’Tis the spooky season as residents and businesses prepare to celebrate Halloween, a holiday that blends ancient traditions with frightful fun. Across neighborhoods, streets are alive with jack-o'-lanterns, costumed children, and the eagerly awaited sound of rustling candy wrappers.

Kicking off the celebration is the annual Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill Pumpkin Patch, now in its 32nd year. Known as the region’s largest Pumpkin Patch, Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill operates its month-long fundraiser to support local charities.

In addition to pumpkins, also for sale are gourds, home-made soups and baked goods, and autumn-Halloween-themed crafts. All Patch profits go to more than 25 local, national, and international charities that directly support feeding, housing, educating, and caring for vulnerable communities.

In Alexandria, supported organizations include Carpenters Shelter, ALIVE!, Senior Services of Alexandria, Community Lodgings, and Child and Family Network Centers among others. The pumpkins are grown on the Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico and are distributed and consigned to Immanuel and over 1,300 other churches of various denominations throughout the country. These partnerships support over 300 jobs on the reservation and the programs of participating churches nationwide.

The Pumpkin Patch is open daily through Oct. 31.

Del Ray Halloween Parade

Another favorite tradition is back in Del Ray, with the 29th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade taking place on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. along Mount Vernon Avenue. Children, pets, and decorated strollers are invited to march and show off their costumes. This parade ends with live music and an award presentation at the Mount Vernon Rec Center field. This hometown favorite has been named one of the 10 best Halloween parades in the country by USA Today.

Also returning to Del Ray is Nightmare on the Avenue, the annual Halloween iteration of Del Ray’s rotating pop-up bar located at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue. Visitors encounter spooky decorations like skeletons and gravestones. The menu continues the theme with appetizers like bat wings and cocktails like the Death Eater Negroni. Nov. 2 is the last day to visit.

Whether you're dressing up as a ghost, superhero, or something unexpected, light your lanterns, grab your candy bags and get ready for a night of frightful fun.