Best Travel Destinations to Celebrate Halloween
Halloween has evolved from a simple night of trick-or-treating to a worldwide phenomenon, with spooky festivals, haunted houses, and eerie events drawing travelers to destinations across the globe. Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories, enjoy vibrant parades, or want to explore historical landmarks with a dark past, these are some of the best places to celebrate Halloween.
1. Salem, Massachusetts, USA: The Witch City
Salem's connection to the 1692 witch trials has made it a prime Halloween destination. The city comes alive with "Haunted Happenings," a month-long celebration featuring ghost tours, costume parades, and witch-themed attractions.
Highlights:
Salem Haunted Happenings: From parades to haunted houses, Salem's event calendar is packed with spooky thrills.
Witch Museums and Ghost Tours: Delve into the dark history of the Salem Witch Trials and explore eerie locations around the town.
2. Derry, Northern Ireland: Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival
Derry is home to one of Europe's largest Halloween celebrations. The Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival turns the city into a Halloween wonderland, with fireworks, parades, and countless spooky activities.
Highlights:
Spooktacular Carnival Parade: The streets come alive with elaborate costumes and floats, capped off by an impressive fireworks display.
Ghost Tours: Explore the haunted past of Derry’s medieval walls and eerie cathedrals.
3. Transylvania, Romania: Dracula’s Homeland
For fans of Bram Stoker's "Dracula," there's no better place to celebrate Halloween than in Transylvania. Surrounded by gothic castles and vampire legends, the region offers a hauntingly perfect Halloween experience.
Highlights:
Bran Castle: Attend a Halloween party at Dracula’s Castle, with eerie decor and thrilling activities.
Vlad the Impaler Tours: Explore the birthplace of the real-life inspiration for Dracula, with ghost tours in Sibiu and Sighisoara.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: Voodoo and Ghostly Celebrations
New Orleans blends its vibrant culture with voodoo, jazz, and ghostly history for an unforgettable Halloween. From haunted tours to epic parties, the French Quarter transforms into a haven for Halloween revelers.
Highlights:
Krewe of Boo Parade: Join this lively Halloween parade through the French Quarter.
Ghost Tours and Voodoo Shops: Explore haunted mansions, cemeteries, and the city’s voodoo heritage.
5. London, England: Jack the Ripper and Haunted Landmarks
London's long, dark history makes it an ideal destination for Halloween. Ghost tours, haunted landmarks, and stories of infamous criminals like Jack the Ripper bring London’s haunted past to life.
Highlights:
Jack the Ripper Tour: Follow in the footsteps of London’s most notorious killer.
London Dungeon: This interactive horror experience showcases the city’s gruesome history.
6. Mexico City, Mexico: Día de los Muertos
Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) blends Halloween with deep cultural significance. Celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd, it’s a colorful, spiritual event that honors deceased loved ones with parades, face painting, and elaborate altars.
Highlights:
Day of the Dead Parade: Mexico City hosts a vibrant parade filled with music, costumes, and traditional skull imagery.
Cemetery Visits: Watch as locals decorate graves with flowers, candles, and offerings, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland: Samhuinn Fire Festival
The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain is celebrated every Halloween in Edinburgh with fire performances, pagan rituals, and ghost tours of the city’s haunted streets and underground vaults.
Highlights:
Samhuinn Fire Festival: Enjoy fire dancing and storytelling in a dramatic celebration of Halloween’s ancient roots.
Ghost Tours: Wander through the haunted alleyways and vaults of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
8. New York City, USA: Village Halloween Parade
New York City's Village Halloween Parade is one of the largest and most extravagant Halloween celebrations in the world, with giant puppets, live performances, and thousands of costumed participants.
Highlights:
Village Halloween Parade: Join or watch this lively and colorful parade through the streets of Manhattan.
Haunted Houses and Bars: Check out the city’s top pop-up haunted houses and themed Halloween parties.
9. Hong Kong: Haunted Theme Parks
Hong Kong has embraced Halloween in recent years, with attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland hosting Halloween-themed events, haunted houses, and horror mazes.
Highlights:
Disneyland’s Halloween Celebration: Enjoy spooky parades, haunted attractions, and special Halloween performances.
Ocean Park Halloween Fest: This large-scale festival features haunted houses, thrilling rides, and entertainment.
10. Savannah, Georgia, USA: America’s Most Haunted City
Savannah’s moss-covered oaks and eerie old mansions make it one of the most atmospheric cities to visit during Halloween. Known for its haunted history, the city offers ghost tours, haunted pub crawls, and more.
Highlights:
Haunted Pub Crawls: Sip cocktails while learning about the haunted history of Savannah’s best bars.
Ghost Tours: Take a nighttime tour through Savannah’s most haunted sites, including its graveyards and historic homes.
Halloween Costume Recommendation
As you prepare for your spooky adventures, don’t forget to dress the part! Check out the new Halloween collection at Retro Stage, where you'll find a wide array of unique and stylish costumes that will make you stand out at any Halloween event. From vintage-inspired outfits to fun accessories, Retro Stage has everything you need to create the perfect look for your Halloween festivities. Explore the collection here!
Make Your Halloween Travel Even Better with These Services
Whether you’re headed to Salem or Savannah, having the right travel services can make your Halloween adventure smooth and stress-free.
CarmelLimo: Get around in style with Carmel Car and Limo Service, available in 340 global locations. Book CarmelLimo here.
EconomyBookings: With car rental options in over 20,000 locations worldwide, EconomyBookings ensures you can easily explore your spooky destinations. Find your rental here.
eSky: Whether you need a flight, hotel, or car rental, eSky provides access to affordable travel options. Book with eSky here.
Compensair: Flight delays or cancellations on your Halloween trip? Claim compensation up to €600 with Compensair. Start your claim here.
INFOBUS: Find and book the best deals on flights, buses, and trains to your Halloween destination. Check INFOBUS here.
From haunted castles in Transylvania to lively parades in New York City, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences during the Halloween season. Grab your costume, plan your trip, and get ready for a spooky adventure!
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.
