10 Best Places to Celebrate Halloween in the USA
Halloween in the USA is more than just a day for trick-or-treating; it’s a full-blown season filled with haunted attractions, spooky festivals, and thrilling events. From eerie ghost tours to massive Halloween parades, there are endless ways to celebrate across the country. If you're looking to dive into the ultimate Halloween experience, these ten destinations offer some of the best celebrations in the USA.
1. Salem, Massachusetts: The Witch City
Salem is known worldwide for its infamous witch trials of 1692, and the town embraces its spooky history with gusto every Halloween. Throughout October, Salem transforms into a Halloween wonderland with haunted houses, ghost tours, and the Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball. You can explore the darker side of American history while enjoying the modern-day festivities.
Must-Do: Take a ghost tour to explore the haunted sites, visit the Witch Museum, and don’t miss the Haunted Happenings Parade.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana: The City of Voodoo
New Orleans is famous for its year-round haunted atmosphere, and Halloween in the Big Easy is truly unique. Combining the city’s rich history of voodoo and the paranormal with elaborate costumes and vibrant nightlife, New Orleans becomes a hotspot for haunted events and eerie celebrations. The Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade and the ghost tours of the French Quarter are top attractions.
Must-Do: Explore the eerie cemeteries with a guided tour, attend the Krewe of Boo parade, and enjoy a spooky night out on Bourbon Street.
3. Sleepy Hollow, New York: The Legend Lives On
Sleepy Hollow, made famous by Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” is one of the most iconic Halloween destinations in the USA. During Halloween, this quaint town embraces its haunted roots with reenactments, haunted hayrides, and the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze.
Must-Do: Visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, take part in the Haunted Hayride, and enjoy a spooky evening at the Old Dutch Church.
4. Las Vegas, Nevada: Sin City’s Sinister Side
Las Vegas knows how to throw a party, and Halloween is no exception. With extravagant costume parties, haunted hotel attractions, and the famous Fremont Street zombie walk, Las Vegas offers a thrilling Halloween for adults who are ready to celebrate in style. The Strip’s clubs host some of the wildest costume contests and parties.
Must-Do: Attend one of the city's high-profile Halloween parties, explore the haunted attractions, and join the zombie crawl on Fremont Street.
5. Anoka, Minnesota: The Halloween Capital of the World
Anoka, Minnesota, claims to be the “Halloween Capital of the World,” and for good reason. This small town was one of the first in the country to host Halloween parades, and it continues to host some of the most family-friendly Halloween celebrations, including parades, ghost tours, and pumpkin contests.
Must-Do: Attend the Halloween parades, join a ghost walk, and participate in the pumpkin-carving contests.
6. Orlando, Florida: Theme Park Halloween Extravaganza
Orlando is a top destination for Halloween, thanks to its world-famous theme parks. Both Disney World and Universal Studios put on incredible Halloween events. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is perfect for families, while Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is known for its terrifying haunted houses and horror film-inspired attractions.
Must-Do: Experience the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World.
7. San Francisco, California: The Haunting of Alcatraz
San Francisco offers a mix of historic and eerie experiences, making it a great destination for Halloween lovers. The famous Alcatraz prison hosts nighttime tours, adding a spooky edge to the island’s already ominous atmosphere. In the city, you’ll also find haunted houses and Halloween events in neighborhoods like Castro, where the Castro Halloween Street Party draws large crowds.
Must-Do: Take a night tour of Alcatraz, attend the Castro Halloween Street Party, and explore the city’s haunted spots.
8. Savannah, Georgia: America’s Most Haunted City
Savannah’s historic streets, ghostly cemeteries, and beautiful antebellum architecture make it one of the most haunted cities in the USA. Halloween in Savannah is filled with ghost tours, haunted pub crawls, and spooky events across the city.
Must-Do: Go on a ghost tour, visit the Bonaventure Cemetery, and enjoy a haunted pub crawl.
9. Chicago, Illinois: The Windy City’s Haunted History
Chicago offers a wide range of Halloween activities, from family-friendly events to terrifying haunted houses. One of the biggest draws is the annual Arts in the Dark Parade, where the city’s creative communities come together to celebrate Halloween with costumes, performances, and art installations. Chicago also boasts some of the scariest haunted houses in the country.
Must-Do: Attend the Arts in the Dark Parade, visit one of the city's haunted houses, and enjoy the city's nightlife in costume.
10. Los Angeles, California: Haunted Hollywood
Los Angeles has no shortage of Halloween events, thanks to its Hollywood connections and love for horror films. The city hosts Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, where movie-quality haunted houses terrify guests. LA also boasts the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, one of the biggest Halloween street parties in the world.
Must-Do: Visit Universal Studios for Halloween Horror Nights and attend the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval.
Halloween Fashion Must-Have
Before heading to any of these Halloween destinations, you’ll want to make sure your costume game is on point. Check out the new collection at Retro Stage for vintage-inspired Halloween looks that will make you stand out at any Halloween celebration! Retro Stage Halloween Collection
To make your Halloween trip even easier, here are some excellent travel services to consider for your spooky European adventure:
Carmellimo: Luxury car service to over 340 global locations, perfect for stress-free transportation during your travels.
EconomyBookings: For reliable car rentals in over 180 countries with 24/5 multilingual support.
eSky: Find the best deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, and travel insurance.
International Drivers Association: Get your International Driving Permit before heading on a road trip in the USA.
Compensair: Claim compensation for delayed or canceled flights with ease.
Suntransfers: Get to and from airports and cruise ports with ease through a trusted transfer service.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly Halloween celebration or a night of spine-tingling terror, these top destinations in the USA have something for everyone. From haunted cities and spooky festivals to extravagant parties, Halloween in America is truly unforgettable. Don’t forget to plan your trip early and make the most of your Halloween getaway!
Note: Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you choose to make a booking or claim compensation through these platforms, at no additional cost to you.
