It is certainly fair to say that Halloween is a big deal in the United States, with many people coming together in their own ways to celebrate this historic holiday, and to celebrate this spooky and beautiful time of the year.
However, while many parts of the country have impressive displays and traditions, there are certain places that just take it one step further – be it by adding that little bit of atmosphere, history, or feel to this already fun holiday.
But which exactly are the best places to celebrate Halloween in the United States?
The Ten Best Places For Halloween
To examine this in a little more detail, we have compiled our own list of the ten best places to celebrate Halloween in the United States – taking into account numerous factors from climate, to traditions, and the history of the places in question.
First on our list is perhaps an obvious one: Salem, Massachusetts. Known for the historic witch trials which plagued New England during the 17th century, Salem has developed a strong association with the spooky – specifically with witchcraft.
And what better place to celebrate Halloween than where it all really started? Experience the Museum of Witchcraft, take in some of the early settlements of the United States, and revel in the decorations and celebrations that the town has to offer.
What’s more, Salem is a beautiful, quaint part of the world, and the people of the town are both proud and invested when it comes to making their town the spookiest place in the United States!
If there is a place with as much history (if not more) than Salem, it is surely New Orleans, Louisiana.
As one of the oldest settlements in the United States – having been established well before the Mayflower reached Plymouth MA – New Orleans has amassed a mysterious, and storied history over the centuries.
Combining African, Caribbean, French, Spanish, Italian, and European folklore, the city is not only the country’s main party destination, but also one of the spookiest – with everything from vampirism, voodoo, spiritual mediums, ghosts, and murderers residing in the city’s cultural fabric.
What better way to celebrate the spooky season than New Orleans?
Located in New York state, Sleepy Hollow is the infamous location of Washington Irving’s 1820 short story, The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow – a historic and spooky tale focused around the Ichabod Crane, and the terrified residents of Sleepy Hollow, who find themselves plagued by the undead ‘Headless Horseman’.
A quaint, charming village located near Westchester county, Sleepy Hollow is very much a tribute to the pilgrim heritage of it’s early settlers, and sets the right spooky, old world tone that makes the perfect Halloween celebration.
And what’s more, the holiday is enthusiastically celebrated in the village, with decorations lining the historic streets, and numerous tours, activities and celebrations taking place throughout the period.
Fans of Stephen King will recognize the name of this hotel straight away.
The infamous Stanley Hotel was the location where Stephen King and his family stayed one snowy night in 1974, and where the spooky goings on, combined with the isolation they felt as the only guests, led to the creation of what would later become one of his most famous novels: The Shining.
The Stanley Hotel has a long and storied history of its own, which includes explosions, fires, mysterious deaths, and restless spirits – and to this day it remains a place of pilgrimage for horror fans and ghost hunters alike.
As one of the supposedly most haunted places in the United States, it should come as no surprise that the Stanley Hotel, and its Estes Park location, have such a prominent place on this list!
Of course, for those looking for a family good time, there is probably no better place to be than Universal Studios – especially at Halloween!
Famed for their spooky Halloween celebrations – often including live actors dressed as ghosts, ghouls, zombies, and numerous other things that go bump in the night – Universal Studios is a great place to get some scares, have some laughs, and enjoy time with friends and family.
Dress up in spooky costumes, ride some roller coasters, and enjoy some great food and entertainment as you embark on a Halloween extravaganza that needs very little introduction!
In the same vein as Universal Studios, Disney World Orlando is one of the best places for wholesome Halloween fun – especially for those families with younger children.
Take in the decorations, the costumes, and the fireworks, as you walk the park at night, and ride the world famous rides. Who knows, you might even see some of your favorite characters in impressive Halloween costumes.
Perhaps surprisingly, one of the most highly rated Halloween destinations in the US is Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Known for their extravagant decorations, their numerous fall festivals, as well as their extensive Halloween celebrations, this really is one of the best places in the country to enjoy the holiday.
With haunted houses, Halloween train rides, trick or treating and Halloween ghost walks, Chattanooga really goes to town on all things spooky, ensuring locals and tourists alike can enjoy the festivities.
As one of the premier party locations in the country, if not the world, Las Vegas really needs no introduction – and it has a long history of holiday traditions.
With ghost walks, exhibits, costume parties, and various activities, this really is a must.
Be it Christmas, New Years, or Halloween, Las Vegas has something to offer everyone – regardless of age, or whether or not you gamble.
With shopping, restaurants, shows, and numerous themed casinos and hotels, this is the perfect place to get dressed up with friends, check out some spooky activities, and just have a plain, old good time!
With one of the largest Latinx communities in the country, Sante Fe has some of the best spooky festivities in the United States.
Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is the name of the game in New Mexico – a now world famous festival that celebrates past ancestors, deceased loved ones, and all things spooky.
With fantastical parades and costumes, as well as food and entertainment, this is really one of the most vibrant and exciting Halloween locations in the entire country, and it really has to be seen to be believed!
Enjoy the traditional food, sing some amazing traditional songs, and take on this exciting festival dedicated to Mexican culture – one that has endured and been embraced by countless people all around the world for its deep meaning and visual aesthetic.
As the home of the rich and famous, Los Angeles has its own storied, spooky history to immerse yourself in.
With ghost stories, murders, betrayals, and all manner of dark goings on happening in that very city, there is much to explore, and there are numerous spooky tours, activities, and celebrations to enjoy.
What’s more, it is also host to some of the best bars and restaurants in the world, and there are near countless things to take in and enjoy over your stay, making it one of the best Halloween destinations in the country.
Even the hotels in this town have haunted histories, with numerous famous ghost stories taking place within their walls – meaning that even your stay can be one of mystery, intrigue, and ghostly goings on.
Whichever way you choose to celebrate, it certainly isn’t one to miss!
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about Halloween in the United States, and the best places in the country to celebrate!
It’s true that Halloween is a big deal in the United States, and while the entire country goes above and beyond to make it a great holiday for all, there are certain places in the country that take it one step further.
So if you are looking for the perfect place to spend Halloween, then why not check out some of these locations? Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!
Hi, my name is Alex Kallen and I love to travel. Ever since I could afford the ticket, I hopped on a plane and never looked back. I’ve made a living writing travel guides and blogging my experience all over the world.
I want to encourage and inspire others to travel around the US like I am. There’s no need to go on vacation overseas when there is an amazing land of opportunity right on your doorstep. Enjoy my website, I hope to see you out here one day.
