As Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to plan a trip to a destination that comes alive with the spirit of spooky season. From historic cities and haunted castles to over-the-top theme park celebrations, these spots capture the magic of October in unforgettable ways. “Halloween isn’t just about scares—it’s about stories, traditions, and celebrations that connect us across cultures,” says Aaron Sagers, a TV host, journalist, and paranormal expert. Whether you’re chasing scary thrills or the cozy charm of fall festivals, these are the best places around the world to celebrate Halloween.
Ireland
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It only makes sense to begin in Ireland, widely regarded as the birthplace of Halloween. The ancient Celts marked the end of the harvest season with Samhain, a festival when they believed “the veil would be at its thinnest,” explains paranormal expert Sagers. County Meath remains at the heart of these traditions, the home to the Hill of Ward, where ceremonial fires once blazed, and today’s lively Púca Festival. In Dublin, travelers can also take the adults-only “Darkland” tour at the National Leprechaun Museum, which delves into Ireland’s darker folklore. And, of course, this is also the homeland of Bram Stoker, whose early years inspired his creation of “Dracula.”
Transylvania, Romania
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Few places capture the imagination at Halloween quite like Bran Castle, often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle.” While it was never actually the confirmed inspiration for Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” its shadowy halls and Gothic towers still set the scene for one of the world’s most iconic vampire legends. “The history doesn’t get in the way of Bran being a fang-tastic location,” says Sagers, noting that the castle is also home to ghostly lore beyond its pop culture fame. For an unforgettable experience, time your visit with the Bran Castle Halloween Party, which Sagers calls “one of the best in the world.”
Orlando, Florida
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Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights has become the gold standard for spooky attractions in the U.S., drawing fans from around the world. Each fall, the event transforms the theme park into a labyrinth of haunted houses inspired by blockbuster films and original storylines. “HHN is the single best haunted house attraction in the U.S.,” says Sagers, who grew up in Orlando and has seen the event evolve over the years. While film tie-ins like Friday the 13th and Five Nights at Freddy’s are favorites, Sagers insists the original concepts are the most impressive. His 2025 pick? El Artista, a chilling tale set in a 19th-century Spanish manor where a tormented artist opens a portal to the other side.
New Orleans, Louisiana
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No Halloween list would be complete without New Orleans, where ghost stories linger around every corner. “It feels imbued with the dead, and the dead can dance here—and they dance to jazz,” says Sagers. For him, part of the magic of New Orleans at Halloween is dropping in without a rigid plan: take a ghost walk, wander through a historic cemetery, then end the night with “boos and booze” at Beachbum Barry’s Latitude 29.
Key West, Florida
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Key West may seem like an island paradise, but its other name, Cayo Hueso (Spanish for “Bone Cay”), hints at a darker past. Conquistadors once believed the native Calusa tribe had used the island as a graveyard, and some say spirits remain trapped here, unable to cross the surrounding waters. “One thing is certain about Key West: there are a lot of ghost stories,” says Sagers, noting that the island is also home to Robert the Doll, one of the world’s most infamous haunted playthings. Visitors can even join a paranormal investigation of the eerie artifact. And for those seeking more revelry than chills, the island’s 10-day Fantasy Fest transforms the southernmost city into a party that even rivals Mardi Gras.
New York, New York
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New York may not always get the recognition it deserves for its haunted history, but Sagers is quick to remind travelers of its spooky credentials. “It always disappoints me when NYC doesn’t get appropriate love for all its haunted history,” he says, pointing to figures like Harry Houdini (buried here and rumored to haunt McSorley’s), legendary ghost hunter Hans Holzer, and even the still-active Hook & Ladder Company 8 firehouse, better known as Ghostbusters HQ. The city also hosts the Village Halloween Parade, a 50+-year tradition that Sagers calls the nation’s best. For a true glimpse of Halloween in New York, he suggests queuing up Lou Reed’s “Halloween Parade” and embracing the weirdness that makes the night so unforgettable.
Salem, Massachusetts
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Best known as the home of the infamous 17th-century witch trials, Salem has since become one of the country’s top Halloween destinations. Each October, the city hosts the Haunted Happenings Festival, which draws more than a million visitors with parades, markets, and themed events that grow more spirited as Halloween night approaches. “There are few places that have a buzz like Salem during its Haunted Happenings Festival,” says Sagers. Travelers should plan well ahead and make hotel reservations early, as things book up quickly, but the commuter rail makes it an easy day-trip if you’re staying in nearby Boston.
Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, New York
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Made famous by Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this area embraces its spooky reputation each October. “It’s such a Halloween town that the air is probably 75 percent pumpkin spice,” jokes Sagers, who recommends visiting for seasonal events like the Twilight Village and the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, where thousands of glowing pumpkins light up the night. Gothic landmarks such as Lyndhurst Mansion and the historic Tarrytown Music Hall add to the spooky vibe.
Virginia City, Nevada
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Once a bustling silver mining hub, Virginia City is now best known for its spectral side with historic saloons, creaky wooden sidewalks, and a reputation as one of the most haunted towns in America. “I’ve had significant paranormal experiences here, especially at the famous Washoe Club,” says Sagers. The best time to visit is October, when the entire town transforms for Hauntober, a monthlong festival featuring nightly ghost tours, cemetery walks, haunted saloon experiences, and even the Comstock Paranormal Convention, where fans can join investigations and meet ghost-hunting experts, including Sagers.
Long Beach, California
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The RMS Queen Mary, a storied 90-year-old ocean liner-turned-floating hotel, has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the U.S. Nicknamed the “Grey Ghost,” it’s said to harbor lingering spirits from its years at sea. “The Queen Mary is an icon in paranormal circles,” notes Sagers. The ship becomes especially popular in October during Dark Harbor, a Halloween festival with immersive haunted mazes and themed scare zones on board.
Estes Park, Colorado
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Built in 1909, The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park has become nearly as famous for its ghost stories as for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining.” Paranormal activity has been reported for decades, from phantom footsteps to objects mysteriously moving on their own. “I tend to think the landmark’s reputation is well-earned,” says Sagers. Each October, the historic property leans into its spooky legacy with Halloween balls and themed events that pair perfectly with its Rocky Mountain setting.
Mexico City, Mexico
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Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of Mexico’s most important cultural traditions, honoring loved ones who have passed on with altars, offerings, and vibrant celebrations held on Nov. 1 and 2. In Mexico City, the holiday took on an even grander scale in 2016 after the James Bond film “Spectre” inspired the launch of a massive annual parade. “Since then, Día de Muertos and elements of modern Halloween have merged,” says Sagers.
Tokyo, Japan
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Tokyo has quickly become one of Asia’s top destinations for Halloween, thanks to its mix of street celebrations and theme park spectacles. In Shibuya, massive crowds gather each October in elaborate costumes for parades and parties that feel more like a citywide festival than a single event. “Tokyo has increasingly become a major center for October celebrations filled with cosplay, parades, and parties,” says Sagers. Beyond the streets, parks like Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, and Sanrio Puroland host their own seasonal events.
