Halloween is a time of year when the eerie and the extraordinary take center stage. For many, it’s more than just a night of costumes and candy—it’s an opportunity to explore haunted destinations, spooky towns, and eerie events. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a history buff looking to explore legendary haunted locations, there are plenty of exciting destinations around the world to immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit. Here’s a list of the top 10 places to visit on Halloween.
1. Salem, Massachusetts: The Witch City
When you think of Halloween, Salem is likely one of the first places that comes to mind. Known for the infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem has embraced its spooky past and turned it into one of the most iconic Halloween destinations in the world. Every October, the town hosts “Haunted Happenings,” a month-long celebration filled with parades, ghost tours, and reenactments of the witch trials.
Visitors can explore sites like the Witch House, the only structure still standing in Salem directly related to the trials. For those interested in the supernatural, the town also offers numerous ghost tours, where you can hear spine-chilling stories of Salem’s haunted history.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana: The City of Ghosts and Voodoo
New Orleans is renowned for its year-round paranormal activity, but it takes Halloween to another level. The city’s rich history, coupled with its connection to voodoo culture, makes it a unique destination for Halloween enthusiasts. You can explore spooky cemeteries, like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the famous voodoo queen Marie Laveau is said to be buried.
The annual Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, held over Halloween weekend, brings a modern twist to the holiday, with live music, art installations, and elaborate costumes. The French Quarter, with its haunted mansions and ghost tours, is also a must-visit during the Halloween season.
3. Sleepy Hollow, New York: The Legend Lives On
Few places embody the spirit of Halloween like Sleepy Hollow, made famous by Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” This small town in New York celebrates Halloween with events like haunted hayrides, a haunted bridge tour, and live performances of Irving’s ghostly tale.
One of the highlights is the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, where thousands of hand-carved pumpkins illuminate the grounds of the Van Cortlandt Manor. Visitors can also pay their respects to Washington Irving himself at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where ghost tours offer a glimpse into the town’s eerie history.
4. Transylvania, Romania: The Land of Dracula
For a Halloween experience straight out of Gothic fiction, there’s no place more fitting than Transylvania, Romania. This region is forever associated with Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” and Halloween here feels like stepping into a vampire novel. The highlight of any trip to Transylvania is a visit to Bran Castle, often referred to as Dracula’s Castle, where Halloween night is celebrated with a massive party.
Guided tours of the castle focus on both its history and the vampire lore surrounding it. The town of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend), also hosts Halloween events that offer a blend of history and horror.
5. London, England: History and Haunts
London has no shortage of spooky spots, making it an ideal Halloween destination. From the infamous Tower of London to the narrow, foggy streets of Whitechapel where Jack the Ripper once prowled, the city offers a blend of historical horror and modern-day frights.
One of the most popular attractions during Halloween is the London Dungeon, where live actors recreate grisly scenes from the city’s past. Other highlights include ghost walks that explore haunted pubs and ancient churches, and a visit to the eerie Highgate Cemetery, one of the most atmospheric graveyards in Europe.
6. Derry, Northern Ireland: A Town with a Dark Past
Derry (or Londonderry) is home to one of the biggest and best Halloween celebrations in Europe. The Derry Halloween festival has become legendary, with parades, fireworks, and spooky events held across the historic walled city. Derry’s ancient walls and cobblestone streets create a perfect backdrop for a hauntingly good time.
The town’s history is filled with ghost stories, and visitors can take part in guided tours that explore Derry’s dark past, including the tragic events of the Troubles and supernatural legends. The Samhain Festival, celebrating the ancient Celtic origins of Halloween, is another highlight.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland: Ghostly Tales and Ghoulish Tours
Edinburgh is a city with a dark, ghost-filled history, making it a great Halloween destination. The city is home to some of the most haunted places in the world, including the underground vaults beneath the Old Town, where ghost sightings are common.
The annual Samhuinn Fire Festival, held on Halloween night, is a pagan celebration of the changing seasons, complete with fire dancing, elaborate costumes, and processions. Guided ghost tours take visitors through the city’s most haunted sites, including the Greyfriars Kirkyard, where the infamous Mackenzie Poltergeist is said to lurk.
8. Savannah, Georgia: The Haunted Southern Belle
Often referred to as one of the most haunted cities in the United States, Savannah is a picturesque Southern town with a spooky side. Known for its beautiful antebellum architecture, Savannah has a rich history of hauntings, making it an ideal place to visit on Halloween.
Popular attractions include ghost tours through the city’s haunted squares and mansions, such as the Mercer-Williams House and the Sorrel-Weed House. For those looking for something extra spooky, the Bonaventure Cemetery, with its moss-draped trees and eerie statues, is a must-see. The town’s many haunted inns offer visitors the chance to spend the night with some ghostly guests.
9. Los Angeles, California: Haunted Hollywood
For a more modern and celebrity-filled Halloween experience, Los Angeles offers a variety of spooky attractions. The city’s film history lends itself to ghost stories, particularly in and around old Hollywood. One of the best-known haunted spots is the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where Marilyn Monroe’s ghost is said to roam.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights is another major draw, where visitors can experience immersive haunted houses and scare zones based on popular horror films. The Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner docked in Long Beach, also offers haunted tours and a terrifying Halloween event known as “Dark Harbor.”
10. Mexico City, Mexico: Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Halloween in Mexico blends with the country’s famous “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) celebrations, creating a vibrant and culturally rich experience. While Halloween is celebrated with costume parties, it’s the Day of the Dead festivities that make Mexico City an unforgettable place to visit during this time of year.
Dia de los Muertos is a time to honor deceased loved ones, and the city comes alive with colorful altars, traditional foods, and parades. The Grand Parade, held in the heart of Mexico City, features elaborate costumes and floats celebrating both life and death. For an even more immersive experience, visitors can head to Xochimilco for a boat tour through the canals, where local legends and ghost stories are told.
Each of these destinations offers something unique for Halloween, whether you’re seeking the thrill of a haunted tour or the beauty of cultural traditions. From the eerie cemeteries of Savannah to the vampire legends of Transylvania, there’s no shortage of spooky spots to explore. Whether you prefer to celebrate with costumes and parties or delve into the darker side of history, these top 10 places offer unforgettable Halloween experiences.
