Halloween is one of those magical times of the year when the veil between worlds feels a bit thinner, and the thrill of the season takes hold. It has always been my favorite holiday and every year I strive to make our house the most fun in the neighborhood. For those who love a good scare, unique experiences, and vibrant festivals, there are destinations across the globe that offer an unforgettable Halloween experience. From haunted houses and ghost tours to massive celebrations and eerie landscapes, here are the ten best places to check out during Halloween.
1. Salem, Massachusetts, USA
Salem may well be the quintessential Halloween destination. Known well for its infamous witch trials of 1692, Salem embraces its eerie past with a month-long celebration called "Haunted Happenings." The festival includes parades, ghost tours, psychic readings, and the renowned Salem Witch Museum. Walking through this historic town, especially during Halloween night, is an experience like no other, as costumed revelers fill the streets amidst candle-lit windows and historic graveyards. With a past such as this town's, Halloween is sure to be a spine tingler.
Highlights:
Salem Witch Museum: $17 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $13 for children.
Ghost Tours: Around $25 per person.
Accommodation: Expect to pay $150-$300 per night for a mid-range hotel during October.
Salem gets crowded during Halloween, so booking accommodations well in advance is crucial. The atmosphere is festive, but also eerie, making it perfect for those who want a mix of history and Halloween spirit.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
New Orleans, with its rich history of voodoo, haunted houses, and ghostly legends, is a perfect place for Halloween festivities. The city hosts "Krewe of Boo," a Halloween parade that rivals Mardi Gras in excitement. Visitors can take ghost tours through the French Quarter, explore the eerie above-ground cemeteries, or attend one of the many themed parties that take over the town. The city’s haunted hotels and voodoo shops add an extra layer of spookiness to your visit.
Highlights:
Krewe of Boo Parade: Free to attend, but VIP seating is available starting at $50.
Ghost Tours and Voodoo Shops: $20-$40 per person.
Accommodation: $200-$400 per night in the French Quarter during Halloween.
New Orleans is famous for its nightlife, and Halloween is no exception. Be prepared for a lively, energetic atmosphere that lasts well into the night. Probably not the best choice for a family oriented vacation though!
3. Transylvania, Romania
What better place to spend Halloween than in the land of Dracula? Bran Castle, often referred to as Dracula’s Castle, hosts an epic Halloween party that attracts visitors from around the world. Transylvania’s dark forests and medieval villages set the stage for an eerie experience, with costumed balls, bonfires, and storytelling adding to the atmosphere. While visiting you can also explore the historic city of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as the inspiration for Dracula.
Highlights:
Bran Castle Halloween Party: Tickets start at $70.
Guided Tours of Dracula-related Sites: Around $50-$100 per person.
Accommodation: $50-$150 per night for a mid-range hotel or guesthouse.
Transylvania’s Halloween experience is immersive, with storytelling, medieval banquets, and eerie landscapes. It’s a perfect blend of history, legend, and Halloween fun.
Going to a costume ball? Best plan ahead and get the perfect costume as they tend to get scarce as we approach the holiday. My favorite go to is the pop up Spirit of Halloween stores but even then I often can't find anything in my size. Fortunately they are also online through Amazon so check out their offerings and find your perfect look. Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
4. Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland
This charming town is home to one of Europe’s largest Halloween celebrations, "Derry Halloween." The entire city transforms into a spooky wonderland with haunted houses, ghost tours, and street performers. The event culminates in a stunning fireworks display over the River Foyle.
Highlights:
Derry Halloween Events: Many are free, but specialized tours or events might cost $10-$30.
Ghost Tours: Around $15-$25 per person.
Accommodation: $100-$200 per night for a mid-range hotel.
The community spirit in Derry during Halloween is infectious. The town’s medieval walls and historic streets offer a perfect backdrop for the spooky festivities.
5. Sleepy Hollow, New York, USA
Whether you remember the Disney classic of past, or are more familiar with the Johnny Depp version, fans of Washington Irving’s "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" will love visiting this town, which brings the classic tale to life every October. The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze is a must-see, featuring thousands of intricately carved pumpkins illuminating the night. Visitors can also take part in haunted hayrides, visit the Old Dutch Church, and even see the Headless Horseman himself during special events. Having lived in this area for a couple f halloweens, I can truly say this, and the Tarrytown experience are a must if you are a Halloween aficionado.
Highlights:
The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze: $24-$40 depending on the date. Buy your tickets well in advance as this sells out fast.
Headless Horseman Bridge: Free to visit, but guided tours may cost $20-$30.
Accommodation: $150-$300 per night for a mid-range hotel.
Sleepy Hollow’s historic charm combined with its legendary tales makes it a unique and atmospheric place to spend Halloween.
6. Anoka, Minnesota, USA
Known as the "Halloween Capital of the World," Anoka has been celebrating Halloween in style since 1920. Why? It was decided that the pranks that the youth of the day were perpetrating on All Hallow's Eve were unacceptable and they launched a celebration that would keep these mischievous devils occupied. The town’s festivities include parades, a haunted house, and a pumpkin bowl. Anoka’s Halloween history is rich, and the town’s community spirit makes it a great place for families and Halloween enthusiasts alike.
Highlights:
Anoka Halloween Parade: Free to attend.
