Top 12 Halloween Desserts

Halloween is the beginning of the sweet holiday season. Whether you’re having a formal dinner party or a casual get together for this spooky October night, our list of top 12 Halloween desserts has something for everyone!

 

  1. Marshmallow Ghost Brownies

Kids will love piping the friendly marshmallow ghosts on top of these brownies! These adorable brownies will make for a delicious addition to the Halloween dessert table! Get the recipe here

 

2. Spooky Forest Pudding Cups

Chocolate trees and candy pumpkins add Halloween vibes to pudding cups. Get the recipe here

3. Cookie Skulls and Pumpkin Sugar Skulls

Don’t be intimidated by the intricate designs on these cookies—the recipe tells you simple ways to channel your inner artist.  Get the recipe here

 

4. Candy-Covered Apples

Create a bewitching version of this beloved candy-coated treat by dipping small Red Delicious apples in a bright red syrup flavored with red cinnamon candies. Get the recipe here

 

5. Boo-scotti

Get some help from your kids when party prep mode is in full swing to make these boo-tifully decorated recipes. Get the recipe here

6. Frankenshake and Bride of Frankenshake

His and hers Halloween shakes (one mint, one vanilla) are made in a single batch, then dressed up for the holiday in this ultimate trick-or-treat. Get the recipe here

 

7. Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

These spider cookies are entertaining for the little ones and adults to make together! From pushing chocolate candies into warm cookies to drawing spider legs with chocolate and making silly eyes! There is plenty of fun for everyone! Get the recipe here

8. Candy Corn Pops

You either love or hate candy corn. For those of us who love candy corn, try these adorable candy corn pops.  Get the recipe here

9. Spider Bites

Three ingredients are all you need to make Sandra’s easy spider bites. The chocolate-covered pretzels are just creepy enough for young kids to enjoy. Get the recipe here

10. Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin anything is a must during Halloween season. Sometimes it’s the simple desserts that are the most impressive. The flavor of these cupcakes and their minimal pumpkin décor say everything that needs to be said! Get the recipe here

11. Squirm Jello Shots

This adults-only dessert will make everyone feel like a kid again. Vodka-spiked Jell-O is filled with gummy worms, then chilled until set into one squirmy, squiggly treat! Get the recipe here

12. Spiderweb Cake

Who would think that cake and spiders could be this stylish? It’s as tasty as it is pretty with its dark-cocoa batter and orange-flavored buttercream. Get the recipe here

12 Halloween Costume Ideas for the Whole Family

When trying to come up with ideas for a group Halloween costume, it is best to start with a theme! Costumes that have things in common can also work well together. The good thing is that they can be modified to fit your family size. You can easily and quickly put together a family costume with these ideas.

 

Sloth and Tree Costumes

There’s no trick-or-treater too small for Halloween. The trick to this duo? We used a baby wrap carrier to disguise a smiling little one as a sloth slinging from a tree branch. To create this costume, print the template onto 8 ½ by 11 inch paper and cut out. Use the template to cut out felt shapes, then glues the pieces together and pin them to baby’s wrap and hat. Mom can wear brown and tuck leaves in her hair.

Bluebird and Birdwatcher Costumes

As an avid birdwatcher, your little bird is never far from sight with a pair of binoculars. Other than the hat and a canteen (available at camping-suppl stores), this costume can be assembled entirely from clothes from your closet. Choose an outfit that consists of neutral, outdoorsy pieces, such as the safari-style jacket and brown pants shown, and don’t forget a pair of sensible shoes. For the bluebird costume, use our pattern and basic sewing supplies to create a pair of detachable wings.

Under-the-Sea Costumes

For a family of little ones, the ocean still holds a depth of mystery and awe. Designate one of your kids as the Mermaid, encouraging her to make her own whimsical accessories like a seashell crown and a tail of satin, tulle and metallic trim. Meanwhile, the rest of the kids can dress up as their favorite undersea creatures: a goldfish, a snappy Lobster, an eight-legged Octopus or a Jellyfish. You can even join in the fun as a scuba diver or an ever-watchful lifeguard at the shore.

