10 Best US Cities to Celebrate Halloween
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Ready to trade your basic pumpkin spice for something a little more possessed?
If you’re the type who counts down to Halloween like it’s a major holiday (because let’s be honest—it is), then you’re in the right place. October isn’t just for crunchy leaves and fall road trips. It’s peak season for all things spooky, kooky, and downright festive. And across the US, there are cities that don’t just dabble in Halloween—they go full cauldron-boiling, costume-wearing, ghost-hunting mode.
Whether you want haunted history and creepy cemeteries, over-the-top costume parades, or family-friendly pumpkin madness, there’s a city out there ready to deliver the Halloween trip of your dreams (or nightmares). Some are legendary, some are unexpected, but all are travel-worthy.
So grab your broomstick (or book that flight), because these 10 US cities know how to throw a Halloween party that’s anything but dead.
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1. Salem, Massachusetts
Let’s be real—was this even going to start anywhere else? Salem is the ultimate Halloween pilgrimage for anyone who loves witchy history, spooky storytelling, or just an excuse to wear a cloak in public without judgment.
The site of the infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem fully leans into its eerie legacy every October with Haunted Happenings—a month-long Halloween festival packed with psychic fairs, ghost tours, costume balls, horror movie nights, and historical reenactments.
You can visit the Salem Witch Museum, tour the House of the Seven Gables, or even have your tarot read by someone in full velvet and lace.
And when you need a break from the dark arts, there are cozy cafés, fall foliage, and some surprisingly great seafood to balance it all out. Word of advice? Book your stay early—this charming New England town gets absolutely possessed by visitors come October.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
If any city was born to celebrate Halloween, it’s New Orleans. With its voodoo roots, above-ground cemeteries, and nightly parade of characters in the French Quarter, NOLA brings its signature mix of mystery, drama, and decadence to spooky season. Halloween here is less about jump scares and more about high-glam ghosts, gothic romance, and haunted history with a side of strong cocktails.
The Krewe of Boo Halloween parade kicks off the festivities with massive floats, dancing zombies, and costumed chaos in the streets. But the real magic lies in the details—take a vampire or voodoo walking tour through the French Quarter, pay your respects at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, or stop by the infamous LaLaurie Mansion (from a safe distance, of course). And if you’re up for it, spend a night at the Hotel Monteleone, known for its haunted hallways and spinning carousel bar.
3. Sleepy Hollow, New York
Few places in the US wear their Halloween reputation quite as well as Sleepy Hollow. This quiet Hudson Valley village is straight out of a Gothic novel—because, well, it kind of is. Made famous by Washington Irving’s classic tale The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the town fully embraces its ghostly legacy every fall. And if you’ve ever wanted to come face to face with the Headless Horseman, this is your chance.
October here is packed with events that are just the right mix of eerie and enchanting. You can explore the historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Irving himself is buried, or take a nighttime lantern tour of Philipsburg Manor, which transforms into a haunted attraction complete with live actors and spooky surprises.
But the crown jewel of Halloween in the Hudson Valley is The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze—an immersive pumpkin wonderland featuring more than 7,000 hand-carved, glowing gourds arranged into everything from dragons to bridges to full-on pumpkin carousels.
Bonus: It’s an easy trip from NYC, making it a perfect weekend getaway for city dwellers looking to swap skyscrapers for spooky legends.
4. Anoka, Minnesota
Think Halloween is all about haunted houses and jump scares? Think again. Anoka, Minnesota takes a completely different approach—less terrifying, more tradition. This unassuming small town just outside Minneapolis proudly claims the title of “Halloween Capital of the World,” and they’ve got the receipts to back it up. Anoka has been hosting Halloween celebrations since 1920, making it the first US city to throw an organized, citywide Halloween party. Over a century later, they’re still going strong—and it’s delightfully quirky.
October in Anoka is like stepping into a Hallmark Halloween special. Expect parades with elaborate floats, a giant pumpkin weigh-off, house decorating contests, and costumed kids (and adults) everywhere. There’s even a coronation for the Halloween royalty—because of course there is.
5. Savannah, Georgia
If Savannah isn’t already on your spooky season radar, it absolutely should be. This elegant Southern city looks like it was designed for ghost stories—think cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, flickering gas lamps, and antebellum mansions with more than a few skeletons in the closet (figuratively… probably). Often dubbed one of the most haunted cities in the US, Savannah has perfected the art of the eerie—equal parts history, mystery, and just the right dose of theatrical flair.
Ghost tours here are a full-blown industry, and for good reason. You can take your pick from walking tours, hearse rides (yes, really), haunted pub crawls, or late-night graveyard strolls through Colonial Park Cemetery, where centuries-old tombs seem to whisper secrets after dark.
Want to lean in even more? Book a room at the Marshall House, a historic hotel where ghost sightings are so common, the staff barely bat an eye.
But Savannah isn’t all shadows and chills—October also brings perfect fall weather (still warm enough for a cute costume), artsy Halloween events, and some truly incredible Southern food to keep your strength up between hauntings.
6. Estes Park, Colorado
If your idea of a perfect Halloween involves spooky vibes and jaw-dropping mountain views, Estes Park is your eerie little paradise. This charming Colorado town sits at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, and while most people come for the elk sightings and fall foliage, horror fans know it for one thing: The Stanley Hotel.
