Top 8 U.S. Halloween Towns to Visit This October

The Witch City

When it comes to Halloween, Salem is the place to be. Famous for the witch trials of 1692, this coastal town embraces its spooky past with open arms. Throughout October, you can experience haunted happenings, ghost tours, and the iconic Salem Witch Museum. Looking for something mystical? The streets are lined with psychic shops and modern-day witches offering potions and spells.

Don't Miss: The annual Haunted Happenings Parade—a fun and quirky event where the entire town celebrates Halloween with costumes, floats, and all things spooky.

Home of the Headless Horseman

Known for Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this charming town takes its haunting heritage seriously. Visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery for a chilling ghost tour or watch the Headless Horseman gallop through the streets in re-enactments.

Don't Miss: The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze—an extraordinary display of over 7,000 intricately carved pumpkins lighting up the night sky.

Halloween Capital of the World

Claiming the title of the “Halloween Capital of the World,” Anoka has been celebrating Halloween with grand parades and festivities since 1920. It’s a fun, family-friendly spot filled with Halloween spirit.

Don't Miss: The Grand Day Parade, a dazzling display of spooky floats, costumed marchers, and an abundance of sweets!

The Nation's Oldest City with the Most Ghosts

As the oldest city in America, St. Augustine is home to many haunted spots. With its Spanish colonial architecture and ancient cemeteries, the city’s eerie atmosphere is perfect for Halloween. Explore the Castillo de San Marcos or take part in a creepy tour of the Old Jail.

Don't Miss: The Ghosts & Gravestones Tour, where guides share chilling tales of the city’s many spirits.

The Voodoo Capital

New Orleans has a mysticism that thrives all year round, but Halloween takes it to new heights. The city’s ties to voodoo, ghost stories, and haunted history make it a top Halloween destination. Explore the city’s cemeteries, visit voodoo shops, or attend one of the city’s legendary parades.

Don't Miss: The Krewe of Boo Parade—New Orleans' answer to Mardi Gras with a spooky twist, complete with costumes, floats, and plenty of treats.

The Most Haunted City in the U.S.

With ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss and cobblestone streets filled with haunted history, Savannah is known as one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. Ghost hunters flock here for the town’s eerie hotels, haunted mansions, and historic cemeteries.

Don't Miss: A haunted walking tour through the historic district, where guides share stories of restless spirits and paranormal encounters.

Neewollah Festival (Halloween Spelled Backwards)

Independence, Kansas, might not be the first place that comes to mind for Halloween, but its Neewollah Festival is a hidden gem. This week-long celebration features parades, haunted houses, and live entertainment, making it a quirky and unique Halloween experience.

Don't Miss: The Neewollah Queen’s Contest and the wacky Do-Dah Parade, filled with colourful costumes and plenty of fun.

Halloweentown Magic

If you’re a fan of Disney's Halloweentown, you’ll love St. Helens. This small town transforms into a Halloween wonderland each October, as it was the filming location for the beloved movie. Expect parades, movie screenings, and spooky decorations throughout the town.

Don't Miss: The Spirit of Halloweentown festival, complete with pumpkin carving contests, costume parades, and even guest appearances from Halloweentown actors.