The Ultimate Guide to Fall in America: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Foliage, & More!

Is it just us or is fall such an underrated season? While many people are excited about their spring and summer bucket lists, there's just something about fall that stirs up so many feelings. It can be spooky or mysterious, warm and cozy, and is overall a spectacular season. So, if you want to make the most of fall, we got you! Here are our top picks for the best activities and experiences for an unforgettable fall:

• Major Halloween events like Universal Halloween Horror Nights, Knott's Scary Farm, Six Flags' Fright Fest, and Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream.
• Kiddie Halloween events and trick-or-treating at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort's Oogie Boogie Bash, SeaWorld Spooktacular, and LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat.
• Captivating trips to national parks like the majestic Yosemite, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Acadia.
• City and nature explorations with Big Bus Tours, Unlimited Biking, and more scenic railway tours.
• Popular Thanksgiving traditions and the best Thanksgiving gift ideas
• Fall events that go beyond Halloween such as Dia de los Muertos, Food and Wine Festivals, Oktoberfest, Harvest Festivals, and more.

In this guide, we will explore the top fall festivities that you should not miss. We will also walk you through exciting deals and giveaways that you can enjoy for this amazing season. Are you ready for a fantastic fall season with FunEx? Keep reading.

Top Halloween Events Across America

Let's be real. The fall or autumn season is almost synonymous with Halloween. Easily one of the most popular events every year, Halloween is always highly anticipated by explorers of all ages. There are lots of Halloween events in the US annually, but here are the major ones you just can't miss.

Universal Halloween Horror Nights

Basically the Da Vinci of all Halloween events in the US, and we're glad that we're not even exaggerating. Universal has mastered the formula for the perfect Halloween event in terms of scare levels and horror aesthetics.Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights feature haunted houses, mazes, and scare zones inspired by your favorite horror movies.

If those movies got all your hair raised, you'd probably experience the same in this event, or maybe even more. When you meet such realistic characters from the dark side, you'll see why Universal Horror Nights has won the "Golden Ticket Award for the Best Halloween Event" several times. The event also features themed food and drinks, perfect to fuel you after letting those loud screams out. We're 100% sure that you'll love Halloween Horror Nights, but keep in mind that this isn't for the faint-hearted, so only guests aged 13 and up can come. Wanna know why? See for yourself and grab those discount tickets now.

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Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World® Resort

You might be thinking that it's impossible to put scary and Mickey Mouse in the same sentence or phrase. But that's actually the point. If your heart can't take the intensity of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, this adorable Halloween celebration is perfect for you. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom® Park offers a spookily adorable way to spend fall's biggest event.

As the name suggests, this event will feature not so scary but rather adorable Halloween fun. If seeing Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their Halloween outfits isn't amazing enough, you'll have to see the other good stuff too. From spectacular light shows featuring Disney villains you love to hate and sparkling fireworks to themed food and merchandise, you'll have a blast. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is great for families with children. Candies will flood along the trick-or-treating trails, and you might bump into your beloved characters at the park. Disney and Halloween, what's even better than that?

Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort - Oogie Boogie Bash

Now if you can't travel to Orlando for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, you can still celebrate Halloween Disney-style. Visit the Happiest Place on Earth for the Oogie Boogie Bash and see the fall vibes glow in every corner. Halloween time at Disneyland® Resort means gorgeous fall decorations, Halloween overlays on rides and attractions, and themed food and drinks. Spot some giant Mickey Mouse pumpkins and enjoy spooky immersive trails for lots of trick-or-treating.

Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure® will also showcase fun character experiences. See your beloved Disney characters in their colorful Halloween costumes as you load your treat bags with lots of sweets. It's definitely a must-experience event if you're into fall vibes, because every corner of Disneyland® is Instagram-worthy! Plus, if you are travelling with your family, the kids will surely love this, so what more could you ask for this fall?