Haunted House: Around $10-$15 per person.
Accommodation: $100-$150 per night for a mid-range hotel.
Anoka’s Halloween celebrations are more about fun than fright making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy more traditional and light-hearted Halloween activities.
7. London, England
London’s dark and oft twisted history makes it an ideal place for a Halloween visit. The city offers numerous ghost tours, including visits to the Tower of London and the site of the infamous Jack the Ripper murders. For a truly spine-chilling experience, visit the London Dungeon or take a haunted boat ride down the Thames. London’s pubs and clubs also host a variety of Halloween-themed events, ensuring a night of fun and frights.
Highlights:
Jack the Ripper Tour: $20-$30 per person.
London Dungeon: $30-$40 per person.
Accommodation: $150-$300 per night for a mid-range hotel in central London.
London’s mix of history and modern Halloween celebrations offers something for everyone, from eerie tours to themed parties in some of the city’s historic pubs.
8. Tarrytown, New York, USA
Just a stone’s throw from Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown offers its own Halloween delights. Lyndhurst Mansion, a stunning Gothic Revival estate, hosts Halloween events, including theatrical performances and ghost tours. The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is another must-visit, with evening tours that delve into the history of the area and its famous residents. The combination of historic charm and Halloween spirit makes Tarrytown a perfect destination.
Highlights:
Lyndhurst Mansion: $15-$25 per person for Halloween events.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tours: Around $25 per person.
Accommodation: $150-$300 per night for a mid-range hotel.
Tarrytown’s proximity to Sleepy Hollow makes it an excellent base for exploring the region’s rich Halloween offerings. Indeed, many of the towns in the Hudson valley close off their main streets and host a trick or treat party for the children; it is great family fun. We went to one in Dobbs Ferry and it was delightful, with at least 80% of the adults there had dressed in costume as well.
9. Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida, USA
For those who love a mix of terror and entertainment, Universal Studios’ "Halloween Horror Nights" in Orlando is a top pick. The event features 10 elaborate haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows, all designed to give you a heart-pounding experience. Each year, new themes and attractions are introduced, often inspired by popular horror films and TV shows. This year features those drawing inspiration from films like A Quiet Place, Insidious, and Ghost Busters Frozen Empire. It’s an immersive experience that will leave you screaming for more but it is not recommended for anyone under 13 for obvious reasons!
Highlights:
Halloween Horror Nights Tickets: $75-$100 depending on the night.
Express Pass (for shorter lines): Additional $80-$120.
Accommodation: $150-$400 per night at a nearby hotel.
10. Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, California, USA
The Winchester Mystery House is one of America’s most bizarre and haunted locations, making it a perfect Halloween destination. During Halloween, the house offers special candlelight tours, where guests can explore the winding corridors, secret passageways, and haunted rooms of this architectural oddity. The story of Sarah Winchester and her obsession with building the house to appease restless spirits adds an extra layer of intrigue to your visit.
Highlights:
Candlelight Tours: $49-$54 per person.
Daytime Tour: $39 per person.
Accommodation: $150-$250 per night for a mid-range hotel.
The eerie architecture and the story of Sarah Winchester’s obsession with spirits make this a unique and spooky experience.
Summary
For some Halloween is all about getting scared silly on a fright farm or other such venue. For others it is more about getting dressed up and being someone (or something) else for the night. For the youngsters it is, of course, all about CANDY! However you like to celebrate it, one of these venues will meet your expectations although if you do have kids that trick or treat it is probably best to visit before the big night so they don't miss out. I remember one Halloween night we happened to be on a plane to Hawaii for a family vacation and I missed out on trick or treat. I was so upset it ruined the trip for me but, in all fairness, I was only 7.
So be sure to treat yourself and make the most out of this spooky season!
Happy (Spooktacular) Travels!
Il Digestivo
For those more intrigued by haunted history, Europe is home to some of the most notoriously haunted castles, where ghost stories and eerie legends have been passed down through the ages. Exploring these haunted castles offers not just a historical experience, but also a chance to encounter the supernatural. If you're a fan of ghost stories and eerie atmospheres, these castles are must-visit. Here are five of the most haunted if you are so bold as to give them a try for Halloween:
Bran Castle, Romania
Bran Castle is tied to the legend of Vlad the Impaler. Visitors and staff have reported strange phenomena, including ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises.
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle has a history of hauntings, including the spirits of prisoners and a headless drummer. The castle’s dungeons and underground passages add to its eerie reputation.
Château de Brissac, France
The tallest castle in France, Château de Brissac, is said to be haunted by the "Green Lady," believed to be the spirit of Charlotte de Brézé, who was murdered in the castle. Her moans are said to echo through the halls at night.
Houska Castle, Czech Republic
Known as one of the most mysterious castles in Europe, Houska Castle was supposedly built over a "gateway to hell." Strange occurrences, such as unexplainable noises and ghostly sightings, have been reported by many visitors.
Predjama Castle, Slovenia
This castle is built into a cliff and has a network of hidden passages. It’s said to be haunted by the spirit of the knight Erazem Lueger, who met a grisly end during a siege. Visitors often report hearing strange sounds and seeing shadowy figures.
Are you a castle aficionado? Then check out our related post about some of the best castles where you can spend the night.
Kommentarer