Halloween is just around the corner, bringing with it Jack-O-Lanterns and a spooky vibe that will light up the streets. It’s the perfect time to get your costume ready and dive into the chills of the season. If you’re on the hunt for the best Halloween destinations, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a list of the spookiest and most unique places to visit this Halloween. Ready to get some goosebumps?
New Orleans, USA
New Orleans is famous for its delicious Creole dishes and wild festivals, but it’s also known for its haunting urban legends. With its voodoo traditions, eerie cemeteries, and spooky houses, New Orleans is a top spot for Halloween enthusiasts. You can start your Halloween in New Orleans by exploring its centuries-old buildings and cemeteries. As night falls, the city comes alive with vibrant festivals and events. Canal Street and French Quarter are must-visit locations for amazing costume festivals. Don’t miss the Voodoo Festival for an extra dose of eerie excitement. New Orleans truly stands out as one of the best places to celebrate Halloween.
Savannah, Georgia, USA
If you’re looking for a good scare, Savannah has plenty to offer. Known as one of the most haunted cities in the US, Savannah is home to centuries-old buildings and pre-war houses that add to its eerie charm. During Halloween, the city is filled with haunted houses, trick-or-treating, costume parties, and horror movies. For genuine spooky experiences, visit Savannah’s haunted spots like the Marshall House, a hotel rumored to be haunted by ghosts and poltergeists, or Moon River Brewing, an old beer house known for sightings of a female ghost in a white dress. Savannah is undoubtedly one of the best places to experience Halloween.
Salem, Massachusetts, USA
Salem is a must-visit for Halloween. Famous for its Witch Trials, Salem’s dark history makes it a unique Halloween destination. The city goes all out for Halloween, with decorated streets, festive houses, and extravagant celebrations. Salem hosts the world’s largest Halloween festival, Haunted Happenings, which is a must-see. Don your scariest costume, enjoy Halloween-themed drinks, and explore haunted houses. For a touch of witchcraft, have your fortune told by tarot cards or a clairvoyant. Salem offers an unforgettable Halloween experience.
Sleepy Hollow, New York, USA
Just outside the hustle and bustle of New York City lies the quiet village of Sleepy Hollow, a favorite fall destination for locals. The village’s classic homes, old cemeteries, and historical sites create a perfect Halloween atmosphere. Visit the Headless Horseman Bridge, Philipsburg Manor, and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery for spine-tingling experiences. For Halloween festivities, check out the Jack-o-Lantern Blaze and Haunted Hayride. The Jack-o-Lantern Blaze features thousands of jack-o-lanterns, while the Haunted Hayride offers a thrilling haunted house experience. Sleepy Hollow is one of the best places to soak up the Halloween spirit.
Dublin, Ireland
Did you know Halloween originated in Ireland? The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain marked a time when spirits roamed the earth, and people wore costumes to blend in and avoid bad luck. Today, Samhain is still celebrated in Ireland, especially in Dublin. On October 31st, Parnell Square hosts a grand Halloween parade. For a real scare, visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where actors dressed as ghosts bring the 18th-century castle’s legends to life. Dublin’s Halloween celebrations are a lively and spooky way to enjoy the holiday.
Edinburgh, UK
Edinburgh’s rich history and culture make it an excellent Halloween destination. The city’s centuries-old buildings, towers, and castles create a spooky atmosphere, especially in the fall. Edinburgh is known for its ghosts, poltergeists, witches, and wizards. Visit Edinburgh Castle to hear the legend of the Ghostly Piper Boy, or explore Harry Potter filming sites like Victoria Street. For more chills, check out Underground Edinburgh, an abandoned town that’s as mysterious as it is spooky. Edinburgh’s historical and eerie vibe makes it a top spot for Halloween.
London, UK
While London is known for its beautiful landmarks like the London Bridge, the Thames River, and Big Ben, it also has a spooky side. With stories of Jack the Ripper and Bloody Mary, London is a great place to celebrate Halloween. The city is alive with Halloween celebrations, from pub parties to ghost tours. Get dressed in your best costume and join a Halloween pub event, or go on a spine-chilling tour like the Jack the Ripper Ghost Walk or the London Bridge Ghost Walking Tour. London’s mix of history and Halloween fun makes it a fantastic place to visit during the spooky season.
Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania is like a town from a fairytale, with its lush hills, towering fortresses, and castles. Known for the legend of Count Dracula, Transylvania is a magnet for horror lovers. Visiting Transylvania on Halloween is a unique experience, with its gothic architecture and eerie atmosphere. Don’t miss Bran Castle, Dracula’s hideout, once home to Vlad the Impaler. On Halloween night, the castle hosts costume parties and events that combine fun and a chilling Halloween adventure. Transylvania is one of the best places to celebrate Halloween.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Mexico’s rich culture and traditions are on full display during the Day of the Dead, or Dia de Los Muertos. This colorful celebration of death is a joyful moment to reconnect with deceased loved ones. Oaxaca is the heart of the Day of the Dead festivities, with vibrant marigold decorations, extravagant parades, delicious food, and the iconic sugar skull makeup known as La Catrina. Visiting Oaxaca during Halloween provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this beautiful tradition.