The time has come, fiends and fearmongers—Halloween is finally upon us! And if you’ve been following my posts, you already know it’s my absolute favorite season. This year, I’m sharing a juicy little secret with my horror lovers on a budget.

See, thanks to some annoying new financial obligations, my wallet’s been looking a little skeletal. Last Saturday, with no cash to hit the haunted hotspots and no friends with party plans, I was dealing with a serious case of Halloween FOMO. But I refused to let it get to me. I was taking matters into my own hands, damn it—I was going to scare up some Halloween fun whether my bank account liked it or not. So, dressed as Sam from Trick ’r Treat, I hit the streets and discovered Burbank’s best-kept Halloween secret that… isn’t quite a secret: the locals here go all out.

Burbank, Hollywood’s industrious sibling, is packed with entertainment pros who worship Halloween with the same fervor they bring to their day jobs. All year long, they dream up displays that transform quiet streets into a spooky spectacle. As the big night creeps closer, the crowds swell, and even hot dog carts and other food vendors pop up in front of regular houses like some kind of haunted carnival. It’s surreal, it’s glorious, and it’s all right here in Burbank’s backyard.

So, without further ado, here are the Top Ten Halloween Displays of Burbank—a must-see list for every horror hound and Halloween die-hard out there. Let the terror tour begin!

1. Burbank Clown House

The Burbank Clown House is where I first stumbled upon Burbank’s wonderfully twisted Halloween tradition. A scare actor tipped me off, and when I asked if it was some kind of haunted house, he just laughed: “Nah. It’s just some guy’s place—he really loves Halloween.” Consider this your warning (or maybe a promise) of how seriously these folks take Halloween.

Nestled behind the Mystic Museum at 715 N. Ontario Street, this place is a bonified nightmare factory. Picture it: over 75 animatronic clowns, some standing, some lurking, all decked out in various degrees of horror that bring this sinister circus to life in ways you didn’t think possible. Walk down “Clown Alley,” where live actors dressed as deranged jesters and clowns prowl every Friday through Sunday. Each clown has its own twisted personality, and the actors seem to feed off the crowd’s unease. Snap a photo on the red carpet at the end, if you dare! This twisted circus is a must-see for those who appreciate a heavy dose of creepy carnival vibes.

2. 907 Rotten Apple Express

The 907 Rotten Apple Express got a shout-out in a previous post as a must-see haunt, and for good reason. This DIY fright fest, crafted with blood, sweat, and a love for all things spine-chilling, runs right out of the homeowner’s house. The theme changes every year, and even though it’s a small setup, they really go all out. It’s wild—and frankly a little mind-boggling—what a little vision, elbow grease, and the Halloween spirit can bring to life.

This haunt has been a staple for generations—families make it an annual tradition, and if you’re in Burbank during Halloween, it should be yours too. This year’s theme is the “Rotten Apple Express,” taking you through a haunted train ride of jump scares, spooky lighting, and enough spooky charm to last until next year. Just a heads-up: lines start forming long before doors open at 7:00 p.m., so show up early or be ready to wait. Plus, it’s donation-based, with all proceeds going to a different charity each year—which is always a plus for me. Catch the frights for yourself at 907 N. California Street.

3. Forbidden Forest

Ranking third on the list is the Forbidden Forest—a masterclass in macabre creativity. Legend has it that the homeowner, a resourceful artisan, crafts every eerie element from scratch, repurposing movie props courtesy of a film-industry sibling. The result? A nightmarish fairy tale featuring severed heads, sinister mushroom creatures, an original werewolf, and a massive, twisted tree with a very pissed-off expression. The way this display morphs a peaceful fairy-tale theme into something downright nightmarish is nothing short of impressive. It’s a beautiful, twisted testament to what imagination and a touch of madness can achieve. Experience the enchantment at 816 N. Bel Aire Drive.

4. Circus of Nightmares

As a sucker for a creepy carnival theme, I couldn’t resist including the Circus of Nightmares on this list. This display has all the ingredients for a horror aficionado’s dream (or nightmare). Between the dilapidated circus aesthetic, eerie blue lighting, and perfectly timed lightning effects, this display lives up to its name and then some.

I first visited this display after 10 p.m., only to find that it was closed, but I knew immediately I had to come back to witness the full effect. The atmosphere alone—dusty circus tents, flickering lights, and creepy carousel music—was enough to get my heart racing. For the full effect, plan to visit on weekends between 7 and 10 p.m. when scare actors are around to interact with the crowd, adding a thrilling layer to the experience. Find this sinister spectacle at 113 S. Brighton Street.

