Best Halloween Cities In The U.S.: Where Spooky Fun Comes To Life

Although Halloween officially falls on October 31st, many towns across the U.S., including Dallas, New York City, and many more, host festivities that extend for weeks, often throughout the entire month of October and beyond. For those seeking the scariest Halloween destinations in the U.S., the experience promises to be unforgettable as more cities embrace the season with eerie decorations and spine-chilling ghost tours, creating an atmosphere of frightful fun.

Table of Contents

• Iconic moments in the history of Halloween celebrations
• 6 of the best Halloween cities in the U.S.
  • Screams Halloween Theme Park – Dallas, Texas
  • Neewollah Festival – Independence, Kansas
  • Knott's Scary Farm – Buena Park, California
  • Village Halloween Parade – New York, NY
  • West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval – Los Angeles, California
  • Greenwood Cemetery – Brooklyn, NY
• Best Halloween Cities in the U.S. to Visit
  • Salem, Massachusetts
  • New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Sleepy Hollow, New York
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Savannah, Georgia
  • Las Vegas, Nevada
• Celebrate Halloween in Style

Halloween is a magical time of year when cities across the U.S. transform into haunted wonderlands full of thrills, chills, and festive excitement. From eerie haunted houses to lively parades and spooky attractions, certain cities take the celebration to the next level. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or spine-tingling scares, these best Halloween cities have it all. 

From haunted houses and ghost tours to trick-or-treating and costume parties, the focus is on creating immersive experiences that blend fun with a touch of fear. The season encourages creativity, with people transforming their homes into eerie landscapes and donning costumes that range from playful to spooky.

This time of year also taps into a collective sense of nostalgia and tradition. Halloween is not only a celebration for children but also for adults who enjoy the chance to engage in festive activities that bring out a playful side. The blending of old customs like carving pumpkins with modern attractions such as haunted attractions allow the Halloween spirit to thrive, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Iconic moments in the history of Halloween celebrations

One of the earliest and most memorable Halloween traditions dates back to the mid-20th century with the rise of trick-or-treating. The custom, where children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door for candy, became a Halloween staple in the United States in the 1950s. This fun-filled tradition has since become a defining feature of Halloween, bringing neighborhoods together and lighting up streets with colorful costumes and bags full of candy.

Today, the annual Village Halloween Parade in New York City, which began in 1974, has grown into one of the most famous Halloween events in the world, attracting thousands of participants and spectators in elaborate costumes. 

Known as one of the largest Halloween street parties in the world, the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. It’s famous for its extravagant costumes, live music, and vibrant party atmosphere.

Known for its historical connection to the Salem Witch Trials, Salem has embraced Halloween in a big way. The Festival of the Dead, part of Salem’s month-long celebration, includes parades, witchcraft-related events, and elaborate parties, cementing its status as one of the top Halloween destinations.

Often considered one of the best Halloween celebrations in Europe, the Derry Halloween Festival includes a grand parade, fireworks, haunted tours, and other activities that showcase the city's rich Halloween history. It has become an international attraction for Halloween enthusiasts.

One of the most famous Halloween events in Asia, the Kawasaki Halloween Parade features elaborate and artistic costumes that rival some of the most creative displays in the world. Held annually since 1997, it draws tens of thousands of participants and spectators.

Let’s explore the best Halloween cities in the U.S. that offer unforgettable celebrations and eerie experiences you won’t want to miss!

6 of the best Halloween cities in the U.S.

Here are some top cities that go all out for Halloween, offering unique events, terrifying attractions, and festive vibes:

1. Screams Halloween Theme Park – Dallas, Texas

Screams Halloween Theme Park is a haven for those seeking a serious scare. With five haunted attractions, including a zombie apocalypse area, a cursed castle, and a creepy clown maze, this park tests your courage at every corner. After exploring the haunts, you can enjoy fun activities like Scary-Oke (Halloween karaoke) and paintball games. It's a one-stop destination for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the Halloween spirit.

Good to know: The haunted hotel is a crowd favorite, with guests often finding themselves double-checking every dark corner!

2. Neewollah Festival – Independence, Kansas

Neewollah (which is Halloween spelled backward) has been a beloved event in Independence, Kansas, since 1919. This nine-day festival brings the community together for parades, a chili cook-off, musical performances, and more. With over 75,000 people attending each year, it's one of the largest Halloween festivals in the Midwest. There’s something for everyone here—from family-friendly fun to local shopping and entertainment.

Good to know: Don’t miss the Downtown Neewollah area where you can shop for local crafts while enjoying live music from regional bands.

3. Knott's Scary Farm – Buena Park, California

Knott's Scary Farm is Southern California's largest and longest-running Halloween event. With over 15 haunted attractions, this eerie playground has been terrifying visitors for nearly five decades. Wander through scare zones, navigate twisting mazes, and enjoy heart-pounding rides, all while encountering spine-chilling creatures around every corner.

