The spookiest season has arrived! Do horror movies, Jack-o'-lanterns everywhere, haunted houses, witches, ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural beings sound familiar?
That’s right, we're talking about Halloween and let’s face it, what is scarier than not having fun and embracing this unique celebration?
If you are looking forward to having a memorable Halloween, why not going somewhere that provides an authentic spooky atmosphere? We are listing Top Cities for a great Halloween celebration
Derry, Northern Ireland
© Tourism Ireland
Considering that Halloweens has Celtic origins, such as Samhain, it’s no surprise that the Irish embrace Halloween like no other. Ireland’s Derry City hosts the biggest Halloween festival in Europe, the Banks of Foyle Halloween Carnival.
Whether you're looking for daytime thrills at the Haunted House in Richmond Centre or a more eerie Twilight Haunting Tour in Derry, there are plenty of options. The event strongly emphasizes family-friendly activities, with the viral Monster Mash Fun Days featuring enchanting magic performances, creative face painting, and captivating storytelling. Additional standout attractions at the carnival encompass the Monster Halloween Funfair, The Park After Dark experience, and engaging art workshops tailored for kids.
Things to do in Derry for a great Halloween celebration:
- Attend the show-stopping visual spectacles and outstanding musical entertainment, of the Halloween Carnival Parade;
- Watch the fireworks display at River Foyle
- Shadow dancing and fire-breathing performance at St Columb’s Park.
- Awakening the Walled City Trail: Learn all about the heritage, folklore, and history of Halloween by experiencing a magical journey through the City of Bones where you will encounter the weird and wonderful characters who bring Halloween to life including the infamous Walter DeBurgh!
- Assist the captivating street theatre performance of the group Spark!.
- Join free tour of the City Cemetery and “Derry’s scariest haunted house”.
Find out more about Derry Halloween here
London, England
London is a bloody city, and when it comes to Halloween, it almost comes to its literal sense. Having many ancient buildings, dark dungeons, and ghostly attractions, London puts on the spooky spirit.
Landmarks such as the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace take on an eerie ambiance during Halloween, as they unveil their enigmatic histories through special events. In the West End, you can enjoy themed theater performances that infuse a dramatic flair into the festive atmosphere.
Also, you can expect nightclubs, pubs, and bars to organize costume parties and themed nights
Things to do in London for a great Halloween celebration:
- Explore London's dark history with interactive exhibits and live actors.
- Join guided ghost tours at the Tower of London and in the East End.
- Attend Halloween-themed performances in West End theaters.
- Watch horror films in cinemas throughout London.
- Visit attractions like the Photophobia maze at The London Bridge Experience.
- Join costume parties and raves at various venues.
- Participate in pumpkin carving workshops.
- Enjoy themed afternoon teas at select hotels.
- Challenge yourself with Halloween-inspired escape room experiences.
- Embark on seances and paranormal encounters in carefully curated settings.
- Attend Madame Tussauds’ Chamber of Horrors, Halloween Jazz Ball
Transylvania, Romania
If you're seeking an authentic and spine-tingling Halloween adventure, Transylvania, Romania, should be on your list. The home of Dracula and countless castles, this destination offers a taste of the macabre with Halloween-themed tours and parties set in a hauntingly beautiful landscape.
Things to do in Transylvania for a great Halloween celebration:
- Visit Bran Castle, linked to Dracula, for a guided tour of its dark corridors and secret passages.
- Attend Halloween parties in Transylvanian castles with costume contests and eerie decorations.
- Explore Dracula's birthplace, the Sighisoara Citadel, during Halloween with special events and reenactments.
- Take guided tours through haunted forests near Sibiu or Brasov for a thrilling Halloween adventure.
- Enjoy Halloween-themed dinners at select restaurants with special menus and ghostly ambiance.
- Engage in mock vampire hunting experiences that bring the Dracula legend to life.
- Explore castles like Corvin Castle and Peles Castle, uncovering their intriguing histories and spooky atmospheres.
- Visit gothic churches, such as the Black Church in Brasov, for special Halloween tours and events.
- Hike to Poenari Castle, Vlad the Impaler's real fortress, for a historical and eerie experience.
- Watch vampire-themed film screenings and theatrical performances in select venues, immersing in the Halloween spirit in Transylvania.
