Smack dab in the heart of Silicon Valley lies one of the most famous, and unique haunted curiosities in the entire world. Is it a possessed doll? No, think bigger! Try 24,000 ft² big. A proverbial labyrinth of twisted halls and staircases, rooms with no exits, and corridors that lead to nowhere…thats right. We’re talking about the world famous Winchester Mystery House!

Poised to celebrate its 100th year birthday in 2023, the bay area oddity has brought back its popular and immersive Halloweenshow, “Unhinged: Nightshade’s Curse”.

After a two year hiatus, a new chapter in horror awaits you at the Winchester Mystery House. This self guided tour (yes, we said self guided!) features multiple routes through the storied house of Sarah Winchester, with an all new addition in Madame Nightshades Spirit Carnival, the Spookeasy Bar, and more. 

Talk about a welcomed addition to the haunt on Winchester proper. Spooky characters, macabre musicians, and side show acts take center stage at the Spirit Carnival. We found the use of the space was perfect! Touched with eerie lighting, the violent sounds of ax throwing jolting your very being (try your hand at it if you dare!), we found a cup of liquid courage was needed to soothe our nerves. Honestly, we felt like we could have spent all night here. Props to the production crews! (pun intended)

After building up enough gumption to brave the house, we had to choose our path. We suggest purchasing a VIP ticket to gain access and take advantage of the shorter line (with multiple paths to navigate, you’ll want to save time to do it all!). This year’s scare actors really sell their story lines, pulling you into the world they have woven along with the ultimate supporting cast member, the house itself! We found ourselves twisting and turning through the house’s innards, from top to bottom. Passing through some infrastructure we’ve never graced before. If you’re tall like me, be prepared! Comfy shoes and light clothes will be your only friends as you make your way through the maze that is the Mystery house. While we felt the event is fun for the whole family, those with littles be warned. There are moments along your journey where the creepiness of the house itself grips you tight in its embrace. Coupled with passionate scare actors, the scare factor has been stepped up from previous years.Remember, you’re on the honor system while you try to survive the Nightshade’s Curse. While previous iterations of the haunt coupled you with a tour guide, we found the self guided aspect a welcome change that added to our fright & paranoia.

“The pandemic forced us to scale back our Halloween offerings the past two years,” said Winchester Mystery House General Manager, Walter Magnuson.

“Locals and loyalists have been clamoring for us to bring back the popular Unhinged show.With many of our neighbors’seasonal events moving more family-friendly, we saw an opportunity to go the other way, and return to a more frightening haunt. With amazing sensory effects and intriguing, suspenseful story lines, Unhinged: Nightshade’s Cursewilltruly bring one of the world’smost famous houses to life for a thrilling experience unlike any other in the Bay Area.”

We agree! If this haunt is the vision of those to come in future years, we feel strong in the return of Unhinged and its cast members at the Mystery House. Thanks to everyone at the Winchester Mystery House for having us out, and welcome back, Unhinged!