In a town where magic is real and fairy tale characters walk among us, you can bet Halloween in Storybrooke would be anything but ordinary.
While the rest of the world might see October 31st as a night of costumes and candy, in Storybrooke, it’s a curious blend of tradition, whimsy, and just a little bit of actual mischief. After all, for residents who lived through curses, time loops, and enchanted forests, dressing up in costume might feel a little… redundant.
Still, the town would come together—because if there’s one thing Storybrooke does well, it’s finding moments of joy in the middle of chaos.
Mayor Regina Mills would undoubtedly host a town-wide Halloween celebration. Picture it: the community center decorated in rich autumn colors, flickering lanterns glowing from enchanted pumpkins, and booths set up for bobbing for apples, spell-free fortune-telling, and enchanted treats courtesy of Granny and Ruby. You can almost hear the laughter of Storybrooke’s kids dashing through the square in their costumes—some pretending to be pirates or princesses, and some, rather hilariously, dressed up as their own parents.
Emma Swan, ever the skeptic-turned-hero, would probably roll her eyes at first, insisting she wasn’t into “that kind of thing.” But Henry would talk her into it—maybe even convince her to wear a red cloak or go full-on “Savior” for the night. Hook, of course, would play along with more enthusiasm than necessary, leaning into the pirate puns and indulging every kid who asked to see his hook up close.
Snow and Charming would help coordinate the kids’ costume parade, with Snow likely baking Halloween cookies shaped like enchanted forest animals. David would be on patrol, keeping an eye out—not just for troublemakers, but for any magical mishaps that might sneak into the night.
Mr. Gold would keep mostly to himself, lurking near his shop window, perhaps quietly setting out a bowl of treats while Belle encourages him to join the festivities. If anyone knocks on his door, though, they might find a magical illusion waiting—a flicker of smoke, a harmless jolt of surprise, or maybe even a riddle tucked into their treat bag.
Zelena might have the most fun of all—playfully stirring up mischief, pretending to be wicked (just a little), while dressing baby Robin in the cutest enchanted costume imaginable. And of course, Dr. Whale would throw the annual “Adults Only” costume party, where things get just a little more bizarre—and not always because of the costumes.
But underneath all the games and laughter, Halloween in Storybrooke would be a time of reflection too. After everything the town has been through—curses broken, hearts lost and found, villains redeemed—it would be a chance for everyone to celebrate not just their stories, but the fact that they’re still standing.
In a place built on second chances and fairy tale endings, Halloween in Storybrooke would be more than tricks and treats. It would be a night where heroes, villains, and everything in between gather together in the warm glow of jack-o’-lanterns and community. A reminder that even in the darkest woods… there’s always a little light.
