Halloween originated as an ancient Celtic festival, about 2,000 years ago, according to the History Channel. In the middle ages, people began practicing a tradition of dressing up as ghosts, going door-to-door to receive treats. Over the years, Halloween has evolved to include the practice of costumed children trick-or-treating, filling bags and plastic pumpkins with candy from greeting neighbors. 

Halloween 2026, is a couple of weeks away, but Halloween decorating has already started in West Columbia and the much-anticipated Boo at the Zoo opens Friday, Oct. 16. at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. 
There are also many Trunk or Treats scheduled, along with some homeowners in West Columbia who decorate and illuminate with the utmost Halloween spirit.

Boo at the Zoo  
Boo at the Zoo begins on October 16 and goes on until October 30. It’s from 6 p.m. ’til  9 p.m. at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
Activities include: Trick-or-treating, Riverbanks Express train, magic shows, and live music.
New Additions and Special Packages include the Spooky Rides Pass: $6 for unlimited train and carousel rides.
There’s also the Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party (at the Ndoki Lodge): Oct 16–18 and Oct 23–25 (6 p.m. ’til 8 p.m.) The Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party includes a buffet, rides pass, and mascot visits (Cost: $60 for the public, $50 for members).
Also: Haunted Hideaways Igloos: Oct 16–30 (6 p.m.–9 p.m.) for up to 8 guests; includes 3 hours in an igloo, 6 zoo/rides tickets, treats, and cider ($250 for the public, $200 for members).
Admission: Free for children under age 2.

Trunk or Treats

Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church in West Columbia is hosting its annual Community Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat in partnership with Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church and the Pineview Ruritan Club.
Event Details:
• Date: Sunday, October 25
• Time: 4 PM – 6 PM
• Location: Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church – 3050 Leaphart Road – West Columbia
Including:
• Trunk or Treat: Safe trick-or-treating from car to car.
• Activities & Attractions: Inflatables, rides, a cake walk, and local vendors.
• Food: On-site food options.
• Costumes: Attendees are encouraged to wear family-friendly, non-scary costumes.

Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church

Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church at 1000 B Avenue, west Columbia, will hold its Halloween in the Park on Oct. 25, from 4:40 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
It will feature games, treats, family fun and costumes.
Candy, games and good times. Spooktacular Fun.

Providence Presbyterian Church

Providence Presbyterian Church at 1112 Hummingbird Dr, West Columbia will hold a Trunk R’ Treat from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday Oct. 30.
Put on your costume and join Providence Presbyterian Church for a spooktacular Trunk R Treat! This event is free and open to all including those in surrounding communities who would like to attend.
Event Schedule:
6 p.m. Corn dog supper
6:30 p.m. Trunk R Treating begins
After getting your treats, we invite you to enjoy s’mores by the fire and games. If you plan to attend, please RSVP so that we can plan accordingly. Click for link:

Trinity United Methodist Church

• Trunk R’ Treat
• Saturday, Oct. 31
• From 5 p.m. ’til 7 p.m.
• 1132 Gunter Circle

PETSinc Trunk or Treat 
Put on your costume and come to the PETSinc Trunk or Treat on Friday, Oct. 30 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.  at 300 Orchard Dr. in W. Columbia. 
Bags of candy donations would be GREATLY appreciated; please bring candy donations to the shelter by Oct. 30. 

Peter Boulware Toyota of Columbia
• Date & Time: Friday, October 31, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.• Location: 2136 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169
• Details: Annual community trunk-or-treat featuring candy, costumes, and family-friendly activities. Cost: Free

The Wooden Dead

The zombies are back for Halloween 2026. Do you want an eerie experience? Come see the Wooden Dead at 1705 Redbird Drive in West Columbia.

Artist Jeff Matthews, who lives there, is the creator of the display of macabre wood-cut figures. He began presenting The Wooden Dead ten years ago.

Matthews sketches and cuts out the scary images and then places them in his yard with colored lights amid a mystic mist. Visitors stream by the home of Jeff and Candy with traffic increasing as the date of Halloween nears. It is a tradition for Halloween decoration cruisers.