7 Spots That’ll Scare This Season

Pumpkins and scarecrows are nice, but the life-like décor at these homes and neighborhoods is a real fright.

Remember when decorating for Halloween meant putting out a jack-o’-lantern or two alongside a couple of ornamental bats, black cats and scarecrows? While we admire those modest displays, we at BERGEN love when you go all out with décor. We’re talking lights displays, larger-than-life decorations, animated characters, spooky audio recordings and more. Homeowners go over the top not just for the scares, but also to entertain and offer family fun for everyone.

Before you and the kids head out for trick-or-treating, take them for a drive to one of the following homes and neighborhoods, where the decorated homes provide thrilling shows:

11th Street, Fair Lawn. The Stranger Things House is back at 19-21 11th St., giving both fans of the Netflix series as well as casual visitors frights and excitement.

Berkley Place, Dumont. The group of homeowners who go all out every Halloween is increasing. They’ve added a charitable component as well: Visitors can drop off food donations, which will be brought to the Dumont Food Pantry, at 130 Berkley.

Clinton Place, Hackensack. For years, this has been one of the county’s top Halloween neighborhoods. Though participation has decreased over the years, the remaining displays—with interactive ghosts, ghouls and other characters—still stop traffic.

Colonial Boulevard, Washington Township. This residential stretch is popular for those seeking a scare or a few smiles thanks to the stretch of displays filled with animated characters, inflatables and more.

Palmer Avenue, Maywood. Locals know all about the spooky site at 845 Palmer, referred to as the Palmer Avenue Haunt. Check out the schedule for scares—if you dare!

Ridge Avenue, Park Ridge. You’ll find everything from smiling jack-o’-lanterns to skeletons to zombies rising from a graveyard from one end of this street to the other.

Sheridan Terrace, Ridgewood. Don’t just stop to see the décor in front of 124 Sheridan. Head to the backyard for a free but thrilling maze. Enjoy a good fright as you try to make your way through the numerous passages.

Where are your favorite places to see Halloween decorations in Bergen County? Tell us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.