Get Spooked at the Winchester Mystery House
Good For
- Play
- Socializing
- Something Different
Why Go
The notoriously haunted Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is a perfect Halloween getaway destination for both adults and families with kids.
Since its construction in 1886, the enormous mansion has had a reputation as a haunted house, with reports of paranormal activity. The unusual architecture and layout of its roughly 161 rooms, combined with the personal history and beliefs of its original owner, Sarah Winchester, account for its reputation.
For modern-day visitors on Halloween, you can choose between the standard mansion tour and a Halloween-specific event. The Halloween event changes every year, so you can make this getaway an annual tradition.
For 2025, the Halloween experience is called Festival Fright Nights. It includes live entertainment, haunted mazes, and a masquerade ball for VIP ticket holders. While the event is open to all ages, it’s best for kids 13 and older.
There are a few nearby attractions that you can add to your itinerary to make this a weekend getaway worthy of an overnight stay. With its mummies and Afterlife Gallery, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is a fascinating warm-up for a night of paranormal activity. The San Jose Ghost tour is also worth checking out. Adults and groups will enjoy the shopping, restaurants, and bars of Santana Row right across the street. Finally, families with young kids can explore the Children’s Discovery Museum.
Suggested Itinerary
For 2025, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is offering a special, one-night-only Halloween event. Since Festival Fright Nights extends to Saturday night, you can do both events and make it a complete frightful weekend! During the day on Saturday, warm up with the San Jose Ghost Tour. Wrap it up by visiting Santana Row on Sunday morning for brunch.
For families with young kids, visit the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum on Halloween night. On Saturday, visit the Children’s Discovery Museum. If the weather forecast is pleasant for your trip, consider playing the world’s largest Monopoly game (reservations required) as another fun daytime option. Then, visit the Winchester Mystery House for a mansion tour in the evening.
Things to Do
- Visit the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and the Children’s Discovery Museum.
- Warm up for Halloween with the San Jose Ghost Tour.
- Tour the Winchester Mystery House.
- Dine and drink at the restaurants and bars in Santana Row.
When to Go
The Halloween tours at the Winchester Mystery House happen every year starting in mid-September and run through October.
Cost
Adult tickets for Halloween at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum cost $20 online or $30 at the door. General admission for Festival Fright Nights costs $87.99, while VIP admission costs $147.99