ByHalloween has turned into a fun celebration full of costumes, decorations, and lots of candy. But the holiday has a rich history that dates back to when people wore costumes and lit bonfires to keep ghosts away. Nowadays, it’s all about trick-or-treating and festive fun.
This year, why not celebrate Halloween differently by traveling to places that have unique traditions? With autumn here, bringing cooler weather and beautiful fall colors, it’s a great time for spooky adventures. Best Places to Visit for Halloween offers thrilling ghost tours, haunted houses, and festive parades, creating the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the spooky season while exploring new experiences!
Some of the best city for haaloween celebrations include Salem, New Orleans, and Sleepy Hollow, known for their rich spooky traditions and festive events.
Best Places to go for Halloween
Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland, like Ireland, has Celtic roots and traditions tied to Samhain, many of which have continued even after Christianity spread. Kids often dress up and go door-to-door with turnip lanterns asking for treats or coins. Another popular activity is apple dunking, where you try to grab an apple from a bucket of water using only your mouth. Halloween is a big part of Scottish culture and inspired poems, including one by Robert Burns, who described it as a night for witches and mischief-makers. If you visit Scotland, check out Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, known for its spooky vaults and mysteries.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts, is famous for its connection to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, where 19 people were executed. Today, this coastal town embraces its spooky history, especially during Halloween. Each October, Salem hosts the Salem Haunted Happenings, a month-long celebration featuring a lively parade, film screenings, costume balls, and various family-friendly events. The town’s unique blend of eerie history and festive activities makes it a popular destination for Halloween enthusiasts.
London, England
London is rich in history, making it an ideal destination for Halloween. The Tower of London, known for its ghostly tales and notorious history, is a must-visit. Many notable figures, including Anne Boleyn, were executed here, and her spirit is rumored to wander the grounds. While the Tower is open year-round, visiting in October adds a special eerie atmosphere. For a truly spine-chilling experience, consider joining a Twilight Tour to soak in the haunted history.
Transylvania, Romania
What better place to Best Places to Visit for Halloween than in Transylvania, the land of Count Dracula? Tourists flock to this region to experience Halloween near Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula’s Castle. The dense forests and high mountains create a naturally spooky atmosphere. Beyond the castle, Romania offers other eerie castles and ruins, along with festive events in Bucharest. The country also observes the “Day of the Dead” on November 1 and the Feast of St. Andrew on November 30, featuring customs reminiscent of traditional Halloween celebrations.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague stands out as one of Europe’s most stunning Gothic cities, with its medieval architecture and winding streets adding to its mysterious charm. While the Czech Republic doesn’t traditionally celebrate Halloween on a grand scale, Prague offers unique ways to join in the fun. Visitors can explore local legends, haunted cemeteries, and even a Torture Museum. The city is slowly becoming a vibrant Halloween destination with exciting events, flamboyant parades, and lively festivals that make it perfect for Halloween celebrations.
Boyne Valley, Ireland
Where better to celebrate Halloween than in its birthplace? The Halloween tradition started with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people wore costumes to scare away ghosts. Today, Ireland carries on this legacy with various festivals throughout October, including the Púca Halloween Festival. This event honors the Celtic new year with lively music, art, and lots of sweet treats. Experience the rich history and festive spirit that make Ireland a unique destination for Halloween celebrations.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is famous for its vibrant celebrations, and Halloween is no exception. In October, the city transforms with festive decorations and lively costumes, featuring numerous parades and parties. For a thrilling experience, be sure to take a ghost tour in the French Quarter before diving into the Halloween festivities. The combination of spooky history and lively celebrations makes New Orleans a unique destination for Halloween fun.
Brussels & Ostend, Belgium
Every year, Brussels transforms into a Halloween wonderland, filled with spooky decorations, festive parties, themed restaurants, and thrilling activities. The excitement kicks off weeks before Halloween, making it one of Belgium’s most celebrated holidays. While many towns host their own Halloween festivals with eerie decorations and costume parties, Brussels takes things up a notch. For instance, a local swimming pool turns red, creating a “bloodbath” where costumed children can splash around. The city also features various ghost tours and parties. Another notable destination is Ostend, renowned for its ghoulish events and creepy costume parades, earning it the title of “Belgium’s Halloween city.”