5. Beetlejuice House on Maple Street

Wow, wow, WOW! The Beetlejuice House at 857 N. Maple Street is a phenomenal homage to the “ghost with the most.” Complete with recreations of iconic scenes from the film, this display will have any Beetlejuice fan grinning from ear to ear.

Here, you can find a press-for-candy button that activates a giant Zagnut bar, accompanied by Beetlejuice’s iconic voice luring you closer. The details are mesmerizing: a self-rocking chair, a floating Lydia Deetz skeleton, and of course, Harry Belafonte’s “Jump in the Line” playing in the background. With a nod to nearly every classic scene, this house will have you chanting “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!” before you even leave the yard.

6. Beetlejuice House on California Street

With the Beetlejuice sequel finally out, Beetlejuice-themed displays are big this year. This particular house, which I discovered via Instagram, is a must-see for any fan of the film.

Located at 1743 North California Street, it features a larger-than-life recreation of the Dante’s Inferno Brothel from the movie. Front and center is Beetlejuice’s grave, surrounded by all kinds of creepy touches like the dangling legs of Barbara and Adam. To the left, there’s a recreation of the afterlife waiting room, including characters like Bob, the halved lady, and the burnt chain smoker. Beetlejuice himself sits in the window, cracking jokes and interacting with visitors. The interactive experience and the attention to detail make it a true standout in Burbank’s Halloween lineup.

7. Alice in Wonderland House

While Disney isn’t usually my go-to, I wanted to include a couple of toddler-friendly options, and the Alice in Wonderland display at 1505 N. Valley Street hits the mark perfectly. One look, and I was captivated by the intricate setup.

Set within a massive castle wall, this display brings Lewis Carroll’s world to life with the infamous tea party scene, and characters like the White Rabbit, the Red Queen, and Alice herself come out to greet visitors. Each weekend leading up to Halloween, from 7-10 p.m., these actors put on light shows and provide photo ops with kids (and kids at heart) alike. Blending elements from both the animated and live-action films, this display is ideal for any Disney fan seeking a whimsical Halloween night.

8. Haunt of Buena Vista

The Haunt of Buena Vista packs a punch, with a solid mix of thrills and chills. This haunt features a gruesome pumpkin patch, a towering werewolf, a graveyard, and a spider-infested carport with “bodies” in various states of life and death.

The homeowner is a dedicated holiday enthusiast, and it shows. On any given night, he can be seen dressed as either Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers, taking photos with visitors. This haunt is the full Halloween experience, and if you’re in town during Christmas, it’s rumored he also has an impressive holiday display featuring the Grinch.

9. Skeleton House

Known as the Skeleton House, this one does what it says on the tin—skeletons, skeletons, and more skeletons! They line the fence, dangle from trees, and pack the yard in various hilarious and creepy poses.

Outside the yard, you’ll see the skeletons sporting buttons with funny sayings, like “I feel attacked” or “My favorite food is ribs.” Inside, the display turns darker, showcasing a chilling sci-fi scene complete with animatronic skeletons performing an alien autopsy. To the left, a glowing UFO hovers over the display, with a skeletal alien watching your every move. This is a sci-fi Halloween lover’s dream! Check it out at 3211 West Clark Street, just a block from the Burbank Clown House.

10. Pirates of Lima Street

Last but far from least, the Pirates of Lima Street is the ultimate kid-friendly haunt with an undeniable Halloween twist. This setup features a half ship built in the yard, complete with swinging pirate skeletons, a pirate prisoner photo op, and kraken tentacles lashing at the ship.

What makes it truly magical, though, is the attention to detail. From the wooden shanty with a drunken skeleton in a rocking chair to an animatronic gator hidden under the porch, every corner of this display has something to marvel at. I spent way too long here, just soaking up the pirate ambiance and fighting the urge to shout, “Yargh, matey! Where’s me rum?!” See this playful display for yourself at 1226 North Lima Street.

Well, that about does it for my countdown this year.

If you’re without plans or find yourself not quite in the mood for parties but still too restless to stay home, let the Halloween magic of Burbank’s backstreets take hold. Wander past the eerie lights, the flickering jack-o-lanterns, and let the night take you where it wants. Because Halloween isn’t just about scares or candy—it’s about stepping into another world, if only for a night.

So grab a friend (or go it alone if you dare), and follow the glow of haunted houses and pumpkin-lined streets. Who knows what surprises might lurk around the corner?

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