Three Musketeers Costume

All for fun, fun for all! A night of trick-or-treating awaits the dashing Three Musketeers. If you’re a family of three- or have three little ones – then why not embody the legendary literary trio? Give everyone a pullover vest, a collared cape, and a Fleur-de-lis insignia – and the evening will be full of swashbuckling adventure and candy treasures.

Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf Costumes

Embrace the charm of classic storybook characters with these easy-to-make costumes for Mom and Dad or son and daughter. For her, a gown and namesake hood are cut and sewn from a length of crimson jersey and tied with a wide ribbon at the waist. For him, the dapper wolf wears a suit with a red cravat, and his fur is styled from two shaggy wigs. (To make the wolf head, cut 2 large triangular sections – as ears – from one wig and hot-glue them in place to the second wig.) Faux fangs are the only sign of his true nature.

Storm Chaser and Tornado Costumes

As siblings, they can have an admittedly stormy relationship at times, but they complement each other well as a storm chaser and tornado. A younger sister can be a great storm chaser with some hair gel and a flipped umbrella. All you need is a tornado and that’s easy enough to create with a tomato cage and tulle.

Lion and Gladiator Costumes

They tussle in roughhouse play as it is, so why not personify their sibling rivalry? Dress one as the stalwart gladiator and the other as a courageous lion. Construct the gladiator’s costume using hardware store supplies: museum board, a window shade, and prong fasteners. Similarly, the lion’s costume is a clever assembly of fringe garlands and a hoodie. For both, there are no sewing skills required.

 

Napoleon and Josephine Costumes

For a sibling costume that is simple, as the French say, “incroyable”, pair brother and sister together as Napoleon and Josephine. He may not have learned his French history yet, but a boy would love dressing up in Napoleon’s regalia nevertheless. And, similarly, a girl will love dressing up in Josephine’s glamorous Empire-style gown with period jewelry and a fancy updo.

 

Lamb and Chicken Costumes

This funny farm duo – a chicken and a lamb – pair up together in the cutest costume idea for siblings, cousins or even best friends. Both costumes use wearable patterns in simple soft materials to ensure that the kids feel comfortable for a night of trick-or-treating. A parent can keep a close watch over the flock as they make their rounds through the neighborhood as Old MacDonald.

Tulip and Rose Flower Costumes

A blooming crepe-paper tulip cap and rosebud headband – each in pastel hues turn a mother-daughter dup into a sprightly pair.

Superhero Costumes

Every kid is a superhero and parents can join in as well. Start with t-shirts and leggings as the base for the costume. Then add headbands and belts and other accessories to make your own unique superhero.

10 Halloween Finger Food Recipes

Halloween is all about the eerie, scary and downright creepy. When you’re hosting a Halloween party, make a variety of sweet and savory finger foods for guests to enjoy – just be sure to get a little creative with the decorations atop these skull-tacular snacks.

Prosciutto- Wrapped Fig Hearts

Savor the taste of these rich and indulgent fig bites. They offer a sophisticated combination of tangy goat cheese, salty prosciutto, and sweet dried figs it for a Queen.

 

Wavy Grissini

Ready for a hair-raising snack? These breadsticks are nothing like the kind you’ll find at an Italian restaurant; mix the dough with black squid ink for a devilish hue and serve alongside Black-Tahini and Eggplant Dip.

 

Popcorn on the Cob

Popcorn balls are a popular snack to serve to trick or treaters. Give them a fall twist by forming the popcorn, marshmallows and colored candy into the shape of flint corn. It’s a simple, sweet treat perfect for the harvest season and just right for Halloween.

 

Crudites with Miso-Yogurt Dip

Swap out brightly colored vegetables for dark, creepy colors such as red cabbage, purple carrots, purple potatoes, and black olives. This appetizer has a seriously dark side.

