{"id":17012,"date":"2025-10-23T10:29:13","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T10:29:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/17012\/"},"modified":"2025-10-23T10:29:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T10:29:13","slug":"20-of-orlandos-best-decorated-halloween-homes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/17012\/","title":{"rendered":"20 of Orlando’s best-decorated Halloween homes"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the night of Halloween draws nearer, neighborhoods have seen more ghoulish gatherings and creepy characters coming to life to create haunted houses.<\/p>\n

Perfectly happy suburban homes have been transformed into spooky spectacles that tell tales of zombies, ghosts, ghouls, vampires, witches and plenty more. Some of these Halloween displays incorporate lights that dance to music, animatronics that come to life and graveyards full of tombstones. Others play on nightmares and stir up clinical cases of the heebie jeebies.<\/p>\n

For our fourth annual Orlando Sentinel Spooky Awards, we\u2019re highlighting 20 haunted homes that stand out during the 2025 Halloween season.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe home at 205 Celebration Blvd. in Celebration is decorated with the facade of a castle, an animatronic band, a mad scientist’s lab and a graveyard. (Courtesy Tony Evans)
\nCreepy Castle<\/p>\n

The hard work of Tony Evans and his son is on full display for a larger-than-life spooky spectacle in Celebration. A normal house has been transformed into a castle of Halloween with a moon in the background, a graveyard, an animatronic band, a mad scientist\u2019s lab and even the mystery machine complete with Scooby Doo and the gang. Many elements are handmade or customized to fit the display.<\/p>\n

Address: 205 Celebration Blvd. in Celebration<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Plaisted family’s home at 231 Celebration Blvd. in Celebration features ghoulish figures and sinister spirits haunting the front yard. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nGhoulish Gathering<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a ghoulish gathering happening in the front yard of the Plaisted family\u2019s Celebration home. The macabre meet-up includes skeletons, a scarecrow with a scythe and ghouls of all sizes. Set on one of Celebration\u2019s main roads, the home has received many compliments from passersby.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a0231 Celebration Blvd. in Celebration<\/p>\n

\"BanborBanbor Lights at 7237 Mystic Brook Way in Davenport are lit up with a dancing spectacle for Halloween. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nDevil Went Down to Davenport<\/p>\n

While this Davenport dancing display has made the list of the Orlando Sentinel\u2019s Twinkly Awards<\/a> several years in a row, Jeff Banbor\u2019s home lights up for more than one holiday. Lights pulse to the music, characters sing along and spotlights shine into the night with a playlist that includes an a cappella cover of The Haunted Mansion\u2019s \u201cGrim Grinning Ghosts,\u201d Rob Zombie\u2019s \u201cDragula\u201d and even \u201cThe Devil Went Down to Georgia.\u201d<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a07237 Mystic Brook Way in Davenport<\/p>\n

\"JeffJeff Earley and Kevin Cichon have gone over the top with this year’s “Nightmares Unleashed” Halloween display at 2119 E. Jefferson St. in Orlando. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nNightmares Unleashed<\/p>\n

Four distinct nightmares \u2014 radioactive spiders, cannibal clowns, a cemetery coven and a pumpkin harvest of souls \u2014 come to life in the front yard of Jeff Earley and Kevin Cichon. Visitors can see a gothic cemetery complete with a hand-built wall, a headless horseman, figures with glowing eyes that tower over the yard and a funhouse clown set. Be on the lookout for \u201ceaster eggs\u201d that pay tribute to classic horror films as well. All of this is the product of months of hard work that went into this extravagant Halloween display, complete with fog machines and dramatic lighting over the whole front lawn.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a02119 E. Jefferson St. in Orlando<\/p>\n

\"TheThe home of George Case at 1901 Mosher Drive in Orlando is decorated with handmade wooden Halloween decorations. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nHandmade Halloween<\/p>\n

George Case\u2019s lawn is packed with wooden Halloween cutouts: black cats, skeletons, werewolves and ghouls of all shapes and sizes. One of the highlights is Boo, the ghost that\u2019s afraid of his own shadow. The decorations were lovingly handmade from wood and, in many cases, painted by Case\u2019s late wife, Beatrice, to whom he dedicates this display<\/a>. At 88 years old, the longtime Orlando resident still does what he can each year to help the neighborhood get into the Halloween spirit.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a01901 Mosher Drive in Orlando<\/p>\n

\"TheThe home of Becky Schaff and Jason Jakubowski at 1401 Henry Balch Drive in Orlando is decorated with octopus arms and decor based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nMiskatonic University<\/p>\n

