Halloween in AmericaNo. 9097 · The 2026 edition
America's Best Towns If You Love Halloween
Looking for the ultimate Halloween destination? Discover the towns that go all out for the spooky season.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at thekitchn.com.
From haunted hayrides to epic costume parades, these American towns offer the most immersive Halloween experiences. Whether you crave family-friendly fun or frightful frights, our list has the perfect spot for your October getaway.
About this
A ranked travel roundup of seven U.S. destinations worth visiting for Halloween, spanning Salem's witch-trial history, Sleepy Hollow's Headless Horseman lore, and New Orleans' voodoo and haunted-mansion scene. Each entry covers the festivals, parades, haunted attractions, and seasonal events that draw crowds in October. Aimed at Halloween lovers deciding where to spend the season, with practical activity highlights for each town.
The list
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01
Salem, MA
1692 witch trials site; Festival of the Dead; Salem Witches' Ball at Hawthorne Hotel; Hocus Pocus filming spots.
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02
Sleepy Hollow, NY
Washington Irving's Headless Horseman; haunted hayrides; lantern-lit cemetery tours; Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze; Lyndhurst Mansion.
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03
New Orleans, LA
Voodoo and haunted mansions; Myrtles Plantation; St. Louis Cemetery No. 1; Marie Laveau; Voodoo Music fest; Krewe of Boo; Anne Rice Vampire Ball.
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04
Austin, TX
Dia de los Muertos; sugar skull face painting; Grupo Fantasma; fireworks; Mexic-Arte Museum's Viva la Vida Parade.
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05
Estes Park, CO
Stanley Hotel inspired The Shining; Shining Ball; murder-mystery dinner; Main Street candy; Boo-grass festival; haunted houses; pumpkin carving.
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06
St. Helens, OR
Halloweentown filming location; Spirit of Halloweentown festival; giant pumpkin lighting; haunted taxi; cast reunion honoring Debbie Reynolds.
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07
Los Angeles, CA
West Hollywood Carnaval on Santa Monica Blvd; Queen of the Carnival; Universal Halloween Horror Nights; Griffith Park zombies.
