Best Towns for Halloween in the USA and Europe

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Are you excited about Halloween? Are you looking for some fantastic places to visit this Halloween? Well, then, you’re in the right place! In this post, we will discover some of the Best Towns for Halloween in the USA and Europe. Let’s get started!

Halloween is a holiday celebrated all around the world, but some places genuinely embrace the spooky spirit more than others. If you’re someone who loves all things Halloween, then you’ll want to add these destinations to your travel bucket list. From costume parades to haunted tours, these towns go above and beyond to make Halloween an unforgettable experience.

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Best Places to Visit for Halloween in the USA & Europe

Best Places to Spend Halloween in the USA

The United States has many cities that go all out for Halloween. Here are just a few of my top picks.

Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is the ultimate destination for those seeking the best towns for Halloween! Famous for its witch trials of 1692, this charming town transforms into a spooky playground throughout October. Plus, it’s loaded with festive activities and eerie attractions as well.

Things to do include enjoying a grand parade that winds through the streets. Additionally, there are costume balls, haunted tours, and engaging storytelling sessions. All these experiences allow guests to delve deeper into the town’s fascinating lore and history.

Whether you’re exploring the darkened alleys or participating in a spirited ghost tour, Salem offers a unique blend of history and fun that is sure to thrill all who visit!

New Orleans, Louisiana

Ah, New Orleans is one of my favorite destinations any time of year, but Halloween is particularly fun! With its vibrant history and intriguing voodoo culture, New Orleans is full of supernatural stories just waiting to be explored. As the birthplace of jazz and a melting pot of cultures, the city’s charm extends beyond its famous cuisine and lively music scene.

One of the highlights is undoubtedly the annual “Krewe of Boo” Halloween parade, which happens the weekend before Halloween. Here, the streets come alive with whimsical floats, dazzling costumes, and infectious energy that can get everyone tapping their feet! Folks of all ages can join in the fun, celebrating the eerie and the entertaining, making it a must-see spectacle for any Halloween enthusiast.

From haunted tours to ghostly tales, New Orleans offers endless opportunities to embrace the supernatural while enjoying its unique festivities.

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Another one of the best towns for Halloween is Sleepy Hallow. As the enchanting backdrop for Washington Irving’s beloved tale “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” this charming town truly embraces the spirit of Halloween! Each year, Sleepy Hollow transforms into a whimsical wonderland overflowing with spooky surprises and festive activities. Visitors can hop aboard ghostly hayrides and delve into local legends and eerie tales that will send shivers down the spine.

One of the season’s highlights is the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor. Here over 7,000 thousand hand-carved pumpkins light up the night, which is a delightful experience for all ages. From thrilling cemetery tours to pumpkin-picking adventures, Sleepy Hollow invites everyone to join in the fun and discover why it’s one of the best places to spend Halloween!

Anoka, Minnesota

Anoka is known as the “Halloween Capital of the World.” It’s been full of spooky spirits since 1920, when they created a Halloween celebration to keep the kids from pulling silly pranks. With a rich tradition of Halloween festivities, this charming town is an excellent place to enjoy Halloween fun.

The month-long festival features a delightful array of events. Some include thrilling pumpkin carving contests where creativity knows no bounds. You can expect to see everything from classic jack-o’-lanterns to intricate designs that will blow your mind. And don’t forget the giant bonfire, which creates the perfect backdrop for gathering with friends and family under the crisp autumn sky.

With all these fun haunts, Anoka is the place to celebrate all things Halloween! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s no better place to embrace the ghoulish fun and share in community spirit this spooky season!

Savannah, Georgia

Obviously, the charming city of Savannah is brimming with captivating ghost stories and historic haunts that spark the imagination! If you’ve ever visited then you know there are numerous ghost stories to be told. One of the best ways to experience Savannah’s eerie allure is by hopping on a spooky tour. You can wander through beautifully eerie cemeteries and listen to chilling tales of the past.

Dress up in your spookiest attire and join in on the crowded streets filled with laughter. There will also be ghostly-themed activities and perhaps a mysterious character or two lurking in the shadows. And don’t miss the Sorrel Weed House, which is considered to be the most haunted house in Savannah. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun time, Savannah is perfect. Its enchanting blend of history and the supernatural makes it one of the best places to visit for Halloween!

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, is absolutely enchanting during the Halloween season! The city has a fantastic history, which lends an eerie charm to its narrow cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved architecture. Not to mention, the mild autumn weather allows for delightful outdoor celebrations, making Charleston a perfect spot to don your costume and create lasting memories!

From haunted historic landmarks to ghost tours that weave through the tales of the past, there’s no shortage of spooky fun. Families can enjoy festive events like pumpkin patches, haunted hayrides, elaborate decorations, and fun festivities. Of course, if you prefer a more frightening scare, then a Charleston Haunted Jail Tour or the USS Yorktown Ghost Tour must be on your bucket list.

All these things and more make Charleston one of the best places to spend Halloween.

St. Helens, Oregon

St. Helens, Oregon, is truly a gem for Halloween enthusiasts. It is where the movie Halloweentown and scenes for Twilight were filmed. St. Helens, Oregon, is known for its historic downtown area, which undergoes a magical transformation each October.

The iconic “Spirit of Halloweentown” celebration features a variety of family-friendly festivities, including pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and themed parades that delight locals and visitors alike.

With its picturesque streets adorned with autumn decorations and a community that embraces the magic of Halloween, St. Helens provides an unforgettable backdrop for creating cherished memories with friends and family. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to soak in the seasonal spirit and enjoy everything Halloween offers!

