The Best Places to Celebrate Halloween Around the World

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween. Pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and costume parties are all commonplace — but what about traveling to a new destination to experience Halloween in an entirely different way? What countries celebrate Halloween? Discover the best places to visit for halloween — both local and foreign — and experience the holiday with unique and fascinating traditions!

Transylvania, Romania

Thousands of tourists flock to Transylvania every year to visit the home of Count Dracula. Between the disturbing details of Bram Stoker’s novel and the remote location of the legendary castle, there is no doubt this is one of the best places to celebrate Halloween! Spooky parties are hosted within Bran Castle every year and give visitors to perfect excuse to dress up, get together with their friends, and take part in the festivities as they learn about the myths and history of this legendary place. Bran Castle is also one of the most haunted castles in Romania — could this be due to the Count or are there other reasons behind it?

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

A mix of voodoo, parades, and haunted history. Wander through the French Quarter, where restless spirits and eerie legends thrive. Visit the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, where gruesome tales of torture still send shivers down spines. Take a ghost tour through St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, home to the mysterious Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. The haunted bars of Bourbon Street hold secrets of spectral sightings and eerie whispers. Whether it’s ghostly encounters or voodoo magic, New Orleans is a city that never sleeps— even in the afterlife. best places to visit for Halloween.

Derry, Ireland

While Halloween has grown to be extremely popular in America, contrary to popular belief, this is not the birthplace of this spooky holiday. The origins of Halloween date back to the Celtics in Ireland who celebrated a festival known as Samhain. The holiday was celebrated between Oct. 31st to Nov. 1st every year as followers believed that during this time the barrier between the worlds broke down and they could connect with spirits. For those travelling to Ireland, while Dublin and Galway host incredible events, Derry is believed to be the best place to celebrate Halloween with a three-day festival that mixes Samhain traditions with fascinating terror trails, ghostly tours, powerful fireworks, and so much more that the city has even been named the best Halloween destination in the world.

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

A mix of voodoo, parades, and haunted history. Wander through the French Quarter, where restless spirits and eerie legends thrive. Places to go for Halloween include the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, where gruesome tales of torture still send shivers down spines. Take a ghost tour through St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, home to the mysterious Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. The haunted bars of Bourbon Street hold secrets of spectral sightings and eerie whispers. Whether it’s ghostly encounters or voodoo magic, New Orleans is a city that never sleeps—even in the afterlife.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland – A city where history and hauntings go hand in hand. Walk its cobbled streets and uncover chilling ghost stories that linger in the misty air. Dare to step into the Edinburgh Vaults, where whispers and shadowy figures are often reported? Or visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to the infamous Mackenzie Poltergeist, known to scratch and push visitors. Edinburgh Castle itself is said to be haunted by a phantom piper lost in its depths. Whether fact or folklore, Edinburgh’s dark past will leave you with goosebumps. Dare to explore its haunted secrets?

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Haunted tours, costume parties, and Halloween cruises. Stroll through the city’s eerie canal-side streets, where ghostly figures have been seen drifting through the fog. The Red Light District is home to chilling tales of haunted brothels and tragic spirits. Venture into the dark tunnels of the Amsterdam Dungeon for spine-tingling reenactments of the city’s gruesome past. Cruise the haunted waters on a Halloween boat tour, where legends of lost souls come to life. The ghost of Helena, a woman murdered by her own sister, is said to haunt the Spinhuis. Whether by land or water, Amsterdam’s haunted past is waiting to be uncovered. This is one of the best places to visit for halloween.

Oaxaca, Mexico

At the start of November every year, a special holiday known as the “Day of the Dead” takes place. For travelers this might be one of the most fascinating festivals around the world as colorful costumes, festive parties, and food and drinks are commonplace — but keep in mind this is actually not a Halloween celebration! The Day of the Dead is a time for locals to pay their respects to their loved ones and welcome back the spirits of those who have passed away. What activities or customs are popular for celebrating at Halloween? In Mexico, this celebration includes dressing up in magnificent costumes, creating stunning altars (ofrendas), and honoring ancestors with extraordinary artwork, delicious food, ancient traditions, and grand festivities! This is a time for everyone in Mexico to come together to celebrate life and death.

London, England

Ghost walks, haunted houses, and historical mysteries. Step into the Tower of London, where the spirits of Anne Boleyn and tortured prisoners still linger. The flickering gas lamps of Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel district cast eerie shadows over the scene of his unsolved crimes. Explore the haunted halls of the Ten Bells Pub, where eerie whispers and ghostly apparitions terrify visitors. Venture beneath the city into the abandoned Aldwych Underground Station, rumored to be haunted by wartime spirits. Join a ghost walk through Covent Garden, where phantom footsteps echo in the night. In London, the past is never truly at rest.

New York City, USA

Speaking of the States, there is no doubt how much Americans love to celebrate Halloween. This holiday has grown so big that New York City now hosts the largest Halloween celebration in the world, with roughly 50,000 people who gather every year to take part in the festivities! The Village Halloween Parade takes place in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, where creative costumes, powerful performances, and magnificent puppets will steal the show. You might choose to leave trick or treating for the kids, but you can attend this American spectacle at any age — just remember costumes are mandatory and masks are recommended if you wish to march in the parade!

Anoka, Minnesota, USA

The “Halloween Capital of the World” with historic parades, family-friendly festivities, and century-old traditions. Anoka hosted the first-ever organized Halloween celebration in 1920 to curb holiday pranks, and the tradition has only grown since. The town comes alive with grand parades, pumpkin-carving contests, haunted houses, and themed events throughout October. Visitors can explore ghost walks, storytelling sessions, and historical sites tied to local legends. The Anoka Halloween Festival is a must-visit for those who love the holiday’s spooky yet festive spirit. This small town’s deep-rooted Halloween heritage makes it a one-of-a-kind destination.

Hong Kong

Known as the Halloween capital of Asia, Hong Kong is the perfect place to celebrate this spooky holiday in the East. Colorful costume parties, fascinating festivals, spectacular street festivities, and spooky theme parks open up and leave plenty of choices for visitors to celebrate Halloween! China also boasts its own traditions at other times of the year such as the annual Hungry Ghost Festival which takes place in the middle of August. This festival is held to prevent evil spirits (which are believed to come out in August) from negatively impacting their lives and to honor their loved ones who have passed away.  

Paris, France

Experience Halloween at Disneyland Paris and the haunted catacombs. Disneyland Paris transforms into a Halloween wonderland with spooky decorations, themed parades, and villainous encounters, making it a must-visit for families and Disney fans. For a darker experience, descend into the eerie Catacombs of Paris, where the remains of over six million people line the underground tunnels. Ghost stories and legends of lost souls wandering the passageways add to the chilling atmosphere. Beyond these, haunted walking tours through the city reveal tales of restless spirits in historic sites like the Père Lachaise Cemetery and the Palais Garnier.

Salem, USA

Circling back to the USA, a trip to Salem would make for the ultimate Halloween vacation. Known as the City of Witches, roughly 20 citizens who were accused of practicing witchcraft were executed in the 17th century. With its spooky past, there is no doubt why tales of haunted stories and paranormal encounters have become commonplace as following The Witch Trials, many of these victims were proven to be innocent. Grand parades, major festivals, exquisite balls, and themed parties give visitors plenty of options to choose between for the perfect (and incredibly spooky) Halloween experience. You can say that this is one of the best places to visit for Halloween.

Venice, Italy

Italy is no stranger to Halloween! Massive festivals with colorful costumes and ancient traditions are commonplace to this Mediterranean gem, and Venice is a great place to partake in the festivities. Surrounded by haunted islands which are known for their bone-chilling encounters, parades, parties, and street carnivals also take place every year. All Souls’ Day is a local holiday that takes place at the start of November and is devoted to those who have passed away. This is a time when Italians share flowers with their passed loved ones and hold them in their prayers.

Tokyo, Japan

Over the past few years, Halloween has become increasingly popular among the youth in Japan. The capital city of Tokyo is well known for its grand celebrations as thousands of locals gather together to dress up and wander around the streets in their magnificent costumes — and the Shibuya Crossing is one of the best places to go for Halloween as you can show off your costume and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy and atmosphere. Spooky parades, cosplay festivals, Disney Resort decorations, and famous nightclub events take place across the different districts of Tokyo and partiers are welcome to show off their incredible costumes and partake in the festivities!

