Happy Halloween Weekends to Return with New Dinosaur Theme and USA Today Nomination

Holiday World’s Happy Halloween Weekends will return September 20 with a new dinosaur theme that will extend to the 12-acre corn maze, drone show, and even the menu. The event, which was named one of the top 10 Best Theme Park Halloween Events in the nation by USA Today’s 10Best Awards last year, has been nominated again in 2025. Fans of the event are encouraged to vote daily through Monday, September 22.

 

“We’re so excited to bring dinosaurs to the rolling hills of Santa Claus, Indiana,” says Matt Eckert, President & CEO. “Dinosaurs bring out the kid in everyone—it’s a perfect match for a family-friendly Halloween event! We’re especially honored to be in the running for Best Theme Park Halloween Event once again.”

 

The center of Happy Halloween Weekends’ new dinosaur theme will be the 12-acre Dino Corn Maze Adventure. The maze will feature two dozen realistic, life-sized dinosaurs, ranging in size from full-grown to baby. Some of the dinosaurs will be roaring, breathing animatronics. The dinosaurs were created by Jurassic Park advisor “Dino Don” Lessem and his company, Dino Don, Inc., the world’s premier maker of robotic animals as seen on Shark Tank.

 

During Happy Halloween Weekends, 500 drones will take flight each Saturday night in the park’s all-new, dinosaur-themed drone show: “Dinos Soar in the Sky.” Guests who plan to visit on Sundays may enjoy the show by purchasing a Twilight Ticket online, which allows Guests to enter the park beginning at 5 p.m. on the Saturday before their Sunday Ticket date.

 

Alongside the new dinosaur invasion, Guest favorites return, including the hayride, Trick-or-Treat Trail for children 12 and under, walk-through attractions, and Halloween-themed entertainment. Guests can also savor exclusive seasonal menu items such as Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets, the BBQ Pork Bowl, Goblin Fingers (deep-fried pickle spears), S’mores Funnel Cake, Granny’s Cinnamon Roll Latte, S’mores Crunch Frappe, and much more.

 

“Happy Halloween Weekends is a fan-favorite time of year to visit,” adds Eckert. “The park is transformed with pumpkins and Halloween décor, and it’s a great value. Every ticket comes with Free Unlimited Soft Drinks, Parking, and Sunscreen, not to mention the additional free activities, from Halloween shows to walk-through mazes like Carnival Chaos and Kitty’s 3D Candy Farm. Our Dino Corn Maze Adventure, hayride, Trick or Treat Trail for kids 12 and under, and drone show are all included with admission as well. We can’t imagine a better way to spend fall break.”

 

Happy Halloween Weekends runs Saturdays and Sundays from September 20 through October 26. The event will have extended Saturday hours for October 11, 18, and 25, when the park will be open from 11 a.m to 10 p.m. Friday Night Live! continues every Friday evening through October 24 with a $25 online ticket that includes night rides, drink specials, and live music. Splashin’ Safari is open Saturdays and Sundays through September 13, which is also the final day for Summer Wine’d Down Culinary Festival. The last Thursday Night Bites is this Thursday, August 28. The $25 Thursday Night Bites online ticket includes a tasting ticket for one free Summer Wine’d Down menu item. Holiday World is also open November 1 and 2. Guests can visit HolidayWorld.com/Hours for the full calendar.

 

Holiday World fans are encouraged to vote daily for Happy Halloween Weekends to win Best Theme Park Halloween Event in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards through September 22.