From ghosts and goblins to marching bands and floats, America has long celebrated Halloween with costumes and parades. Halloween is so popular that it’s become the second-largest commercial holiday in the U.S. Many cities celebrate Halloween throughout October with haunted attractions, costume parties, and more. While Halloween celebrations date back to the colonial days, costume parades didn’t appear until the early 20th century. However, there are now several Halloween parades across America, including the world’s largest in New York City. Fortunately, with so many choices, you won’t have to wait until October 31 for some of America’s best Halloween parades. Some parades are happening right now and into early October.
America’s Best Halloween Parades
Anaheim Fall Festival
200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 999-0602
www.anaheimfallfestival.org/parade
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
Time: 7 p.m.
You don’t have to wait until October to enjoy a Halloween parade in Anaheim. In detail, the Frightfully Fun Parade is already happening on select nights at Disney’s California Adventure. What’s more, you can see not one but two parades in a single day at the Disneyland Resort’s sister amusement park. On the other hand, the City of Anaheim also has its own Halloween parade. Anaheim has had a Halloween parade since 1924, making this year special. Anaheim is celebrating its 100th Halloween Parade anniversary this year and in 2024. The parade begins at city hall and will feature floats, marching bands, costume characters, and more. The Anaheim Fall Festival will be held before the parade on Center Street from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Related: Halloween at California Amusement Parks
Anoka Grande Day Parade
State Street and Main Street
Anoka, MN 55303
www.anokahalloween.com/grande-day-parade/
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
Time: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
You may have never heard of Anoka, but it’s known as the “Halloween Capital of the World.” That’s because this suburb 21 miles north of Minneapolis hosted one of America’s first Halloween parades in 1920. Moreover, Anoka will host many events in October, including a haunted house, a costume contest, and two more parades. Of course, the highlight is the Grande Parade, which travels 1.5 miles along Main Street, if you want to set up chairs and blankets after 4 a.m.
Fantasy Fest Parade
Duvall Street
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 295-9112
www.fantasyfest.com
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
Time: 7 p.m.
The Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade is part of a 10-day festival held in Key West since 1929. One of the city’s most significant events of the year, Fantasy Fest, will host several events, such as Barbie’s Pink Pool Party, luau party at Margaritaville, and San Carlos Street Party. That’s not to mention “Pre Fest: concerts from The Black Crowes and The Wailers on October 19. If you go, you can expect to join 70,000 visitors to see one of America’s liveliest Halloween parades. Viewing parties at places like Mango’s and the Hard Rock Café accompany the event. The parade begins at Truman Waterfront Park before proceeding down Duval Street, then South Street. Cash prizes are given to the best costumes in several categories, including Best in Costume ($3,000).
Halloween on Halsted
West Belmont Ave. and N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60657
www.northalsted.com/haunted-halsted-halloween-parade
Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
One of America’s greatest cities has no shortage of Halloween events—for example, the Arts in, the Dark Halloween Parade on State Street, and the Night of 1,000 Jack-o’Lanterns. However, the best event in the Windy City is the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade in Lakeview. It’s so good that it’s routinely mentioned among the best Halloween parades in America from many sources. Now in its 26th year, Haunted Halloween draws over 30,000 people, and anyone can register to join the parade or costume contest. Of course, as a responsible pet owner, you can bring your dog to march or watch the parade. While the parade concludes at 8 p.m., you can stay for the following awards show. That’s not to mention the after-parties with information to follow. Haunted Halloween on Halsted can be reached via the Chicago CTA at the Belmont Red/Brown/Purple line station.
Krew of Boo!
Elysian Fields Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 233-2831
www.kreweofboo.com
Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m.
In a lively city known for its colorful parades, you know it will be fun to celebrate Halloween in New Orleans. You can celebrate days earlier for Krew of Boo!, the official NOLA Halloween parade. Featuring more than 1,000 parade participants, it begins on Elysian Fields before passing through the French Quarter and Garden District. You’ll enjoy floats, costumed characters, and Mardi Gras-style bead and trinket tossing along the route. Krew of Boo! Hosts weekend events, including a Jazz Second Line Parade and masquerade ball. Of course, there will be plenty of Halloween celebrations throughout the city, most notably in the French Quarter.
Related: 2023 Calaveras County Grape Stomp Competition
Little 5 Points Halloween Parade
Moreland Avenue and Euclid Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30307
www.l5phalloween.com
Date: Sunday, October 22, 2023
Time: 2 p.m.
