How Many Halloweentowns Are There? What Most People Get Wrong

You know that feeling when you're scrolling through Disney+ in October and you see that iconic orange-tinted font? It hits you right in the childhood. But then you start thinking—wait, was there just one movie? Or was it a whole saga? And more importantly, can I actually go there without a flying bus?

If you’ve ever wondered how many Halloweentowns are there, the answer isn't a simple number. It depends on whether you’re talking about the movies that defined a generation or the real-life places where you can actually smell the pumpkin spice and see a giant Jack O'Lantern in a town square.

Honestly, the "Halloweentown" universe is bigger than most people realize. Let's break it down before the portal closes.

The Cinematic Count: Four Movies and a Chibi Twist

Strictly speaking, there are four full-length movies in the Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) franchise. If you grew up in the late '90s or early 2000s, these were basically the Super Bowl of October television.

1. Halloweentown (1998): The one that started it all. Marnie Piper finds out she’s a witch, follows Grandma Aggie (the legendary Debbie Reynolds) onto a magical bus, and saves a town full of monsters from being turned into grey, boring humans.
2. Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge (2001): Things got a bit darker here. The "Grey Spell" turns Halloweentown into a depressing version of the real world, and Marnie has to fix it while dealing with a cute guy who—spoiler—turns out to be the villain's son.
3. Halloweentown High (2004): Marnie brings a group of Halloweentown students to her mortal high school. It’s a classic "fish out of water" story, but with more scales and pointed ears.
4. Return to Halloweentown (2006): This is the one that causes the most fights in the fandom. Why? Because they recast Marnie. Sara Paxton took over the role from Kimberly J. Brown, and honestly, some fans still haven't forgiven Disney for it. It follows Marnie at Witch University.

But wait. If you’re a completionist, there’s actually more. In 2020, Disney released a series of shorts called Halloweentown: As Told by Chibi. They are these adorable, simplified retellings of the stories. So, while there are four "real" movies, the world has expanded into animation too.

The Real-Life Halloweentown: St. Helens, Oregon

Now, this is where it gets cool. There is exactly one place that can officially claim to be the "real" Halloweentown, and that is St. Helens, Oregon.

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Back in 1998, Disney didn't build a massive set on a studio lot. They went to this small riverfront town about 45 minutes northwest of Portland. They used the local courthouse, the city streets, and the town square to create the world.

Every year, the town doesn't just remember the movie—they become it. The Spirit of Halloweentown festival runs from late September through the end of October. They even have a replica of the giant Jack O'Lantern in the middle of the plaza.

What actually happens in the "Real" Halloweentown?

• The Big Pumpkin Lighting: This is the main event. Usually happening on the first Saturday of October, it draws thousands of people.
• Benny’s Cab: You can often find a replica of the skeleton-driven taxi parked near the courthouse.
• Celebrity Appearances: It’s not uncommon to see Kimberly J. Brown (the original Marnie) or Daniel Kountz (who played Kal) hanging out. Fun fact: those two actually got married in real life!
• The Haunted Hot Rods: Imagine a car show, but every car looks like it belongs to a vampire or a mad scientist.

Are there other "Halloweentowns"?

Technically, no—not by name. But several other towns give off the same energy. Salem, Massachusetts, is obviously the heavy hitter for witchy vibes, and Anoka, Minnesota, officially calls itself the "Halloween Capital of the World." However, if you want the specific aesthetic of the Cromwell family's home, St. Helens is the only one that fits the bill.

Why the Number of Movies Matters for Fans

When you ask how many Halloweentowns are there, you’re often tapping into a debate about the "Golden Age" of Disney Channel. For many, there are only three Halloweentowns because the fourth one felt so different without the original lead actress.

But looking at the production history, it’s interesting to see how the locations changed. While the first movie was shot in St. Helens and Scappoose, Oregon, the sequels moved around. Parts of the later films were shot in Utah and British Columbia. This is why the town in the first movie feels so distinct and "real" compared to the more set-heavy look of the later installments.

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Planning a Visit: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to head to the real-life version in Oregon for the 2025 or 2026 season, don't just wing it. It gets crowded. Like, "standing room only in a sea of witches" crowded.

1. Get tickets early: While the town is public, specific attractions like the Haunted House or the filming location bus tours require tickets that sell out weeks in advance.
2. Stay in Portland: St. Helens is small. Hotels there fill up fast, so most people commute from Portland.
3. Check the schedule: The "Pumpkin Lighting" is the peak. If you go on a random Tuesday, it’ll be pretty, but you’ll miss the performers and the vendors.

Beyond the Screen

So, to recap: there are four movies, a set of Chibi shorts, and one actual town you can visit.

Whether you're watching a marathon on your couch or standing in the rain in Oregon waiting for a pumpkin to light up, the "Halloweentown" count is really about the nostalgia. It’s one of those rare franchises that didn’t just stay on the screen; it created a physical place where people can go to feel like kids again.

If you're looking to dive deeper into the lore, your best bet is to start with the 1998 original and work your way through. Just maybe prepare yourself for the cast change in the fourth one—it catches everyone off guard the first time.

To get the most out of your Halloweentown obsession this year, check the official Spirit of Halloweentown website for the 2025 appearance schedule, as the guest list usually drops in late summer. You'll want to book your parking pass at the same time, as the waterfront area is strictly regulated during the festival weekends.