Where to Spend Halloween in Toronto

As you chug pumpkin spice lattes like there’s a prize at the bottom, we know you’re more than ready for Halloween to arrive. So what’s it going to be this year? Barb from “Stranger Things”? Harley Quinn from “Suicide Squad”? Jon Snow from “Game of Thrones”? Whatever your costume, you have to show it off. Here are some of the top places to spend Halloween in Toronto:

Toronto After Dark Film Festival
Scotiabank Theatre, 259 Richmond St.
October 13-21, 2016

If you’re the kind of person who likes gore, violence, and mayhem (preferably in the fiction sense), head down to Scotiabank Theatre. Over the course of nine nights, genres like horror, sci-fi, action (plus cult classics) play on the big screen. Prepare to clutch your seat and try not to scream in your neighbour’s eardrums too loudly.

Monster Mash
Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, 25 British Columbia Rd  
October 28, 2016

If you’re going to go big for Halloween, there’s one party you simply can’t miss: Monster Mash. With roughly 5,000 ghouls and gals attending, it’s one of the biggest Toronto Halloween events. DJs spin into the early hours of the morning, with a number of music genres to put everyone in the spirit–and by spirit, we mean black lights and black outs. It’s a hell of a party.

Ghost Ship
Empress of Canada Cruise Ships, 260 Queens Quay W #1408
October 29, 2016

Partying on land was so last year. When you’re asking yourself where to celebrate Halloween, climb aboard the Empress of Canada Cruise Line, which hosts a Halloween ball on the three-levelled ship. Enjoy everything from reggae and techno to old school R&B and house music. And not to worry if you’re wearing something naughty for the holiday. The top deck is covered and heated.

Haunted Hotel Bash
Four Points by Sheraton, 6090 Dixie Road
October 29, 2016

Trust us, the Haunted House Bash at the Four Points by Sheraton isn’t the creepy barn from your childhood. This is a wild party, full of hors d’oeuvres, prizes, and DJs spinning crowd favourites like Top 40, dance, and R&B. The best part? The event lasts until 3 a.m. Looks like you should bring some flats in your purse to this spooky haunted house in Toronto!

The Nightmare Before Halloween Party
Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St W
October 29, 2016

It’s not a Toronto Halloween without a dash of Tim Burton. Fall into the world of Jack and Sally when you arrive in style to the Nightmare Before Halloween party at the Gladstone Hotel. The hotel is decorated with familiar sights from Burton’s movies, along with music, prizes, and dancers. Guests are encouraged to dress up as one of Tim Burton’s characters—or Tim himself. He’s practically rocking the Halloween look all year.

Halloween is the perfect time to be a monster, a king, or anything else. And Toronto is the perfect place for freaks, geeks, and fiends to ready for a night of fun. Buckle in, and enjoy the holiday in style.