Halloween Events in Truckee

As autumn’s golden hand sweeps across the Sierra Nevada, Truckee dons a cloak of crisp air, rustling leaves, and whispered stories. In 2025, this mountain town readies itself for a celebration that blends history, fantasy, and community in a Halloween full of thrills, chills, and local charm. From haunted walking tours to costumed parades through downtown, here’s your guide to the season in Truckee.

The Star Attraction: Truckee’s Historical Haunted Tour

Each October, a handful of brave souls join the town’s premier haunted experience: Truckee’s Historical Haunted Tour. Over two nights (October 16 and 17 in 2025), participants move through historic downtown Truckee as actors embody characters from the town’s past. Through seven chilling sites, they deliver tales that merge local lore, settler history, and the supernatural.

This isn’t just a walking tour — it’s an immersive narrative. Guests are drawn into stories of early pioneers, haunted buildings, and the darker corners of Truckee’s past. Because tickets tend to sell out quickly, organizers open sales in early July, and the event often fills its slots months in advance. Click here for more information.

Essentials & Tips

The tour is restricted to adults (21+), and IDs are required at check-in.

Expect theatrical performances, moody lighting, and surprises.

Dress in layers — October nights in Truckee can be chilly.

Arrive early to your starting point (often around the Historic Truckee Hotel/Moody’s Bistro area).

If tickets are sold out, don’t despair — Truckee offers alternatives for ghost hunters and curious wanderers.

Downtown Halloween Festivities & Parades

The heart of Truckee comes alive the Friday before Halloween, when the town hosts a community parade and trick-or-treat route through its historic core. By evening, families in costumes line Donner Pass Road and wind their way to the Community Arts Center, where candy, music, and more await.

This downtown gathering is a highlight of the season — friendly, whimsical, and full of local spirit. Children, parents, neighbors, and visitors all get into the fun, making it a perfect mix of small-town charm and seasonal magic. Click here for more information.

Other Spooky & Festive Offerings

Truckee’s Halloween isn’t limited to just one or two events. There’s a whole calendar of autumn delights:

Fall Festival & Harvest Day: Earlier in the month, Truckee hosts its fall festival at the Northwoods Clubhouse, featuring bounce houses, pony rides, and seasonal treats.

Spooky Movie Nights: On Friday evenings in October, the Northwoods Clubhouse screens family-friendly Halloween films — popcorn, cozy seats, and just enough chill to feel festive.

Costumed Runs & Fun Runs: For the energetic, Truckee’s Fall Fun Run invites participants to don costumes and run routes of 1 mile, 5K, or 10K on the scenic Legacy Trail. Post-race goodies and cheer help seal the Halloween vibe.

Self-Guided Ghost Walks & Paranormal Exploration: For those who can’t snag a haunted tour ticket (or prefer to wander at their own pace), Truckee has options. A downtown historic walking route lets you explore old buildings, plaques, and rumored haunted sites. The local library even offers ghost-hunting kits you can borrow to enhance your own adventure. Some patrons also claim paranormal encounters at the historic Truckee Hotel bar.

Community Halloween Events: Be on the lookout for events like a Halloween-themed cocktail bingo, haunted blossoms, and other local happenings in art centers and community venues.

Why Truckee’s Halloween Is Worth the Trip

Historic soul with spooky storytelling — The haunted tour emphasizes storytelling rooted in place, making each stop feel alive.

Community & accessibility — The downtown parade and festivities invite everyone, from toddlers in costumes to longtime locals.

Mix of scheduled and spontaneous — With both ticketed experiences and self-guided options, you can customize your Halloween.

Fall atmosphere & mountain charm — Between the crunch of leaves, mountain breezes, and heritage architecture, Truckee provides the perfect stage for Halloween.

Whether you come for the dramatic haunted tour, the parade of ghosts on Donner Pass, or your own ghost-hunting strolls, Truckee delivers a Halloween that’s rich in character, community, and just the right amount of chills.

Contact us today for information about homes for sale in Truckee and Lake Tahoe. We can also provide a no-obligation value estimation on your home if you are thinking of listing it for sale.