 

Brain Cupcakes

This is a fun, freaky dessert that’s a Halloween must-make. Use Swiss Meringue buttercream to create the squiggles and wiggles of a brain on top of a rich chocolate cupcake.

 

Deep-Sea Specimens with Devilishly Hot Cocktail Sauce

This spooky presentation of elegant seafood looks like the crab legs and poached shrimp are coming alive right before your eyes. The spicy cocktail sauce may frighten your taste buds, but it’s so good that you won’t resist a double-dip.

 

Sweet Bones

No bones about it: These are some seriously spooky meringues. Dip in chocolate, or shape into ghosts and add chocolate chips as eyes.

 

Rest in Peas

Use Halloween-shaped cookie cutters – gravestones, bats, witch hats, skulls, and pumpkins – to create festive croutons for this most unusual dip. A creamy mixture of cooked peas mimic the appearance of graveyard grass, but tastes so much better!

 

Black-Widow Spider Bites

Real spiders would not be welcome at the Halloween celebration but this savory rendition – made with sweet potato chips, avocado, and olives – makes perfect horror d’oeuvres. Dig into this creepy crawling snack before it bites you back!

 

Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are essential to Halloween as ghosts and goblins galore. Sprinkling flaky sea salt on the rich caramel cuts the sweetness and adds a crunchy texture, making this a scary good treat.

Weekend Events: October 25-27

It has been a busy week, so all you want to do is put your feet up and relax. But, do you? You’ll miss out on all of these fun-filled weekend events! Food trucks, a spooky orchestra, scary museums, a concert, and a Día de Los Muertos celebration! Still want to hang out on the couch? We didn’t think so. Put on something comfy and head out that door! We’ve got the perfect weekend events for you before the hustle and bustle of Halloween weekend.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 25, 2019

Food Tour of Downtown Los Angeles

Location: Sidewalk Food Tours of Los Angeles

This guided Downtown LA food tour includes six unique stops showcasing the best of the growing, diverse DTLA food scene. Our expert foodies have done extensive and delicious research to offer you the ultimate best-of food tour of DTLA.

Natural History of Horror

Location: Natural History Museum, USC/Exposition Park

The Natural History Museum is taking a look at the science and history that inspired some of the film’s most iconic, hideous creatures. “Natural History of Horror” will tackle scientific discoveries, like the excavation of King Tut’s tomb, and explore how they influenced the classic Halloween movies, like The Mummy and Frankenstein.

Source: Los Angeles Daily News

 

‘Psycho’ Live Orchestra

Location: The Theatre Ace Hotel, Downtown Historic Core

The LA Opera and the Theatre at Ace Hotel join forces once again for a spooky mash-up of film and opera. Hole up in the Ace’s gothic auditorium for a screening of the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock classic, Psycho, complete with a live accompaniment from LA Opera Orchestra. Stick around after the October 26 performance for the Ace’s “A Hitchcock Halloween,” a haunted costume party in the hotel theater’s cathedral-like lobby.

Saturday October 26, 2019

Morrissey + Interpol

Location: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood

The Los Angeles love affair with Morrissey continues. Due to popular demand, Morrissey has announced a final show of his arena headline run at the Hollywood Bowl. British national treasure Morrissey brings his Smiths and solo hits to Los Angeles, with support from moody aughts post-punk band Interpol.

Grand Park Downtown Día de Los Muertos

Location: Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles

Join Grand Park and Self-Help Graphics & Art—which hosts its own Day of the Dead celebration—for a nine-day display of altars erected within the park alongside large-scale art installations curated by LORE Media and Arts. This holiday originates in Mexico. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and helping support their spiritual journey. With stunningly decorated Calaveras, and delicious food you won’t want to miss out on Día de Los Muertos at Grand Park!

