Candle Lighters Ghost House: Ghost Bride Manor

About this event

The Candle Lighters have been building a Ghost House in Fremont since 1969 — this is the 55th year — and it is entirely volunteer work. Around a hundred of them construct it inside a 19th-century carriage house in Williams Historical Park, run it for three weeks, then tear the whole thing down and store it until next year. Different theme every year. 2026 is Ghost Bride Manor. The detail worth knowing: there's a LIGHTS ON tour. One hour with the lights up and the sound effects off, where you can talk to the people who designed each room. It exists for children who want to see it without being frightened, and it's what makes this a genuinely all-ages haunt rather than one that just says so. Everything raised goes to Tri-City nonprofits — this year's list runs from Ohlone College to the Bay Philharmonic to an elementary school PTA. Outside the house there's a midway with games, a country store and caramel apples.