scarecrow before the contest closes on October 20, with cash prizes for the top three. The walk runs from October 1 to 31.
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Woodmere Art Museum’s Straw Maze: Families can embark on a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure at the Woodmere Art Museum (9201 Germantown Ave). This massive maze of hay bales, designed by local architects, challenges children ages 4 to 11 to navigate winding tunnels and twists. The maze is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 30. Admission is $5 per child for non-members, while accompanying adults and children three and under are free.
Spooky Sweets and Ghostly Treats
It wouldn't be Halloween without a few treats. Throughout October, Night Kitchen Bakery (7725 Germantown Ave) is offering a menu of frightfully delicious desserts. Guests can indulge in ghost-shaped cupcakes, red velvet "eyeball" cupcakes, and pumpkin pound cake creations. The bakery's famous shortbread cookies will also take on festive new forms, including bats, black cats, pumpkins, and ghosts.
For those who prefer their treats with a side of frights, Ghost Walk Stories at Hilltop Books offers an evening of spine-tingling tales and local legends on Saturday, October 18. Guided tours will depart from the Chestnut Hill Library (8711 Germantown Ave) at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
The Grand Finale: Pets, Parades, and Trick-or-Treating
The Halloween celebration peaks on Sunday, October 26, with two back-to-back family-favorite events.
First, the Chestnut Hill Halloween Pet Parade kicks off from 12:30 to 1 p.m. This neighborhood favorite will bring out costumed pups and their proud owners for a community walk filled with wagging tails and creative costumes.
Immediately following, families are invited to Trick-or-Treating on the Hill from 1 to 3 p.m. Children can don their favorite costumes and stroll along Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike, collecting candy and treats from participating shops and restaurants displaying a “Treats Here” poster.
This event will also feature the Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative that promotes allergy-friendly and inclusive trick-or-treating. A teal pumpkin in a window signals that non-food treats are available, ensuring every child can safely join in the fun.