Venice & Carinaldo, Italy
Halloween's celebration in Italy, though not deeply rooted in tradition, All Saints’ Day (and the following All Souls’ Day) are a pretty big deal, the two most important days in Venice. Despite its unusual reputation as a Halloween destination, this place boasts a unique celebration, where its residents don costumes and explore the numerous haunted islands. Additionally, elaborate masquerade balls are a common tradition during this spooky holiday. Venice's favorite treat, 'Fave dei Morti,' a traditional cookie offered to the deceased, is a must-try. For those seeking an authentic Halloween experience, Corinaldo, known as the Italian Capital of Halloween, is a town filled with eerie attractions and hosts an annual fire festival on the night of October 31.
Things to do in Venice & Carinaldo, Italyfor a great Halloween celebration:
- Dance at the Haunted Palazzo Masquerade Ball in Palazzo del Cinema"
- Phantom Opera at "Teatro La Fenice": An elegant evening featuring a special performance and masquerade ball.
- Ghosts of the Grand Canal Cruise: Hear Venetian legends and ghostly tales while cruising the Grand Canal on a gondola.
- Dark Arts Exhibition at "Palazzo Ducale": Explore the world of dark arts in a captivating exhibition at the Doge's Palace.
- Piazza San Marco Midnight Specter: Enjoy live music, street performers, and a grand costume parade at midnight in the heart of Venice at Piazza San Marco.
- Historic District Haunted Walking Tour: Discover Venice's ghostly history on a guided walk through its winding streets.
- Spooky Stories at Campo Santo Stefano: Gather ghost tales in the atmospheric Campo Santo Stefano square.
- Costume Parade through Rialto Bridge: Join the Halloween costume parade on the iconic Rialto Bridge.
- Candlelit Dinner in a Hidden Courtyard: Enjoy a romantic, candlelit dinner in a charming Venetian courtyard.
- Venetan Mask-Making Workshop: Create your own mask for Halloween festivities in a hands-on workshop.
- Haunted Venetian Palaces Tour: Explore Venice's haunted palaces and uncover their dark history.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, one of Europe's most spectacular Gothic cities, offers a captivating blend of history and Halloween festivities. Its stunning medieval architecture, winding lanes, and eerie ambiance create the perfect setting for Halloween celebrations. While the Czech Republic doesn't traditionally celebrate Halloween in a big way, Prague hosts a variety of spooky-themed events and parties, from ghost tours to haunted pub crawls. The city's rich history intertwines with contemporary revelry, making Prague a bewitching canvas where the past and Halloween festivities come together for a memorable and atmospheric celebration.
Things to do in Prague for a great Halloween celebration:
- Attend Halloween parties and events at Prague's night life by going to clubs, bars, and venues, often with costume contests and live music.
- Explore Prague's haunted history through guided ghost tours, chilling locations, and spooky tales.
- Tour Prague Castle and historic castles with Halloween-themed tours for an eerie experience.
- Watch horror movies at cinemas or special Halloween screenings.
- Join or watch the Halloween costume parade in Prague's Old Town with creative costumes on display.
- Test your wits in Halloween escape rooms, solving mysteries in a spooky setting.
- Join a haunted pub crawl to explore Prague's lively Halloween atmosphere.
- Visit Petrin Tower at night for a spooky view of the city.
- Participate in Halloween-themed crafts, workshops, or pumpkin carving at art centers and galleries.
- Take part in vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations with traditional food, altars, and cultural events.
New York City, USA
New York City, known for its vibrant Halloween celebrations, offers an unmatched experience during the spooky season. The iconic Greenwich Village Halloween Parade steals the spotlight with extravagant costumes and lively performances. Throughout the city, haunted houses, themed parties, and family-friendly attractions, like Central Park's pumpkin patches, create a spooky atmosphere. The Bronx Zoo hosts "Boo at the Zoo," featuring haunted trails and themed activities. Restaurants, bars, and clubs host costume parties and events, making NYC's nightlife vibrant and eerie. Exploring the city during Halloween showcases the enthusiasm of both locals and visitors, making it an exhilarating experience for all. The month of October is filled with Halloween events in New York, with the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, the largest Halloween celebration in the US, being a must-see spectacle where costumes are mandatory for participants.
Things to do in New York City for a great Halloween celebration:
- Join or watch the iconic Halloween Parade known for elaborate costumes, puppets, and a lively atmosphere.