Paris, France
If you’re looking for a chic Halloween experience, Paris is the perfect destination. While you won’t find the usual trick-or-treating crowds here, you can partake in La Toussaint, or All Saints’ Day. This national and Catholic holiday is dedicated to remembering loved ones who have passed away. Families honor their memories by visiting graves and placing flowers, similar to the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
In addition to this solemn observance, the city also hosts more festive events, like parties at Disneyland Paris and Le Manoir de Paris, which is one of the largest and most exciting haunted houses in Europe.
Venice and Borgo a Mozzano, Italy
Italy might not be known for Halloween festivities, but Venice offers some fun experiences. The city is famous for its ghost stories, particularly on the island of Poveglia. This island served as a quarantine area for plague victims and later as an asylum, making it a hotspot for supernatural activity. For those seeking lively celebrations, the town of Borgo a Mozzano, just north of Lucca, hosts a huge annual Halloween party on the well-known Devil’s Bridge, combining history with Halloween spirit.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam has a diverse range of Halloween events catering to all tastes, from family-friendly activities to adult-themed parties like the Obscene Halloween. The city transforms into a vibrant party hub, hosting creative costume celebrations in cafes, restaurants, clubs, and museums. Visitors can enjoy ghost tours, concerts, and horror movie marathons. Don’t miss the iconic Monster Ball or the Amsterdam Halloween Festival. Additionally, on November 11th, the city celebrates Sint Maarten, its own version of Halloween.
Oaxaca, Mexico
In Mexico, the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is celebrated on November 2, a vibrant occasion when families believe the spirits of their loved ones return to visit. Unlike Halloween, this celebration honors both life and death. The festivities in Oaxaca start on October 31 and last for three days, featuring elaborate rituals, stunning costumes, nighttime parades, street stalls, candlelight vigils, and delicious traditional foods. It’s a deeply meaningful celebration that showcases rich cultural traditions and community spirit.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known for its lively parties, and Halloween is no exception. While you won’t see many trick-or-treaters, the city offers plenty of festive events. Hong Kong Disneyland hosts impressive celebrations, while Ocean Park also throws an exciting annual Halloween party. The vibrant nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong, the city’s famous party district, features numerous Halloween happenings. Though the pandemic has quieted some events, things are starting to pick up again, making Hong Kong a fantastic place to celebrate Halloween.
New York City, United States
New York City is an amazing place to celebrate Halloween, buzzing with parties, haunted events, and performances throughout October. One of the highlights is the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, which kicks off at dusk and lasts all night. Founded in 1973 by mask maker Ralph Lee, it has grown to become the largest Halloween celebration in the US. To join in the parade, wearing a costume and mask is essential, and each year, over two million people gather in costume to celebrate.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia is known as one of the most haunted cities in the U.S., making it a top destination for ghost hunters and Halloween enthusiasts alike. With its haunted hotels, historic buildings, and eerie bars, the city is filled with ghost stories that can be explored through numerous ghost tours. Savannah also boasts great trick-or-treating spots for families and lively Halloween parties for adults. Be sure to check local event listings to stay updated on all the Halloween festivities happening in this historic city.
Halloween Faq’s
Where’s the best place to go for Halloween?
For amazing Halloween celebrations, consider destinations like Salem, New Orleans, Sleepy Hollow, Transylvania, or Derry in Northern Ireland. Each offers unique spooky experiences and exciting festivities.
Where is Halloween very popular?
Halloween is especially popular in countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. In these regions, people celebrate with activities such as trick-or-treating, costume parties, haunted attractions, and pumpkin carving.
Why is Halloween famous?
Halloween is famous for its blend of ancient traditions and modern festivities. Originating from the Celtic festival of Samhain, where people would ward off ghosts, it evolved over centuries, especially in the United States, into a major holiday. People enjoy dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, and attending spooky events.
