Howl’o’ween has returned to Chessington, and this year’s event feels refreshed and back to its full glory after last year’s reduced line-up. The return of the main stage show brings back that signature Halloween atmosphere that was sorely missed in 2024. Unfortunately, the beloved Banyan Fire & Dance Show is absent this time, as Wild Asia remains closed and under construction. Still, the 2025 line-up was packed with entertainment, energy and a brilliant Halloween spirit throughout.
Enchanted Hollow: Trick or Treat with HARIBO & MAOAM
Deep beneath the earth lies Enchanted Hollow, an underground village bustling with friendly woodland critters who are ready to welcome families for a truly magical trick-or-treat adventure. Guests are invited to explore winding tunnels and cosy burrows, knocking on each door to uncover hidden treasures, sweet surprises and the occasional cheeky trick.
The experience remains much the same as in previous years, but with one noticeable change — the free chocolate has been replaced with HARIBO and MAOAM sweets. This is perfectly fine for children who love sugary treats, but for families with little ones who can’t yet eat sweets, we’d like to see the chocolate return next year. The theming inside remains charming, the costumes are delightful, and the actors interact wonderfully with younger guests, creating an enchanting and memorable experience.
Spelltacular!
This year sees the triumphant return of Chessington’s main stage show with Spelltacular!, where young witches and wizards gather to help a group of bumbling spellcasters reverse an accidental charm gone wrong. The show bubbles over with energy as spells brew, sparks fly and chaos unfolds in a fun, interactive performance designed to get the whole audience involved.
The production features new costumes, lively choreography, impressive special effects and live singing. It runs for around fifteen minutes, making it perfectly timed for families. The only minor disappointment this year is the choice of music — previous Halloween shows featured atmospheric, recognisable tracks that really set the mood, whereas this year’s selection of pop-style children’s songs feels a little out of place. Nevertheless, the cast’s enthusiasm and the quality of the staging make it a must-see part of the event.
Rising Flame: Shadows of the Tomb
From the depths of a newly discovered tomb, ancient spirits rise to unleash their curse in Rising Flame: Shadows of the Tomb. This fiery new show unfolds before your eyes as mummified dancers summon their forgotten leader through dramatic fire effects, sandy storms and pulse-pounding choreography.
As a replacement for the previous Banyan Fire Show, Rising Flame had a lot to live up to — but it delivers brilliantly. The central park location makes it easy for guests to gather, and the spectacle of flame, movement and music creates a mesmerising experience. We especially loved the subtle nods to Chessington’s classic Terror Tomb attraction, referencing the fabled jewel. It’s a clever and nostalgic touch that long-time fans will appreciate. The costumes and props are outstanding, and we can’t wait to watch it again after dark for an even spookier atmosphere.
Stone Watchers: The Vampire’s Lair
Carved from mythical stone, the Stone Watchers stand guard over The Vampire’s Lair — and they’re not happy to see you trespassing! As you sneak your way through the misty pathways and eerie corridors, these gargoyle-like guardians spring to life to chase you from their domain.
Initially, we were disappointed to hear that the popular Vile Villagers maze had been retired, but this new family-friendly scare zone more than makes up for it. The route has been reversed so guests now exit near the Vampire ride entrance, and the theming cleverly incorporates props from past Halloween attractions. There’s even a small indoor section, which adds variety and a touch of suspense.
Although it’s designed for families, our experience — as a group of adults — was hilarious and genuinely entertaining. The actors did a fantastic job tailoring their performance to us, ramping up the energy and humour while keeping it spooky enough to make us jump. By the end, we were in stitches as the performers playfully singled out one of our group by name! It’s one of the most enjoyable mazes of the event — proof that a family attraction can still deliver big laughs and a few scares.
Barnyard Boogie!
Over by the lawns near SEA LIFE, a new act takes the stage: Barnyard Boogie! Featuring a lively, straw-stuffed duo who sing, dance and play music to get everyone moving, this quirky mini-show is pure family fun. Kids are encouraged to join in and “throw some shapes” alongside the performers, while parents can relax and enjoy the upbeat, light-hearted atmosphere. It’s colourful, wholesome and a great way to break up the day’s scarier experiences.
Overview
Overall, Howl’o’ween 2025 feels like a strong return to form for Chessington. The park is bursting with pumpkins, cobwebs and seasonal décor, with plenty of photo opportunities — including the iconic giant pumpkin by Dragon’s Fury, which remains a firm favourite.
The only real downside this year was the inconsistent show schedule. At times, it felt as though there were gaps in the entertainment throughout the day, leaving some quieter moments where there wasn’t much Halloween-specific activity. However, with Chessington’s wide range of rides and animal attractions still open, there’s never a shortage of things to do.
It was disappointing not to see any official Howl’o’ween merchandise or pin badges this year, as those little keepsakes have always been a nice touch. While there were discounted items from previous years available, the lack of new themed merchandise was a missed opportunity.
That said, Howl’o’ween 2025 is a fantastic event overall — a wonderful mix of family-friendly frights, theatrical performances, and a welcoming autumnal atmosphere. Chessington has clearly rediscovered its Halloween spirit, and we’re already looking forward to seeing how the event evolves in 2026 — perhaps with a new scare zone or an additional live show to keep the magic growing.