This grand, white hotel inspired Stephen King’s The Shining—and it leans into that legacy with delightful intensity. There are nightly ghost tours, a seriously creepy underground tunnel system, and special Halloween events like the Shining Ball, where guests dress in vintage glam (or blood-soaked cosplay) and party like it’s 1921. If you’re brave enough to stay overnight, ask for a room on the notoriously haunted fourth floor—you’ve been warned.
Outside the hotel, Estes Park keeps things festive with its annual Pumpkin & Pilsners Festival, scenic drives bursting with fall color, and crisp mountain air that practically begs for a cozy sweater. It’s a slower-paced Halloween escape, perfect for travelers who like a mix of supernatural history, natural beauty, and the occasional ghost sighting over breakfast.
7. St. Helens, Oregon
If you grew up watching Halloweentown every October on Disney Channel, prepare yourself—because St. Helens is real, it’s adorable, and yes, they go all in on spooky season. This little riverside town about 45 minutes from Portland served as the filming location for the beloved 1998 movie, and every October it transforms into a full-blown tribute to pumpkins, potions, and all things witchy.
The month-long celebration, officially called The Spirit of Halloweentown, kicks off with the lighting of a giant pumpkin in the town square (just like in the movie) and features a packed schedule of events—think haunted houses, costume contests, spooky storytimes, a parade of ghouls, and yes, appearances from original cast members on select weekends. It’s extremely family-friendly, but there are also ghost walks and night tours for grown-ups who want a little more thrill with their nostalgia.
The town itself is pure autumn postcard, with colorful leaves, cozy cafés, and that kind of low-key charm that makes you want to stay awhile. It’s not the scariest Halloween destination, but it might be the most wholesome fun you can have in a place where everyone’s pretending to be a witch.
8. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas isn’t exactly known for subtlety—and Halloween here is no exception. If you’re looking for a spooky season that’s more wild party than haunted history, Sin City delivers in glitter-covered, strobe-lit style. October in Vegas is a full sensory experience: elaborate costumes, haunted attractions, massive club events, and enough themed madness to make your head (or fake vampire fangs) spin.
Start with the city’s most famous haunt: Freakling Bros. Horror Shows, a set of extreme haunted houses known for pushing boundaries—and buttons. These are not your average jump-scare attractions. Think immersive horror theater, real fear, and the chance to test how brave you really are. Prefer something a little tamer? You’ll still find plenty of haunted escape rooms, ghost-themed bar crawls, and pop-up experiences that range from campy fun to full-blown disturbing.
Of course, the real star of Halloween in Vegas is the costume scene. From themed hotel parties to over-the-top nightclub raves, this is where you pull out all the stops—glam, gore, or both. Bonus: Vegas is still warm in late October, so you don’t have to ruin your look with a parka.
9. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio might surprise you. Known for its colorful culture, riverfront charm, and historic missions, this Texas gem also happens to be seriously haunted. Think centuries-old buildings, tales of unsettled spirits, and ghost stories that are less urban legend and more “I-swear-it-really-happened.” Halloween here isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about legacy-level eeriness wrapped in warm Southern hospitality.
Start your spooky stroll with a walk along the San Antonio River Walk—picturesque by day, but decidedly more mysterious once the sun sets. From there, brave one of the city’s many ghost tours, which will take you through centuries of scandal, tragedy, and lingering spirits. Highlights include The Menger Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt once recruited Rough Riders and ghost sightings are practically routine, and the Spanish Governor’s Palace, a beautifully preserved building with some seriously chilling energy.
And then there are the Ghost Tracks—a local legend involving a haunted railroad crossing where, allegedly, ghostly children push your car over the tracks to safety. Urban myth or not, it’s spooky fun, and part of what makes San Antonio’s Halloween season so unique.
Add in Día de los Muertos celebrations, vibrant local art, and some truly excellent Tex-Mex to fuel your ghost hunting, and you’ve got a Halloween trip that balances culture, creepiness, and a little bit of queso.
10. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago might be better known for deep dish and skyscrapers than ghosts and ghouls, but don’t be fooled—this city knows how to throw a Halloween bash with serious style. From spine-chilling haunted houses to sophisticated ghost tours and neighborhood parades that shut down entire blocks, Halloween in the Windy City is as big, bold, and bustling as you’d expect.
If you’re in it for the scares, 13th Floor Haunted House is a must—it’s one of the most elaborate (and terrifying) haunted attractions in the Midwest, with movie-level set design and enough jump scares to keep your adrenaline pumping all night.
But the real fun of Halloween in Chicago lies in its variety. You can hop on a ghost-themed architecture cruise along the river, take a nighttime stroll through Graceland Cemetery, or join the glittering chaos of the Northalsted Halloween Parade, where drag queens, dogs in costume, and ghoulish getups take over Boystown in fabulous fashion.
Chicago also has its share of real-life ghost stories—from the eerie Congress Plaza Hotel to the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre—making it a great pick for history-loving thrill seekers. Add in vibrant fall foliage in city parks, cozy rooftop bars with fire pits, and that crisp, just-a-little-bit-haunted lakefront air, and you’ve got yourself one memorable Halloween escape.
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