WDBJ7 Archive Looks Back at Halloween Traditions in Western Virginia
A look back through the WDBJ7 Archive showcases past Halloween celebrations in western Virginia, featuring trick-or-treating, costume trends, decorations, haunted attractions like Horror Island at Smith Mountain Lake and Dixie Caverns, a Lexington Ghost Tour, and community events like costume…
Roanoke Lynchburg, VA, October 25, 2026 —
A retrospective from the WDBJ7 Archive highlights a range of Halloween celebrations in western Virginia, from familiar seasonal activities to local attractions and community events.
The archive’s look back includes trick-or-treating, costume trends and decorations. It also features haunted attractions, including Horror Island at Smith Mountain Lake and Dixie Caverns, as well as a Lexington Ghost Tour. Costume contests and charity fundraisers are among the community events noted in the retrospective.
Together, the examples show the variety of ways Halloween has been marked across the region, including activities centered on costumes, decorations, haunted experiences and community gatherings. The archive summary identifies the events and attractions but does not provide the years in which they took place, attendance figures or further details about individual celebrations.
It also does not specify how many archive items are included or describe the origins, schedules or outcomes of the events. The retrospective is presented as a look back at past celebrations rather than a listing of current Halloween activities.
By bringing together examples from across western Virginia, the archive offers a snapshot of seasonal traditions in the area. Its featured subjects range from trick-or-treating and costume choices to named haunted attractions and events that combined Halloween festivities with fundraising. Further details about the specific occasions are not provided in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Joe Dashiell on www.wdbj7.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
