Everywhere you go these days, it's looking very "spooktacular."

With Halloween just around the corner - whether your plans call for getting dressed-up or doing a bit of hobnobbing with family or friends - now is the time to set your sights on some ghoulishly-good fun.

For centuries, Halloween has been observed on Oct. 31. In ancient times on this occasion, fires were lit across hilltops to ward off evil spirits, and it was believed souls of the dearly-departed visited their former residences. Autumnal festivals took on sinister significance as ghosts, goblins, witches and black cats came out to play.

Pagan...