October isn’t just about costumes and candy—it’s the month when cities around the world come alive with eerie energy, whispers of ghost stories, and unforgettable celebrations. For travelers who love a mix of thrill, folklore, and festive chaos, Halloween is the perfect excuse to go all out.
Forget just carving pumpkins at home—why not pack your bags and step into the world’s best Halloween destinations?
We are talking about wandering through lantern-lit streets in Europe that feel like they’re straight out of a gothic novel, or joining locals at one of the top haunted attractions where legends blur with reality.
Think of this blog as your cheat sheet of Halloween trip ideas. If you’ve ever wondered about the best places to go for Halloween, this list will help you turn October into an unforgettable adventure.
Derry Halloween Festival, Northern Ireland
If Halloween had a spiritual home, we bet it might just be Derry/Londonderry. Every October, this walled city feels like it’s slipped into a spooky realm. In this festival, Samhain legends, fire-lit parades, and eerie street performers blur the line between past and present.
For four nights, the city becomes one of the top Halloween destinations, buzzing with music, folklore, and just the right amount of mischief. And when October 31st arrives, fireworks explode above the historic walls, sealing its reputation as one of the best places to travel for Halloween if you want spine-tingling fun mixed with Celtic charm.
Salem Haunted Happenings, United States
Salem is a town that needs no introduction—its name alone sends a chill down every horror movie lover’s spine. Each October, this historic town transforms into the world’s Halloween capital, where haunted houses groan with secrets, psychic fairs promise glimpses of destiny, and museums whisper of trials that made history infamous. Cherry on top is The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball—a spellbinding night of costumes, candlelight, and unearthly revelry. And you must not miss it!
Here you can:
- Wander the cobblestone streets
- Join a midnight ghost tour
For travelers chasing the best Halloween festivals around the world, Salem offers the perfect blend of history, haunt, and a little hocus pocus.
Village Halloween Parade, New York City
If subtle scares aren’t your thing, then try New York’s Village Halloween. It’s quirky & totally unforgettable, basically one of the best places to go for Halloween. Each year, new themes keep it fresh, turning the city into a living, breathing costume party.
This is a moving carnival of creativity, cementing NYC as one of the top Halloween destinations for anyone who believes Halloween should be as fabulous as it is spooky.
Dracula’s Castle Halloween Party, Romania
Some Halloween trips are spooky. Others are legendary. And then there’s Bran Castle—better known as Dracula’s lair—where the line between folklore and festivity deliciously blurs.
Once inside, you’ll witness vampires in cloaks and late-night revelers dance under the castle’s arches until sunrise (true Nosferatu vibes!). Every October, this eerie icon transforms into one of the top-rated haunted attractions in the world, mixing centuries-old legends with modern-day celebration, making it a full-blown Halloween pilgrimage.
Day of the Dead, Mexico
Forget mourning—Mexico’s Day of the Dead is a celebration where life and death share the same dinner table. Families build altars (ofrendas) glowing with marigolds, candles, and favorite dishes to invite spirits home.
Streets erupt with music, sugar skulls, and parades that blend two very different realms. This is one of the best Halloween travel destinations for anyone craving a mix of soul-stirring tradition and festive joy. Here, the dearly departed don’t haunt—they join in the party.
Kawasaki Halloween Parade, Japan
In Tokyo’s Kawasaki, Halloween swaps cobwebs for pure creativity. Thousands of costumed revelers march through neon-lit streets, from anime icons to spine-chilling clowns.
You can expect paper-mâché heads and the Pennywise lurking in the shadows. It’s quirky, chaotic, and hands-down one of the coolest places to go for Halloween.
Spirit of Halloweentown, Oregon, USA
What if a town can turn into a Halloween movie set? That’s exactly what happens in St. Helens, Oregon, recognized as the filming location of Disney’s Halloweentown. Each fall, its historic riverfront morphs into a month-long festival of haunted houses, giant pumpkin lightings, and costume parades.
Plus, You’ll also catch celebrity appearances from Twilight and Halloweentown stars. This family-friendly celebration is one of the best things to do during Halloween in the US, perfect for travelers looking for festive magic without too much fright.
Samhuinn Fire Festival, Scotland
In Edinburgh, Halloween doesn’t just whisper—it roars with fierce fire. The Samhuinn Fire Festival brings ancient Celtic lore to life with drumming, acrobatics, and a fiery battle between the Summer and Winter Queens.
Cloaked figures march with torches as the goddess Cailleach decides the fate of the cold months ahead. It’s eerie, primal, and unforgettable—easily one of the best places to go for Halloween if you want myth and magic over jump scares. This festival doesn’t just mark the season’s change; it makes you feel it in your bones.
Vampire Balls, New Orleans, USA
There are only a few places on earth that capture Halloween’s dark allure quite like New Orleans, where the night comes alive with whispers of the supernatural. At the Endless Night Vampire Ball, you bring the character to life. Candlelit halls, velvet gowns, lace masks, and fangs gleaming under chandeliers, you name it.
It feels like stumbling into a gothic novel where every corner hides a secret, and every dance sequence is a spell. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to live a night as a creature of the dark, this is where you let your shadow self roam freely.
Start Your Next Adventure This Halloween!
From Derry’s spooky parades to Salem’s witchy gatherings, the world is brimming with thrills that go far beyond trick-or-treating. These adventures are portals into the other side of the world.
So, if you’ve been searching for the best Halloween destinations or wondering about cool places to go for Halloween, consider this your sign to pack your bags and taste a whole new experience.
FAQs
What is Halloween?
Halloween is a festival that’s rooted in ancient Celtic traditions like Samhain. Today, it blends folklore, costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky fun.
When is Halloween celebrated?
Halloween is celebrated every year on the night of October 31st. Depending on the country, festivities can stretch over several days, like Mexico’s multi-day Day of the Dead.
What are the coolest places to go for Halloween outside the US and Europe?
You can go to Japan’s Kawasaki Halloween Parade; it’s a must for anime-meets-spooky creativity or try Mexico’s Day of the Dead that’s steeped in tradition.
Is Salem really worth visiting for Halloween?
Absolutely! Salem’s Haunted Happenings are world-famous. From psychic fairs and haunted houses to the Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball, it’s one of the top Halloween destinations.
What’s the best place to celebrate Halloween if I want something truly unique?
If you want to ditch the usual haunted houses, try the Samhuinn Fire Festival or the Vampire Balls. Both promise fiery, otherworldly nights that feel more than just another Halloween party.
