News Summary
Providence, RI, is highlighted by HGTV as one of the best destinations for Halloween festivities. Key attractions include the annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo, where thousands of creatively carved pumpkins light up a walking trail. New trivia features enhance the experience, making it fun for families and friends. The city also hosts engaging historical storytelling at North Burial Ground, adding to its unique seasonal offerings. Overall, Providence combines creativity, history, and community spirit, making it an appealing choice for Halloween celebrations.
Providence, RI is gaining recognition as a top destination for Halloween celebrations, as highlighted in a recent list by HGTV. The city is featured among the “20+ Best Small Towns for Celebrating Halloween” compiled by writer Lynn Coulter. Central to this accolade is the annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular taking place at Roger Williams Park Zoo, which is described as an amazing event cherished by locals and visitors alike.
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular invites participants to walk a trail illuminated by thousands of creatively carved pumpkins. This enchanting experience showcases art and creativity in an atmospheric setting, providing a memorable outing for families and friends. The event will occur rain or shine, and attendees should be aware that there are no refunds or opportunities for rescheduling.
This year, the event introduces new brain-buster trivia questions inscribed on some of the pumpkins, offering a blend of entertainment and knowledge tied to various themes, including sports, history, and pop culture. This addition is likely to enhance the experience for visitors, making it more engaging.
Providence is not alone in its recognition, with other towns across the country also noted for their spooky festivities. The HGTV list includes states such as California, Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont, all of which boast unique Halloween traditions.
In addition to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, Rhode Island offers various activities during October that capture the spirit of the season. Studio10 recently featured a segment on Providence’s North Burial Ground known for its Haunted Happenings, shedding light on the city’s historical significance and eerie tales.
Annalisa Heppner, who serves as the cemetery director, highlighted the ghost storytelling experience offered at North Burial Ground. Visitors can expect to learn about notable residents who lived through various historic changes and whose stories were cut short. The storytelling experience is brought to life through performances by professional actors, who narrate the compelling and sometimes haunting tales of the past.
These offerings make Providence an attractive option for those looking to celebrate Halloween in a unique way. From the illuminated trails of the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular to the engaging history presented at North Burial Ground, the city showcases a blend of creativity, history, and community spirit that resonates with both locals and tourists.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10: Halloween Events at Providence’s North Burial Grounds
- Patch: Why Providence is One of the Top 20 Places to Celebrate Halloween
- Providence Online: North Burial Ground Comes Alive This Halloween Season
- Providence Journal: Rhode Island Ghost Tours – The Best in the Country
- Turn to 10: North Providence Dad Needs Your Vote for Halloween Display

Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.