Top 5 Halloween Destinations in the US
We’re sharing the top 5 Halloween destinations in the US! Gone are the days when Halloween was confined to just one night of trick-or-treating and costume parties. Over the last few years, the spooky spirit of Halloween has expanded its reign, transforming the entire month of October into a thrilling season of celebration. From pumpkin patches to haunted houses, cities and towns all over the country are embracing the magic of Halloween all month long. And personally, we’re here for it! We love the excuse for over-the-top decorations, extra parties and excuses for multiple costumes.
While we’re sharing this post before we’ve even hit Memorial Day Weekend, the best Halloween experiences are already open for booking and now is the time to start planning. Learn from our experiences and failures:
Multiple years running, at the first sign of the leaves changing we’ve been struck by the inspiration to jet off somewhere spooky only to find everything already booked up. Now’s the time to plan your Halloween-inspired Fall travel!
We’re getting ahead of it this year and hoping we inspire you to do the same. Need some ideas on the best Halloween destinations to celebrate? Here’s our Top 5 Halloween Travel Destinations:
Salem, Massachussets
Nestled on the coast of Massachusetts, Salem is a city steeped in history, mystery, and magic. And there's no better time to experience its enchanting allure than in October, when the entire city transforms into a hub of Halloween festivities. Throughout the month of October, the city hosts an array of events and attractions that cater to all ages and interests. From haunted tours and ghost hunts to costume balls and parades, there's no shortage of spooky fun to be had. Don't miss the annual Haunted Happenings festival, a month-long extravaganza featuring live music, street performers, and themed events that capture the essence of Halloween.
For fans of the cult classic "Hocus Pocus," there's no better way to experience the magic than by visiting the filming locations in Salem, Massachusetts. From the iconic Sanderson Sisters' house to the historic streets where Max, Dani, and Allison roamed, most of the locations seen throughout the movie are real and easy to visit.
2. Walt Disney World, Florida
It will surprise no one that Walt Disney World made our list of top-5 spots to destinations for extra halloween fun and Magic. As you would expect, Disney pulls out the stops for Halloween with over-the-top park decor, special ticketed events, parties and costumes.
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the highlight of the season, where guests can don their favorite costumes and trick-or-treat their way through the Magic Kingdom. The party features special parades, fireworks shows, and character meet-and-greets, all infused with a spooky Disney twist that adds to the magic of the occasion.
In addition to the party, Disney World offers a host of other Halloween-themed experiences throughout the parks. Every corner of the resort is infused with the spirit of the season. Whether you're exploring the eerie delights of the Haunted Mansion or admiring the larger-than-life jack-o'-lanterns on Main Street, Halloween at Disney World is a magical celebration that leaves visitors bewitched and enchanted long after the holiday has passed.
Walt Disney World starts celebrating super early with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party scheduled for select nights from August 9th through October 31st. Tickets go on sale beginning May 8th do sell out fast, particularly for dates closer to Halloween so you’ll want to make your plans as soon as possible!
3. Los Angeles, California
Haunt ‘o ween at Woodland Hills
Its not surprising that the home of Hollywood goes all out for a holiday featuring parties, decor and costumes. We love Los Angeles year round but the fall is particularly amazing as the summer tourist season ends, cooler weather rolls in and the city lights up for Halloween.
Fairfax Farmers Market
Halloween Town costume store
Our family visited Los Angeles in October last year and were overwhelmed by the fanfare around the city. Many locals told us that in some ways the holiday’s festivities and season feels bigger than Christmas. The city’s Dia de los Muertos parade and celebrations are the largest in the country. Don’t have a costume yet? You'll find everything from amazing vintage shops to next-level Hollywood-quality Halloween costume shops so popular they operate year round.
As you would expect, Disneyland goes over the top with Halloween fun. Similar to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the Oogie Boogie Bash takes place on select nights from August - October, welcoming Halloween lovers for special parades, experiences and trick-or-treating. The fun doesn’t stop with the parties. Disneyland completely overhauling The Haunted Mansion with a Nightmare Before Christmas theming and giving Carsland the cutest pumpkin patch update.
PSA for all fellow Nightmare Before Christmas super-fans: Keep a lookout on the schedule for the Hollywood Bowl. While it’s often not announced until the fall, the Hollywood Bowl occasionally hosts a singalong concert event for the film. Our family made the trip to LA last year specifically for the 30th Anniversary concert and everything about it was spectacular. The Hollywood Bowl is a must-do experience on it’s own. If you can see a film in concert, even better!
Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert. Hollywood Bowl.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
The Skeleton House on St. Charles Avenue. Photo: Chelsea Brasted/Axios
For a getaway without the little ones or trip with older kids, New Orleans is a prime destination that promises a spooky-fun, haunted experiences and even a little voodoo. From haunted tours that delve into the city's storied past to elaborate costume parties that rival those of Mardi Gras, there's something for everyone to enjoy in New Orleans during the Halloween season.
St. Louis Cemetery, New Orleans’ oldest, is considered one of the most haunted cemetery’s in the United States.
Explore the city's historic cemeteries on a guided ghost tour, where you'll hear tales of voodoo queens, restless spirits, and haunted mansions. Or, take a stroll through the French Quarter, where the narrow streets and centuries-old buildings create an eerie ambiance that is perfect for Halloween revelry.
One of the highlights of Halloween in New Orleans is the annual Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, a three-day festival that celebrates music, art, and the spirit of Voodoo. Held in City Park, this eclectic event features performances by some of the biggest names in music, along with immersive art installations, interactive experiences, and delicious food offerings. With its electrifying atmosphere and diverse lineup, Voodoo Fest has become a must-attend event for music lovers and Halloween enthusiasts alike.
With its unique blend of mystique, music, and magic, New Orleans provides the perfect backdrop for a Halloween adventure that is both thrilling and unforgettable.
5. New York, City
Over the top decorations bring the Halloween Spirit to life in Brooklyn.
We can find reasons for New York City to make every top 5 list! In general, Fall is an amazing time to visit New York City. The weather is beautiful, crowds have dissipated and walking the streets of the city makes you feel like you’re in a movie.
Autumn leaves in Central Park
New York City pulls out all the stops for Halloween, with events and activities happening in every borough. Catch our world-famous Halloween Parade, a massive procession of costumed revelers marching through the streets of Greenwich Village.
Greenwich Village Halloween Parade
Or take a short train ride up to the real-life Sleepy Hollow where you can explore the cemetery and see the charming town that inspired the legendary story.
For fans of history and the macabre, take a spine-tingling haunted walking Boroughs of the Dead walking tour through the cobblestone streets and historic neighborhoods of New York City's Village and Lower Manhattan. From the haunted homes of literary giants like Edgar Allan Poe to the mysterious spirits that roam the halls of historic landmarks, each stop on the tour unveils a new layer of the city's haunted history. Our team has taken these tours multiple times and loves them. Its a fantastic way to learn more about the city and enjoy some extra spooky Halloween fun.
