Royal Oak residents can explore Halloween displays around the city using a free, self-guided home tour map. Organizer Kathleen Spangler expects about 60 homes to participate this year.

The Royal Oak Halloween Home Tour, a self-guided route of decorated houses that families can visit by bike, car or on foot, was first reported by WXYZ Detroit. Kathleen Spangler, the Royal Oak resident who created the tour, shares a homemade map through the event's Facebook page so neighbors can find every stop.

Spangler started the tradition six years ago after her daughter fell in love with Halloween. What began as a neighborhood project has grown each year, and Spangler estimates about 60 homes will appear on the 2026 map.

"People put so much time and effort into these things and they want people to see it," Spangler told WXYZ.

She scouts decorated houses around town herself, but any Royal Oak homeowner can submit to be included. There are no requirements and no grading.

The tour costs nothing for visitors or participants.

Bob and Jan Livingston are among the featured homeowners. The couple has spent decades handcrafting their decorations, including a front-yard graveyard with personalized gravestones for guests, family members and their own son. "Halloween is our thing," Jan Livingston told WXYZ. "Our house in the neighborhood is called the Halloween house."

Spangler also explains how to use the map and submit a home in a guide on her website. The map uses Google Maps, and participating homeowners can send a photo and address through Facebook Messenger or email.

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