MomSkoop
America transforms into a magical playground every October, with certain towns taking Halloween celebrations to legendary levels. From historic witch trials to headless horsemen legends, these destinations offer far more than candy and costumes.
Whether you crave haunted history, quirky parades, or spine-tingling ghost tours, these 10 must-visit places deliver unforgettable autumn adventures that capture the true spirit of Halloween.
1. Salem, Massachusetts
Known worldwide as Witch City, Salem wears its haunted reputation proudly every October. The entire month becomes one giant celebration called Haunted Happenings, kicking off October 1st and never slowing down.
Cobblestone streets fill with witches, ghosts, and costumed visitors exploring themed markets and haunted tours. Live entertainment echoes through historic neighborhoods where the infamous witch trials once took place.
A grand parade caps off the festivities, turning the town into a living Halloween wonderland. With museums, fortune tellers, and spooky attractions around every corner, Salem offers an authentic Halloween experience steeped in real history and legend.
2. Sleepy Hollow, New York
Washington Irving’s classic tale springs to life in this Hudson Valley gem each fall. Sleepy Hollow transforms into a real-life storybook where the Headless Horseman still rides through imaginations and lantern-lit streets.
Visitors can join ghost walks that wind through centuries-old cemeteries under flickering candlelight. Haunted hayrides bounce along dark trails while live reenactments bring Irving’s characters back from the pages.
Historic tours reveal the true stories behind the legend, all set against autumn’s most vivid colors. Between the Old Dutch Church and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, every corner whispers tales of mystery and suspense that make October truly magical.
3. Anoka, Minnesota
Anoka proudly claims the title of Halloween Capital of the World, and one visit proves why. This charming Minnesota town dedicates an entire month to spooky celebrations, with parades, block parties, and costume contests happening weekly.
The highlight arrives on Saturday, October 25, 2025, when the Grande Day Parade takes over downtown. Floats, marching bands, and thousands of costumed participants create a spectacle that rivals any major city celebration.
Families love the small-town charm mixed with big Halloween energy. From pumpkin bowling to haunted houses, Anoka proves you don’t need big-city budgets to throw an unforgettable Halloween party that brings entire communities together.
4. St. Augustine, Florida
America’s oldest city adds centuries of ghost stories to its already impressive resume each October. St. Augustine’s Spanish colonial streets become even more atmospheric when candlelight flickers against ancient stone walls.
Ghost tours guide visitors through shadowy alleys where conquistadors once walked and pirates once prowled. Trick-or-treating along St. George Street combines family fun with genuine historic ambiance that few places can match.
Eerie candlelit walks reveal tales of lost sailors, restless spirits, and mysterious happenings from over 450 years of history. The coastal setting adds salty breezes and palm tree shadows to create a uniquely southern Halloween experience that feels worlds away from typical autumn celebrations.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans doesn’t just celebrate Halloween—it practically invented the spooky party atmosphere. With voodoo lore, jazz music, and mystery woven into its DNA, this city brings unmatched energy to October festivities.
The Krewe of BOO! parade showcases elaborate costumes that rival Mardi Gras creativity, filling streets with dancing skeletons and glittering ghouls. Haunted house tours reveal the darker side of French Quarter history, from vampire legends to ghostly residents who never left.
Between costume contests, cemetery tours, and all-night celebrations, New Orleans offers a Halloween experience that’s equal parts thrilling and theatrical. The city’s natural flair for drama makes every October visit feel like stepping into another dimension entirely.
6. Savannah, Georgia
Spanish moss drapes like ghostly curtains over Savannah’s oak-lined squares, creating natural Halloween decorations year-round. Come October, this already atmospheric city embraces its Gothic side with elegant enthusiasm.
Haunted house tours wind through antebellum mansions where Confederate generals once lived and mysterious deaths still puzzle historians. Ghost stories echo through cobblestone streets while costumed bar crawls bring lively energy to historic districts.
Colonial Park Cemetery becomes especially popular, with guides sharing tales of yellow fever victims and voodoo priestesses. Savannah’s combination of southern hospitality and genuine haunted history creates a sophisticated Halloween destination where charm and chills walk hand in hand through moonlit streets.
7. Independence, Kansas
Halloween spelled backward gives this Kansas town its famous festival name—Neewollah. What started as a simple harvest celebration has grown into a nine-day extravaganza that transforms Independence every October.
Parades march daily, concerts fill evening air, and carnival rides light up the night sky. Costume contests bring out creative competitors of all ages, while street fairs showcase local crafts and autumn treats.
This small town swells with visitors who come for the genuine community spirit and old-fashioned fun. Independence proves that heartland hospitality and Halloween magic create something special when combined with dedication and decades of tradition that bring generations together each fall.
8. St. Helens, Oregon
Disney’s beloved movie Halloweentown was filmed here, and St. Helens has embraced that legacy wholeheartedly. From late September through October, this riverside town becomes the Spirit of Halloweentown, bringing movie magic to life.
Pumpkin lighting ceremonies glow against the Columbia River backdrop while costume contests celebrate characters from the film. Haunted tours guide visitors through locations featured in the movie, making fans feel like they’ve stepped into the screen.
Special guest appearances from cast members add extra excitement to weekends. St. Helens offers family-friendly Halloween fun with mountain views and quirky Pacific Northwest charm that makes it perfect for those seeking nostalgia mixed with outdoor beauty.
9. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Civil War history casts long shadows across Gettysburg’s rolling hills, and October brings those shadows to life. Thousands of soldiers fell here, and many visitors claim their spirits never left these hallowed grounds.
Haunted battlefield tours reveal stories of phantom regiments still marching and mysterious lights floating above historic positions. Eerie house walks explore buildings that served as hospitals, where suffering echoes through time.
A festive Halloween parade balances the solemn history with community celebration and family fun. Gettysburg offers a unique blend where American history meets supernatural legend, creating an educational yet spine-tingling experience that history buffs and ghost hunters equally appreciate throughout October’s crisp evenings.
10. Manitou Springs, Colorado
Nestled at Pikes Peak’s base, Manitou Springs celebrates Halloween with wonderfully weird creativity. The town’s signature event—the Emma Crawford Coffin Races—features teams racing homemade coffins down Manitou Avenue in tribute to a local legend.
Emma Crawford was buried on Red Mountain, but heavy rains eventually washed her coffin downhill, inspiring this quirky tradition. Spooky ghost tours reveal more local legends while mountain charm provides stunning autumn scenery.
Art galleries, mineral springs, and eccentric shops add to the offbeat atmosphere year-round. Manitou Springs attracts visitors wanting both chills and charm, where Rocky Mountain beauty meets small-town Halloween spirit in the most delightfully unexpected ways possible.