Top Ten Places to Celebrate Halloween

Hey friends! Back with another fun travel post, talking all about the top ten places to celebrate Halloween! Now, I am not usually somebody that loves Halloween. Yeah, I’m sure I loved it as a kid and I’m pretty convinced I’ll love it when we eventually have kids. But for now, it’s not my favorite holiday. Probably because I scare easily.

However, I love travel and I actually thought this would be a really fun post! I am all about vacations with a specific purpose and celebrating the culture of a destination. So, let’s dive right into my list of the top ten places to celebrate Halloween!

Where to Celebrate Halloween in the United States

Salem, Massachusetts

Ever seen Hocus Pocus or heard of the Salem Witch Trials? Then you know about Salem, MA! When Jarrett and I lived in Massachusetts, we visited Salem during the month of October and I truly loved how excited this town gets for Halloween!

There are tons of activities to do, from ghost tours (a must-do) to visiting the Salem Witch Museum. The entire “downtown” is very walkable, with a bunch of shops, all decorated in a very festive manner.

Sleepy Hollow, New York

When you hear “Sleepy Hollow,” do you immediately think of headless horsemen and gigantic, creepy mansions? Head out to Horseman’s Hollow to learn about the legend, but be warned, this is a very scary event and not appropriate for children. For a more “family-friendly” activity, check out the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze!

New York City

If you are looking to spend Halloween at a gigantic costume party, then you need to head to NYC and attend the Village Halloween Parade! Check out some of the most creative costumes as a spectator or join in on the fun and march. There are also a bunch of haunted houses all over the city, plus cemetery tours, family-friendly Halloween movies at public parks, and “Boo at the Zoo” at the Bronx Zoo.

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Savannah, Georgia

As one of the oldest and spookiest cities in the south, Savannah has a lot to offer for Halloween. Take a tour of the Sorrel Weed House, one of the most haunted houses in the country, or just wander around the city at night! You can also visit the Moon River Brewing Company, which is known to have active spirits!

New Orleans, Louisiana

If you can’t make it for Mardi Gras, definitely head to New Orleans for Halloween! The French Quarter is teeming with voodoo shops, there are world-famous cemeteries to explore, and plenty of haunted houses.

If you are looking for a costume party, hit the Frenchmen Street Party. If you are feeling fancy, listen to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra play “Ancient Spirits.”

Disney World/Disney Land

Have children or just want to feel like a big kid yourself? Check out Disney for Halloween! Think plenty of seasonal treats, amazing Halloween decorations, and a bunch of people running around in creative costumes!

If you want to do a little something special, you can get tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World, or the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney Land (already sold out this year). Plus, as always, there is an amazing fireworks display!

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Where to Celebrate Internationally

Transylvania, Romania

I bet you automatically thought of Dracula, right? Vampires go perfectly with Halloween! You can visit the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, aka Dracula, and visit the ruins of his castle. Bran Castle is the most popular “vampire” site in Transylvania, so you cannot miss stopping there! Or, you can spend the night at Corvin Castle, where Dracula was once a prisoner. They even host a Halloween party!

Mexico

Halloween isn’t hugely popular in Mexico, but you have to experience the Day of the Dead. Mexicans welcome back the souls of their departed loved ones, with beautiful decorations and dressed-up skeletons. Head to San Miguel de Allende for a 5-day festival, or to Oaxaca for a different spin on the holiday.

Check out a list of “Day of the Dead” Celebrations here!

Ireland

There’s a new festival heading to Ireland this year, celebrating the origins of Halloween! Did you know that Halloween can be traced back to the Celtic tradition of Samhain? This is a time of transition, where spirits move on to the next life. The festival will include lots of food, light displays, and storytelling. Looking for something else? Here’s a list of events you can’t miss!

London, England

London has a pretty spooky history, which you can learn all about at the Tower of London and the Museum of London. To experience a real haunted house, head to the Hampton Court Palace, the former home of Henry VIII. Or, take a ghost bus tour!

Alright, did your favorite place make the list for top ten places to celebrate Halloween? What events do you most look forward to? Are you heading somewhere new this year? Let me know in the comments below!