Though Halloween is widely celebrated on October 31st, there are festivities going on all season long. Along with trick-or-treating you can discover plenty of parties, parades, and other spooky events starting as early as September. For those who take Halloween to the next level and want to celebrate beyond just trick-or-treating, traveling is the best way to go. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, or a night of terror, here is a list of the best places to go for Halloween.
Best Places to Go for Halloween in the U.S.
Orlando, Florida
While there is a lot to do in Orlando besides theme parks, the parks here make Orlando one of the best places to go for Halloween.
Living in Miami, we visit Disney often and have had the opportunity to experience Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. During this special event Disney decorates the park with festive fall touches that bring the perfect amount of Halloween spirit. As the name suggests, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party is the perfect Halloween celebration for those who want fun without the scares. Your little ones can dress up and trick-or-treat without worrying about any spooky encounters. During this time at the park you can find Halloween themed menus, Halloween shows, and a parade. It’s the perfect Halloween party with a Disney touch.
Join the Monster Party at Legoland’s Brick-or-treat Halloween event filled with frightfully festive fun. Featuring six themed zones throughout the park, you can experience the costume parade, limited-time attractions, live shows, character meet and greets, and of course trick-or-treating. Rides and attractions are decorated with Halloween decor to add to the thrill. You’ll also be able to try new specialty treats like the Lego Monster Rocker Apple Fries. This jam-packed Halloween event is the perfect amount of spooky and fun making it an awesome family-friendly celebration. Access to this Lego Halloween themed party is included with regular admission tickets. They also offer package deals to stay at the Brick-or-Treat Hotel.
For those who enjoy the horror and fright of Halloween, Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights is where you want to be. This premier Halloween event features horrifying haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, and energetic live entertainment. Within the park you can find Universal cast members dressed up in the most dreadful costumes, some even jumping out at you with chainsaws and scythes. Though they won’t actually harm you, you’ll be looking over your shoulder quite often during your visit. Halloween Horror Nights offers 10 haunted houses for you to walk through with changing themes every year. Halloween Horror Nights 2022 has some newly themed haunted houses including a house inspired by the 1978 horror classic film Halloween. To add to the fun, you’ll also be able to enjoy Halloween themed food and festive specialty drinks at select dining locations within the park. The age requirement for this event is 13 and up.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Although New Orleans is widely known for its lively Madi Gras celebrations, their Halloween festivities are just as exciting. Spend your Halloween at New Orleans’ official Halloween celebration known as Krewe of BOO! This big event is more than just a parade, and hosts a weekend long celebration full of festivities. From happy hours in the French Quarter to extravagant costume parties, you’re bound to have a great time. For even more Halloween fun take a Haunted ghost tour through the neighborhood of Treme with French Quarter Phantoms Ghost Tours. I did this tour on a weekend trip to New Orleans and it was a great experience.
Las Vegas, Nevada
I absolutely love Las Vegas, so much that I’ve been a dozen times. While most people think of Vegas for gambling, parties and shows it’s one of the best places to go for Halloween. Activities include Moapa Valley Corn Maze for acres of fun, and experience HalloVeen at the Magical Forest which offers rides, carnival games, trick-or-treat stations, and much more. My family spent Halloween in Las Vegas while on a 6 day road trip through Nevada.
Franklin, Tennessee
We visited Franklin in October 2020 and discovered that they go all out for Halloween (details on our trip here). Along with trick-or-treating each year there are tons of festive activities going on. Stop by Landmark Booksellers for a special Halloween story time, and head to Main Street for trick or treating. The houses are decked out with Halloween decorations which makes the experience even more epic. We went to a home who turned their entire garage into a walk through Halloween house, homes that were shooting candy off the roof, and more. I have no idea how we’ll ever top this experience, it was truly one for the books.
Salem, Massachusetts
Experience one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the world at Salem Haunted Happenings. Salem welcomes over half-million visitors to join the parties, parades, vendor fairs, walking tours, museums, attractions, and special events. You can also find unique shops and a variety of food. There is so much to do at this Halloween event that they even offer a selection of accommodations including full-service hotels and historic bed & breakfasts.
Best Places to Go for Halloween Outside of the U.S.
Contrary to what some people might think, Halloween is not just celebrated in the US. While trick or treating may not be as popular in other countries the Halloween festivities can be huge, many rivaling the US. Check out the best places to go for Halloween Outside of the U.S. below.
Dublin, Ireland
What better place to go for Halloween than the place where it originated. Halloween festivities in Ireland are almost limitless as they have a deeper connection to the holiday. There is something for everyone whether you want to have a night of friendly spooky fun or a night of horror.
Kick off the festivities with Halloween at Luggwoods for an adventurous outdoor treasure hunt. In the Enchanted Forest you and your crew can venture down the spooky forest trail to find the ingredients for the friendly witch’s brew. The forest is decorated with bright and festive Halloween decor making the adventure all the more fun. Of course you will be able to snag some treats while you’re there. Halloween at Luggwoods is suitable for small children and children up to 12 years old.
Not only has this event won multiple awards, but it is said to be one of the most terrifying Halloween celebrations in the city. The Nightmare Realm is one of Dublin’s largest indoor scream parks, and is the best place to spend Halloween for those who love a terrifying thrill. There is so much to do and see inside this park including a live DJ, food court, and Halloween town. This huge event also features games, giveaways, and so much more. Be prepared to encounter crazed clowns with chainsaws, vampires, and other ghouling creatures during your visit.
Scotland, United Kingdom
Calling all pumpkin lovers! Clyde Valley Family Park in Scotland UK hosts their annual Pumpkin Festival to celebrate Halloween. The park is decked out with spooky Halloween decor and themed music to enhance the experience. The festivities include pumpkin carving, word hunt, Halloween themed photo-op stations, a creepy corridor, and a fancy dress competition for both kids and adults. Along with all of these fun activities every child gets a free pumpkin. This Pumpkin Festival is a great family-friendly event that you’ll enjoy.
Hong Kong, China
Although still relatively new to celebrating, Hong Kong holds plenty of events to celebrate Halloween. Spend your Halloween at some of the biggest events of the season including Hong Kong Disneyland’s Haunted Halloween Celebration, Ocean Park, and Lan Kwai Fong Halloween Street Party. These events offer a variety of activities for adults and kids. Experience themed attractions, spectacular costumes, and exciting live entertainment.
Ontario, Canada
The award-winning Pumpkinferno event in Ontario Canada is a must if you’re visiting the country for Halloween. Take a mesmerizing stroll through the outdoor exhibit that features over 7000 pumpkins that have been carved and decorated. This spectacular illumination of handcrafted pumpkins is available to see starting late September through October. This event makes for an unforgettable experience, and a totally Instagram-worthy photo-op.
This year we’re headed to Williamsburg, Virginia for Halloween and we’ll see how they stack up against this list of the best places to visit go Halloween. Did you find this article helpful? If so, please share it. Comment below with your favorite place to celebrate Halloween!
This year we’re headed to Williamsburg, Virginia for Halloween and we’ll see how they stack up against this list of the best places to visit go Halloween. Did you find this article helpful? If so, please share it. Comment below with your favorite place to celebrate Halloween!