Final Thoughts

Halloween is more than just costumes and candy—it’s an opportunity to explore different cultures and traditions worldwide. From eerie ghost tours to vibrant festivals, each destination offers a unique way to celebrate. These are some of the best Halloween destinations that you should definitely go to. Whether you prefer spine-chilling haunted sites or family-friendly parades, Halloween allows travelers to experience the holiday in both traditional and modern ways. As the festival continues to evolve into a global phenomenon, embracing diverse celebrations can make for an unforgettable adventure.

FAQs

Where is the best place in the world to go for Halloween?

The best place depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Salem, Massachusetts, is ideal for history and witch trials, while New Orleans offers voodoo traditions and ghostly legends. Transylvania, Romania, is perfect for Dracula-themed experiences, and Tokyo, Japan, delivers extravagant costume celebrations.

Is Halloween a worldwide holiday?

No, Halloween is not a worldwide holiday. While it is widely celebrated in countries like the United States, Canada, and Ireland, many other countries observe it differently or not at all. Some nations, like Mexico, celebrate similar traditions such as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), while others may acknowledge Halloween with small events or themed parties. However, Halloween is not recognized as an official public holiday in most countries.

Which country is best to celebrate Halloween? Is Halloween celebrated around the world?

Yes, it is. The United States is known for its large-scale celebrations, including haunted houses, trick-or-treating, and themed events. However, Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, Ireland’s ancient Samhain traditions, and Japan’s street festivals offer equally fascinating ways to experience Halloween.

What other countries celebrate Halloween? How many countries celebrate Halloween?

Halloween is celebrated in around 20 to 30 countries worldwide, though the level of enthusiasm and customs vary. Countries like the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom celebrate Halloween with widespread traditions such as trick-or-treating, costume parties, and haunted attractions. Other countries, including Mexico, Japan, Germany, and Australia, have adopted Halloween celebrations over the years, often blending them with local customs and festivities. However, Halloween is not an official holiday in most of these countries.

Where is the best place to vacation for Halloween?

Top Halloween vacation spots include New Orleans for its haunted history, Ireland for its Samhain roots, Edinburgh for ghostly tales and theme park destinations like Disneyland Paris and Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights.

Where is Halloween celebrated the most in the world?

The United States leads in Halloween festivities, with cities like Salem, Sleepy Hollow, and Anoka going all out. However, celebrations are also popular in Ireland, Canada, the UK, and Japan.

Where is the Halloween capital of the world?

Anoka, Minnesota, is officially known as the “Halloween Capital of the World” due to its century-old Halloween parades and community events.

Who celebrates Halloween the best?

Countries like the United States, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, and Japan stand out for their large-scale celebrations, themed attractions, and rich traditions.

What country did Halloween originate from?

Halloween traces its origins to Ireland, where the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, believed to be when spirits could cross into the mortal world.

How does Japan celebrate Halloween?

Japan embraces Halloween with elaborate costumes, themed street parties, and events in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. Theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan also host special Halloween attractions.

What are the most haunted cities to visit during Halloween?

Edinburgh, London, Prague, New Orleans, and Salem are among the top haunted cities known for their ghost tours, eerie legends, and paranormal activity.

Are there any family-friendly Halloween destinations?

Yes, destinations like Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World, LEGOLAND, and Anoka, Minnesota, offer family-friendly Halloween events with parades, lighthearted attractions, and trick-or-treating experiences.

Which places offer the scariest haunted houses and ghost tours?

Some of the scariest haunted attractions include The 13th Gate in Louisiana, the London Dungeon, the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, and the Catacombs of Paris. Cities like Edinburgh, Prague, and New Orleans are also famous for their ghost tours.

Where can I experience the most unique cultural Halloween celebrations?

Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, Ireland’s Samhain Fire Festival, Japan’s Shibuya Halloween, and Romania’s Dracula-themed events in Transylvania offer some of the most unique Halloween experiences worldwide.