As October draws to a close, the quiet suburban streets of Metuchen have transformed into a haunted wonderland for the annual Halloween House Contest. This year, the neighborhood has outdone itself, bringing chilling scenes and vibrant artistry to life for residents and visitors alike. While there are many decorated homes throughout town, nine addresses in particular have entered the official contest, each offering its own spine-tingling spin on Halloween spirit.
View the complete album here.
Daylight Frights and Nighttime Delights
This year’s contest showcases a mix of unique displays, with some homes best seen by day and others transforming dramatically under the cover of night. Here’s a look at the participants and what awaits those brave enough to visit:
73 Spear Street – Daytime Thrills
For those who enjoy the eeriness of daylight, 73 Spear Street offers a display that’s best viewed under the sun. Here, the details emerge in full force: an assortment of pumpkins, skeletons, and cobweb-laden figures stand as a tribute to Halloween’s classic spooky vibes. The arrangements reveal thoughtful details that may be lost in the evening shadows. The careful staging of items gives a nod to a haunted house of old, making it a prime stop during daytime hours.
Nighttime Marvels: Houses That Come to Life in the Dark
The rest of the participants have curated displays that truly shine when the sun sets. From animatronics to eerie lighting, these homes turn into full-fledged haunted spectacles as darkness falls. Here’s a sneak peek at the most spine-chilling highlights:
201 W. Chestnut – As night falls, 201 W. Chestnut transforms into a haunted scene fit for a thriller movie. Flickering lights create shadows across looming ghosts and towering skeletons, while eerie sounds drift from hidden speakers, adding a hair-raising atmosphere. It’s the kind of scene that will make you do a double-take before daring to get closer.
53 Wistar Avenue – This home is all about surprises. With dark corners and strategically placed figures that seem to watch as you approach, the decorations create an unsettling experience for any passerby. Lit pumpkins and shadowy figures enhance the unnerving ambiance, making it one of the must-see spots this Halloween.
54 Spear Street – Just down the road from 73 Spear Street, 54 Spear Street delivers a haunting contrast with its nighttime display. Spooky lighting casts long shadows, accentuating creepy figures that seem to move with the breeze. The detail here makes it a perfect spot for those who enjoy the thrill of unexpected frights.
48 Home Street – For fans of horror classics, 48 Home Street offers a nostalgic yet terrifying atmosphere. With classic Halloween figures, eerie lighting, and fog machines that activate at dusk, this house evokes memories of haunted hayrides and ghostly encounters, inviting visitors to revel in the scare.
69 Kentnor Street – This house puts on a show that grows eerier the closer you get. Animatronic creatures greet you from the yard, accompanied by chilling music that heightens the sense of dread. It’s one of those displays that can send a chill down your spine long before you reach the front steps.
40 E. Cedar Street – A house that seems to come alive in the moonlight, 40 E. Cedar Street is a sight to behold at night. Luminous skeletons and glowing tombstones create an otherworldly ambiance, turning the yard into a graveyard-like scene that’s both captivating and chilling.
51 Peltier Ave – Known for its commitment to Halloween decoration, 51 Peltier Ave adds new layers of terror every year. This year’s display includes elaborate lighting effects and detailed props that mimic a cursed cemetery. The combination of sound effects and lighting leaves onlookers with an unforgettable experience.
43 Graham Ave – Rounding out the list of nighttime marvels, 43 Graham Ave has embraced a sinister, almost cinematic display. The use of red and green lighting enhances the foreboding look of witches and ghouls stationed around the yard, creating a truly immersive Halloween atmosphere.
A Community Brought Together by Halloween Spirit
The Metuchen Halloween House Contest has become more than a chance to showcase creepy creativity; it’s an event that brings the community together. Neighbors walk the decorated streets, sharing laughs, scares, and plenty of photos. Some families even make it a tradition, mapping out a route to visit each display and ranking their favorites.
Contest participants go all out each year, knowing they’re part of a collective Halloween experience that delights both young trick-or-treaters and thrill-seeking adults. This year’s displays highlight not only each homeowner’s creativity but the neighborhood’s shared Halloween passion.
As we approach Halloween night, visitors are encouraged to stroll by each of these homes and soak in the holiday spirit. Whether you’re drawn to the eerie quiet of 73 Spear Street by day or the ghastly transformations along Graham and Wistar Avenues at night, this year’s Metuchen Halloween House Contest promises to be a frighteningly fun experience for all.
So grab your flashlight, bring your friends, and enjoy the most haunted sights of Metuchen—if you dare!
Vote for your favorite by October 30. Vote HERE!
