Step into a Horror Story . . .
GHOST LIGHT is a one-of-a-kind haunting experience that puts you at the center of your own horror story. Unlike a traditional haunted house, each intimate, VIP-style tour takes a limited number of guests on a guided journey through Lincoln’s beloved playhouse after dark—and even beyond its walls. Featuring theatrical magic, immersive performances, a chilling storyline, and plenty of traditional scares, the legends of the Papermill Theatre and the land beneath it come terrifyingly to life around you.
What will you do when the Ghost Light goes out?
What is Ghost light?
Ghost Light is what happens when a haunted house meets interactive theatre. Each tour takes small groups through the entire building and even back yard, which have all been furnished with theatrical lighting, sets, special effects, and scary creatures to create a haunted house walk-through experience, but with a touch of immersive theatre magic!
Where & When
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Ghost Light runs from Columbus Day Weekend through Halloween weekend. Click on the Tickets link below to see exact dates for this year.
- Tours run every 20 minutes, from dusk until 10 PM. Tours run approximately 45 – 60 minutes.
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Ghost Light is produced and located at NCCA at Jean’s Playhouse, 34 Papermill Drive, Lincoln, NH 03251.
Tickets & Booking
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$37 per person. Slots fill quickly, so we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online ahead of time. Guests with no reservations will be added to tours that have available slots when possible.
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Only 14 guests per tour. If your preferred time looks tight for your group, call the box office—staff can sometimes adjust availability.
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Reserve your time slot online and please arrive early. We cannot admit late arrivals once a group has begun.
BEWARE: NOT RECOMMENDED FOR ALL GUESTS.
JUMP SCARES • STROBE LIGHTS • SMOKE • LOUD NOISES • TIGHT SPACES • DIM LIGHTING • INCLINE WALKING • UNEVEN TERRAIN • OUTDOOR EXPOSURE
We cannot issue refunds, so please be sure all ticket holders are comfortable with this setting.
The Hell Story you step into ...
Congratulations! You’re among the first people to step inside the dilapidated remains of the Papermill Theatre since 1976.
With the exception of the lobby—now a small museum dedicated to the oddities and tragedies that occurred here over the decades—the theatre has remained closed to the public since a devastating flood nearly destroyed it.
Recently, the Town of Lincoln approved limited access to portions of the building deemed structurally safe. Now, small groups are being invited inside as part of a local historical project and ghost hunt. With stories surrounding the theatre, and the land beneath it, stretching back centuries, you’ll be joined by one of our cheerful tour guides and a psychic medium to see whether there’s any truth behind the legends.
And there are plenty of legends …
The oldest tells of the White Mountain Crone, a mysterious, animalistic woman who lived alone in a cabin near the river. One summer, thirteen children vanished after being seen near her woods. While the years have passed, many believe a curse still remains.
Join us for this very special Ghost Tour as we search for remnants of the spirits said to haunt the old Papermill Theatre and the land on which it stands.
Just remember: there’s a reason every theatre leaves a Ghost Light burning.
What to Expect
Please be sure to read the FAQ below BEFORE purchasing tickets.
Is it a show or a haunted house?
Both! Ghost Light is designed like a haunted house walk-through, but with a twist — it’s infused with a cohesive storyline brought to life through immersive theatre. The experience combines theatrical lighting, sound, scenery, costumes, and special effects to create something far beyond your typical haunt.
How scary is it?
Ghost Light aims to tell a chilling and cohesive story. You’ll encounter traditional jump scares, strobe lights, smoke, loud noises, dim lighting, tight spaces, uneven walking surfaces, outdoor elements, and more—plus theatre magic and special effects woven in.
What’s the age recommendation?
While there’s no age restriction, we do not recommend this event for young children. Ultimately, it’s up to parents to decide what their child can handle. Please note that all sales are final and we cannot offer refunds.
How does the tour work and how many people?
A new group enters the building approximately every 20 minutes, and each group can accommodate 14 people. Time slots can be purchased online. If you’d like a private tour, you must purchase all 14 tickets, otherwise, any remaining tickets will be open to the general public. If your preferred time slot doesn’t appear to have enough spots available, please contact the Box Office to see if adjustments can be made.
What happens if there's bad weather?
Most of the event takes place indoors, so it will run rain or shine! However, please note that certain sections of the haunt are outdoors, so come prepared if it’s raining.
What about Accessibility?
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