August 29, 2026
Best Halloween Cities to Visit in 2026: Ultimate Spooky Guide
8 Halloween Cities To Visit This Fall
So this list is for everybody searching for the best Halloween cities to visit, whether you want the fun, magical side of Halloween or full-on horror. If youโre looking for the best Halloween cities to visit, I’ve got you. Now let me be clear about something before we get started. I donโt do horror. Jason? No thank you. Chucky? Absolutely not. Somebody chasing me through a dark hallway? Iโm good. But give me a cute little Halloween town, witches, vampires, pumpkins everywhere, fall leaves, old movie locations and that something magical is happening here feeling? Now thatโs my kind of spooky. Iโm very much Halloweentown spooky and Twilight spooky.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Iโve rounded up eight cities and destinations that really know how to celebrate Halloween, from month-long festivals and pumpkin displays to costume parties, movie-inspired events, theme parks and spooky-season experiences. Some destinations are perfect for a cute Halloween getaway, while others are better suited for travelers who want a little more fright with their fall trip. Letโs get into it.
1. Anoka, Minnesota: The Halloween Capital of the World
If a city is going to call itself the Halloween Capital of the World, Iโm going to need to know what theyโre doing over there. Anoka has been celebrating Halloween for more than 100 years, with a month-long community celebration filled with parades, contests, decorations and seasonal events. The organization says its annual festival is now 106 years old.
Things to Do in Anoka
During October, you can explore the decorated town, check out seasonal events and enjoy the communityโs Halloween traditions. The Light Up the Night Parade is scheduled for October 17, 2026, with illuminated floats and a bonfire afterward. Then on October 24, the Grande Day Parade takes over Main Street. Itโs free to attend and runs from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. There are also pumpkin carving contests, costume events, a house decorating contest, a medallion hunt and other Halloween activities throughout October.
This is a great destination for travelers who want the classic small-town Halloween experience, with decorations, parades, costumes, and plenty of festive activities. If you are mapping out the best Halloween cities to visit for family-friendly parades, Anoka belongs near the top.
2. Estes Park, Colorado: The Shining Meets the Mountains
Estes Park is home to The Stanley Hotel, famously associated with Stephen Kingโs The Shining. Even if youโre not interested in the paranormal side of the story, the hotel itself is a historic destination surrounded by beautiful Colorado scenery. You can visit the hotel, explore Estes Park, enjoy the mountain views and learn about the propertyโs connection to one of the most recognizable horror stories ever made.
Halloween at The Stanley Hotel
The hotelโs Shining Ball returns October 24, 2026. The event is inspired by The Shining and Stephen Kingโs universe, with costumes, music, specialty cocktails, a photo booth and tarot readings. The hotel currently lists the 2026 event as sold out, so if this is something you want to experience in a future year, plan early.
This destination works especially well for travelers who enjoy horror movies, historic hotels and a little mystery mixed into their fall getaway.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana: Witches, Voodoo and Halloween in the French Quarter
When ranking the best Halloween cities to visit, New Orleans doesnโt really need October to become spooky. The city already has the architecture, history, costumes, music, and mysterious stories. Add Halloween and the French Quarter becomes one big celebration. If you like the witchy and supernatural side of Halloween, this is probably one of the most interesting destinations on this list.
Things to Do in New Orleans
Spend some time exploring the French Quarter, shop for a Halloween costume, enjoy the cityโs food and nightlife, and check out seasonal events throughout the city. You can also take one of the cityโs ghost or supernatural-themed tours if thatโs your thing. New Orleans tourism highlights French Quarter walking tours, vampire history and Voodoo history experiences during Halloween season.
Krewe of BOO!
One of the biggest Halloween events is the Krewe of BOO! Halloween Parade. The 2026 parade takes place October 24 at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Expect elaborate Halloween floats, costumes, marching groups, candy and plenty of Halloween energy as the parade travels through the French Quarter toward the Warehouse District. Thereโs also a Monster Mash after-party following the parade with music, costumes and a costume contest.
Voodoo Authenticaโs VOODOOFEST
If youโre interested in learning about New Orleansโ Voodoo traditions and culture, VOODOOFEST takes place on Halloween, October 31, 2026. The festival is presented by Voodoo Authentica and focuses on preserving and sharing the cityโs cultural and spiritual traditions. And just to clear up something you may see online: Voodoo Authenticaโs VOODOOFEST is not the old Voodoo Music Festival. The music festival that used to take place in City Park is no longer operating.
New Orleans is definitely one of those places where you can make your Halloween trip as mild or as wild as you want.
4. Orlando, Florida: One of the Best Halloween Cities to Visit for Theme Parks
Orlando is basically saying: You want Halloween? How much Halloween do you want? Because you can choose. If youโre a serious horror fan, thereโs Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando. If youโre more like me and want cute, magical, family-friendly spooky vibes, thereโs Mickeyโs Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World.
