Five years after our first time experiencing Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village, I found myself missing the festivities and decided it was time for Brad and I to make a return visit! Because I was born on Halloween, I’ve always had a soft spot for this season . . . even though I reeeeeally don’t like super-scary things (watching Hocus Pocus and eating thousands of mini Reese’s cups are more my speed). Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village, as it turns out, is a perfect middle-ground for people looking for festivities that won’t haunt their dreams. Whether you have a ticket or are on the fence about going, you can check out my previous post detailing our first trip, or keep reading below for some tried-and-true tips to get the most out of your visit.
Arrive Early For A Primo Parking Space
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village is a popular event, so naturally, the parking lots at The Henry Ford fill up quickly. Don’t worry—there’s plenty of space for everyone, but it can be tough to find spots close to the village entrance once the party gets underway.
If you want to save a little bit of walking, try arriving as close to your ticket’s start time as possible. This is particularly helpful for 6:30 p.m. time slots (since guests visiting after 8:00 p.m. will have to deal with incoming and outgoing traffic from both time slots), but allowing yourself plenty of time to find a parking space will give you more time to enjoy the event regardless of when you’re scheduled to enter. Plus, keep in mind: Greenfield Village only guarantees entry 30 minutes past the time printed on your ticket (I’m guessing this is dependent on how many people are in the park), so make sure you don’t miss out on the event!
Rock Your Halloween Costume
Guests are encouraged to wear costumes to the Hallowe’en event, and many do! Not just the kids, either—we saw lots of adults decked out, and there were plenty of Greenfield Village-appointed characters running around in themed garb, too. Just be sure to avoid any weapons—real or pretend—as they’re not allowed at the event.
Dress Warmly & Wear Comfy Shoes
Mid-fall in Michigan can get pretty chilly (especially after dark), so be sure to dress accordingly. Coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for plain-clothed guests are solid choices depending on the forecast (I like to check hourly “real feel” temperatures for a more accurate prediction of how cold I’m going to be), while hidden layers (thermals, extra socks, etc.) are great for those in costume.
And don’t forget shoes that’ll make your feet happy! There’s a good amount of walking involved when visiting Greenfield Village, and while the terrain isn’t intense, wearing shoes that pinch, cause blisters, or slow you down could put a damper on your evening.
Try A Themed Dinner Experience
Attending special event dinners at the Eagle Tavern is one of my favorite things to do at Greenfield Village. While I have yet to make it to a Hallowe’en dinner, my past experiences at the Holiday Nights dinner and the Robert Frost Literary Feast were spectacular and I expect that a Hallowe’en version would follow suit. There are actually two types of dinners to choose from at Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village:
* Eagle Tavern Harvest Supper (“A sumptuous harvest supper, some vigorous music, a few classic parlor games,” and “visitors from the past” set the mood inside the popular 1800s-themed Eagle Tavern restaurant.)
* Hallowe’en Fairy Tale Feast (A newer addition, this Halloween-themed, buffet-style dinner inside A Taste Of History® Restaurant is kid-friendly and includes a horse-drawn hayride.)
[For more details on dinner packages, visit The Henry Ford’s official website here.]
Follow The Rules & Keep Those Eyes Open
Upon entering Greenfield Village for the Hallowe’en event, you’ll be ushered to one side of the entrance and directed to follow a winding path of jack-o-lanterns. It’s kind of like IKEA, where the route’s already set up and somehow you end up in kitchenware 30 minutes later on autopilot. In this scenario, however, the exit is by the train station and you’ll pick up free candy along the way.
To avoid getting off-course, follow the lighted pumpkins (it’s super easy), and don’t try to wander in any direction that’s roped off. Also, keep aware of what’s around you, as lighting is dim during this nighttime event and it’s possible to bump into something (pumpkins, small children, etc.) if you’re not paying attention.
Trick Or Treat (& Snag Some Sweets)
You may have noticed that I mentioned free candy in the last section. Good news: I’m not yanking your chain, and the candy is for everyone! During Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village, adults and kids alike are provided with trick-or-treat bags to collect candy and snacks throughout the evening. Simply walk up to any candy station (there are several along the path), hold up your bag, and the Greenfield Village staff will gladly reward your (not-so-difficult) efforts.
I will note that most candy stations give out one to two pieces of candy per person, so your bag will probably be pretty light by the end of the evening. This, however, leaves you with more room to try some of the concessions (additional fees apply) around the park (look for signs that say “Gobblin’ Stop”). My favorite: Make your way to A Taste Of History® Restaurant for a caramel apple! These tasty treats are big enough to share and come with your choice of topping (peanuts, M&Ms, and more).
Prepare For A Little Bit Of Spooky
While it’s true that Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village is designed to not be too scary, there are a few spooky moments along the way that could potentially frighten children (or surprise unsuspecting adults!). Eerie lights, simulated fog, and creepy (sometimes loud) sound effects are common throughout the village, and a few jump-worthy moments (scarecrows or monkeys who jump out to give you a “boo”) are scattered around. Still, it’s all in good fun, overwhelmingly designed with kids in mind, and this self-proclaimed scaredy cat (pointing at myself) had no trouble at all.
Take An Entertainment Break
Just because you’re being routed around the village doesn’t mean you can’t stop to appreciate the sights! Take in a musical performance, listen to a live story reading, enjoy an outdoor cartoon and a snack, or watch a circus performer twirl through the air. It’s all part of the Hallowe’en experience, so don’t forget to make the most of it!
Avoid Long Restroom Lines
This is a less-glamorous tip, but incredibly useful if you happen to be a human being who uses the bathroom sometimes. During the Hallowe’en event, the ladies’ restroom line inside A Taste Of History® Restaurant gets SUPER long and can take a huge chunk of your time if you decide to wait. My advice: look at your event map, then head to one of the other two restrooms in the village (one’s closer to the entrance and one’s after Taste of History). You’ll either get right in, or at the very least, not have to wait for 20 minutes when you’d rather be doing—well, anything else—with your evening.
Prepare For Crowds & Try To Be Patient
Keeping an upbeat attitude in the midst of a crowded event like Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village is key to reducing stress and having a great time. While the amount of people at this event shouldn’t be overwhelming to the average attendee (because it’s ticketed, crowds don’t get out of hand), there is a tendency for lines to back up at some of the shows, attractions, and trick-or-treat stations. You may have to wait a minute, but nothing crazy! Just keep your cool, relax, and remember that everyone’s there to have a fun night. 🙂
Have you attended Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village? I’d love to hear about your experience, including your favorite parts of the event and tips for getting the most out of it! Leave a comment and check out my Instagram for more photos and story highlights from the event.
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