Spend Halloweekend with William & Mary students

Under the vibrant hues of fall foliage, costumed William & Mary students filled the brick paths, ready to celebrate Halloween. The festivities continued all week as students traversed campus and the wider community. With ample opportunities for celebration, students shared their favorite activities from trick-or-treating to haunted houses.

On Campus

Leading up to Halloween, campus was filled with treats and plenty of activities for students to celebrate with their residence hallmates, clubs, or friends. With only a short walk, students could spot and join festive events across campus, such as decorating spooky sugar cookies with Club Cooking or carving pumpkins with Student Assembly.  

“I'm excited to participate in the pumpkin carving events and the community carnival,” said Sophie Pranio ‘29.

The Residence Hall Association’s (RHA) Community Carnival celebrated campus community and the opening of West Woods Phase 1 with an evening full of free food, merchandise, and fall activities.

Charlotte Smith ‘27 said she looked forward to the Arc Fall Dance, hosted by Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) in partnership with the Arc of Greater Williamsburg, which provides support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

At other evening events, students enjoyed tricks at Alma Mater Production’s (AMP) haunted house and treats at the Muscarelle Museum’s Musca-Ween for trick-or-treating in the galleries.

Colonial Williamsburg

When asked about their favorite fall activity in Williamsburg, a resounding majority of students responded with walks around Colonial Williamsburg (affectionately known as “CW” among students). Between the historic brick buildings and colorful trees, students often visit local shops and enjoy the scenery with a warm apple cider or hot chocolate in hand.

“I love how the leaves change color on campus. I feel like Williamsburg is particularly vibrant compared to other places in the fall,” said Sofia Turkman ‘28.

After grabbing a fall treat at Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop or Kilwins, students may also tour the familiar town in a dark setting with ghost tours sharing the town’s spooky history.

Beyond Campus

Outside campus and central Williamsburg, students traveled for even more Halloween celebrations. With Busch Gardens right next door, students took advantage of fall decor around the world at a discount. When the sun goes down, this picturesque landscape turns into a haunting ground for Howl-O-Scream. With coasters, haunted houses, and shows, students love this event for a good fright. 

“My favorite part of Halloween is dressing up!” said Jasmine Dickerson ‘26, who braved the nighttime thrills of Howl-O-Scream.

For a more peaceful place to show off costumes, students, including Turkman, traveled a little further to Pumpkinville in Toano. After picking out a pumpkin to take home for carving or cooking, students could ride the hayride or traverse the corn maze. 

Whether watching horror movies with friends or joining campus carnivals and community dances, William & Mary students fully embraced the Halloweekend spirit, celebrating fall, friendship and a little spooky fun.