True Crime of Los Angeles/Ghost Tour

Location: Heritage Square Museum, Montecito Heights

Step into the sordid history of Victorian love triangles, a deadly party at a speakeasy and the suspect circumstances surrounding a riot as part of this turn-of-the-20th-century true crime tour at Heritage Square. In addition to the daytime walking tour, the museum will also host an after-dark ghost tour, in which small groups will retrace the stories of the families who once lived in the houses at Heritage Square.

Sunday October 27, 2019

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Location: Old Zoo, Griffith Park

Like seemingly all pop culture horror experiences right now, this year’s Haunted Hayride will set the action in the mid-’80s in the fictitious town of Midnight Falls. This Hayride is a Los Angeles Halloween classic that you cannot miss!

Second Home Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano

Location: La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Miracle Mile

Each summer, a different world-renowned architect constructs a short-lived immersive pavilion in London’s Kensington Gardens. One of those fleeting structures is headed stateside: SelgasCano’s crisscross of airy rainbow tunnels will welcome visitors who are looking for colorful photo ops and free performances. Hosted by coworking space Second Home and the Natural History Museum.

Rooftop Cinema Club

Location: NeueHouse Hollywood

The masters of alfresco rooftop movie viewing have returned for another season of screenings in Hollywood and Downtown L.A. Rooftop Cinema Club is your comfortable and less stressful alternative to other outdoor movie screenings. Rooftop Cinema Club provides you with your very own comfy lawn chair, as well as blankets on request for the ultimate cozy experience. What’s more? You’ll get a set of wireless headphones so you never have to miss a word.

Top 10 Halloween Movies

Grab a bowl of buttery popcorn, light the fireplace and cozy up in a blanket because it is Halloween movie night! We put together a medley of the best Halloween movies to date! Whether it’s a family movie night or if you’re looking to get seriously spooked, we have all the right choices for you!

 

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Rating-PG

Witchcraft, black cats, and one spooky neighborhood! Three witches (played by Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy) return 300 years after being hung for their 17th-century spell work in Salem, Massachusetts. These three sinister women must take the life of a child and three kids who also happen to have resurrected the witches by accident. The kids go on a mission to stop the witches from returning Salem to the way it was when they first lived.

Beetlejuice (1988)

Rating-PG

After dying in a car crash, the ghosts of Adam and Barbara Maitland are informed that they have to remain in their house for 150 years. Which is fine, until the house is sold to a family they can’t stand. The Maitlands love their home and don’t want Deetz living in it! The couple hires freelance bio-exorcist Beetle Juice to scare the Deetzes away. See this family-friendly Halloween classic to find out what happens next!

Halloween (1978)

Rating-R

A serious spine-chilling suspense, this 70s classic will scare you out of your wits! You might want to keep a light or two on for this one. A murder, stalking, and institutionalization. Have you gotten goosebumps yet?

The Conjuring (2013) 

Rating-R

A freaky looking house in Rhode Island, and paranormal activity inside those four walls. What’s more? This movie is based on a true story. The Perron family moves into this frightening looking house. When increasingly scary things continue to happen to them, they call the Warrens to investigate. Their findings are straight out of your nightmares!

Halloweentown (1998)

Rating- PG

This classic is perfect for a family movie night. Marnie and her kids are in for a surprise when they follow their grandma home to Halloween town. They find out that they are from a family of witches! Halloweentown is the only place where supernatural beings can lead a normal life. With monsters of all sizes roaming the streets going about their daily lives. Marnie soon discovers that she and her family are involved in a fight against the very same evil that is threatening to take over the world.

The Strangers (2008)

Rating-R

Kristen and James head out for a vacation stay in a cottage nestled in the woods. However, their stay turns out to be anything but peaceful. The eerie nature of this film is so spine chilling you may want to watch the lights on.

House on Haunted Hill (1999)

Rating-R

Stephen Price, a millionaire with theatrical tendencies invites several people to stay in a giant creepy building formerly an insane asylum. The millionaire is accompanied by his bitter wife Evelyn, Stephen offers a million dollars to anyone who can stay the whole night without leaving out of fear. Stephen and Evelyn become trapped with their guests and very angry spirits. 

