Best Places to Travel to in October for Haloween Vibes

Dare to explore the spookiest destinations this Halloween? From Salem’s witch trials to Sleepy Hollow’s Headless Horseman, discover thrilling US locales. Experience unique events like the Emma Crawford Coffin Races and the chilling Telluride Horror Show. Want international thrills? Visit Dracula’s Castle or celebrate Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca. Uncover haunted histories and vibrant parades – find your perfect Halloween adventure within!

Important information

• Salem, Massachusetts: Known for its witch trials history, Salem hosts the month-long Haunted Happenings festival with ghost tours, historical sites, and “Hocus Pocus” filming locations.
• Anoka, Minnesota: The “Halloween Capital of the World” holds a large annual celebration with parades, decorated homes, and many activities.
• Sleepy Hollow, New York: Legend Weekend brings the Headless Horseman legend to life with lantern tours, haunted hayrides, and the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.
• New Orleans, Louisiana: Celebrates with unique cultural flair, including the Krewe of Boo parade, ghost tours in the French Quarter, and various themed parties.
• Telluride, Colorado: The Telluride Horror Show offers a unique experience for horror film fans.

Spooky U.S. Destinations for Halloween

Salem, Massachusetts: A Historical Halloween Haven

Salem, Massachusetts, famous for the 1692 witch trials, fully embraces its spooky history with the Haunted Happenings festival. This month-long event offers a variety of captivating experiences for all. Explore historical sites related to the trials, embark on chilling ghost tours through the city’s shadowy streets, or even delve into the world of witchcraft with interactive workshops. Fans of the film “Hocus Pocus” can visit iconic filming locations, and the Salem Witch Museum provides another compelling attraction.

Sleepy Hollow, New York: Experience Legend Weekend

Experience the thrill of Legend Weekend in Sleepy Hollow, New York. This immersive event brings the chilling tale of the Headless Horseman to life with lantern-lit tours and haunted hayrides. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze illuminates the night with thousands of intricately carved pumpkins, creating a truly spooky spectacle. Venture indoors for haunted houses and captivating storytelling sessions that complete this unforgettable Halloween experience.

Anoka, Minnesota: The Halloween Capital of the World

Anoka, Minnesota, the “Halloween Capital of the World,” has delighted in this tradition since 1920. Each year, the city throws a grand celebration, complete with vibrant parades, elaborately decorated homes, and a multitude of engaging activities, creating a truly spectacular Halloween experience.

New Orleans, Louisiana: Halloween Parades and Spooky Attractions

New Orleans enthusiastically celebrates Halloween, its distinct history and culture providing a thrilling backdrop. The city becomes a sought-after destination, especially for those drawn to the excitement of the Krewe of Boo parade, with its captivating floats and costumes. For a look into the city’s haunted past, ghost tours offer a captivating journey. Numerous Halloween parties add to the festive atmosphere, especially in the historic French Quarter, which transforms into a particularly enchanting destination during this time.

Telluride, Colorado: Telluride Horror Show Experience

For a thrilling Halloween experience, consider the Telluride Horror Show. This Colorado film festival, nestled in the mountain town of Telluride, showcases a unique collection of horror and suspense films.

Unique Halloween Events and Attractions

Looking for a unique Halloween experience? Consider these thrilling events:

Emma Crawford Coffin Races in Colorado Springs

Every October in Manitou Springs, Colorado, five-person teams race elaborately decorated coffins down Manitou Avenue. Inside each coffin lies someone portraying Emma Crawford. This unusual race commemorates the 1890 attempt to move her remains.

Village Halloween Parade in New York

New York City’s Village Halloween Parade is a spectacular annual event, boasting around 60,000 costumed participants and attracting over two million spectators. The only rule? Wear a costume!

Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens, Oregon

Each October, St. Helens, Oregon, transforms into Halloweentown, enthusiastically embracing its connection to the Disney film. Visitors can enjoy a variety of themed attractions. Some of the attractions include pumpkin carving contests, haunted house tours, and the lighting of the Great Pumpkin. Exploring the movie’s actual filming locations adds to the festive atmosphere. It’s a fun, spooky experience for all.

West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval in Los Angeles

West Hollywood’s Halloween Carnaval is a massive street party, one of the world’s largest Halloween celebrations. Every year, hundreds of thousands of costumed revelers converge on the streets of West Hollywood, California, for a night of incredible sights and sounds. Live entertainment, tempting treats from food vendors, and countless photo opportunities make this annual Halloween night spectacular a truly unforgettable experience.

International Halloween Destinations

Europe offers a plethora of spooky destinations for Halloween enthusiasts. Visit Transylvania’s Dracula’s Castle (aka Bran Castle) for a truly chilling experience. For those seeking traditional “guising” and haunted locales, Edinburgh, Scotland, and Prague are excellent choices. London also boasts numerous haunted attractions and Halloween events.

Transylvania, Romania: Explore Dracula’s Castle

Bran Castle, often called Dracula’s Castle, sits in the dark forests of Transylvania, Romania. The castle evokes a palpable sense of mystery, making it a perfect Halloween destination. The region offers themed events and traditional celebrations rich in folklore. The castle’s gothic architecture adds to the spooky ambiance, promising a unique Halloween experience.

Derry, Ireland: Europe’s Biggest Halloween Festival

Derry, Ireland is home to Europe’s largest Halloween festival, a spectacular celebration that draws tourists from around the globe. The streets overflow with parades and fireworks, complemented by numerous Halloween-themed events. The festival also honors traditional Irish culture, making it a truly unique experience.

Edinburgh, Scotland: Guising and Haunted Traditions

Edinburgh’s youngsters embrace the tradition of “guising,” donning costumes and entertaining with songs, poems, jokes, and tricks to earn treats. The city also revels in its spooky history with events like the Samhuinn Fire Festival showcasing its haunted side.

Prague, Czech Republic: Haunted Places and Spooky Atmosphere

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is famous for its ghostly reputation and spooky atmosphere. Although Halloween isn’t traditionally celebrated there, the city enthusiastically embraces the spirit of the season with events like Epic Halloween and Prague Nasty Halloween, offering thrilling experiences for everyone. Prague’s haunted cemeteries, including the eerily beautiful Old Jewish Cemetery, add to the chilling allure. For a darker glimpse into history, the Torture Museum is a must-see. Prague also boasts the unique Fursuit Halloween, featuring a fursuit parade through the city streets and a Vltava River cruise, adding a quirky spin to the festivities.

London, England: Haunted Attractions and Events

London transforms into a spooky spectacle for Halloween. Thrill-seekers can explore the city’s eerie side through ghost walks and chilling attractions. For a truly terrifying experience, venture into the London Dungeons. Or, follow the infamous footsteps of Jack the Ripper on a popular guided walk. London, with its haunted history, is the ideal Halloween getaway.

Oaxaca, Mexico: Dia de los Muertos Celebrations

Oaxaca, Mexico, is famous for its lively Day of the Dead festivities, coinciding with Halloween. From October 31st to November 2nd, this city becomes a mesmerizing display of tradition, drawing both locals and tourists. Participants wear elaborate costumes and join parades, honoring their deceased loved ones with offerings. The evenings are filled with candlelit vigils and processions, creating a moving and memorable experience. This special celebration of life and death makes Oaxaca an excellent Halloween travel destination.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Halloween Activities and Events

Amsterdam transforms into a Halloween haven, pulsing with energy during October. Thrilling celebrations draw massive crowds, from the Monster Ball and the Rave to the Grave Boat Party to the Amsterdam Halloween Festival. For a spine-tingling adventure, explore the depths of the Amsterdam Dungeon. Beyond the spooky thrills, October’s pleasant weather and stunning autumn foliage enhance the experience, creating a truly unforgettable visit.