Guide to Gwinnett

​Guide to Gwinnett: Halloween

This is Halloween, this is Halloween.

Ever wondered why we celebrate Halloween? Well, according to History.com, "It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats."

And so, here we are today where we typically celebrate the holiday with cute costumes and trick-or-treating with children. The great thing about Gwinnett is, there are even more ways to get in the spirit of Halloween! We're here to tell you about them in this version of Guide to Gwinnett: Halloween.

Visit a local haunt. Whether you participate in one of the many ghost tours offered in Gwinnett, or head over to Netherworld Haunted House, there are lots of ways to get your scare on this Halloween.

See a show. Head over to the Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center for Movie Monday's, where they'll be showing Boo, A Madea Halloween on October 23. If you're looking for something spookier for the adults, New Dawn Theater will be performing Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (may not be suitable for children). 

• Canine & Kids Carnival and Trunk or Treat @ Gwinnett Humane Society, Oct. 21
• Touch a Truck and Treat @ Bogan Park & Aquatic Center, Oct. 21
• Zombie Run nFest @ Braselton Park, Oct. 21
• Trick or Treat Trot @ Infinite Energy Area, Oct. 21
• Howl on the Green @ Duluth Town Green, Oct. 27
• Spooktacular on the Square @ Lawrenceville Lawn, Oct. 27
• "Dad"cula-Daughter Halloween Dance @ Rhodes Jordan Park, Oct. 27
• Train or Treat @ Southeastern Railway Museum, Oct. 28
• Suwanee's Trek or Treat @ Suwanee Creek Park, Oct. 28
• Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival @ Stone Mountain Park, Dates through Oct. 29
• Boo Bingo & Pizza Halloween Party @ Bethesda Park & Aquatic Center, Oct. 31

Attend events for the big kids. If you're looking for a more adult event (where you can still act like a kid), check out the Safe in Sound Party at Atlanta Coliseum, the 4th Annual Paranormal Party at Tannery Row, or Atlanta Comedy Theater's Halloween Bash.

There you have it—a guide to get you started on your Halloween celebrations! There are so many events and attractions to partake in. Comment below, and tell us how you'll celebrate this Hallows’ Eve.