Halloween today is all about pumpkins carved with both scary and funny faces, costumed kids, candy, and spooky attractions like haunted houses, but Halloween can trace its roots back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on November 1. The Celts believed that on this day, the souls of the dead returned home, so people dressed in costumes to confuse them and lit fires to drive away the evil spirits. 

In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved All Saints Day to November 1, turning a secular event into a religious observance, and October 31 became known as All Hallows Eve or Halloween. 

The tradition of carving pumpkins originated with the Irish folk story of a man called Stingy Jack who tricked the devil. When Stingy Jack died and wasn't allowed into either heaven or hell, the devil had its revenge and sent Stingy Jack away with a live coal to light his way in the darkness. Stingy Jack put the coal into a hollowed-out turnip, and according to legend has roamed the world ever since.  

Irish immigrants brought the legend with them to the United States, but because pumpkins were more plentiful here, they carved scary faces into them rather than into turnips.  

Whether or not you believe the Irish folk story, Halloween and pumpkin-themed events are a good reason to get out and enjoy the festivities, whether that is trick or treating with the kids or attending an event with plenty of pumpkins and lots of different activities—some fun and some spooky! 

We've rounded up a few events that are worth a trip. Note: Scheduled activities may change or be added closer to the events. Check websites before traveling. 

Gathering of the Jack O'Lanterns - Littleton, NH 

The highlight of Littleton's Gathering of the Jack O' Lanterns is the spectacle of hundreds of carved and lit pumpkins along the Ammonoosuc River from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. 

Over the years, the popular event has added attractions to the highly anticipated fall evening: several pumpkin carving opportunities at locations around the White Mountains town; downtown Trick or Treating for the kids, including a warming station at a local church; a bonfire; a downtown storefront Halloween decorating challenge; a haunted walk along the covered bridge over the river; and food trucks. Spooky Movie Week at Jax Jr. Theater and live music at The Loading Dock on the night of the festival are expected to round out the event. 

Return of the Pumpkin People - Jackson/North Conway, NH 

This fall marks the 41st annual Return of the Pumpkin People. The month-long event, October 1 through 31, features pumpkin people displays decorating businesses and private residences in the Mount Washington Valley towns of Jackson, Conway, North Conway, Bartlett, Glen, Intervale, and Hart's Location. 

"Thousands of people come to see this," says Kathleen Flammia, Executive Director of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. "We produce a map and guide to show visitors where to go. Visitors can cast their vote for 'People's Choice'. It's all things pumpkin throughout the month, including open house tours, a pumpkin sleigh ride, a scavenger hunt and pumpkin carving. It's a fabulous event." 

Laconia Pumpkin Festival - Laconia, NH

A 34-foot tower that can hold 2,000 pumpkins is the centerpiece of the Laconia Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, October 25, in downtown Laconia. 

Now in its 10th year, the event includes an amazing array of activities: a juried craft fair with 70 tents; live music on the main stage; pet and kid parades; a zombie walk; an entire street of bouncy houses and an obstacle course from Vertical Entertainment; a visit from a group of costumed witches; a beer tent and multiple food trucks. All downtown businesses will be open. Activities run from 11a.m. to 8 p.m. and culminate in a dazzling fireworks display. 

"It is a lot of fun," says Joia Hughes, the city's Director of Housing and Economic Development and a member of the pumpkin festival committee. "Every year it gets bigger and better." 

Holly Jolly Halloween at Santa's Village - Jefferson, NH

The Christmas-themed park adds Halloween décor, trick-or-treating, Halloween music, and more on Saturday, October 4, 11, 18, and 25, and Sunday, October 5 and 12, during its Holly Jolly Halloween event.  

Kids are encouraged to come in Halloween costumes or Christmas attire if they'd like or dress in regular clothes. Santa and his reindeer will be on hand to greet guests. Most rides will be available (the water park and Log Flume water ride will be closed), as well as food and gift shops. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Eileen Alexander, a New Hampshire native, made a short detour through North Carolina before returning to the Granite State. She has a yen for old homes with character, colorful flower gardens, and expansive mountain views. 

See this article and more in the fall edition of Journey Home, Badger Peabody & Smith Realty's magazine focusing on New Hampshire real estate and local living.