Knott's Scary Farm

Mixing bone-chilling trails and big theme park thrills might seem a little "too much" for some. But wait until you experience Halloween at Knott's Berry Farm! For some fall fun and adrenaline-packed adventure, come to Knott's Scary Farm. And don't let the family-friendly branding fool you, because this event features some of the most horrifying mazes in the US.

Apart from the terrifying haunted houses, scare zones, and mazes, Knott's Scary Farm also boasts an extensive menu of Halloween themed food and drinks. If you are looking for a top-notch Halloween experience with family-friendly theme park fun, this is perfect for you!

Six Flags Fright Fest

Wait, what? Another amusement park? You'll be surprised how many amusement parks in the US go big on Halloween festivities. Just like Knott's Scary Farm, Fright Fest at Six Flags Parks truly lives up to its name. It's fun, it's thrilling, and it's super frightening. For fans of horror flicks, Fright Fest showcases haunted zones and mazes inspired by famous horror movies. Kids can also have Halloween fun with Tricks and Treats, so be sure not to miss this out!

Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream

Just like Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags Parks, this perfectly blends chills and thrills. Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream is an annual Halloween festival for adults at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, and Tampa Bay, Florida. During the day, the parks operate with family-friendly rides, but at night, they transform into a spooky, thrilling environment filled with intense scares and dark entertainment.

Howl-O-Scream is a fantastic fall event because it has everything you need in a Halloween festival. Immersive haunted houses, themed scare zones, thrill rides in the dark, and sinfully exciting entertainment make this event a fan-favorite. Whether you're a fan of thrilling attractions or terrifying trips, this is the perfect fall event for you.

SeaWorld Spooktacular

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular is one of the best fall events since it provides a fun, family-friendly Halloween celebration during the day, all included with your regular park admission. Spooktacular is different from many Halloween events at theme parks that are scary and need extra tickets at night. It is designed for families with kids of all ages to enjoy fun autumn activities in the daylight.

This event showcases a more vibrant and relaxed atmosphere, as the park transforms into an autumn wonderland. Expect fun trick-or-treating activities, Halloween costume parties, and adorable live shows featuring sea animals.

Sesame Place Halloween

Sesame Street fans, it's your time to shine! Sesame Place's The Count's Halloween Spooktacular is a great fall adventure. The park becomes a fun Halloween place with light-hearted entertainment. Families can enjoy themed activities like a Trick-or-Treat Trail, the Count-Along Castle Halloween Maze, interactive scarecrow hunts, and Spookley's Pumpkin Patch.

There's also a lively Halloween Parade, special musical shows, and chances to take pictures with favorite Sesame Street characters in festive costumes. It offers a fun and exciting autumn experience designed for young kids.

LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat

CALIFORNIA | FLORIDA | NEW YORK

Get ready for a bricktacular Halloween celebration! Level up your spooky fun at Brick-or-Treat! This one-of-a-kind event has everything from LEGO-themed Halloween character meet-and-greets and a Monster Dance Party to Halloween-themed food and shows.

Don't forget to wear your Halloween costumes for an extra dose of fun while trick-or-treating around the resort. It's a must-see for everyone, no matter your age!

Fall Foliage & Nature Trip

Not really a fan of scary stuff and Halloween parties? Don't fret, because you can still make the most of the fall season with these captivating nature adventures:

National Park Tours (Yosemite, The Great Smoky Mountain, Acadia)

Besides the fun Halloween events and festivals, do you know what's the best thing about fall / autumn? It's the weather. Fall weather in the U.S. is a time of change. It usually has fine, warm days and cool nights. With temperatures averaging between 50°F to 70°F, it's the perfect time to go outdoors! And what's a better outdoor activity than exploring the finest national parks?