- Explore various haunted houses in the city, like Blood Manor or Nightmare: New York, for a terrifying experience.
- Get dressed up and attend Halloween parties at bars, clubs, and venues across the city.
- Enjoy family-friendly activities in Central Park, including pumpkin carving, costume parades, and spooky storytelling.
- Experience the Bronx Zoo's "Boo at the Zoo" with haunted trails, hayrides, and Halloween-themed animal activities.
- Visit museums or take guided tours with a Halloween twist, exploring eerie artifacts, haunted history, and ghost stories. The Soho immersive art museum will present Haunted Hues, a Halloween-themed takeover, running from September 14 to November 1 with plenty of tricks and treats. The Museum of Ice Cream in SoHo launches a selection of pretty spooky drinks and treats that are visually striking and oh-so on-theme.
- Watch a horror movie screening at outdoor cinemas or classic theaters for a spooky cinematic experience.
- Join one of New York Halloween theme walking tours: Haunted Broadway Walking Tour, Boroughs of the Dead Walking Tour, NYC Ghosts Walking tours
- For animal lovers, these events will certainly catch your eye: Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest, Manhattan West Woof Fest: Howl-oween and Howl-o-ween Pup Parade & Costume Contest
New Orleans, Louisiana
Paul Broussard
For a Halloween experience with a twist, head to New Orleans. The French Quarter in this vibrant city comes alive with parades, costume parties, and eerie-themed events. The blend of rich culture and spooky celebrations makes New Orleans a unique Halloween destination. Spending Halloween in New Orleans is a great idea not just because of its rich culture and arts scene but also because it is one of the most adorable cities. Experience the excitement of Voodoo Fest, a multi-day music festival, blending live music, art, and the supernatural. Indulge in themed cocktails and culinary delights in haunted restaurants and bars.
Things to do in New Orleans for a great Halloween celebration:
- Attend the lively Halloween parade with decorated floats, costumed performers, and a spooky atmosphere.
- Join guided tours to explore New Orleans' haunted past, visit eerie locations, and hear ghostly tales.
- Take guided walks through the French Quarter to learn about the city's haunted history and supernatural occurrences.
- Explore haunted houses, like the Mortuary Haunted Mansion, for a terrifying Halloween experience.
- Be part of the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, a multi-day music festival with live performances, art installations, and Halloween-themed fun.
- Visit above-ground cemeteries, such as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, to learn about burial traditions and famous tombs.
- Attend costume parties at local bars and clubs, showcasing your Halloween attire in the lively nightlife scene.
- Join guided pub crawls to explore haunted bars and taverns, experiencing the spirited side of New Orleans' nightlife.
- Dine in haunted restaurants known for their eerie ambiance and supernatural encounters, adding a spooky touch to your Halloween meal.
- Visit Voodoo and witchcraft shops to learn about the city's mystical traditions and purchase unique items.
Salem, Massachusetts
JOSEPH PREZIOSO | Credit: AFP via Getty Images
Salem, Massachusetts, is synonymous with Halloween. Known for its notorious witch trials in the 17th century, the town is steeped in history and mystery. This enchanting destination offers a plethora of events, from haunted tours to costume contests and witchcraft-related activities. Even to this day, Salem is called ‘The Witch City’ as it is full of museums and memorials for people who lost their lives during the witch hunts.
Things to do in Salem for a great Halloween celebration:
- Explore where "Hocus Pocus" was filmed in various locations throughout Salem, many of which you can see for yourself
- Participate in the festival of the dead
- Attend the famous Witches’ Halloween Ball.
- See some spooky art in The Satanic Temple has opened up its funeral parlor-turned-headquarters to the public, with its Salem Art Gallery dedicated to all things “witch-hunts, Satanism, and moral panics”
- Have some spirits at these local craft taprooms: Far From The Tree, Notch Brewing, and East Regiment Beer Co.
- Immerse yourself in witch history: The Salem Witch Museum, the Witch House, Old Burying Point Cemetery, Proctor’s Ledge Memorial at Gallows Hill and The Salem Witch Trials Memorial
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Halloween is a magical time of year when the air turns crisp, leaves fall, and the world transforms into a realm of enchanting spookiness. Whether you're an avid fan of the supernatural or simply enjoy a good costume party, there's a Halloween destination that will cater to your unique tastes.
