These 12 Best Places for Halloween Are So Good, You’ll Want To Pack a Costume
Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.
For most people, going trick or treating, watching scary movies, and eating their body weight in candy is all it takes to celebrate Halloween. However, the travelers among us aren’t usually satisfied with the traditional Halloween celebrations. Instead, they seek somewhere exciting, unique, and spooky to visit at Halloween.
If that sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. The world is filled with unique places to spend Halloween, from traditional festivities in Ireland and spooktacular celebrations in Salem to bright lights in New York City and haunted castles in Transylvania. In this article, we’ll show you 12 of the best places for Halloween worldwide.
Derry, Northern Ireland
Save this!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
Let’s start this list with Derry, a small but lively city in Ireland. Derry might seem like a strange addition to this list, but when you consider Halloween has deep roots in Celtic celebrations, such as Samhain, it’s no surprise the Irish celebrate Halloween in style. In fact,
Derry claims to host Europe’s largest Halloween festival.
Every Halloween, the Walled City of Derry comes to life with vibrant parades, carnivals, costume competitions, ghost tours, and so much more. Needless to say, the city’s streets are also adorned with traditional Halloween decorations to create an exhilarating atmosphere. If you follow the Awakening the Walled City Trail, you can learn about the folklore and history of Halloween in Derry.
Read also: Spooky Destinations To Visit Around the World
New York City, New York, United States
If you’re looking for bright lights, vibrant Halloween decorations, and epic Halloween-themed parties, look no further than New York City in the United States. Let’s face it: the Big Apple excels in most things, and Halloween is no different. You’ll find Halloween displays, fabulous parades, and a spooky atmosphere at every corner of the city.
One of New York’s must-visit destinations at Halloween is Greenwich Village, where an annual Halloween parade has been held for the past half a century. During the parade, you can expect New Yorkers dressed in costume, live music, creative decorations, and more. Other places you should visit in New York at Halloween include Central Park, Bronx Zoo, and the Financial District.
Read also: Most Haunted States in the US
Salem, Massachusetts, United States
Salem, Massachusetts, is another epic place to spend Halloween in the United States. You’ll likely know this city best for its 1692 witch trials, which saw almost 20 so-called witches hanged for witchcraft. With a terrifying past like that, it’s not a surprise the city embraces the Halloween spirit. However, just in case, we don’t recommend dressing as a witch.
Around Halloween, Salem offers visitors many exciting experiences, such as spooky haunted houses, spine-chilling ghost tours, and scary museums that recount the tales of Salem’s witches and ghosts. Of course, the city is also smothered in Halloween decorations, and locals are dressed in costume. Honestly, just walking the city’s cobblestone streets is a treat in itself.
Read also: Haunted Tourist Attractions in the US
York, England
York, a breathtaking medieval city in Northern England, is widely considered to be the most haunted city in Europe. Despite being a wonderful place to visit, the city is jam-packed with gruesome tales, tricks, treats, and spooky encounters. As a result, we can’t imagine a better place to spend Halloween.
There are many entertaining things to do in York at Halloween. When you’re not listening to ghost stories on a tour of the Shambles or exploring York Dungeon, attend the Dead Northern Horror Film Festival, have fun at a Halloween-themed party, and visit the city’s most iconic attractions. If you don’t mind venturing out of the city, you could also enjoy a spooky afternoon tea at Castle Howard.
Read also: Beautiful Medieval Cities and Towns in the UK
San Miguel de Allende, México
San Miguel de Allende is an excellent place to visit if you want to experience something different next Halloween. Every year, between late October and early November, this colonial-era city in Central Mexico celebrates Dia de los Muertos, better known as the Day of the Dead. This annual celebration honors those who have passed from this world.
Unlike other places across the world at this time, Dia de los Muertos is by no means a horror show. It’s a celebration of life and an opportunity for Mexican families to keep the spirit of their relatives alive. The celebration occurs on November 1st and 2nd, but it also often includes October 31st. You’ll witness live music, fierce parties, creative parades, and locals dressed in beautiful costumes during the event.
Read also: Unique Festivals To Experience in the World
Transylvania, Romania
When we thought Halloween couldn’t get any bigger or better than the Day of the Dead Festival or the haunted streets of York, Transylvania changed our minds. If you don’t know much about Transylvania, you’re likely wondering why it’s such an excellent place to spend Halloween.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
However, if you love Dracula, you’ll know exactly why. Transylvania is the legendary home of Count Dracula, the world’s most famous vampire. Better yet, Transylvania’s ancient castles and dark forests serve as the perfect setting for Halloween celebrations. The most iconic place to visit in Transylvania is the 14th-century Bran Castle, often called Dracula’s Castle. Walking through the castle’s shadowy halls and learning about ancient myths and vampire lore is magnificent.
