Must-see houses decorated for Halloween on Long Island with elaborate themes
For some families, Halloween is as big as Christmas. They will go all out decorating their homes to the point where they look like professional amusement park displays. Here are two homes from Nassau and two from Suffolk that deliver spooky seasonal experiences for their neighbors.
WESTFIELD CEMETERY
“The Butcher” Halloween display at 3 Washington Avenue in Selden. Credit: Howard Simmons
Selden couple Amanda Saviano and Chris Satkowitz have made a serious hobby out of Halloween.
“We have always loved horror movies and the darker side of things,” says Saviano, 32. “When we became adults and had money, Halloween is what we decided to spend it on.”
Their lawn is covered in creepy characters ranging from a gravedigger, the Angel of Death, the Headless Horseman atop a skeleton horse that blows fog out of his mouth as well as Pennywise the clown popping up from underground like he does in the Stephen King horror movie, “It.”
“People take pictures, ask questions and point out pieces they remember, noting which ones are new,” says Saviano. “Visitors get as excited as we do. We even have a throne of skulls where they can take photos.”
Donations are being accepted for the Selden animal rescue Chippy’s Angels as well as a collection of animal food, treats, blankets and towels.
LOCATION 3 Washington Ave. in Selden
THE TROYS’ MASSAPEQUA HORROR HOUSE
The Troys' Massapequa Horror House is in full effect at 1 Michigan Avenue. Photo credit: Mike Troy Credit: Mike Troy
Mike Troy of Massapequa has an expression when it comes to decorating for Halloween: “If I’m doing it, I’m doing everything or nothing at all,” he declares.
Troy, 35, decorates in honor of his wife, Nicole, because Halloween is her favorite holiday. He uses the whole outside area of his corner property and he likes to be organized.
“I don’t just throw things on my lawn,” says Troy. “I like to have themes. We have a tombstone section, a clown section, a zombie section and an area with famous Halloween characters like The Joker from ‘The Dark Night,’ Michael Myers from ‘Halloween’ as well as Jack Sparrow and Barbossa from ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’ ”
Each haunting season Troy makes an effort to reach a bit higher.
“Every year I try to beat what I did the year before and as a result the display ends up getting bigger,” he says. “Last Halloween, we drew over 1,000 people.”
The Troys collect money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital via a donation box on their lawn.
LOCATION 1 Michigan Ave. in Massapequa
BECKER HALLOWEEN
Becker Halloween is an annual tradition at 63 W. Oakdale Street in Bay Shore. Credit: Ryan Becker
Halloween is a big deal for the Becker family in Bay Shore. In fact, they spend three nights making individual treat bags for each visitor on Halloween night and even give out special prizes for the best costumes.
“Halloween has always been my favorite holiday,” says Ryan Becker, 33, of Bay Shore. “As a kid, going trick-or-treating was a big thing for us. Over the years I’ve seen less and less of it. We want to keep the tradition alive.”
The front of their home is a combination of a haunted cemetery and a pumpkin patch including a 12-foot tall inferno pumpkin skeleton and a 10-foot tall animatronic werewolf that growls and moves its head.
“We make it pretty kid friendly with a little scare for Halloween,” says Becker. “I enjoy seeing smiles on people’s faces as they walk up the driveway.”
The Beckers have a QR code on their lawn where visitors can donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
LOCATION 63 West Oakdale St. in Bay Shore
THE HAUNTING OF JACKSON’S PLACE
The Dailey family has built "The Haunting of Jackson's Place" on their front lawn in North Bellmore. Credit: Michelle Dailey
When COVID hit in 2020, the Dailey family of North Bellmore adopted a new activity — extreme Halloween decorating.
“Everyone else got a dog and we did this,” says Michelle Dailey, 42. Her husband John, 42, adds, “Growing up I enjoyed decorating and going around the neighborhood looking at other houses. Now we started our own tradition.”
In the front yard John has built a cemetery with 15 skeletons and various tombstones wrapped around by a fence with big pillars. He even handmade a wicked witch as well as four zombies some that pop out of the ground.
“I love to see the kids’ reactions,” says John. “Everyone’s favorite is the zombie babies because they are small and cute.”
On Halloween weekend, the Daileys will put live actors dressed as evil clowns and a grim reaper in the set as an extra surprise.
“They stand still, then jump out and everyone goes nuts,” says Michelle. “People love it!”
LOCATION 2174 Jackson Pl. in North Bellmore
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