IT Chapter Two (2019)

Rating- R

This time around, the grown-up losers must find a way to defeat IT and end its cycle of terror once and for all or else die trying. The sequel clocks in at just under three hours so clear up your evening and strap in for a scary adventure!

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Rating- R

A creepy killer who stalks you through your unconscious mind, scared yet? Caution: this movie may give you nightmares. The slasher film rests on the notion that not even your dreams are safe from Freddy Krueger.

Scream (1996)

Rating-R

This film is the perfect mix of funny, clever and scary, as fright-masked knife maniac stalks high school students in middle-class suburbia. Scream follows the character of Sydney Prescott, a high school student in the fictional town of Woodsboro, California who becomes the target of a mysterious killer in a Halloween costume known as Ghostface.

Out and About: Trick or Treating in LA

Trick or treating can be tricky, especially in a massive metropolitan area like our very own Los Angeles. We’ve handpicked the best neighborhoods to get your favorite treats! Gather your little goblins and ghouls, witches and princesses, Batman and Wonder Woman and get ready for buckets of delicious chocolate, candy and sweets!

1. Walden Drive, Beverly Hills

Walden Drive in Beverly Hills is the best spot for family-friendly trick or treating! The owner of the famous storybook “Witch House,” Michael Libow continues a decade-long tradition by handing out 5,000 custom-labeled chocolate bars.

2. Carroll Avenue and Douglas Street, Angelino Heights

Known as the Haunted District, Angelino Heights is the perfect setting for a spooky Halloween night. The street is lined with antique craftsman bungalows and Victorian mansions making it a great destination for families to go door to door to fill their buckets with candy!

3. Brentwood Glen

The Westside of Brentwood Glen, the walkable neighborhood is a slice of Americana. Residents are generous with their candy and their Halloween spirit, making it the ideal spot for little trick-or-treaters who are new to the tradition. Beware the spookily decorated homes and glowing carved pumpkins!

4. Grand Hope Park at the Fashion Institute of Design Merchandise, Downtown

Downtown is not the easiest place to go trick or treating, but the local community knows how to throw a great event! The Annual Halloween Party at Grand Hope Park is a fun-filled evening for the whole family! Bounce houses, caramel apples, “trick-or-treat-doors” and lots of candy! The event will be held October 31st, from 5 pm to 8 pm and tickets cost $8 in advance, $10 day of.

5. Dell and Venice Boulevard, Venice Beach

The canal neighborhood of Venice Beach goes all- in every Halloween. Take your little zombies and witches and walk around the bridges, soak in the spooky decorations and twinkly lights!

Home Tips: 10 Spooky Décor Ideas

Your front door is brimming with Halloween décor potential – all you need is a little imagination. Decorating your door requires a bit of creativity, especially if you’re hoping to forge a festive but sophisticated entry display. Here are ten somewhat spooky Halloween front door décor ideas that don’t sacrifice an inch of style.

1. Knock Knock

For a stylish, but a slightly spooky way to greet guests this season? This aged iron owl door knocker will be a real hoot with trick-or-treaters on October 31.

2. Spooky Greeters

A little lighting goes a long way when it comes to decorating your door to Halloween. This bat-clad light-up wreath is composed of rattan branches and features glowing LED lights for added eeriness.

3. Welcome to the Bat Cave

Out your current doormat for a festive style to welcome visitors on Halloween. This spiderweb-inspired half-round mat is mad of black coconut husk bristles so it’s every bit as durable as it is creepy.

4. Bat Attack

For a foolproof way to bring an unexpectedly spooky element to your front door this Halloween? These easy-to-use vinyl bats cling to the glass of windows and mirrors and don’t leave any residue behind.

