Award-winning Canadian children’s musician Chris McKhool brings Halloween to life with a playful new single ahead of his Global Dance Party! album release.
Acclaimed Canadian children’s artist Chris McKhool is getting families into the Halloween spirit with his playful new single, “On Halloween.” Filled with mischievous cats, flying witches, singing pumpkins, werewolves, and ghosts, the song transforms Halloween into a musical adventure designed to get kids singing, dancing, and laughing.
The single arrives ahead of McKhool’s new album, Global Dance Party!, set for release on October 30, 2026. Families can celebrate both the album and Halloween at a special concert that evening at Kingston Road United Church in Toronto, complete with a costume contest, prizes, pizza, and plenty of music.
From its opening guitar riffs, “On Halloween” creates the atmosphere of a delightfully spooky old movie. Cats creep across the floor, witches cast spells overhead, and pumpkins illuminate the night with flaming eyes. As the story unfolds, werewolves and ghosts arrive demanding candy, accompanied by pounding drums and a playful trick-or-treat finale.
An old-fashioned pumpkin chase and a scat-singing section add even more theatrical fun, keeping the song entertaining without becoming frightening for younger listeners.
Chris McKhool On Halloween Brings Spooky Fun to Life
Musically, “On Halloween” combines a mysterious film noir groove with a retro 1960s-inspired theremin, infectious dance rhythms, guitar, fiddle, horns, and a joyful children’s chorus.
The recording features an accomplished ensemble of musicians, including Kevin Laliberté on guitar, Saskia Tomkins on fiddle and theremin, and Drew Birston on bass, alongside a full horn section.
Grammy-winning engineer John “Beetle” Bailey mixed the track in Dolby Atmos, creating an immersive listening experience that complements the song’s playful storytelling.
“On Halloween” is the third single from Global Dance Party!, an album that continues McKhool’s commitment to bringing children and families together through rhythm, movement, storytelling, and musical traditions from around the world.
“On Halloween” is the third single from Global Dance Party!, arriving October 30. The album continues McKhool’s commitment to bringing children and families together through rhythm, movement, storytelling, and musical traditions from around the world.
Canadian Beats previously featured McKhool’s single “Party in the Street”, offering another taste of the upcoming album.
Chris McKhool Celebrates Global Dance Party! with Halloween Concert
On Friday, October 30, McKhool will bring the Halloween festivities to Toronto’s Kingston Road Village Concert Series at Kingston Road United Church.
The family-friendly celebration will feature a costume contest, prizes, and pizza beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the concert at 6:30 p.m.
“I’m super looking forward to returning to KRUC, our absolute favourite place to perform for family audiences!” McKhool says. “We cannot wait to see everyone’s costumes in the big dance party we are going to have!”
For more than three decades, Chris McKhool has been a leading voice in Canadian children’s music. A Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient, two-time JUNO Award nominee, including a 2026 nomination for Children’s Album of the Year, and multiple Canadian Folk Music Award winner, he has performed for more than one million children across Canada and internationally.
His appearances on Mr. Dressup, YTV’s Treehouse, and CBC, along with performances at theatres and festivals, have introduced generations of young audiences to his music.
Through his work, McKhool continues to celebrate curiosity, kindness, diversity, cultural connection, and the joy of making music together.
With “On Halloween,” he brings that same spirit to one of childhood’s most anticipated celebrations, creating a musical world where spooky characters are more mischievous than frightening.
For more than three decades, Chris McKhool has been a leading voice in Canadian children’s music. A Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient, two-time JUNO Award nominee, including a 2026 nomination for Children’s Album of the Year, and multiple Canadian Folk Music Award winner, he has performed for more than one million children across Canada and internationally.
His appearances on Mr. Dressup, YTV’s Treehouse, and CBC, along with performances at theatres and festivals, have introduced generations of young audiences to his music.
For more insight into his musical journey, revisit our Chris McKhool interview about “Animal Samba”.
Chris McKhool Tour Dates
- October 30 – Toronto, ON: Kingston Road United Church – Kingston Road Village Concert Series Halloween Bash and Global Dance Party! CD Release. Pizza at 6 p.m., concert at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children. Get tickets.
- November 29 – Canmore, AB: artsPlace Canmore
- December 13 – Mississauga, ON: Mississauga Living Arts Centre
Chris McKhool gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council.
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