Right at the very top of our list is the infamous site of the 1692 Salem witch trials. The notorious town also provided the backdrop for Disney’s Hocus Pocus films and today, revellers from all over the world make the haunting pilgrimage to Salem during October.
There is no shortage of activities to sink your teeth into, with many Halloween events such as the Salem Horror Fest or the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade taking place. If you’re interested in the darker side of the city, you can take a spooky tour of the town, learn about the history of the witch trials, and even visit the Salem Witch Museum and graveyard, paying tribute to the trial victims.
Many regard New Orleans as the most haunted city in the country, making it a hotspot each Halloween. If you’re feeling brave, take on a daring ghost tour of historic houses and graveyards, or visit one of the many voodoo shops in the French Quarter.
If you’re a little more faint-hearted, you can be sure that New Orleans is renowned for its party-throwing skills. With several parades and dance parties across town including the “Krewe of Boo”, you’ll enjoy the mix of Mardi Gras fun and spooky Halloween vibes.
Said to be one of the most haunted hotels in the country, the hotel was the inspiration for Stephen King's "The Shining" and offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations for those brave enough to explore.
Each year, the hotel also hosts The Shining Ball around Halloween, with live music, entertainment, and a costume contest with prizes awarded to the most imaginative and chilling costumes inspired by the iconic movie.
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by generations of readers since it was first written over two hundred years ago. This eerie tale, penned by Washington Irving, has become synonymous with the quaint village that shares its name. The village celebrates the story year-round, with a particular emphasis on the Halloween season.
Tour the historic 90-acre cemetery where Irving’s grave lies, or visit the Horseman’s Hollow where the Philipsburg Manor has been converted into an immersive haunting experience. If that sounds too scary, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, where over 7,000 artistically carved pumpkins light up the night sky is perfect for you.
The self-proclaimed Halloween capital of the world, this Minnesota city is a must-see during this time of year. Known for hosting the country’s first Halloween parade back in 1920, the tradition continues to this day with festivities kicking off a whole week before the 31st of October.
For the thrill-seekers out there, no one does Halloween and haunted houses better than Dallas. Some of the most popular haunts include Slaughterhouse and The Boneyard - which holds the record for the world’s largest haunted house.
Just outside of Dallas sits Screams Halloween Theme Park which boasts five haunted attractions, and entertainment such as Scary-Oke (a terrifying twist on karaoke). For a more kid-friendly event, head to Dallas Zoo which hosts a family fun carnival-style event.
The state’s largest annual Halloween festival takes place in the city of Independence, where Neewollah (Halloween spelled backward) has been held every year for over a century! The community enjoys nine days of festivities ranging from parades, to chilli-making contests and beauty pageants.
The population of Independence grows from 8,500 to 75,000 around this time of year as people come from all over the world to join in on the family-friendly Halloween fun.
In Orlando, Halloween is synonymous with fun as the city’s theme parks get in on the haunted action. Universal Orlando hosts Halloween Horror Nights from September to early November with haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment on offer.
For a more kid-friendly celebration, ten minutes south you’ll find Disney World which hosts Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party from mid-August to early November. Kids will enjoy trick or treating, meeting their favourite Disney characters, stage performances, and fireworks.
