Saint Charles Legends and Lanterns

Legends and Lanterns, a "spirited" journey through Halloween History is an annual event that finds its inspiration from the past, located on Historic Main Street in St. Charles.

Prepare to embark on a "spirited" journey through Halloween history! Legends and Lanterns offers guests of all ages a truly unique celebration of All Hallow's Eve with an array of memorable character interactions, historical exhibits, and frightfully fun expEERIEnces (all while Main Street provides a charming backdrop, decked out in its autumn glory).

From Lizzie Borden and the Big Bad Wolf, to the Queen of Hearts and Medusa, during Legends and Lanterns a roll call of the most infamous villains, spell casters, and scallywags of literature and folklore descend upon Saint Charles, making the area their new favorite "haunt." But beware…a band of bumbling angry villagers is hot on their trail, seeking to thwart these supernatural visitors at every turn.

Learn about 19th century grieving customs at our Victorian Mourning Museum, get a festive sugar skull makeover at Plaza del Dia de los Muertos, write your own scary story with Edgar Allan Poe, enjoy the tunes of our fiddle playing Plague Doctor, or take a self-guided video tour of Main Street's paranormal hotspots. This whimsical (and completely free) festival is sure to become a spooky yearly tradition for everyone in the family.

Legends and Lanterns Activities

They've sallied forth from Salem. They've beamed down from outer space. They've braved the treacherous waters of the Caribbean…and now they've invaded Main Street! During Legends and Lanterns® the most notorious villains, witches, and phantoms have crawled out from their crypts and have decided to make Saint Charles their new favorite "haunt." These ne'er-do-wells have assembled during their favorite time of year in order to provide the most entertaining expEERIEnce of your life (or afterlife). But don't worry, these playful poltergeists have more treats to offer than tricks.

-The Summoning of the Spirits: Opening Ceremony
-Haunted History Trail: Discover the Mysteries of Main Street's Past
-Tinseltown Terror: A Salute to the Golden Age of Monster Movies
-Morbid Curiosity: Mourning Traditions of the Victorian Age
-Plaza Del Dia De Los Muertos
-Writers Block
-Grimm Brothers Oddities and Curiosities
-Scarecrow Glen
-Gargoyles: History's Stone Guardians
-Botanical Rascals: A Study of Poisonous and Carnivorous Plants
-The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at the First State Capitol
-Van Helsing's BOO-venir Outpost
-Scaredy Cat Scavenger Hunt
-Pumpkin Glow
-Musical Entertainment
-Monster Banishing Procession and Jam-BOO-ree