The Spookiest Halloween House in Cape May County
About a month ago, I put out a call to action on our Facebook page asking our followers to help us find the coolest, most creatively decorated Halloween houses in Cape May County. The plan was simple: visit the top ten homes and feature them in a special YouTube video highlighting local Halloween spirit.
But as the submissions poured in, something unexpected happened. Nearly 85% of people who reached out mentioned the same house, a place that has clearly become a Halloween legend at the Jersey Shore.
The Spookiest Halloween House in Cape May County
That house sits at 105 East 5th Avenue in North Wildwood, and over the years it has evolved from a few festive decorations into a full-blown walk-through haunted attraction. What began as a simple walk-by display has turned into a full experience where visitors can enter through the front, loop through the backyard, and return out front again, all while surrounded by more than 30 animatronics, sound effects, lights, and spooky surprises.
Today, it is widely recognized as the spookiest Halloween house at the shore. (minus the fact that Cape May’s houses are legit haunted)
So much so that I decided to dedicate an entire video to giving you a full tour of it.
A Family Tradition Turned Local Landmark
The house belongs to Jim Manna, who started decorating his property several years ago as a small neighborhood tradition. He would do it for many of the holidays from Halloween, Christmas and Easter.
Also See: Wildwood Ferris Wheel Enters Next Phase of Major Refurbishment
What began as a few pumpkins and props has grown into a full-scale Halloween destination that draws visitors from across Cape May County.
Each year, the Manna family adds more lights, music, and elaborate animatronics, the kind you would expect to see in a theme park.
The result is an immersive, movie-like atmosphere where every inch of the property brings something new to discover.
From creepy characters lurking in the fog to life-sized skeletons climbing walls, it is clear this isn’t just about decorations, it is about creating an experience.
And for the Mannas, it is not just about fun and frights. It is also about giving back.
Scares for a Cause: Partnering with Kelly’s Kidz
In recent years, the family teamed up with Bob Kelly and his nonprofit foundation, Kelly’s Kidz.
The organization’s mission is to bring comfort, joy, and hope to children in pediatric hospitals by collecting new toys, games, pajamas, socks, and other comfort items for young patients.
During every weekend the haunted house is open, visitors are encouraged to bring toy donations or monetary contributions, all of which go directly to local children’s hospitals through Kelly’s Kidz.
It is a heartwarming twist that proves Halloween can be about both fun and generosity, a perfect reflection of community spirit here at the shore.
If you have followed my work down here, you know Halloween has always been a big deal for me and my family.
Every year, my parents transform our yard into a massive graveyard scene, so when I heard how much this North Wildwood display had grown, I knew I had to see it for myself.
And I will admit, while I usually don’t get startled easily, a few of those animatronics caught me off guard. You will see what I mean in the video, so go easy on me in the comments will ya?
Honorable Mentions and Where to Find More
I also want to give a shout-out to a few of the other homes that were nominated, including one in Ocean City and another in Lower Township.
If you are looking to explore more Halloween displays around the state, check out NJHolidays.com.
They have an interactive map featuring some of the best-decorated houses not just for Halloween, but also for Christmas across New Jersey.
If you love Halloween as much as I do, you will definitely want to check out our full video tour below.
And while you are there, don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications since we release two new Cape May County videos every week, covering everything from local events to hidden gems across the Wildwoods.