Universal Halloween Horror Nights
Halloween Horror Nights is definitely for the people who actually like horror. Universalโs 2026 event runs on select nights from August 28 through November 1 and features 10 haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment. And let me repeat: 10 haunted houses. If youโre a horror lover, Orlando needs to be on your Halloween list.
Mickeyโs Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickeyโs Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place on select nights from August 7 through October 31, 2026. You can dress up, see Halloween entertainment, enjoy special treats and watch Disneyโs Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show. Thereโs also the Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, which features Disney characters in Halloween costumes, villains and spooky-but-fun entertainment. This is a great option for travelers who want Halloween fun without the intense horror experience.
5. St. Helens, Oregon: Step Into Halloweentown
For movie nostalgia, St. Helens is one of the best Halloween cities to visit if youโve ever wanted to step right onto a film set. If youโve ever watched Halloweentown and wished you could actually visit a place that feels like the movie, St. Helens, Oregon needs to be on your list. The town was used as a filming location for Disneyโs Halloweentown, and every year it transforms itself for Spirit of Halloweentown. This is one of the destinations on this list that is perfect for travelers who want the fun, magical side of Halloween.
Spirit of Halloweentown
The festival features Halloween decorations, themed attractions, performers, food, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. One of the signature experiences is the Great Pumpkin Lighting, along with other themed attractions throughout town. For 2026, Spirit of Halloweentown is scheduled for select weekends from September 26 through November 1.
If you love Halloween movies, pumpkins, costumes and the feeling of stepping into a fictional Halloween town, this is one to consider.
6. Salem, Massachusetts: The Best Halloween City to Visit for Witchy Vibes
If your idea of Halloween includes witches, black cats, historic streets, fall weather and spooky shops, Salem is probably going to be your happy place. Salem is one of those cities that completely embraces its Halloween identity every October.
Salem Haunted Happenings
The cityโs Haunted Happenings calendar is packed throughout October. For 2026, events include the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade, Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, Zombie Walk, Halloween Boat Parade, witch-themed events, Salem Night Faire and more. One event that immediately caught my attention is Witch Hats on the Wharf on October 17. People literally gather in witch hats. Now thatโs a Halloween photo opportunity. Salem is also celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2026, making this an especially interesting year to visit.
Things to Do in Salem
Spend time walking around the historic district, browse Halloween shops, visit museums and attractions, check out seasonal markets, dress up and take plenty of pictures. And if youโre into the darker side of Halloween, Salem has plenty of paranormal experiences and ghost-related events too.
๐ฎ Pro-Tip: October in Salem gets crowded, to the point where the city may limit traffic from cars in the historic center. Take the Salem Ferry from Boston or utilize the MBTA Rail to avoid the parking nightmare. Oh and buy your museum tickets weeks in advance!
7. Savannah, Georgia: Southern Halloween Feels
As a Georgia girl, I couldnโt leave Savannah off this list. Savannah already has that old Southern atmosphere that can feel mysterious after dark. Add Halloween decorations, costumes, fall events and spooky-season parties, and youโve got yourself a fun October getaway.
Things to Do in Savannah During Halloween
Spend the day exploring the Historic District, shopping, eating your way through the city and taking pictures around the beautiful squares. Then when the sun goes down, you can find Halloween parties, costume events and seasonal entertainment around town. One 2026 event listed by Visit Savannah is Marty Milquetoastโs Halloween Extravaganza on October 31, described as an evening of costumes, music and Halloween fun. Thereโs also TRAWL-O-WEEN on October 30, a Halloween-themed estuary experience for people looking for something a little different.
And if youโre the kind of traveler who actually likes haunted experiences, Savannah has plenty of those too. Iโm here for the costumes, atmosphere, food and pretty historic streets.
8. Sleepy Hollow, New York: The Ultimate Halloween Town
If youโre looking for the best Halloween cities to visit that feel like a storybook, put Sleepy Hollow on your list.The town is forever connected to Washington Irvingโs The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, so October is when the whole area really leans into its legendary Halloween identity.
The Great Jack OโLantern Blaze
The Great Jack OโLantern Blaze is one of the biggest reasons to visit. For 2026, the event runs September 18 through November 8 and features thousands of carved pumpkins transformed into illuminated displays. This is perfect for travelers who enjoy pumpkins, beautiful nighttime displays, fall photos and a festive Halloween atmosphere.
Twilight Village
Then thereโs Twilight Village at Philipsburg Manor. Twilight Village features storytellers, fire performers, a roving brass band, a pop-up market, food trucks, fortune tellers, cocktails and mocktails, and appearances from Ichabod Crane, Katrina Van Tassel and the Headless Horseman. The 2026 event takes place on select dates from October 2 through October 31. It has that perfect old Halloween storybook feeling.