The home of Becky Schaff and Jason Jakubowski takes inspiration from horror and fantasy writer H.P. Lovecraft. Visitors can see Cthulu, a skeleton with an octopus on its head, and the gates to Miskatonic University, the fictional institution that\u2019s home to an extensive collection of occult books.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a01401 Henry Balch Drive in Orlando<\/p>\n

\"TheThe home at 913 N. Thornton Ave. in Orlando has a witch coven, gargoyles, skeletons and a cemetery. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nCoven Companions<\/p>\n

On a quiet street near Orlando\u2019s Mills 50 neighborhood, there\u2019s a sinister scene unfolding. A pair of skeletons hauls a body bag through a creepy cemetery; meanwhile, ghouls and spirits lurk and hover in the air. A witch coven also gathers around a cauldron with more than just a hint of mischief in the air.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a0913 N. Thornton Ave. in Orlando<\/p>\n

\"TheThe home of Shawn and Ryan Tofte is decorated as the Enchanted Lantern House each Halloween at 1422 Ferris Ave. in Orlando. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nEnchanted Lanterns<\/p>\n

During the Halloween season, Shawn and Ryan Tofte\u2019s house illuminates with a cool blue hue cast over the home while jack-o\u2019-lanterns provide a warm glow on the porch. Although they rest under the watchful eye of a caretaker, a few of the pumpkins have been known to come to life, singing and telling playful tales.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a01412 Ferris Ave. in Orlando<\/p>\n

\"TheThe home at 3733 S. Fern Creek Ave. in Orlando has tall skeletons and a lawnmower “accident.” (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nMower Murder<\/p>\n

While lawnmowers are typically used for landscaping, they can also be used for lopping off limbs, as seen in the display at a suburban Orlando home on South Fern Creek Avenue. One skeleton is mowing right over another, which is being sucked into the blades. Another skeleton is tending to a bucket of slime; meanwhile, towering figures watch over the yard.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a03733 S. Fern Creek Ave. in Orlando<\/p>\n

\"TheThe home of Joe Choss has been decorated for Halloween for more than 20 years with the help of his son. The house is at 8327 Lost Lake Drive in Orlando. (Courtesy Joe Choss)
\nHaunting of Lost Lake<\/p>\n

Joe Choss has been decorating his front yard for more than 20 years with the help of his son. At their previous house, they built a full haunted trail. Now, a light-up spider web is a focal point of the yard, which also includes floating ghouls, skeletons, gravestones and a mummy. Many of the features are handmade.<\/p>\n

Address: 8327 Lost Lake Drive in Orlando<\/p>\n

\"InIn addition to featuring tall skeletons and ghoulish figures, the home of David Swerzenski at 11919 Allamanda Court in Orlando features gravestones that pay homage to Orlando-area attractions that have been retired to the pages of history. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nRIP FastPass<\/p>\n

David Swerzenski\u2019s front yard is filled to the brim with Halloween decor, including a towering werewolf, skeleton, a floating witch and more creepy characters. But the \u201challowed grounds\u201d also serve as the final resting place to Orlando\u2019s closed attractions, shows and more. Find gravestones for Poseidon\u2019s Fury, Dueling Dragons, FastPass, The Great Movie Ride, Back to the Future, Earthquake and many more.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a011919 Allamanda Court in Orlando<\/p>\n

\"TheThe home of Zan Bates at 4042 Conway Place Circle in Orlando features inspiration from the film ‘Psycho’ with scenes from the Bates Motel. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nBates Motel<\/p>\n

Zan Bates took inspiration from his own last name when crafting his front yard display themed after the movie \u201cPsycho.\u201d The film focuses on murders that take place at the Bates Motel. The scenes come to life in Bates\u2019 front yard display, which also includes a cemetery with a grave for Florida Man. Inscribed on the tombstone: \u201cHere, Hold My Beer!\u201d<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a04042 Conway Place Circle in Orlando<\/p>\n

\"TheThe home of Jordan Alderman at 7604 Country Run Parkway in Orlando is decked out with inflatables, animatronics, handmade tombstones and fog. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nChill in the Air<\/p>\n

Inflatables take the spotlight in this display crafted by Jordan Alderman, which is completed with spooky fog. See several versions of Frankenstein, handmade gravestones, spiders on the roof, vampires and a separate pumpkin patch full of orange decor.<\/p>\n

Address: 7604 Country Run Parkway in Orlando<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Williams Holiday House has many characters on the front lawn and a tent of clowns at 15304 E. Oakland Ave. in Winter Garden. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nWilliams Holiday House<\/p>\n