• Yosemite, a gem in California's Sierra Nevada, attracts adventurers and photographers with its stunning views, including Half Dome and El Capitan. This World Heritage Site, featuring Yosemite Falls, is a must-visit for millions each year. Yosemite champions the national park movement, offering habitat for diverse wildlife and a playground for hiking and climbing. Visiting is more than just traveling; it's an unforgettable experience in nature's beauty.
• Elevate your national park adventure with the Smoky Mountains Newfound Gap Jeep Tour!. This three-hour tour starts in Pigeon Forge and takes you one mile above sea level to Newfound Gap. Your guide will highlight the Appalachian Trail and the historic Rockefeller Memorial. Enjoy an exhilarating ride in the Great Smoky Mountains!
• Discover the stunning beauty of Acadia National Park on exciting small group tours! You'll be surrounded by gorgeous coastal views, beautiful waterfalls, and charming trails. Keep your eyes open for wildlife like eagles, deer, and seals while you explore the park's captivating scenery. Expert guides will share interesting stories about the park's history, diverse ecosystems, and fun facts about the vibrant wildlife.

Fun City Tours

The fine autumn weather allows you to experience the finest spots in your city. Ride a bus or a bike and make the best fall memories with Big Bus Tours and Unlimited Biking! Take in the mesmerizing spots of top US cities like New York and San Francisco, and enjoy a customizable experience with your loved ones.

For an unforgettable fall experience for couples, hop into a lovely Private White Mountains Tour with Mount Washington Cog Railway. FunEx offers a wide range of ticket options for scenic railway tours you can enjoy this fall. Make sure to check them out!

Thanksgiving Traditions & Events

Fall is also the season for Thanksgiving! Here are some popular traditions and events you can enjoy during this beloved fall holiday.

• Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Since 1924, this huge parade in New York City has been an American autumn tradition. It has giant balloons, marching bands, fancy floats, and performance groups. Millions of people fill the streets of Manhattan, while many more watch from home on Thanksgiving morning to celebrate the holiday.
• Friendsgiving - Thanksgiving Day is typically spent with family, but leading up to it, "Friendsgiving" has gained a lot of popularity. This casual, potluck-style autumn feast is all about friends getting together. It lets people celebrate their chosen family, play around with different recipes, and enjoy the cozy fall atmosphere before they travel for the holiday.
• Try your Autumn Luck with FunEx's November to Remember Giveaway! Win tickets to top fall destinations for you and your family by joining this Instagram giveaway. Stay tuned for more details

Treat your besties this autumn with memorable dining, wellness, or adventure packages. For quick yet thoughtful Friendsgiving presents, check out the top discounted gift cards that FunEx offers!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals

For all the shopaholics out there, gird your loins! Fall is not exclusive to Halloween and Thanksgiving; it's also the best season for HUGE DISCOUNTS! We will be dropping some fall-tastic ticket deals and adventure packages, so make sure to mark your calendars!

Fall Events Beyond Halloween: Día de los Muertos, Oktoberfest & More

Like I mentioned earlier, autumn offers a lot of colorful experiences for all ages. Theme parks like Disneyland® and SeaWorld host exciting festivities to celebrate Día de los Muertos. We especially love the Happiest Place on Earth's Día de los Muertos event inspired by the fan-favorite Coco film. Swing by Disney California Adventure® Park and feel of the spirit of family and togetherness this fall.

Love beer and some authentic German cuisine? Oktoberfest will be an exceptional treat for you and your buddies! Come to Six Flags parks for this awesome and bubbly experience. Lastly, the popular EPCOT® International Food and Wine Festival is about to tickle your taste buds and treat your tummies this fall. Savor global dishes and delicacies by top culinary masters at Walt Disney World® Resort. It's gonna be an event to remember!

Plan and Make the Most Fall-tastic Memories with FunEx

Now, does fall deserve to be underrated still? This season is absolutely divine; with fine weather and lots of fun surprises through and through. Visit these amazing fall destinations and create the best memories with your loved ones. The catch? You don't have to break the bank!

FunEx is always ready to help you plan exciting adventures, one discount ticket at a time. Grab your discounted tickets, pack your bags, and prepare for more fall-tastic moments you'll never forget. Everybody deserves an amazing autumn. See you in the fall season, FunExplorers!