Good to know: Each year, Knott's Scary Farm introduces new attractions and horrors, ensuring a fresh, terrifying experience with each visit.

4. Village Halloween Parade – New York, NY

The Village Halloween Parade in New York City is the biggest Halloween parade in the world! Since 1973, this iconic event has brought over two million spectators to the streets of NYC, with 60,000 participants donning elaborate costumes. The parade is free for all to enjoy, and anyone can join the festivities by simply wearing a costume.

Good to know: Want to skip the massive crowds? Buy a ticket for the Special Theme Costume section or walk alongside one of the many parade bands for a VIP experience.

5. West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval – Los Angeles, California

One of the most extravagant Halloween events in the U.S., the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is a dazzling celebration filled with amazing costumes and live entertainment. Held on Santa Monica Boulevard, this event draws thousands of people who come to revel in the energy of the night.

Good to know: While the Carnival is an adults-only affair, family-friendly events like Boo at the LA Zoo and Plummer Park’s Youth Halloween Carnival are perfect for younger trick-or-treaters.

6. Greenwood Cemetery – Brooklyn, NY

For a more historical and eerie Halloween experience, Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn hosts "Nightfall" during the fall season. Walk along candlelit paths as you enjoy live music, storytelling, circus acts, and even spooky movies. On Halloween night, special tours take place, offering a chance to explore this historical cemetery in all its ghostly glory.

Good to know: Greenwood Cemetery is the final resting place of famous figures like artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and composer Leonard Bernstein. It’s also home to hundreds of species of trees and plants, making it a beautiful spot year-round.

Best Halloween Cities in the U.S. to Visit

Beyond individual attractions, some cities truly embody the spirit of Halloween with month-long festivities, historical significance, and a deep-rooted love for the spooky season. Here are the top Halloween cities in the U.S.:

1. Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is synonymous with Halloween, thanks to its infamous witch trials in the 17th century. During October, the city turns into a Halloween mecca, offering haunted tours, witch museums, and a packed festival schedule that spans the entire month. With its eerie past and festive present, Salem is one of the best places to celebrate Halloween in the U.S.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

Known for its haunted history and vibrant culture, New Orleans is a top destination for Halloween lovers. Ghost tours, spooky cemeteries, and lively Halloween parties make this city come alive (or undead) in October. Be sure to check out the Krewe of Boo Parade, a Halloween twist on the city’s famous Mardi Gras parades.

3. Sleepy Hollow, New York

The legend of the Headless Horseman comes to life in Sleepy Hollow, where ghost tours, haunted hayrides, and Halloween-themed festivals honor the town’s spooky history. Visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery or attend a dramatic retelling of Washington Irving’s famous tale for a truly immersive experience.

4. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago offers a little bit of everything during Halloween—from haunted houses and ghost tours to the renowned Chicago Halloween Parade. The Windy City is also home to countless themed parties, ensuring that whether you’re in the mood for a scare or a celebration, you’ll find it here.

5. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s rich history and ghostly legends make it an ideal destination for Halloween. With its well-preserved cemeteries and haunting stories, the city offers ghost tours that explore Savannah’s spookiest corners. The combination of charm and eeriness makes this a perfect place for a haunted holiday.

6. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas may be known for its lights and casinos, but it knows how to celebrate Halloween in style. From wild, themed parties to haunted attractions, the city comes alive with Halloween energy. Whether you’re looking for a thrill or a costume contest, Vegas is the place to be.

Final thoughts: Celebrate Halloween in Style

From historical haunts to family-friendly festivals, these cities offer unforgettable Halloween experiences for all ages. Whether you're looking for a fun night out with friends or a spooky adventure with the whole family, these U.S. cities will deliver thrills, chills, and Halloween magic you’ll never forget.

Fact: Did you know that the first known Halloween celebration in the U.S. took place in Anoka, Minnesota, in 1920? Today, the town is still known as the "Halloween Capital of the World," with festivities that attract thousands each year!

Peyman Khosravani

Peyman Khosravani is a global blockchain and digital transformation expert with a passion for marketing, futuristic ideas, analytics insights, startup businesses, and effective communications. He has extensive experience in blockchain and DeFi projects and is committed to using technology to bring justice and fairness to society and promote freedom. Peyman has worked with international organizations to improve digital transformation strategies and data-gathering strategies that help identify customer touchpoints and sources of data that tell the story of what is happening. With his expertise in blockchain, digital transformation, marketing, analytics insights, startup businesses, and effective communications, Peyman is dedicated to helping businesses succeed in the digital age. He believes that technology can be used as a tool for positive change in the world.