10-foot skeletons anchor Beacon Hill's high-cost Halloween tradition
Residents debate whether the neighborhood's elaborate displays justify the expense and environmental impact, even as crowds gather for photos.
By Adrian Kovalenko ·
Ten-foot-tall skeletons hang from balconies across Beacon Hill, serving as the primary draw for a neighborhood that has become a destination for Halloween tourism. These large-scale figures, alongside ghosts and other ghoulish props, distinguish the area from other parts of Boston. The displays attract spectators from outside the city who travel specifically to view the decorations.
The tradition has evolved into a mixed experience for locals. While some residents view the efforts as a defining feature of the community, others question the financial and environmental cost. Betsy Peterson, an 88-year-old resident, described the displays as "over the top." She noted that the decorations often end up in landfills, a fact that makes her sad despite her enjoyment of the holiday atmosphere.
Max Marchetti, another resident, emphasized the influx of visitors. He stated, "Halloween’s honestly one of the best times," adding that people from outside the city come to the area just for Beacon Hill. The crowd dynamics shift daily, with families taking pictures of stoops and young women lining up for social media photos. Retirees and parents also pose with children and grandchildren in front of the giant figures.
Bridgett Quinn, a resident, observed that the decorations become more intricate each year. She noted that while the holiday is "crazy but also very fun," it involves consuming a large amount of candy. Quinn expressed happiness at seeing the displays bring joy to children, a sentiment shared by her son who enjoys looking at the props.
The Beacon Hill Civic Association is hosting a Halloween celebration on Saturday evening. This event will provide another venue for residents and visitors to interact with the themed environments. The gathering follows a week of increased foot traffic as people visit the neighborhood to capture images of the elaborate setups.
Laura Leal, a Boston University student, recently visited with friends to photograph the doorsteps for her Instagram feed. She and her group posed in front of the decorated areas, which she described as being nicely done. The visual appeal of the stoops continues to drive foot traffic in the days leading up to the holiday.
Peterson described the daytime scene as wonderful, with children playing and people sitting on stoops with pumpkins. However, she noted that the area gets crowded as the evening approaches. The neighborhood's reputation for high-effort decorations persists, drawing a diverse mix of families, tourists, and local enthusiasts to the historic district.
