This fall, Halloween fun returns to the charming hills of Santa Claus, Indiana, beginning September 20 with Holiday World Happy Halloween Weekends 2025, and this year, the beloved event comes with a new dinosaur theme that’s set to transform the park into an immersive autumn adventure like never before.

Named one of the Top 10 Best Theme Park Halloween Events in the Nation by USA Today’s 10Best Awards last year—and nominated again for 2025—the family-friendly celebration blends festive fall traditions with high-energy thrills, interactive experiences, and, for the first time, towering Jurassic-era creatures.

“Dinosaurs bring out the kid in everyone—it’s a perfect match for a family-friendly Halloween event,” says Matt Eckert, Holiday World’s President & CEO.

Dino Corn Maze Adventure: 12 Acres of Jurassic Fun

The crown jewel of this year’s event is the brand-new Dino Corn Maze Adventure—a massive 12-acre labyrinth filled with two dozen life-sized dinosaurs, ranging from adorable hatchlings to roaring animatronic predators. Created by “Dino Don” Lessem, the renowned Jurassic Park advisor and Shark Tank-featured dinosaur expert, these prehistoric giants bring the maze to life with realistic movements, sound effects, and breathing animations that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era.

Dinos Soar in the Sky: New Drone Show

As the sun sets on Saturday nights, the skies above Holiday World light up with “Dinos Soar in the Sky”—an all-new dinosaur-themed drone show featuring 500 synchronized drones dancing across the night sky. Perfectly choreographed to music and storytelling, this mesmerizing performance is free with admission.

For Sunday visitors, there’s a bonus: you can catch Saturday’s drone show by purchasing a Twilight Ticket online, allowing early entry the evening before your Sunday visit.

Trick-or-Treat Trails, Hayrides & Family Fun

Of course, the dinosaurs are just the beginning. Happy Halloween Weekends brings back fan-favorite attractions and experiences:

• Trick-or-Treat Trail for kids 12 and under
• A festive hayride through the rolling Indiana countryside
• Spooky walk-through mazes like Carnival Chaos and Kitty’s 3D Candy Farm
• Live entertainment and Halloween-themed shows
• Vibrant fall décor with pumpkins, lights, and hauntingly fun photo ops

Seasonal Food & Drinks at Happy Halloween Weekends

Holiday World’s culinary team is also serving up a frightfully delicious seasonal menu, blending sweet, savory, and playful treats inspired by the event’s dinosaur theme:

• Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets 
• BBQ Pork Bowl
• Goblin Fingers (deep-fried pickle spears)
• S’mores Funnel Cake
• Granny’s Cinnamon Roll Latt
• S’mores Crunch Frappe

Plus, every ticket includes Free Unlimited Soft Drinks, making it one of the best values for a theme park Halloween experience.

Event Dates, Hours & Ticket Info

Happy Halloween Weekends run Saturdays and Sundays from September 20 through October 26, with extended Saturday hours—11 a.m. to 10 p.m.—on October 11, 18, and 25.

For even more autumn fun:

• Friday Night Live! runs through October 24 with $25 online tickets for night rides, live music, and drink specials.
• Splashin’ Safari remains open on weekends through September 13, giving guests one last chance to enjoy summer fun.
• The Summer Wine’d Down Culinary Festival ends September 13, while Thursday Night Bites wraps up August 28.
• The park also reopens November 1–2 for an extra weekend of thrills.

For the full calendar and ticket information, visit HolidayWorld.com/Hours.

Vote for Holiday World in USA Today’s 10Best Awards

Holiday World fans are encouraged to vote daily through September 22 to help Happy Halloween Weekends secure the title of Best Theme Park Halloween Event once again. Cast your vote at 10Best.com.

Why You Should Go

With its life-sized dinosaurs, breathtaking drone show, family-friendly activities, and exclusive fall flavors, Holiday World’s Happy Halloween Weekends offer an unbeatable blend of thrills, nostalgia, and seasonal charm. Whether you’re navigating a roaring raptor in the corn maze, sharing s’mores under the stars, or sipping a cinnamon latte by glowing pumpkins, it’s an autumn experience you won’t forget.

Holiday World an Accessible and Worthwhile Destination

Holiday World’s location in Santa Claus, Indiana—just a few hours from cities like Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Nashville, and Columbus—makes it an accessible and worthwhile destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.

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What You Should Read Next:

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(Photos courtesy Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari)