Five Of The Best US Cities To Celebrate Halloween

From some of the country’s most “haunted” cities to places that host thrilling parties and events for the holiday, read on to find out where to head if you’re thinking about traveling for Halloween. Many of these locations have events ongoing all through October and even into November, so you’ll have plenty of time to plan a spooky-themed vacation that will get you in the Halloween spirit. Halloween lovers will find some of the best places in the U.S. to celebrate the holiday in the list below.

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1. Salem, Massachusetts

Where better to celebrate Halloween than the setting of the 1692 witch trials? Salem’s Haunted Happenings purports to be the biggest Halloween celebration in the world, with parties, parades, tours, trick-or-treating and special events all October long.

Anyone interested in magic or witchcraft will have a blast in Salem around Halloween time. Visitors can learn all about the trials at the Salem Witch Museum, or get a more modern take by visiting one of the city’s many psychics, join a seance or pick up some magical souvenirs at one of the witchcraft shops. Be sure to check out a haunted house or two, and join a walking tour to learn more about the historic location.

2. Sleepy Hollow, New York

This Hudson Valley town embraces its spooky side from late September through November in celebration of the famous tale for which it’s named. Don’t miss the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, in which more than 7,000 intricately hand-carved pumpkins illuminate the night. Those looking for a fright will enjoy the cemetery tour, the haunted hayride, a live performance of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” as well as the “The Horsemen,” a new immersive haunted house experience. It all culminates in a Halloween parade and block party on Oct. 28.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is known as one of the country’s “most haunted” cities, and Halloween is the perfect time to visit some of its spookiest spots, many of which are now hotels. Join a ghost tour to learn more about the city’s legends.

According to NewOrelans.com, the city’s Halloween celebration is second only to its world-famous Mardi Gras. The “Krewe of Boo” parade marches the streets on Oct. 21 this year, and you can catch a dog costume contest on Oct. 28. There’s much more going on throughout the entire month, and of course, Halloween day is chock full of parties and events.

Orlando’s theme parks don’t play it shy when it comes to Halloween. From Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom to Universal Studios, the parks will be dripping with cutesy and horrifying Halloween decorations. For a more family-friendly vibe, folks with little ones will want to visit Walt Disney World or Legoland Florida. Every October, Universal Orlando hosts its annual Horror Nights celebration, where thrill-seekers can visit 10 haunted houses, get spooked by scary characters roaming the park and be entertained by live performances.

5. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is another famously “haunted” U.S. city, and visitors can take their pick of ghost tours, haunted pub crawls and haunted house tours. The city’s Scare on the Square Halloween festival takes place Oct. 27 through Oct. 29 this year, where participants can watch parades, shop for Halloween goods, snack at some tasty food trucks and more.

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Senior editor Nicole Bonaccorso works as weather.com's photo editor and writes about breaking news, travel, climate and more.

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