Pumpkin Festivals Outside The Best Halloween Cities To Visit
Not everybody is looking for ghosts and haunted houses during spooky season. Sometimes you just want to put on a cute sweater, grab a cup of something warm, walk through a pumpkin patch, eat some fall treats and take way too many pictures. If thatโs more your speed, there are plenty of major fall festivals and pumpkin experiences around the country that are worth planning a trip around.
Great Jack OโLantern Blaze (Sleepy Hollow, New York)
While The Great Jack OโLantern Blaze is part of Sleepy Hollowโs larger Halloween season, it deserves a mention here because the experience is centered around thousands of hand-carved pumpkins transformed into illuminated displays. Itโs perfect for travelers who want something visually impressive and festive without needing a traditional haunted-house experience.
Circleville Pumpkin Show (Circleville, Ohio)
If you want a true pumpkin festival, put this one on your list. The Circleville Pumpkin Show is one of the countryโs largest and most well-known pumpkin festivals. Youโll find giant pumpkins, pumpkin-themed food, parades, entertainment, vendors, contests and plenty of fall activities throughout the celebration. And yes, this is the type of place where you should absolutely try the pumpkin-flavored food.
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (Half Moon Bay, California)
California gets in on the pumpkin action too. The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival celebrates the areaโs pumpkin-growing tradition with giant pumpkins, pumpkin displays, arts and crafts, live entertainment, food and family-friendly activities. The coastal setting also makes this a different kind of fall getaway because youโre getting pumpkin season with a California backdrop.
New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival (Laconia, New Hampshire)
If you want that classic New England fall feeling, the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival is worth checking out. Expect pumpkins, fall decorations, family activities, food, entertainment and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the colorful autumn scenery. This would be a great addition to a New England road trip during peak fall foliage season.
Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival (Elk Grove, California)
This annual California festival celebrates giant pumpkins and includes pumpkin displays, food, entertainment, vendors and activities for families. Itโs another good option if youโre looking for a fall festival that feels festive rather than frightening.
Great Pumpkin Festival at Van Cortlandt Manor (Croton-on-Hudson, New York)
For travelers who want pumpkins with a little extra atmosphere, Van Cortlandt Manor in the Hudson Valley is another seasonal experience worth knowing about. The historic setting combined with thousands of illuminated pumpkins makes this a beautiful fall evening activity and works especially well for a Halloween or autumn trip through the Hudson Valley.
Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch Road Trips
And donโt forget about the smaller pumpkin farms and fall festivals happening all over the country. Depending on where youโre traveling, you can find:
- Pumpkin patches
- Corn mazes
- Hayrides
- Apple picking
- Cider tastings
- Fall markets
- Pumpkin carving
- Farm-to-table food
- Live music
- Petting zoos
- Sunflower fields
- Seasonal photo opportunities
If youโre planning a fall road trip, search for pumpkin festivals, fall festivals and pumpkin patches along your route instead of limiting yourself to one destination. Sometimes the little roadside pumpkin farm you randomly discover ends up being one of the best stops of the whole trip.
Historic Haunted Places You Can Visit
Now letโs get into the section for travelers who want to take their Halloween trip a little further. Iโm not talking about trespassing into abandoned buildings or wandering onto private property. These are historic places that are open to visitors and have become known for their haunted history, ghost stories or paranormal reputation.
- The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park, Colorado): The hotel that inspired The Shining is a main choice for anyone into haunted hotels and horror history. You can visit the property and learn about its history without having to spend the night.
- The Myrtles Plantation (St. Francisville, Louisiana): This property is famous for ghost stories and paranormal activity, and it offers tours and stays for visitors interested in its history. While popular to visit today for its ghost stories, it is important to remember that this was a site of forced labor. A respectful visit includes acknowledging the full history of the enslaved black individuals who lived and worked on the grounds.
- The Crescent Hotel (Eureka Springs, Arkansas): The Crescent Hotel is one of Americaโs most famous historic haunted hotels and offers tours and paranormal experiences for visitors who want to learn about its history and ghost stories.
- The Lizzie Borden House (Fall River, Massachusetts): For people who really want to go there, the Lizzie Borden House offers tours and experiences connected to one of Americaโs most infamous historical murder cases.I won’t be visiting, of course.
- The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (Weston, West Virginia): This former psychiatric hospital has public tours and paranormal experiences. Itโs definitely one for the brave because the building itself is enough to create a vibe before anyone even starts telling ghost stories.
Halloween Events at Amusement Parks
If you want Halloween fun at an amusement park, here are some of the major events to put on your radar.
- Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights (Orlando, Florida): Select nights August 28 through November 1, 2026, with haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment.
