It is always the spooky season in Cape May with ghosts and spirits claiming their place along the backstreets and byways of this historic seaside town. Victorian Cape May, the nation’s oldest seashore resort, surrounded on three sides by water at the southernmost point of New Jersey, holds echoes of seaside spirits who make their voices heard here. Ghost seances, ghost walking tours and ghost and spirits trolley tours are all available as the weather cools and the evenings arrive earlier during October, and many are also available year-round.

The Emlen Physick Estate considered Cape May’s original “haunted house” is where Halloween happens from Oct. 1 to 31, all month long, in the nation’s oldest seaside resort. The 1879 Estate located at 1048 Washington St. will host the Annual Scarecrow Alley, Oct. 5 to Nov. 2, a community display of creative, scary, and funny scarecrows built by local businesses, families, schools, community groups and Individuals. Every year is something new! Admission is free.

Explore Scarecrow Alley at the Physick Estate, Oct. 25, as part of the Halloween Outdoor Crafts & Collectibles Show. An open-air show featuring wares of local vendors and crafters will take place on the grounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feel free to come in costume. Trick or Treat at the Emlen Physick Estate will take place on Halloween, Friday, October 31 from 5 to 7 pm. Some spooky characters await within for good little ghosts and goblins, pirates, and princesses to come in for their Halloween treats. Ghost and spirits tours with such names as Phantoms of the Physick Estate, Voices from Beyond House Tour and Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour are available if you dare to experience. Visit their website for more information about these events and the ghost and spirits tours, Physick Estate tours, Scarecrow Alley, Trick or Treat at the Estate and so much more. www.capemaymac.org

As October unfolds and autumn leaves blanket Cape May County, New Jersey, the region embraces the Halloween season with spine-tingling excitement and festive charm. From chilling haunted hayrides and mysterious ghost walks to cheerful trunk-or-treats and lively pumpkin festivals, every town in the county offers its own twist on seasonal fun. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply savoring the cozy magic of fall, Cape May County’s Halloween happenings promise unforgettable moments for all ages. Here’s a glimpse at some of the spirited events lined up this season.

The Cape May County Park and Zoo’s annual “Boo at the Zoo” event will take place on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cape May County Park, in Cape May Court House. Sponsored by the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, this event is free and open to the public. Visitors of all ages are invited to wear a costume to this fun family event, which includes activities for the kids, craft station, games, candy, entertainment, animals, inflatable obstacle course, pirate ship, and more. A Costume Contest will start at 11 a.m., registration begins at 10 a.m. An awards presentation will follow the Halloween costume contest. The Cape May Dancers will perform at Noon with a live animal presentation in the boneyard throughout the day. Master DJ & Sound will be rocking the event with some special Halloween tunes. For more information, visit www.capemaycountynj.gov/1008/PARK-ZOO

Ocean City’s Halloween plans have literally gone to the dogs as the HSOC “Howl-O-Ween” parade on Oct. 25. For owners who like to dress themselves and their pooch in zany, fun Halloween costumes, it’s the Dog Day event that will celebrate your favorite furry canine. Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City, parade your pup on the Boardwalk from 6 to 14 Streets beginning at 3:00 p.m. 609-399-6111. www.oceancityvacation.com

A good-old-fashioned Halloween parade will make its way down Asbury Ave. from 6 to 11 Streets in Ocean City on Oct. 30 beginning at 7:15 pm www.ochp.blogspot.com

Oct. 17: HALLOWEEN PARADE & DANCE PARTY IN SEA ISLE CITY: Parade begins at 7:00 pm. and travels along Landis Ave. from 45th to 40th Streets. Dance party to follow parade at Excursion Park. 609-263-0050. www.visitsicnj.com

Oct. 25: GREATER WILDWOOD ELKS HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE: Get ready for a frightfully fun night when the Elks Lodge #1896 transforms into a ghostly playground. The lodge located at 109 West 1st Ave. in North Wildwood welcomes trick or treaters for a free walk-through “haunted house” experience from 5:30-8 p.m. Free! www.Elks1896.com

Oct. 25: NORTH WILDWOOD TRUNK-OR-TREAT HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY: Families are encouraged to bring their vehicles decorated. Children will come in costume and visit each car where families will provide treats from the trunks of their cars. Music, Magic, Balloon Twisting and more! Prizes will be awarded to the best decorated vehicles. The event will take place at 1st & New Jersey Aves. in North Wildwood from 5:30 – 7 p.m. 609-522-2955. www.NorthWildwood.com

Oct. 25: STONE HARBOR BUSINESS DISTRICT TRICK-OR-TREAT: Bring your little ghosts to downtown Stone Harbor to trick-or-treat through participating businesses. Look for GHOST signs on the doors or windows of participating businesses. The event takes place in Stone Harbor’s 96 St. Business District from 10 am – 4 pm. www.stoneharborchamber.com

Oct. 25: AVALON TRUNK-OR-TREAT: Get ready for a spooktacular evening of family fun at Avalon’s Trunk-or-Treat. Wear your best costume and trick-or-treat from creatively decorated car trunks while enjoying treats, music, and festive fun. Hop on a hayride and take a scenic ride along the beach under the fall sky. The event takes place on 30th Street and Avalon Ave. from 5 - 7 pm. www.visitavalonnj.com