Halloween is my favorite holiday. Not only is it a day that gives you an excuse to dress up in costume but I love the spooky decor and almost every activity associated with celebrating Halloween night. Haunted houses, scary movies, pumpkin carving, I’m into it all.

For those of you based in Chicago, I’ve gathered some of my favorite celebratory activities – so if you’re still looking for ways to celebrate Halloween, look no further. I’ve got you covered.

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns – Chicago Botanic Garden

Every year the Chicago Botanic Gardens display 1,000 hand carved pumpkins in their beautiful gardens. The event starts in the evening and seeing hundreds of glowing jack-o’-lanterns flickering in the night is quite a sight to see. It’s a perfect event for all age groups.

This year it’s hosted on the following nights between 6:30 – 10:30 pm.

• October 16 – 20
• October 23 – 27

Visit an apple orchard

This is an option for those who may not be so into the “scary” aspect of Halloween. There are so many apple orchards surrounding Chicago and its so easy to head out to the country side and enjoy the taste of the season. We usually go to the All Seasons Apple Orchard which offers apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and a fun hay ride. If you have kiddos with you its a perfect non-scary option.

Host a murder mystery dinner party

These are so much fun and perfect if you don’t want to leave the house. I hosted my own Chicago 1920s Gangster themed dinner two years ago and have to find time to do it again. You can buy a kit online that makes the murder mystery part easy to set up. I used this one from “My Mystery Party.” All you have to do is make a guest list and assign the characters. The fun part is the decorating to match your theme. My Mystery Party offers a ton of different party themes – for next year I’ve got my eye on the Clue theme.

Lyric Opera Halloween Masquerade

Every year the young professionals organization of the Lyric Opera hosts a Halloween Masquerade. Early bird tickets cost around $100 and go to support the opera house and its performing arts activities. The setting is incredible (Chicago’s opera house is stunning!) and attendees get really into their costumes so it’s a fantastic way to people watch.

This year the event will be on October 26. Ted and I got tickets to go with a few friends and we can’t wait to dress up.

Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” with the Chicago Philharmonic

This is a Chicago classic. Held in Chicago’s Auditorium theater you get to watch the Nightmare Before Christmas while the Chicago Philharmonic plays the soundtrack live. Imagine that famous “This Is Halloween” song performed live – its fantastic and such a fun way to celebrate.

This year its hosted on the following dates at 7:30 pm :

• October 31
• November 1

How are you celebrating Halloween? Leave me a comment below because I’m always looking for new things to try out!