Each October, Niagara Falls transforms from a city of wonder into a city of whispers, flickering lights, and creative chills. The Niagara Falls Spooky Awards return for 2025, celebrating the community’s most imaginative Halloween decorators—from eerie suburban lawns to over-the-top haunted displays that make even the boldest onlookers slow their step.
Last year’s competition saw more than fifty homes decked out in glowing skeletons, fog machines, animatronic ghouls, and projection mapping that turned ordinary houses into haunted spectacles. This fall, the city expects even more residents and businesses to take part in the friendly fright fest. The event is organized by the City of Niagara Falls’ Recreation & Culture Department and is completely free to enter, explore, and enjoy.
A Citywide Halloween Extravaganza
The Spooky Awards are more than a decorating contest—they’re a community celebration that turns every corner of the city into part of a living Halloween map. From October 24 to 26, 2025, participating homes and businesses will illuminate their displays nightly between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., inviting locals and visitors alike to experience the haunting creativity of Niagara’s residents.
There are three award categories: Judges’ Favourite, Best Effects, and People’s Choice. Nine awards will be issued in total, recognizing first, second, and third place in each group. Last year’s winners impressed judges with lifelike animatronics, fog-filled graveyards, and hand-carved details that rivaled professional sets.
The public can take part in two ways: by creating their own outdoor display or by touring the city using the official Spooky Map. The map—available online a few days before judging begins—lists all participating addresses, with the route conveniently plotted from north to south for an efficient evening adventure.
Get Involved: From Entry to Applause
Registration for the 2025 competition runs from October 1 to October 17 at 4 p.m. through the city’s website. Participants must have displays visible from the street and operating during judging hours. The event encourages family-friendly creativity, with a PG-13 rating that keeps things fun without venturing into nightmare territory.
Each entry receives a free official Spooky Awards lawn sign, available for pickup at the MacBain Community Centre starting October 1. For those who participated last year, the same sign can be reused.
Judging is conducted from the sidewalk only, keeping traffic flowing smoothly and ensuring safety for all. Criteria include originality, use of lights and effects, theme consistency, and overall presentation. Meanwhile, the People’s Choice Award allows anyone to vote online from October 24 at 6 p.m. through October 26 at 10 p.m.—one vote per person per display.
Prizes and Local Pride
Winners in each category earn a commemorative Spooky Awards trophy and a custom lawn sign celebrating their victory. While the prizes are modest, the bragging rights are priceless. In 2024, the competition’s top honours went to displays like 4591 Cataract Avenue, known for its theatrical lighting, and 7833 Dockweed Drive, whose motion-activated effects drew crowds night after night.
The real reward, however, is the sense of neighbourhood connection. Residents share tips, post photos, and campaign for votes on the official Niagara Falls Spooky Awards Facebook page, turning the event into a seasonal social hub.
After the Fright: The Pumpkin Trail
Once Halloween night fades, the festivities continue. On Saturday, November 1, 2025, Firemen’s Park hosts the Pumpkin Trail, where carved jack-o’-lanterns from across the city get one last moment to glow. Families line the park paths with their pumpkins, transforming the area into a luminous autumn wonderland. It’s a fitting finale to a community event that celebrates imagination, artistry, and shared joy under the autumn moon.
FAQ: Niagara Falls Spooky Awards 2025
When are the Spooky Awards held?
Displays are active and open for viewing from October 24 to October 26, 2025, between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. each evening.
How do I enter my home or business?
Registration is free and open from October 1 to October 17, 2025, at 4 p.m. through the City of Niagara Falls’ official website.
Who can participate?
Any residential or commercial property within the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario, is eligible. Entries must feature exterior decorations visible from the curb.
What are the judging categories?
Awards are issued across three categories—Judges’ Favourite, Best Effects, and People’s Choice—with first, second, and third place winners in each.
How do I vote for the People’s Choice Award?
Voting opens online from 6 p.m. on October 24 to 10 p.m. on October 26, 2025. One vote is permitted per person per display.
Where can I find the Spooky Map?
The official Spooky Map will be posted online a few days before the judging period begins, offering a complete route of all participating addresses.
Where do I pick up my lawn sign?
Free Spooky Awards lawn signs can be collected at the MacBain Community Centre, 7150 Montrose Road, during regular hours.
What happens after Halloween?
Bring your carved pumpkins to Firemen’s Park for the Pumpkin Trail on November 1, where they’ll be illuminated one final time in a family-friendly community display.
Who can I contact for more information?
Reach the Recreation & Culture Department by phone at 905-356-7521 ext. 3341 during regular business hours or visit the city’s website for full details.
The Niagara Falls Spooky Awards embody the creative spirit and friendly energy that make the city’s autumn season so memorable. Whether you’re crafting a haunted masterpiece or cruising the neighbourhood to admire others’ spooky spectacles, this community-wide event captures the heart of Halloween—shared imagination, local pride, and a good dose of seasonal fun.