5. Beetlejuice Inspired Banner

Your Halloween door décor to make a statement? This sleek-but-spooky banner will do the talking for you on your front door this season.

6. Pretty Pumpkins

Said Halloween décor can’t be chic has never seen these hand-punched ceramic pumpkins. Place a couple of these terra-cotta candleholders on your front porch to create a warm, ambient glow on All Hallows Eve.

7. Enter at Your Own Risk

Underestimate the impact of a creepy front door wreath on Halloween. This eye-catching metal wreath is decorated with dozens of individually crafted and welded black bats – with red eyes to boot.

8. Halloween Charm

For a wreath that captures the playfulness of Halloween? This nostalgic wreath made of natural air-dried maple leaves comes clad in vintage-inspired ghosts, candy corn and jack-o-lantern ornaments for added charms.

9. Go with the Classic

You can always count on pumpkin-shaped planters to make a festive statement at your front door on Halloween. These faux pumpkin planters are composed of weatherproof plastic so they’ll look great on your porch all season long.

10. The Witch is in the Details

Spooky scary goblins, spiders and bats aren’t your thing, keep your décor classy with a fun little message for visitors.

Out and About: Halloween Haunted Houses in and Near L.A.!

Looking for an exciting Halloween experience? You’re in the right place. October is here, and Halloween is right around the corner. Whether you’re looking for haunted hayrides or zombie mazes with monster’s chasing you around, there are plenty of spooky spots in LA to suit your needs. Prepare to be scared and bring a friend or two, because some of these venues are frightening!

  1. Knott’s Scary Farm

    Location: Knott’s Berry Farm , Buena Park

Thursday October 10 2019 – Saturday November 2 2019

The fully transformed theme park located in Orange County features uniquely haunted mazes and attractions, sinister shows and more than 1,000 horrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding in every corner of the park. This Halloween event has all the ingredients of a truly terrifying nightmare. But unlike most dreams, Knott’s Scary Farm is a nightmare you can’t wake up from, which makes it the thing to do for Halloween.

  1. Halloween Horror Nights

    Location: Universal Studios Hollywood & Universal CityWalk , Universal City

Thursday October 10 2019 – Sunday November 3 2019

Universal Studios’ Halloween “Horror Nights” have prepared many “scary” activities from fans all-time favorite franchises! Every day after dark, from October 10th until November 3, the park changes into a horror zone. Navigate multiple mazes and scare zones—this year’s themed attractions include the return of a Stranger Things maze plus ones based on Ghostbusters, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Creepshow, House of 1000 Corpses, “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man” and “Holidayz in Hell.”

  1. Creep Los Angeles

    Location: ROW DTLA , Downtown Arts District

Thursday October 10 2019 – Sunday November 3 2019

Haus of Creep is a fully immersive, multi-sensory experience in which audience members are invited to explore hidden scenes, intimate encounters and frightful stories. Across a 75-minute walk through filled with 20 characters, you’ll find out that art is alive and dangerous as a dozen nightmarish installations mix shocking scenes, in the past, these have been one-on-one scenes in which (un)lucky guests are plucked from their fellow attendees.

  1. Urban Death

    Location: Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre , North Hollywood

Friday October 11 2019 – Saturday November 2 2019

Directed by  Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group hosts a chilling series of vignettes. The tickets are priced at an incredibly low $16.00, it’s an absolute must-visit for fans of haunted attractions and macabre theater alike. Armed with a shoddy flashlight to illuminate their path, guests navigate a labyrinth of terror before enduring a series of shocking scenes that will unsettle even the most stoic of horror fans.

  1. Dark Harbor

    Location: Queen Mary , Long Beach

Thursday October 10 2019 – Saturday November 2 2019

This unique Halloween experience takes place on a giant boat. You’ll find all the usual horrors here—fog, mazes and countless monsters. What sets Dark Harbor apart is its use of its surroundings. You will encounter the dark, cramped confines of the Queen Mary with spooky surprises at every turn.