Guide to Gwinnett: 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 (recently named one of ten best Haunted Houses in the US by CNN) there are lots of ways to get your scare on this Halloween.

• Chef & Winemake Dinner: The Haunted Vineyard @ Chateau Elan, OCt. 18
• Party like a MonSTAR @ Georgia Pierce Park, Oct. 18
• Braselton Zombie 5K Run @ Downtown Braselton, Oct. 19
• Trick or Treat Trail @ Rhodes Jordan Park, Oct. 19
• Light up Norcross Lantern & Costume Parade @ Thrasher Park, Oct. 19
• Aurora Children's Playhouse: Halloween Magic Show @ Aurora Theatre, Oct. 19
• Howl on the Green @ Duluth Town Green, Oct. 25
• Boo Fest & Trunk or Treat @ Lawrenceville Lawn, Oct. 25
• Train or Treat @ Southeastern Railway Museum, Oct. 26
• Harvest Festival @ Peachtree Corners Town Green, Oct. 26
• Trick or Treat Fall Festival @ Yellow River Water Reclamation Facility, Oct. 26
• Trek or Treat @ Sims Lake Park, Oct. 27
• Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival @ Stone Mountain Park, Dates through Oct. 27
• Malloween @ Sugarloaf Mills, Oct. 30
• Nightmare on Main Street @ Good Word Brewing, 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), the 6th Annual Paranormal Party at Tannery Row or A Very Wicked Halloween at Lincoln Fill Station. Also be sure to hop on a Boos & Brews Haunted Pub Crawl. Anderby Brewing will also be throwing a Spooktacular Party. Show off your best Halloween costume at Lil' Beer Fest.

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.