Is the Ithaca Area the real Halloweentown?

Trumansburg becomes the Halloween epicenter and a must visit for All-Hallows-Eve fans and families.

September 22, 2023

Village of Trumansburg goes all out each year for Halloween, offering spectacular trick-or-treating experiences for families.
Neighborhoods block off thru traffic from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Funny choreographed witch dances, spooky decorated houses, entire neighborhoods designated for trick or treating. Put this on your spooky to do list.
For More Details on all things Halloween in Trumansburg … Read More

We’ve all watched the movie ‘Halloweentown’ and have marveled at the enchanting Halloween spirit it depicts, but what happens when an iconic waterfall destination coexists in the same village that potentially has some of the best trick or treating in the state? You get one of New York’s Best Experiences in the Ithaca Area!

Here is why you should be heading to the Ithaca area with your family this Halloween.

Just north of Ithaca lies the charming Village of Trumansburg. Many visitors come for the iconic Taughannock Falls, but little do they know about this unique, epic, Halloween spectacular held there every year.

Just last year, my family visited and immersed ourselves in the festivities. It felt like the entire village had been transformed into a haven for trick-or-treaters, with nearly every house participating in the event.

What’s even more fascinating is the group of volunteers who dressed up as witches and performed choreographed dances every 15 minutes or so.

The result? Happy children as we left, thoroughly entertained, feeling safe, and with a ton of candy in tow.

If you plan your day correctly, you can also enjoy the festivities in Ithaca Commons located in the city’s downtown area.

Planning a trip?… Here’s an itinerary for your visit:

Itinerary:

Waterfalls

Taughannock Falls

Taughannock Falls State Park boasts a magnificent 215-foot waterfall, scenic trails, and serene lakeside accommodations.

(607) 387-6739
1740 Taughannock Blvd Trumansburg
Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk.

Cool Towns

Downtown Trumansburg
It features a vibrant downtown with unique shops, eateries, and an artistic vibe, along with attractions like Taughannock State Park and Cayuga Lake, all just 20 minutes from Ithaca.

Foodie

Hazelnut Kitchen
607-387-4433
53 E Main St, Trumansburg, NY 14886
Open Wednesday – Saturday | 5pm – 8:30pm

Mainstreet Market
(607) 387-8646
21 E Main St, Trumansburg, NY 14886
Open Tuesday – Saturday | 9am – 7pm

Little Venice Trumansburg`
49 E Main St, Trumansburg, NY 14886
(607) 387-7044
Open Thursday – Tuesday | 11am – 9pm

Family Fun

Museum of the Earth
Embark on a journey through Earth’s prehistoric history, from the smallest trilobites to the mighty mastodon, using captivating and interactive displays, hands-on experiences, and breathtaking exhibits.

(607) 273-6623
1259 Trumansburg Rd. Ithaca, NY
Open Thursday – Monday | 10AM – 5PM

The Sciencenter
An interactive museum located in Ithaca, NY, sparks enthusiasm for science with engaging exhibits and educational programs that captivate and inform visitors.

607-272-0600
601 1st St, Ithaca, NY 14850
Open Tuesday – Sunday | 10AM – 5PM

Lodging

Inn at Taughannock Falls
(607) 387-7711
2030 Gorge Rd, Trumansburg, NY 14886

New York’s Best Experiences Team: Steven Fuller is a foodie and travel blogger from the Hudson Valley of New York State. Follow him at @FullerFinds

Halloween in Trumansburg

Trick-or-treating takes place on Halloween, a Tuesday evening this year, and the village will close streets to vehicle traffic in several heavily visited neighborhoods from 5-8 p.m., allowing families to visit houses safely.

The dancing witches, who perform on the front yard of a private residence at the intersection of Washington and Strowbridge streets, are a crowd favorite and people come from outside the village just to catch one of their performances, which take place about every 15 minutes for a 2-hour span. Make sure to take time from trick-or-treating to catch one of the shows.

The Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, at 5 McLallen Street, is hosting an open house on Halloween, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31, with treats and warm drinks available. The venue’s “Into the Wild(e)” exhibit, its 39^th annual invitational featuring the work of six artists, will also be on display.

Also on Halloween night, the Trumansburg First Baptist Church at 4443 Seneca Road, and Trumansburg United Methodist Church at 80 Main Street, will both be hosting trunk-or-treat events from 5-7 p.m. The Calvary Baptist Church, at 5 Bradley Street, will be handing out candy, hot chocolate and coffee.

Kicking off the Halloween event schedule ahead of the official day, the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts is hosting The Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Costume Party from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, October 28. The night, which is a ticketed event, will include a screening of the film, as well as music and a costume contest. There also will be Rocky Packs filled with audience participation goodies and refreshments available, and plenty of other surprises.

There will be two other adult-oriented events taking place on Saturday, October 28. Little Venice, located at 49 E Main Street, will have a Halloween party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., featuring a costume contest and live music from the band Betty’s Ghost. Cedarwood Event Venue, located at 9632 Route 96, is hosting Nightmare on 96 at 7 p.m., with musical performance from Junior Rich Project. Costumes are encouraged.

On Sunday, October 29, the 2^nd Annual Halloween Classic cyclocross event, at 271 Aiken Road and starting at 11 a.m., will take place for self-powered bikes only. There is a $20 cash-only entry fee and costumes are required to be eligible to race. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in men’s and women’s divisions, and for overall racers.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Halloween festivities, visit Trumansburg this spooky season.