14 of the Best Places to Celebrate Halloween Around the World

Prague, Czech Republic

From the historic streets of Salem, Massachusetts, where the echoes of witch trials resonate in month-long celebrations, to the enchanting landscapes of Transylvania, Romania, forever linked to the mysterious Count Dracula, each locale in this article offers a unique blend of tradition, folklore, and contemporary revelry. Join us as we traverse the globe to discover the eerie allure of these 15 best places to celebrate Halloween, each promising an unforgettable and spooktacular experience.

Salem, Massachusetts, USA

The Witch House. Salem, Massachusetts, USA.
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Nestled in the heart of witch trial history, Salem embraces its past with month-long Halloween celebrations, offering parades, haunted houses, and atmospheric costume parties.

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

New Orleans, LA, USA October 27, 2015 A store in the French Quarter of New Orleans is decorated for Halloween
Photo credit: James Kirkikis // Shutterstock.com

Steeped in voodoo mystique and the supernatural, New Orleans hosts lively Halloween festivities, featuring costume balls, haunted tours, and vibrant street parties in the heart of the French Quarter.

Sleepy Hollow, New York, USA

Sleepy Hollow, New York USA - October 19 2021: Headless Horseman Halloween Decorations at a Barbershop in Downtown Sleepy Hollow New York
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Immortalized by Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” this town comes alive with haunted hayrides, cemetery tours, and the legendary Headless Horseman during Halloween.

Dublin, Ireland

DUBLIN - OCTOBER 28: A group of partygoers dressed up on their way to a Fancy Dress Party to kick off Halloween on October 28, 2011 in Dublin
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As the birthplace of Halloween (Samhain), Dublin hosts the Bram Stoker Festival, offering a mix of spooky events, parades, and literary-themed activities across the city.

Transylvania, Romania

Bran Castle, Transylvania, Romania. Medieval building, Dracula's Castle. Mystical night landscape.
Photo credit: Natali Strelnik // Shutterstock.com

Renowned as the home of Count Dracula, Transylvania beckons those seeking an authentically eerie Halloween experience with visits to medieval castles and Dracula-themed events.

Tokyo, Japan

TOKYO, JAPAN - OCTOBER 30 2022 : Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival with people wearing Halloween costumes and makeup, on October 30, 2022 in TOKYO
Photo credit: Dasian // Shutterstock.com

Tokyo’s Halloween celebrations have gained international acclaim, featuring extravagant costume parties, parades in Shibuya, and themed events at major attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.

New York City, New York, USA

New York , New York /USA - 10/31/2019 New York City Halloween Parade marching up 6th ave.
Photo credit: Steve Edreff // Shutterstock.com

Home to the iconic Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, New York City hosts a multitude of Halloween events, from elaborate costume parties to haunted houses.

Los Angeles, California, USA

Los Angeles, USA - October 28, 2017: Skeleton sculpture during 18th Annual Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
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Hollywood Halloween events, including the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, draw crowds to Los Angeles. The city is also a hub for haunted houses and horror-themed attractions.

Mexico City, Mexico

Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico - Oct 29 2022: Day of the Dead Parade to celebrate the richness of Mexican culture and its traditions, a great party on Reforma Avenue in CDMX
Photo credit: Arlette Lopez // Shutterstock.com

Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Mexico City, where vibrant costumes, skull decorations, and lively parades honor departed loved ones in this unique blend of Halloween and cultural tradition.

Edinburgh, Scotland

The big old stone Castle on the Rock - spooky picture
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Combining Celtic traditions with modern performance art, Edinburgh’s Samhuinn Fire Festival creates a mystical atmosphere perfect for Halloween revelry.

Key West, Florida, USA

KEY WEST, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 31: Locals and visitors alike enjoy Fantasy Fest on October 31, 2015 in Key West, Fl. This annual event features a two day street fair, and a parade on Saturday night.
Photo credit: Chuck Wagner // Shutterstock.com

The Fantasy Fest in Key West is a flamboyant celebration featuring elaborate costumes, parades, and street parties, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic. Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) old town on Halloween
Photo credit: Kadagan // Shutterstock.com

With its historic architecture and cobblestone streets, Prague provides a captivating backdrop for Halloween events and themed parties, creating a spooky and enchanting atmosphere.

Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong, China, 10 February 2018 : A young woman posing in Hong Kong Disneyland view during winter
Photo credit: KeongDaGreat // Shutterstock.com

Disneyland in Hong Kong transforms into a Halloween wonderland, offering festive decorations, themed shows, and costumed characters, providing a family-friendly Halloween experience.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain - October 31 ,2022: Helloween celebration. Fire show on the street El Born district. People watching performance with fire and music local Spaniards.
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Barcelona celebrates Halloween with a mix of events and parties, and the city’s Gothic Quarter adds a historic and eerie ambiance to the festivities, making it a unique destination for the spooky season.

The Most Haunted Places in Each of the 50 U.S. States

Pennsylvania - Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia
Editorial credit: Zack Frank / Shutterstock.com

From historic hotels and battlefields haunted by the spirits of the past to eerie asylums and abandoned prisons, the allegedly haunted places on this list have one thing in common: a long history of unexplained occurrences and chilling legends.

Read more: The Most Haunted Places in Each of the 50 U.S. States

Funny Halloween Costumes You Can Easily Buy Online (for the Whole Family!)

New York, New York - USA – October 23, 2021: A dog in costume is seen during the 31st Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade in Tompkins Square Park in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)
Photo credit: Gordon Donovan // Shutterstock.com

There are TONS of great Halloween costumes you can buy online! Check out some of the funniest below.

Read more: Funny Halloween Costumes You Can Easily Buy Online (for the Whole Family!)

30+ DIY Halloween Costume Ideas for the Whole Family!

Waist up portrait of cute preschooler with DIY face paint wearing a butterfly halloween or carnival costume.
Photo credit: ABO PHOTOGRAPHY // Shutterstock.com

I enlisted the help of fellow bloggers who have some AMAZING DIY Halloween costumes for the whole family – even your pets. There are SO many good ones for your kiddos as well! 

Read more: 30+ DIY Halloween Costume Ideas for the Whole Family!

11 Funny, Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

dog sit as a ghost for halloween in front of the door at home entrance with pumpkin lantern or light , scary and spooky
Photo credit: Javier Brosch // Shutterstock.com

Do you want to dress up this Halloween but are short on time? This post has some funny + easy, last-minute Halloween costume ideas for the whole family!

Read more: 11 Funny, Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas