Holiday World’s dinosaur-themed Happy Halloween Weekends just picked up a national ranking. USA Today’s 10Best named it the #3 theme park Halloween event in the country, and the top-ranked one in the Midwest.
The event runs Saturdays and Sundays from September 19 to November 1, 2026, at the park in Santa Claus, Indiana. Its centerpiece is a 12-acre Dino Corn Maze Adventure. The other big draw is Dinos Soar in the Sky, a 500-drone show.
“It’s amazing that family-friendly events are out-ranking some of the haunted experiences at other parks,” says Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Holiday World’s Director of Communications and a fourth-generation owner.
What’s new at Happy Halloween Weekends this year?
The drone show now rotates between three entirely different shows. A new Halloween DJ dance party warms up the crowd before each drone show.
Two more additions fill out the entertainment lineup. Ghouling Pianos is new, and so is Halloween High School, an all-new stage show.
What else can you do at Holiday World’s Halloween event?
The park’s rides operate during the event, alongside two immersive walkthrough mazes, Kitty’s 3D Candy Farm and Carnival Chaos.
Carnival Chaos is aimed at older children and adults. A ghostly barker invites guests into an abandoned carnival full of clowns, or maybe just their reflections. Expect strobe lights and occasional loud noises.
Hayrides run through the event as well. Families can also visit Professor Holiday’s Wacky Workshop of Wonders, home of the self-proclaimed “World’s Greatest Inventor.”
Kitty’s Dance Spooktacular plays at Hoosier Celebration Theater. Kids 12 and younger can close out the afternoon on the Trick-or-Treat Trail. A fall menu of seasonal treats rounds things out.
How do tickets and passes work for Happy Halloween Weekends?
Tickets are sold online only, and children ages 3 and younger get in free. Guests staying at Santa’s Cottages, a Holiday World resort, can get discounted tickets.
2027 Season Passes are already on sale. Buy one and pay it off in full this year, and you can visit on Sundays during Happy Halloween Weekends.
Friday nights have their own thing going. Friday Night Live! continues through October 30 with night rides, live bands and drink specials.
One cold-weather note: when temperatures dip below 60 degrees, the park may close water-related rides.
Can you wear a costume to Holiday World?
Yes, as long as it’s family-friendly. That means no blood, guts, gore or revealing costumes. Full-face masks and weapons, real or fake, aren’t allowed.
On rides, you’ll need to remove capes, hats, scarves, costume wigs, handheld props and anything else that changes your body shape or height. Long or loose fabric must be secured inside the ride vehicle.
Source: Leah Koch
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