With Halloween just over two weeks away, party plans and trick-or-treat goodies might be top of mind. But Halloween doesn’t have to revolve around candy and costumes alone—why not celebrate with a twist on the classic?
This season, we’re transforming The Nightmare Before Christmas into an interactive adventure with Jack’s Frightful Storybook Kit. Instead of the usual TV setup, create a cozy reading nook and dive into this enchanting tale with beautifully illustrated pages and 20 spellbinding projections. It’s a magical way to turn your reading experience into a Halloween “movie theater” you’ll love!
Start by heading to our shop and grabbing Jack’s Frightful Storybook Kit, a spooktacular set that includes not only the book and projector but also themed stickers, a one-of-a-kind bookmark, two fabric trick-or-treat bags, and a Jack Skellington beadable pen kit!
Before diving into the book, transform your space into a delightfully eerie reading nook! Here are a few creative tips and tricks to set the perfect scene for your spooky storytime.
Lighting:
- Pick a spot where you can control the lighting for the perfect projection experience. Since this is a projection story, you’ll want it dark enough to cast images onto a wall but still light enough to read each page. A small book light or adjustable lighting can work wonders!
- To amp up the spooky atmosphere, try adding electric candles or Halloween string lights to create an eerie glow—real candles are tempting but stick with electric to avoid any mishaps. You can easily find spooky lights and candles online or at a local hardware store to complete your haunted nook.
Seating:
- Find a cozy spot where you can snuggle in and dive into the story—anywhere that feels like your own little hideaway works perfectly.
- Choose a spot with a clear, blank wall or door as your projection canvas — somewhere that lets you sit comfortably with the perfect angle to cast the images nice and large. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in each enchanting scene as it comes to life!
- Layer in plush pillows and cozy blankets to create the ultimate snuggle zone. For an extra touch, bring down a few couch cushions or even spread out some sleeping bags to make your nook feel like a dreamy, soft cocoon perfect for a night of spooky tales.
Snacks:
- Create a DIY popcorn bar with an array of fun toppings and mix-ins for a custom snack experience! Arrange themed popcorn bowls and let everyone craft their own spooky treat masterpiece with everything from candy corn to caramel drizzle.
- Set up a pair of cauldrons—one brimming with ice-cold drinks and another filled with spooky snacks like chips, cookies, and fresh fruit. For an extra touch of Halloween magic, serve individual desserts in mini cauldrons, perfect for enjoying as you dive into the story!
Music:
- Enchant the atmosphere with eerie background music to transport everyone into the Halloween spirit. Explore haunting playlists on Spotify or search online for the perfect soundtrack to set a spooky, immersive vibe.
- Add an extra layer of magic by playing the movie’s iconic soundtrack softly in the background to set the scene. For a fun twist, turn it into a read-and-sing experience, pausing after each chapter for a mini sing-along to your favorite tunes from Halloween Town!
Spooky Accents:
- Create an enchanting ambiance by hanging “floating” candles or candelabras from the ceiling using clear fishing wire and removable command hooks. These ghostly, suspended lights will add a spellbinding, haunted charm to your nook, as if straight out of Halloween Town!
- Enhance the eerie atmosphere with a low-lying fog machine or a dash of dry ice for a ghostly mist that transforms the room into a scene from the movie. Handle with care to keep the vibe spooky and safe, adding just the right touch of otherworldly magic!
- For a fully immersive experience, drape a themed backdrop that transforms your space into a scene from The Nightmare Before Christmas, making it feel like you've stepped right into Halloween Town itself. This added touch brings the story to life, surrounding you with the enchanting, spooky charm of Jack Skellington’s world!
- Infuse your space with Halloween Town charm by adding themed decor like a “Welcome to Halloween Town” sign, spooky tablecloths, and twinkling Jack Skellington string lights. These eerie accents will set the stage for a delightfully haunted reading experience.
While this activity is perfect for a one-on-one reading adventure, it’s easily adaptable for a group gathering. For a cozy family night, invite everyone to join in, taking turns reading and running the projector, or assign characters for a truly interactive storytime!
To amp up the spooky spirit, turn it into a mini party by inviting a group of friends or your kids' pals—let each person build their own cozy nook with pillows and blankets, and assign roles like reader and projector operator. For an extra treat, hand out our Spooky Mystery Trick or Treat Bags as fun party favors to keep the Halloween magic alive long after the story ends!
Not quite spellbound yet? No worries—watch our video below for a sneak peek into the magic of the first chapter and see the story come to life before your eyes!
