When it comes to Halloween, few countries celebrate with as much variety and enthusiasm as the United States. Across the nation, cities big and small transform into hauntingly exciting destinations, each offering something unique for thrill-seekers, history buffs, and families alike. For example, you can enjoy haunted houses, Halloween parades or even stay in a haunted room. As you begin planning your haunted Halloween, consider exploring some of these spook-tacular cities in America.
Best Cities in the United States for Halloween
(credit: T-10 Construction)
Anoka, Minnesota
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in classic Halloween traditions, you should head to Anoka. After all, it’s known as the “Halloween Capital of the World.” For more than a century, this town has embraced Halloween with enthusiasm, hosting the first official Halloween parade back in 1920. As you explore Anoka, you’ll find festive events like the Grand Day Parade, where floats, costumed performers, and community spirit come together. What’s more, there’s always something for families, whether it’s pumpkin-carving contests, haunted houses, or costume competitions. Of course, Anoka also allows you to experience Halloween’s nostalgic, small-town roots about a half-hour drive from Minneapolis.
Chicago, Illinois
In contrast, for an urban Halloween adventure, you can’t go wrong with Chicago. Indeed, the Windy City truly comes alive in October, offering a mix of spooky history and modern festivities. For example, the Northalsted Haunted Halloween Parade is a major highlight, known for its elaborate costumes and lively street performances. That’s not to mention the 10th annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade held even earlier on October 19. Additionally, you’ll want to check out Statesville Haunted Prison, one of the most terrifying haunted house experiences in America. And if you love history, Chicago’s ghost tours will take you through some of its most haunted spots. Ultimately, Chicago delivers a rich and varied Halloween experience.
Estes Park, Colorado
Now, if you prefer an eerie, atmospheric setting, consider heading to Estes Park. Famous for the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, this town gives you the perfect opportunity for a haunted getaway. While staying at the hotel, you can take a ghost tour and hear firsthand about its paranormal activity. Incidentally, if you want to see the 1980 film, go to Historic Park Theatre from October 22 to 31. Plus, every October, the hotel hosts an elegant Masquerade Ball—a mysterious and unforgettable event. With the stunning Rocky Mountains as your backdrop, you’ll experience a uniquely haunted Halloween in Estes Park.
Las Vegas, Nevada
For those in search of a high-energy, extravagant Halloween celebration, Las Vegas should be at the top of your list. After all, Vegas is already known for its big events, but Halloween takes things to a whole new level. Take, for instance, the Fetish & Fantasy Halloween Ball, which is famous for its over-the-top costumes and lively atmosphere. Furthermore, many of the city’s famous casinos host Halloween-themed parties and events, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. If you’re ready for a vibrant, thrilling Halloween experience, Las Vegas delivers in style.
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Los Angeles, California
If you’re a fan of horror movies or crave a true cinematic experience, you’ll love celebrating a haunted Halloween in Los Angeles. One of the most popular attractions is Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, where you can walk through movie-inspired haunted houses. This annual event at Universal Studios Hollywood is happening now through November 3. Then there’s the Fright Fest Extreme at Six Flags Mountain Mountain, also through November 3. If that’s not enough, you shouldn’t miss the West Hollywood Halloween Carnival, one of the largest street parties in the country. Expect to see thousands of people in elaborate costumes as the city embraces the spooky season. For a Halloween filled with Hollywood-quality frights and fun, Los Angeles is a definite must-visit.
Related: Halloween at California Amusement Parks
New Orleans, Louisiana
For those who love a Halloween steeped in history and the supernatural, New Orleans, is your perfect destination. As you wander through the French Quarter, you’ll feel the city’s unique blend of mystery and magic. With ghost tours around every corner, not to mention the famous Krewe of Boo parade, the city offers endless opportunities for spooky fun. Moreover, New Orleans is home to some of the most haunted cemeteries in the world, like St. Louis No. 1, where legends of spirits and voodoo abound. If you’re after a hauntingly atmospheric Halloween, New Orleans won’t disappoint.
New York City, New York
If you’re looking for one of the biggest and most energetic Halloween celebrations in the world, there’s no better place than New York City. The city’s Village Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village is a spectacle that draws thousands of costumed participants and spectators. Meanwhile, you’ll also find countless haunted houses, ghost tours, and Halloween-themed events happening across the city’s five boroughs. Whether you’re eager to show off your own costume or simply marvel at the creativity around you, New York City is an unmatched Halloween destination.
