As autumn hues settle over Nantucket, our island transforms into an eerie haven for Halloween. From ghostly decorations downtown to lively parades, trick-or-treating, and spooky science adventures, Nantucket offers something for everyone—young and old, silly and scary, ghoul and ghost. Here are some of our favorite decorated homes and yards…
From 1 to 4 pm on October 31, the Maria Mitchell Association staff invites all to a free Halloween event at their Hinchman House Natural Science Museum, 7 Milk Street. Join them in your costume for scavenger hunts, crafts, treats, and games.
All ages gather around 2:30 pm on Nantucket’s Main Street dressed as witches, pirates, fairies, superheroes, mythological creatures, cartoon characters and more. There may be musical pop-ups and other fun surprises during this afternoon of laughter, costume-spotting, and trick-or-treating at downtown shops. Local businesses go all out with festive displays.
The parade starts around 3:15 to 3:30 pm, from the historic Main Street Fountain to the top of Main and around. After the parade, families can head to the Whaling Museum at 13 Broad Street for a free, family-friendly Halloween event. From 3:30 to 6 pm, children can collect candy, have photos taken with a whimsical sea monster balloon, and visit the museum decked out in spooky style.
From 5–7 pm, an MMA Naturalist will lead a twilight walk from the Pocket Park at the corner of Main & Fair streets to the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum. Hear creepy island tales, learn about nocturnal animals, and collect materials for a vampire bat leaf craft. When you reach the museum, participants will help brew a witches’ potion and explore the myths and biology of bats. This is a free event, but registration is required.
As darkness falls, the island’s haunted history comes to life. Join Nantucket’s expert ghost tour guide for a chilling evening walk through five of the island’s most haunted spots—including the notorious “most haunted house.” The tour departs at 8 pm from the top of Main Street (in front of the brick bank building). Arrive early, bring cash (no reservations needed), and prepare for ghostly tales that will send a shiver down your spine. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $15 for teens, and $10 for kids ages 6–12.
For adults ready to keep the night alive, the Rose & Crown hosts its 10th Annual Halloween Party, complete with a live DJ, costume prizes, and spooky brews. It’s a night of dancing, laughter, and community spirit—the perfect way to cap off Nantucket’s Halloween festivities.
From family-friendly trick-or-treating to spine-tingling ghost tours, Halloween on Nantucket is a celebration that blends island charm with spooky fun. Whether you’re strolling through pumpkin-lined streets, skating in costume, or sipping a haunted brew downtown, the spirit of Halloween is alive and well on this historic island by the sea.
