Halloween isn’t just a one-day event in these towns—it’s a full-on season of spooky celebrations, eerie attractions, and ghoulishly good fun. From extravagant festivals to ghostly history, each of these towns is a must-visit for Halloween enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking scares, family-friendly activities, or a dose of haunted history, these destinations know how to celebrate spooky season in style.

1. Salem, Massachusetts - The Witch Capital of the U.S.

When it comes to Halloween, no town does it quite like Salem. With its infamous history tied to the 1692 witch trials, Salem embraces its eerie past to bring Halloween to life all month long.

  • What makes it special: The entire town transforms into a Halloween wonderland with haunted tours, historical reenactments, psychic readings, and ghost walks.
  • Biggest attractions: Salem’s Haunted Happenings Festival dominates October, featuring costume parades, street fairs, and spooky performances. Don’t miss the Witch Museum and historic sites like the Witch House.
  • Unique spooky touch: Strolling through Salem feels like walking into the past. The mix of history and festive spirit makes it unforgettable.

2. Sleepy Hollow, New York - Home of the Headless Horseman

The haunted legend of Sleepy Hollow, popularized by Washington Irving’s classic tale, makes this town synonymous with Halloween. Unsurprisingly, Sleepy Hollow goes all out for spooky season.

  • What makes it special: The town’s historic roots and gothic setting feel perfect for eerie, autumnal vibes. Its events highlight the headless horseman lore.
  • Biggest attractions: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a mesmerizing display featuring more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins lighting up the night. You can also explore haunted mansions, visit Irving’s grave, or attend the spooky hayrides.
  • Unique spooky touch: The Headless Horseman is a recurring figure in Sleepy Hollow’s parades and events, adding a dash of spine-tingling fun to every corner.

3. Anoka, Minnesota - The Halloween Capital of the World

Anoka proudly claims to be the first town to host organized Halloween festivities, earning it the title “Halloween Capital of the World.” This small-town celebration is big on charm and creativity.

  • What makes it special: Anoka holds Halloween-themed events for nearly two weeks, blending family fun with traditional spooky thrills.
  • Biggest attractions: Costume parades, pumpkin-carving contests, spooktacular house decorations, and an iconic Halloween parade featuring floats and local performers make Anoka’s celebration unforgettable.
  • Unique spooky touch: The town’s long history of organized Halloween fun (dating back to 1920) puts it on the map for anyone wanting a classic yet lively Halloween celebration.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana - A Spooky Good Time in the Big Easy

With its rich history of voodoo, jazz funerals, haunted mansions, and centuries-old cemeteries, New Orleans is one of the most atmospheric and mysterious places to spend Halloween.

  • What makes it special: Halloween in New Orleans feels like Mardi Gras in a spooky costume. The city’s hauntingly beautiful streets, combined with vibrant nightlife, create an unbeatable Halloween vibe.
  • Biggest attractions: French Quarter ghost tours, voodoo shops, haunted bars, and the city’s legendary Krewe of BOO! parade. Graveyard enthusiasts can also explore St. Louis Cemetery, known for its above-ground tombs.
  • Unique spooky touch: The city’s cultural mix of voodoo and Catholic traditions adds a witchy and spiritual flair to Halloween festivities.

5. St. Helens, Oregon - Welcome to “Halloweentown”

Have you ever wanted to step inside a Halloween movie? St. Helens, Oregon, brings that dream to life. Known as the filming location for Disney Channel’s cult-classic Halloweentown, this charming town dedicates October to its spooky roots.

  • What makes it special: St. Helens recreates the magic of Halloweentown, complete with fan events and pumpkin displays straight out of the movie.
  • Biggest attractions: “Spirit of Halloweentown” is the town’s signature event, with hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns, costume contests, haunted tours, and outdoor movie screenings.
  • Unique spooky touch: Don’t miss the ceremonial lighting of the Great Pumpkin in Town Square, an enchanting celebration straight out of a storybook.

6. Savannah, Georgia - A Southern Hauntfest

Savannah, often called one of America’s most haunted cities, fully leans into its ghostly reputation for Halloween. With moss-draped oaks, cobblestone streets, and a wealth of paranormal stories, Savannah is a hotspot for spectral festivities.

  • What makes it special: The city’s haunting beauty and spooky history create a perfect Halloween backdrop. From ghost tours to extravagant parties, there’s something for everyone.
  • Biggest attractions: Savannah’s ghost walks through old mansions like the Sorrel-Weed House, haunted pub tours, and Halloween parties in the historic district.
  • Unique spooky touch: The Boneventure Cemetery tours are must-sees, merging history with legendary tales of ghostly activity.

7. Estes Park, Colorado - Halloween in the Shadow of The Shining

Estes Park is home to the famous Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s The Shining. For Halloween lovers, this spooky landmark adds a dose of literary horror to the town’s celebrations.

  • What makes it special: Estes Park combines Halloween fun with the chilling atmosphere of its eerie, historic hotel.
  • Biggest attractions: The Stanley Hotel hosts a variety of frightening events, from murder mystery dinners to ghost tours. The town also features a family-friendly Pumpkin Festival and trick-or-treating events.
  • Unique spooky touch: Spending Halloween night at the Stanley Hotel (if you dare) is a bucket-list experience for horror fans.

From coast to coast, these seven towns transform themselves into Halloween havens where ghosts, goblins, and ghouls come alive. Each destination offers its unique take on the holiday, blending haunted history, creative celebrations, and local charm. Whether you’re yearning for a classic parade in Anoka, a cinematic experience in St. Helens, or eerie elegance in Savannah, these Halloween hotspots promise thrills, chills, and memories to last a lifetime.

Which town would you add to your Halloween travel plans this year? Pack your costumes—and maybe some courage—and prepare for a hauntingly good time!