For years, the home of the Williams family has been known for extravagant Christmas and Halloween displays. This year, guests can find a Haunted Mansion set with the hitchhiking ghosts, a backyard cemetery, a tent with a three-headed dog, a maze filled with clowns, a mad scientist\u2019s lab and even Star Wars characters.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a015304 E. Oakland Ave. in Winter Garden<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Lights on Cavender Creek brings hundreds of visitors throughout the Halloween season to see a dancing display that includes a song from “KPop Demon Hunters” this year. The home is at 1362 Cavender Creek Road in Minneola. (Courtesy Randeeh Cruz)
\nA Spooky Spectacle<\/p>\n

This Central Florida holiday display by Randeeh and Grace Cruz might be visible from space. With thousands of LED lights that can be individually programmed and spotlights on the roof, the Lights on Cavender Creek presents a light show with a playlist of Halloween-themed songs, including a popular track from \u201cKPop Demon Hunters\u201d and an Ozzy Osbourne medley. Visitors can scan a QR code on location to select their favorite song and see fog-filled bubbles on the weekends.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a01362 Cavender Creek Road in Minneola<\/p>\n

Hours:\u00a07-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 7-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday<\/p>\n

\"TheThe home of James Henderson features Capt. Davy Jones and a skeleton crew on a pirate ship at 404 Oakhurst St. in Altamonte Springs. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nSleeping with the Fishes<\/p>\n

A swashbuckling gang of pirates has landed in Altamonte Springs with a skeleton crew spearheaded by Davy Jones himself. See a life-sized pirate ship in the front yard of James Henderson, complete with fog trickling out of the cannons.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a0404 Oakhurst St. in Altamonte Springs<\/p>\n

\"AA trio of homes starting with 2006 Mohican Trail in Maitland combine to make a pirate-themed display. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nScallywag Central<\/p>\n

Three families in Maitland have teamed up for a pirate-themed display that starts with a massive pirate ship complete with flags, a lookout and a cannon all staffed by skeletons. The next house plays host to the \u201cScallywag Saloon,\u201d where any misbehaving skeleton pirates are sent to the jail next door. That element, which also includes a cemetery, completes the trifecta of pirate skeleton displays.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a02006 Mohican Trail in Maitland<\/p>\n

\"TheThe historic home of Rhett Delaney at 1331 Aloma Ave. in Winter Park is lit up with bats and spiders. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nGhoulishly Glowing<\/p>\n

The historic home of Rhett Delaney and his family doesn\u2019t have a large fake cemetery or skeletons towering over the yard, but it does have clean, colorful lights that add to the ambiance of Halloween along Aloma Avenue in Winter Park. With light-up bats and a spider, it\u2019s just the right touch to accent the home\u2019s stature. If the installation looks professional, it\u2019s because it was done by\u00a0Johannessen Lights<\/a>, a company that specializes in holiday lighting.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a01331 Aloma Ave. in Winter Park<\/p>\n

\""Silver“Silver Scream \u2014 Cursed” is the movie-inspired theme for this year at the Storyteller of Vennetta haunted house at 13161 Vennetta Way in Windermere. (Patrick Connolly\/Orlando Sentinel)
\nTerrifying Theaters<\/p>\n

In Windermere, A.J. Martinez has a haunted house that has taken over his family\u2019s two-car garage every year since he and his wife moved to Central Florida in 2019. Experience the \u201cSilver Scream \u2014 Cursed,\u201d which brings horror characters from favorite films to life. Animatronics lurch at guests as they walk through scenes from theater to theater.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a013161 Vennetta Way in Windermere<\/p>\n

Hours: 7:30-10 p.m. Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1 (open until 11 p.m. on Halloween)<\/p>\n

More Info:\u00a0storytellerhaunt.wixsite.com\/storytellerhaunt<\/a><\/p>\n

\"LaureateLaureate Park Lights illuminates with a dancing show that features music from “Wicked” to the Grateful Dead at 8195 Upper Perse Circle in Orlando. (Courtesy Kevin Crossman)
\nLaureate Park Lights<\/p>\n

In a Halloween spectacle that\u2019s sweet, synchronized and a little spooky, Laureate Park Lights aims to dazzle the Lake Nona community with lights that dance to music. See singing pumpkins, dancing spiders, glistening ghouls, bats and more in this animated showcase of seasonal spirit. This year\u2019s playlist features music from \u201cWicked\u201d and songs by the Grateful Dead, The Doors and Taylor Swift.<\/p>\n

Address:\u00a08195 Upper Perse Circle in Orlando<\/p>\n

Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or send me an email:\u00a0pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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