Yet another top American Halloween parade is Atlanta’s Little 5 Points neighborhood. Attracting tens of thousands of spectators, the parade is part of a two-day Halloween celebration. Among the attractions are a haunted house, ghost tours, live music, and a food and art market. Of course, the signature event is the Halloween parade, featuring marching bands, dance troupes, and many creative costumes. All Little 5 Points Halloween events are free except for the ghosts tours, with tickets available soon. Located a few miles east of downtown, Little 5 Points is known as the bohemian center of the South and Atlanta’s version of Haight-Ashbury.
NYC Village Halloween Parade
Canal St. and Sixth Ave.
New York, NY 10013
www.halloween-nyc.com
Date: October 31, 2023
Time: 7 p.m.
It comes as no surprise that the world’s largest Halloween parade is in New York City. After all, it draws over two million spectators and features 50,000 parade participants. Moreover, the Village Halloween Parade is celebrating its 50th anniversary, making it even more special. The city’s “Carnival” begins on Spring Street in Greenwich Village and concludes at Sixth Avenue and 16th Street. While this enormous event is admission-free, there’s an option to purchase tickets for the VIP entrance for participants and viewing.
Related: America’s Best Dog Costume Contests for Halloween
Salem Chamber Haunted Happenings Parade
Shetland Park
27 Congress St.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-0004
www.facebook.com/HauntedHappeningsGrandParade
Date: October 5, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
New York may host the largest Halloween parade, but Salem may have the world’s largest Halloween celebration. After all, this historic city is known for its association with witches, and it drew record crowds last year for Halloween. Moreover, if you hope to visit Salem in October, you must start planning now. This is especially true if you want to see the Grand Parade, held on October 5. On the other hand, there are many different events to enjoy throughout All Hallows Eve season. For instance, there is the Haunted Happening Marketplace, held on weekends, as well as ghost tours, magic shows, and masquerade balls. That’s not to mention attractions like the House of the Seven Gables, Peabody Essex Museum, and Bewitched Statue.
Toms River Halloween Parade
26 Robbins St.
Toms River, NJ
(732) 349-0144
www.facebook.com/trfchalloweenparade
The film location for the classic 1979 film “The Amityville Horror,” Toms River, has long been associated with Halloween. This spot along the Jersey Shore first held its Halloween parade in 1937, making this their 84th year. However, what’s even more impressive is that this parade is the world’s second-largest, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Hosted by the Toms River Fire Company No. 1 since its inception, the parade draws over 100,000 spectators. If you want to attend, you can expect to see marching bands, colorful floats, and almost everyone in costume. Get there early to avoid the traffic and to get a good viewing spot.
West Hollywood Hollywood Carnaval
Santa Monica Blvd. and N. Doheny Dr.
www.facebook.com/VisitWestHollywood
Date: October 31, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
If Toms River is the world’s second-largest Halloween parade, West Hollywood can’t be far behind. That’s because the WeHo Carnaval also draws hundreds of thousands of spectators. Moreover, in previous years, there have been reports that up to 500,000 people have lined Santa Monica Boulevard. On the other hand, it’s not an official parade but instead a gigantic walking party. As it is, this will be the first Halloween Carnaval in West Hollywood since before the pandemic began. In other words, you can expect a similar number of visitors this year. However, you won’t see large floats and marching bands at this mega-event. You’ll have live music, D.J.s, plenty of food, and a large procession of costumed characters in its place.
Bonus Recommendation
Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Park
Bay Lake, FL 32836
(407) 939-5277
www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/mickeysbootoyou
Dates: Selected Dates through November 1, 2023
Times: 9:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
Like Disneyland, Walt Disney World is hosting its own spectacular Halloween celebration and parade. You don’t have to wait in this case, as Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade has been happening since August! The parade lasts about 20 minutes and features many of your favorite Disney characters. For instance, you’ll see Goofy, Donald Duck, Goofy, Tigger, Snow White, and Alice in Wonderland. Of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be there, along with the glowing ghosts, the Evil Queen, and many more. While the Halloween parade is free with park admission, there is a separate fee to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. However, tickets are selling fast, and many dates are already sold out, including October 31.
Related: America’s Best Thanksgiving Parades
About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 stories still appear in syndication across over 20 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a 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 in 2012. Randy has nearly 25 years of experience in the transportation industry.