Rome, Italy
Admittedly, Halloween is still a foreign concept in Italy, so it isn’t as widely celebrated. However, most major cities, including Rome, have started to embrace the festival more and more every year. As a result, there are now many exciting things to see and do across the country, and Rome is the best place to visit.
At Halloween, Rome offers a unique blend of Italian culture and spooky festivities. When you’re not exploring the Colosseum or tucking into a traditional Italian pizza, you’ll find yourself attending a Halloween-themed party, watching scary movies at Cinema Troisi, and having lots of fun with your children at Luneur Park. You could also participate in one of the city’s ghoulish ghost tours.
Read more: Best Things To Do in Rome
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Outside of Halloween, Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, bursts at the seams with vibrant decorations, traditional festivals, and exciting activities, so you can expect great things when Halloween arrives. Known for its rich cultural heritage and unique history, Amsterdam is a great place to spend Halloween if you seek tradition.
In late October, the city’s streets transform into a spooky wonderland with ghosts, ghouls, and goblins. Houses are decorated, locals dress up in costume, and bars and nightclubs throw Halloween-themed parties. There’s also the annual Amsterdam Halloween Parade to enjoy. Meanwhile, spooky events and haunted house experiences occur across the city, notably in Amsterdam Dungeon and Nieuwe Kerk.
Read also: World Capitals With Rich Cultural Heritage
Tokyo, Japan
If you don’t care much for tradition and would prefer to spend your Halloween dressing up as your favorite actors, actresses, and celebrities and partying hard, Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, is perfect. Halloween is one of the biggest autumn events in Japan, but it’s done slightly differently than in other places. In Japan, most families spend Halloween at home, enjoying more low-key celebrations.
At the same time, the city’s rowdiest parties, Halloween parades, and other events are geared more toward young adults who want to party. You can expect people dressed as their favorite characters, exhilarating parades, wild parties, and many Halloween decorations. Popular Halloween events in Tokyo include the Kawasaki Halloween Parade, Disney Halloween Greeting, and the Spooky Pumpkin Puro All-Night Party.
Read also: Must-Visit Unique Places in the World
Hong Kong, China
Often referred to as the Halloween capital of Asia, Hong Kong has well and truly embraced the Halloween spirit. Like most places worldwide, Halloween is celebrated in Hong Kong to ward off evil spirits. However, I think they celebrate it so they can have a haunting good time, which they sure know how to do.
At Halloween, Hong Kong is filled with exciting attractions, colorful displays, and scary costumes. When you’re not exploring a haunted house or trick-or-treating, get lost among the bright lights and festival cheer at Tai Yuen Street (Toy Street), have fun at Hong Kong Disneyland, and dance the night away at a Halloween-themed party in Lan Kwai Fong.
Read also: Must-Visit Cities in the World
Prague, Czech Republic
The following Halloween destination on our list is Prague, the Czech Republic’s historical capital. Like Transylvania, Prague’s many castles—20 to be exact—create the perfect mood for Halloween celebrations. Furthermore, Prague is an ancient city laden with winding cobblestone streets and historic cemeteries that add to its spooky ambiance.
A ghost tour through the city’s streets is a must at Halloween. You’ll visit the city’s most haunted locations and learn all about their dark, mysterious, and murderous pasts. Prague also hosts an annual event called the Prague Parade of Ghosts. You should also note that the city’s affordable nightclubs are adorned with Halloween decor, and they sure know how to throw a party.
Read also: Interesting Historical Cities to Visit in Europe
Paris, France
The final Halloween destination on our list is Paris, France’s world-famous capital. Paris is the perfect place to spend Halloween if you want a unique experience, as Halloween is done differently. Halloween is often considered a commercialized American festivity in Paris, so it’s not usually a big deal.
Instead, Parisians celebrate La Toussaint, or All Saint’s Day, around Halloween. All Saint’s Day is similar to the Day of the Dead festival in that it is celebrated to remember those who have passed away. Across the city, you’ll find light-hearted parties, flower displays, and themed events. Having said that, you will still also find some Halloween-themed parties and events in some Parisian bars and nightclubs.
Read also: Paris Travel Guide
