Edmonton 
A house best known for its elaborate Christmas decorations has taken on a spooky appearance in north Edmonton. Pumpkins, skeletons and Halloween characters have replaced the usual holiday scenes, turning a residential property into a free evening outing for families.
Credit: Maisie’s Magical Christmas House
Maisie’s Magical Christmas House at 9619 144 Avenue NW is hosting The Nightmare Before Christmas from October 1 to November 1, 2026.
Unlike a commercial haunted house, this is a neighbourhood display that visitors can walk through at their own pace, with special character appearances on selected evenings.
What makes this Halloween house different?
The display has a personal history. It began in 2004 with a few strings of Christmas lights put up to make Maisie, the owner’s mother, happy. Over the years, the decorations expanded into a neighbourhood holiday tradition.
Halloween eventually became part of that tradition, allowing the family to extend its seasonal display beyond Christmas.
The attraction also supports the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS), which helps homeless, injured and abandoned animals in northern Alberta. Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to donate.
What can you see and do?
The outdoor display combines illuminated decorations with Halloween characters and several opportunities for family photographs.
- Halloween light displays: Walk among glowing pumpkins, skeletons and other spooky decorations arranged around the house.
- Character photo opportunities: Meet characters such as Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie, the Corpse Bride, Swamp Hag and Scary Scarecrow on scheduled evenings.
- Evening walks: Explore the decorated property after dark, when the lighting becomes the main attraction.
- Support animal rescue: Make an optional donation to SCARS, either during your visit or online.
Perfect For Free Halloween Family Fun
Credit: Maisie’s Magical Christmas House
For families seeking Halloween decorations without the intensity of a commercial haunted attraction, Maisie’s offers an appealing alternative.
The emphasis is on illuminated displays and recognizable characters rather than elaborate scare experiences.
It’s also a practical choice for parents looking for a Halloween activity that doesn’t require purchasing admission tickets.
Related: Things to Do This Weekend in Edmonton | Free Halloween Events in Edmonton
When is the best time to visit?
Although the lights operate in the morning and evening, an after-dark visit makes the most sense for appreciating the illuminated displays.
Families hoping for character photographs should choose one of the scheduled appearance nights.
As this is an outdoor residential display, dress for Edmonton’s October weather. You can also combine the outing with other Halloween events in Edmonton.
Trip Planning: The Nightmare Before Christmas at Maisie’s Magical Christmas House
Credit: Maisie’s Magical Christmas House
What: The event promises a magical experience that blends the enchantment of Christmas with the spookiness of Halloween, all while supporting a heartwarming cause. Don’t miss out on this perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit while making a positive impact on the lives of animals in need.
Supporting SCARS: This year’s festivities will benefit Second Chance Animal Rescue Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for homeless, injured, and abandoned animals in northern Alberta. Donations can be made online or at the door.
Dates: October 1 to November 1, 2026
Daily hours:
- Morning lights: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- Evening lights: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Upcoming character appearances:
- October 17, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Swamp Hag, Scary Scarecrow and Corpse Bride
- October 24, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Jack Skellington, Oogie Boogie and Sally
- October 30, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Swamp Hag and Scary Scarecrow
- October 31, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Jack Skellington, Oogie Boogie and Sally
Admission: Free. Donations to Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) are appreciated.
Location: 9619 144 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding residential neighbourhood. Please follow posted rules.
Transit: Public transit accessible.
Maisie’s Magical Christmas House
