Looking for Halloween events in Bergen County, NJ, in 2026? Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31. Here are the dates to put on your calendar, starting with events happening now and continuing through Halloween night. Event details can change, so check the linked organizer pages before you head out.

Bergen County Halloween Events 2026: The Forward Calendar

• Friday, October 9–Sunday, October 11: Pantophobia Haunted Trail in Mahwah, 8–10 p.m.
• Friday, October 16–Sunday, October 18: Zoo Boo at Bergen County Zoo; Pantophobia also runs Friday through Sunday.
• Friday, October 23–Sunday, October 25: Pantophobia; Zoo Boo rain dates; and several community trunk-or-treat events.
• Saturday, October 31: Franklin Lakes Trunk or Treat, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.; Pantophobia on Halloween night, 8–11 p.m.

October 9–11: Pantophobia Haunted Trail

Pantophobia is a one-mile outdoor haunted walking trail at Darlington Lake in Mahwah. It runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights through October 31, with timed entry. The experience takes about 35–40 minutes, and the trail crosses grass, sand, and pavement.

General admission is $33; premium nights are $36, before taxes and fees. Friday and Saturday, October 10 are scheduled for 8–10 p.m. Sunday, October 11 is also 8–10 p.m. This is the county’s biggest single Halloween attraction and a prominent pick for anyone searching for haunted houses in New Jersey in 2026.

Book a time online, and arrive 15 minutes early. Parking is free, but there’s a long walk from the lot to the trail. The attraction is outdoors, so wear comfortable shoes and check the Know Before You Go page for weather updates. The operator says closure updates are posted by 6 p.m. The 2026 event is the walking trail only; the family hayride is not running this season.

Check dates, ticket availability, and event policies.

October 16–18: Zoo Boo at Bergen County Zoo

Zoo Boo at Bergen County Zoo brings Halloween decorations, trick-or-treat stations, and family activities to Van Saun Park in Paramus. Costumes are welcome. The zoo is closed to regular visitors during the event; only ticketholders may enter.

• Friday, October 16: 6–9 p.m.
• Saturday, October 17: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 6–9 p.m.
• Sunday, October 18: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Zoo admission and train tickets must be purchased online in advance. Everyone age 2 and older needs a zoo ticket; children under 2 are free. Train rides are a separate ticket. The daytime train is family-friendly, while the nighttime train includes spooky scenes and is recommended for older children and brave adults. Full-face masks and costume weapons aren’t allowed.

The rain dates are October 23, 24, and 25, respectively. Check the Friends of Bergen County Zoo’s Zoo Boo page for ticket and postponement updates.

October 23–25: Haunted Trail and Trunk-or-Treat Events

Pantophobia runs Friday through Sunday, October 23–25. Friday and Saturday are premium nights, with hours of 8–11 p.m.; Sunday runs 8–10 p.m. Zoo Boo rain dates also fall this weekend, if needed.

For trunk-or-treat events in Bergen County in 2026, Saturday, October 24 offers several options:

• Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Paramus: 2–4 p.m. at 230 East Ridgewood Avenue. The event listing says families can collect treats and see emergency vehicles and construction equipment. It’s in the back parking lot, weather permitting, and tickets aren’t required. Check the event details.
• Ringwood Trunk or Treat: 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Ringwood Park & Ride, 30 Cannici Drive. This event is for Ringwood residents, and registration is required. The listed rain date is October 25. Review the event flyer.
• River Edge Halloween in the Park: The borough calendar lists the event for 1–2 p.m. October 24. Check the River Edge event calendar for any additional details.

On Sunday, October 25, the Paramus Halloween Truck or Treat Festival is scheduled for 11 a.m.–6 p.m. at Paramus Park Mall, 700 Paramus Park. Decorated food trucks and vendor booths hand out treats, with music, activities, and a costume contest. One current event registration page lists $5 admission and free entry for children under 5, although event information can vary. Check the organizer’s listing before leaving.

October 31: Franklin Lakes Trunk or Treat and Halloween Night

Franklin Lakes hosts a Trunk or Treat on Halloween, Saturday, October 31, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Muni Field parking lot behind the Police Department. The costume parade begins at 11:45 a.m. Families can visit decorated trunks and tables, take part in activities, and enter costume and trunk contests. The borough’s event notice has registration information for people who want to decorate a trunk or table.

Pantophobia’s final night is also October 31, from 8–11 p.m. It’s a premium night, so reserve a timed ticket ahead of time if you plan to go.

Halloween in Bergen County: Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating

Want a walkable setting for door-to-door trick-or-treating? These downtowns and residential areas are good places to consider:

• Westwood: Start near the downtown and train station, then look for nearby residential streets.
• Ridgewood: The Village center offers a walkable starting point, with residential blocks beyond.
• Ho-Ho-Kus: Consider the compact village area and surrounding residential streets.
• Oradell: Look near the town center and established residential blocks.
• Allendale: The area around the downtown and train station can be a convenient starting point.
• River Edge: Explore residential streets and check borough recreation announcements for organized events.

These are suggestions, not guarantees that every home will be handing out candy. As of October 9, townwide trick-or-treat hours weren’t confirmed for all these municipalities. Check your town’s official calendar, police department, or recreation department closer to Halloween. Don’t assume a posted event time is the same as residential trick-or-treat hours.

For a smoother evening: go with an adult, use sidewalks, carry a flashlight or glow item, and choose a costume that’s easy to see. Check town guidance before setting your route.

Practical Tips: Timing, Parking, Tickets, and Weather

A little planning can make these Bergen County Halloween events easier to enjoy:

• Book timed attractions early. Pantophobia’s popular Friday and Saturday nights require premium tickets. Zoo Boo tickets are online-only.
• Build in arrival time. Pantophobia recommends arriving 15 minutes early, and the walk from its parking lot to the trail takes time.
• Check the weather plan. Pantophobia is outdoors and posts closure updates; Zoo Boo lists October 23–25 as rain dates. Confirm directly with organizers before travel.
• Read the fine print. Check ticket rules, age guidance, event access, and any resident-only or registration requirements.
• Plan parking and meals. Verify the event’s parking instructions and local restaurant hours, especially on busy weekend dates.

Where to Grab a Bite

Need a quick meal before or after the festivities? If it fits your route, Rich Knows NJ has covered Pizzamore in Carlstadt, including its meatball sandwich, and Los Gueros in Garfield in a taco review. Check each restaurant’s current hours and location before making it part of your Halloween plan: Pizzamore and Los Gueros.

You’re set: choose a date, confirm the latest event details, and make your Halloween plan. Early November events are a separate calendar. This guide sticks to Halloween and the final week of October.