More Seasonal Travel Inspiration

• Fall at Moses Cone Memorial Park
• Europe Fall Bucket List Destinations
• Best US Destinations in September to Visit
• Fall Photography Ideas

Best Places to Spend Halloween in Europe

Not all cities in Europe celebrate Halloween like America. That being said, there are still plenty of destinations that embrace the holiday.

Transylvania, Romania

As the haunting birthplace of Vlad, the Impaler, aka the real Dracula, Transylvania is one of the best towns for Halloween! Visitors can embark on a thrilling tour of Bran Castle, famously known as “Dracula’s Castle,” where you can explore its eerie chambers, hear tales of Vlad the Impaler, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a ghost or two! If you want something extra special, you can attend the annual Halloween party at Bran Castle!

But that’s not all! Don’t miss the annual Halloween party in the charming town of Sighisoara, where the streets come alive with costumed revelers, live music, and delicious local treats. Dance the night away in the shadow of the medieval clock tower or join thrilling ghost tours that reveal the region’s fascinating folklore. Would you agree that Transylvania is one of the best places to spend Halloween?

London, England

Undoubtedly, the city that gave us Jack the Ripper is bound to have some spooky secrets lurking around every corner! If you’re looking for one of the most thrilling places to spend Halloween, London has plenty to offer.

Picture yourself wandering through the Jack the Ripper Walking Tour, or maybe you would instead like to explore the Tower of London, one of the most haunted places in London. For those who love a bit of fun and adventure, there is Sherlock, the Official Live Game, or you can learn the Dark Arts at the Harry Potter film studios.

Whether you’re looking to delve into the city’s haunted history or enjoy some wickedly good fun with friends, London’s vibrant Halloween scene has something for everyone. So grab your broomsticks and get ready for a ghoulishly great time!

Edinburgh, Scotland

With its stunning gothic architecture and intriguing, dark history, Edinburgh emerges as one of the best towns for Halloween for those craving an eerie experience. The city transforms into a spooktacular hub, teeming with events that promise chills and thrills!

Join a haunted Edinburgh ghost tour or visit the Edinburgh Dungeon. Or you would prefer a haunted Pub Crawl, which can be pretty fun! One more thing to consider is the Samhuinn Fire Festival, which is Edinburgh’s most unique Halloween event.

With all this and the backdrop of the ancient Edinburgh castle looming above, the atmosphere is perfect for a hauntingly good time!

Dublin, Ireland

Did you know that Halloween originates from the Celtic traditional festival of Samhain? That’s right, so Dublin is definitely one of the best towns for Halloween! Visit the vibrant streets of Dublin to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of this spooky holiday.

A few spooky ideas for Dublin include the Bram Stoker Festival, which is the largest gathering of Vampires in the world! Or experience Halloween at Malahide Castle because many ghosts are flying about. Also you can explore the Fairy Trail, a magical experience indeed. Malahide Castle even features a spooky trail just for children to enjoy!

Dublin also hosts parties, including a Halloween Roller Disco, and many Pubs offer their own special fun for the occasion. Enjoy numerous themed events happening all over the city, from pumpkin carving contests to spirited live music that will keep you dancing all night.

Dublin is a delightful mix of history and Halloween fun that you won’t want to miss!

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is full of medieval charm and ghostly legends, making it a top choice for Halloween adventurers!

Explore the maze of narrow streets lined with stunning architecture as you embark on ghost tours that unveil the city’s chilling history. Visit haunted hotels and mysterious landmarks where stories of spirits linger. Looking to celebrate in style? The city hosts numerous themed parties full of music, dancing, and, of course, creepy costumes!

There’s no end to its whimsical atmosphere and spine-tingling tales, Prague gives you the perfect blend of thrills and chills for a memorable Halloween escapade.

Paris, France

Paris, the City of Lights, becomes a magical haunt during Halloween, thus making it one of the best places to visit for Halloween.

Of course, visitors can explore various spooky events, such as ghostly walking tours through haunted sites, but the Catacombs are a must if you are visiting Paris for Halloween! What could be spookier than walking amongst the bones of millions of Parisians under the city? Another favorite is a walking tour of Père Lachaise Cemetery, which is eerie and beautiful all at once. Plus, it is the most visited cemetery in the world.

However, my favorite option is Halloween at Disneyland Paris! This is perfect for everyone and is an epic Halloween adventure! Are you ready to visit Paris for Halloween? I know I am!

Additional tips for travelers

• Research local customs and traditions before participating in any Halloween festivities.
• Plan ahead for transportation and accommodations as popular destinations can get crowded during the holiday.
• Pack appropriate clothing and gear for potentially chilly weather.
• Be respectful of local cultures and traditions while celebrating Halloween abroad. Remember that some may not celebrate the holiday in the same way as you do.
• Try new foods and drinks unique to each destination. You never know what tasty treats you might discover!
• Don’t forget to take plenty of photos to remember your spooky adventures by!

Final Thoughts on Best Places to Visit for Halloween

No matter where you choose to spend Halloween, there are plenty of destinations that offer unique and exciting experiences for the holiday. From traditional celebrations to more modern twists, these destinations will surely give you a Halloween you won’t forget. So grab your costumes and get ready to explore the spookier side of some of Europe’s most historic cities!

Of course, if you have any other suggestions for the best things to do in this area, please share a comment below. I would love to hear from you! 

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