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For a truly terrifying Halloween, make your way to Philadelphia. One of the city’s biggest attractions is Eastern State Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls, an immersive haunted experience inside a real abandoned prison. However, the frights don’t stop there. Philadelphia’s ghost tours take you through centuries of history, exploring haunted colonial streets and eerie landmarks. Furthermore, the city’s historic sites lend an added layer of spookiness, making Halloween in Philadelphia a thrilling adventure for any history buff or paranormal enthusiast.
Providence, Rhode Island
If you’re someone who enjoys a more artistic and creative approach to Halloween, you’ll find that Providence, offers something special. As the home of famed horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, the city celebrates its literary roots with Halloween events honoring his work. What’s more, visiting his grave in Swan Point Cemetery can be particularly scary during Halloween season. The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo is another must-see, featuring thousands of intricately carved pumpkins lit up in stunning displays. Whether you’re a fan of eerie literature or breathtaking Halloween artistry, Providence provides an elegant and spooky Halloween experience.
Salem, Massachusetts
For a Halloween experience deeply rooted in American history, few places compare to Salem. Known for its infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem takes on an extra spooky atmosphere during October. The town’s Haunted Happenings festival includes ghost tours, historical reenactments, and, of course, plenty of witch-themed events. What’s more, you can take a self-guided tour of filming locations for the popular Disney movie “Hocus Pocus”, including Old Town Hall. You’ll also want to visit the Salem Witch Museum and Witch Dungeon Museum which offer a fascinating look into the town’s dark past. For anyone who’s intrigued by witches, folklore, or the supernatural, Salem is definitely an iconic Halloween destination. As a result, the sooner you plan for a visit the better, as it gets very busy in October.
Related: What to See in Salem for Halloween
San Antonio, Texas
For a uniquely Texan take on Halloween, you should visit San Antonio. The city combines its rich history with lively Halloween events, such as the Haunted River Parade along the iconic River Walk. You can also explore the haunted legends surrounding famous landmarks like The Alamo and the Emily Morgan Hotel. Of course, there are other fun things to do, including the Cavern Fall Bat Fest and Halloween at Seaworld San Antonio. That’s not to mention a possible Beetlejuice sighting at the Six Flags Fright Fest. Whether you’re attending a riverside parade or investigating ghost stories in historic buildings, San Antonio brings its own distinct flavor to the Halloween season.
Savannah, Georgia
In the event that you’re searching for a city filled with ghostly charm, you’ll want to visit Savannah. Often regarded as one of the most haunted cities in America, Savannah is perfect for ghost tours that guide you through its historic streets, homes, and cemeteries. The Sorrel-Weed House and Bonaventure Cemetery are two especially spooky spots where paranormal activity is said to be common. That’s not to mention a visit to Savannah’s iconic St. John the Baptist Cathedral, hosting a Halloween event. With its Southern charm and deep-rooted ghost stories, Savannah is an ideal destination for those who love history mixed with the supernatural.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
For fans of classic American ghost stories, Sleepy Hollow, is a must-see during Halloween. As the setting of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the town fully embraces its spooky folklore with haunted hayrides, cemetery tours, and reenactments of the Headless Horseman’s tale. Furthermore, Horseman’s Hollow at Phillipsburg Manor is a chilling haunted attraction that brings the legend to life in frightening detail. If you’re eager to step into the world of a timeless Halloween tale, Sleepy Hollow will transport you to the heart of American mythology.
St. Helens, Oregon
For a magical, family-friendly Halloween, consider a trip to St. Helens. This charming town gained fame as the filming location for Disney’s Halloweentown, and each October, it transforms into a real-life version of the movie with the Spirit of Halloweentown festival. You can expect costume contests, pumpkin displays, and haunted houses that make this small town feel like a Halloween wonderland. If you’re a fan of the movie or simply looking for a whimsical, light-hearted Halloween experience, St. Helens is the place to be.
Tombstone, Arizona
For an Old West Halloween adventure, you should explore Tombstone. This historic town, famous for the 1881 gunfight at the O.K. Corral, celebrates Halloween with Helldorado Days, a festival featuring reenactments, parades, and ghost tours. As you explore Tombstone, you’ll encounter haunted saloons and eerie stories of gunfighters long gone. That’s not to mention a Halloween evening visit to the legendary Boothill Graveyard. For a unique mix of Western history and Halloween thrills, Tombstone offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS for eight years. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a media fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