- Best for: Serious horror fans and travelers looking for intense Halloween scares.
- Mickeyโs Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Walt Disney World, Florida): Select nights August 7 through October 31, 2026, with costumes, Halloween entertainment, trick-or-treating, fireworks and the Boo-To-You parade.
- Best for: Travelers who want Halloween fun without going full horror.
- Six Flags Fright Fest (Six Flags Over Georgia): This is your option if youโre looking for Halloween thrills right here in the Atlanta area.
- Best for: Travelers who want rides mixed with their Halloween scares.
- Howl-O-Scream (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay): This is another one for people who actually enjoy intense Halloween attractions.
- Best for: Serious scare seekers.
- Knottโs Scary Farm (Buena Park, California): One of Californiaโs major Halloween attractions, with haunted mazes, shows and nighttime scares.
- Best for: Travelers looking for a full-scale Halloween horror experience.
Top Haunted Attractions in the Best Halloween Cities To Visit
If your idea of Halloween is walking into a haunted house and willingly allowing people to scare you, there are plenty of major attractions around the country worth putting on your list.
My NETHERWORLD Haunted House Experience
Since Iโm already telling you that I prefer my spooky on the Halloweentown and Twilight side, you can probably imagine that walking into NETHERWORLD Haunted House in Stone Mountain, Georgia was a whole experience for me. I went in thinking I was going to have a little Halloween fun. What I did not expect was to feel like I had been in there for hours. It felt like every time I turned around, something or somebody was jumping out at me. Left, right, behind me, in front of meโฆ there was always something happening. I barely had time to recover from one scare before the next one was coming. By the time I finally made it out, I had a headache. And when I tell you I was traumatized enough that I couldnโt even make it into the second haunted house? Iโm serious. I had officially reached my limit.
But I will give NETHERWORLD its credit: you definitely get your moneyโs worth. There is a lot happening throughout the experience, and if youโre someone who loves haunted houses and wants to be scared, this is definitely an attraction to put on your Halloween list. As for me? I think I proved that I can handle a haunted house. I just donโt know if I need to prove it twice.
Famous Haunted Houses Across the US
- NETHERWORLD Haunted House (Stone Mountain, Georgia): NETHERWORLD is known for elaborate sets, live actors, monsters and special effects. Itโs a major Halloween attraction for visitors looking for an intense haunted-house experience.
- 13 Stories Haunted House (Newnan, Georgia): If youโre looking for an intense haunted-house experience around the Atlanta area, 13 Stories is another name worth knowing. The attraction features multiple experiences for people who really want to test their nerves.
- Knottโs Scary Farm (Buena Park, California): This is the big California option for serious Halloween fans. With haunted mazes, shows and creatures throughout the park, this is definitely more horror than cute Halloween.
- Universal Halloween Horror Nights (Orlando, Florida): Technically an entire Halloween event rather than one haunted house, but with multiple haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment, it absolutely belongs on a serious scare-loverโs list.
- Six Flags Fright Fest (Austell, Georgia): For those who want to combine amusement-park rides with haunted mazes and nighttime Halloween entertainment, Fright Fest gives you both.
Halloween Travel for Every Level of Spooky
Halloween travel doesnโt have to look the same for everybody. Maybe youโre the person who wants to walk through a haunted house and see if you can make it to the other side without screaming. Maybe you want to dress up, take pictures, eat seasonal treats and walk around a town covered in pumpkins. Maybe youโre somewhere in the middle. Thatโs what makes Halloween travel so much fun. There are destinations where you can make the experience as scary, magical, festive or family-friendly as you want.
- For classic Halloween-town experiences: Places like St. Helens, Anoka and Sleepy Hollow offer pumpkins, festivals, decorations and seasonal events.
- For witchy and supernatural history: Salem and New Orleans offer plenty to explore.
- For theme-park Halloween: Orlando and other major amusement parks offer everything from family-friendly celebrations to full horror experiences.
- For haunted attractions: There are haunted houses, historic sites and paranormal experiences all across the country.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best Halloween cities to visit comes down to what kind of spooky season traveler you are. Halloween doesnโt have to mean watching somebody get chased through the woods by Jason. For some travelers, the perfect Halloween getaway is a historic town covered in pumpkins. For others, itโs a haunted hotel, a ghost tour, a witch-themed festival, or a night spent getting scared at a haunted house. Maybe you want to dress up, take pictures, eat seasonal treats, and walk around a town covered in pumpkins. Maybe you want to experience the darker side of Halloween. There are destinations for all of it.
So whether your idea of spooky is Halloweentown spooky, Twilight spooky, witchy, magical, haunted or full-on horror, thereโs a Halloween destination waiting for you. Now the question is: What kind of spooky are you?
Event dates and details can change, so always check the official event website before booking your Halloween getaway.