Fall Into Fun: Anaheim's Top 5 Autumn Attractions

As the season changes, Anaheim becomes a hub for autumn activities. From spooky thrills to seasonal delights, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the crisp autumn air and festive atmosphere. Here are five must-visit attractions and events in Anaheim that truly capture the spirit of the season!

1. Halloween at Disneyland® Resort & Knott’s Berry Farm

Autumn in Anaheim wouldn’t be complete without the Halloween celebrations at Disneyland® Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort

During Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort, both theme parks undergo a magical transformation, with Main Street, U.S.A., adorned with glowing pumpkins and spooky decorations. Highlights include the Haunted Mansion Holiday and the eerie Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark at Disney California Adventure® Park. Halloween Time runs from August 23 through October 31, offering many Halloween celebrations! Learn more about Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort.

Halloween at Knott’s Berry Farm

Meanwhile, Knott’s Berry Farm offers both Knott’s Scary Farm, a nighttime haunt filled with mazes and scare zones, and Knott’s Spooky Farm, a daytime event perfect for younger visitors. Catch these spooky Halloween activities running from September 19 to November 2 for Knott’s Scary Farm and from September 26 to October 31 for Knott’s Spooky Farm. Together, these two iconic parks offer a mix of festive fun and spine-tingling scares that make fall in Anaheim truly special.

2. Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade

On October 26 from 11am to 7pm, the Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade is a cherished century-long community tradition held along Center Street Promenade. Ran by local volunteers, the event features a lively parade with hand-built floats, costumed characters, and marching bands. The festival offers food vendors, artist booths, and family-friendly activities like costume contests and a parade float scavenger hunt. The parade starts at Anaheim Blvd and Broadway, winding through downtown with free public viewing along the 1.5-mile route. Learn more about the Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade.

3. Dia de Los Muertos Celebrations in Anaheim

Over at Disneyland® Park in Frontierland, the Dia de los Muertos celebration runs from August 23 through November 2. El Zócalo Park is adorned with traditional decorations like calacas (skeleton figurines) and colorful flowers, reflecting the cultural significance of the holiday.

The City of Anaheim honors Dia de los Muertos Celebration at the Anaheim Cemetery with events that beautifully commemorate culture and tradition. The exciting fiesta will take place at the Anaheim Cemetery on November 2. The event includes live ballet folklorico and mariachi band performances, along with activities like face painting and craft tables for children. Visitors will receive free marigold bouquets (the holiday’s iconic flower) and traditional pan de muertos (Mexican sweet bread).

4. Oak Canyon Nature Center Fall Hikes

For those who prefer a more tranquil way to enjoy the fall season, Oak Canyon Nature Center offers beautiful hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of Anaheim in autumn. The center’s trails wind through a scenic landscape filled with oak woodlands, a stream, and diverse wildlife. In the fall, the changing colors of the leaves create a warm setting that’s perfect for a peaceful hike. The nature center also hosts guided hikes and educational programs, making it a great spot for families and nature lovers to explore the outdoors in the fall! Explore more of the best hikes in Anaheim and Orange County.

5. Pumpkin City Pumpkin Patch

Celebrate the fall harvest at an Orange County classic – the Pumpkin City Pumpkin Patch. What started as a small pumpkin stand in 1978 has grown into one of the largest harvest festivals in the region. Starting in October, stroll through thousands of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes while enjoying a charming farm atmosphere in Laguna Hills (just a short drive from Anaheim.) The Pumpkin Patch offers a variety of amusement rides, game booths, and attractions, including a petting zoo, boat rides, and even a theater with weekly performances. It’s a perfect spot for families to soak in the fall spirit, take memorable photos, and let the kids enjoy the festive spirit of the season.