Halloween is celebrated across the country and there is so much to see and do where do you start on your planning? These 10 towns make the top of the list for best Halloween towns in America to start planning your Halloween vacations too. Which one will you pick?
13 Best Halloween Towns in America
When you go to book your stay to visit your favorite Halloween towns make sure to check out Airbnb. When you sign up for a free account using my link you get a free $40 credit!
Scary Jack O’Lantern from Sleepy Hollow, New York during Halloween.
Sleepy Hollow, New York – Home of the headless horseman and all the Sleepy Hollow Stories. The town transforms for the whole month of October with everything from haunted hayrides to street fairs and parades.
Each night they do lantern tours of the graveyard that is met with visits from some pretty famous spirits.
Related: Our Roaming Hearts Halloween Calendar
St Helens, Oregon – This is the town featured in the Disney movie Halloweentown, and for good reason! They have one of the largest pumpkin lighting events in the country followed by their Spirit of Halloweentown Festival.
Salem, Massachusetts Graveyard
Salem, Massachusetts – The home of the Salem Witch Trials is the perfect place to visit for Halloween. Embracing their history, the town goes all out for Halloween with the Festival of the Dead.
The month of October also brings the annual Psychics Fair and Witch Craft Expo.
Related: 15 Bewitching Free Things to do in Salem MA
Anoka, Minnesota – This small town otherwise known as the Halloween Capital of the World has been doing Halloween right since the 1920s.
Back then the tradition started to help keep kids out of trouble and now massive amounts of volunteers come in to plan everything from scarecrow contests, Halloween Balls and parties, to runs, bonfires, and parades.
Estes Park, Colorado – Home of the Stanley Hotel. This hotel is the inspiration behind Stephen Kings Novel the shining. They embrace this with the Shinning Ball and a Murder Mystery Dinner during the month of October.
Louisville, Kentucky – Practically the Louisville Zoo. Each section of the zoo is transformed into a different theme, from Disney’s Frozen and Pirates of the Caribbean to the Wizard of Oz.
New Orleans, Louisiana – The home of Voodoo is a hot spot around Halloween! Make sure to take in their All Hallows Eve celebration along with their Voodoo Music and Arts Festival.
Don’t forget to hit up the Myrtles Plantation, one of the most haunted buildings in the area!
Related: 7 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in New Orleans Louisiana
Romeo, Michigan – Famous for their Terror on Tillson Street display. Homeowners go all out to out spooky each other’s yards. Best part? It’s free to walk down and better than just about any haunted house you would pay to visit!
Savannah, Georgia – During the Civil War the Union troops destroyed so many of the cities cemeteries, and during the rebuilding, many of the downtown building was built right over the graves.
This has led to this city being named one of the most haunted in the country. They are embracing that with their Crawl-O-Ween along with their many nightly ghost tours.
Related: Where to Go to be Spooked Senseless in Savannah Georgia
Independence, Kansas – Known for their “Neewollah” festival (which Halloween spelled backward). It’s a 9-day long celebration with festivals, food, activities and more. It is the largest celebration in the state!
Austin Texas Bats
Austin, Texas – Austin kicks off the month of October with a running start. From the Zombie Ball and 80’s Dance Party to the Monster Mash and Grateful Dead Tribute to the Day of the Dead Activities and even a Burlesque show.
There is more to do in this town than you will be able to do in a single month! Make sure to start off your nights watching the famous Austin Bats take off!
Related: 29 Free Things to Do in Austin Texas for the Whole Family
Telluride, Colorado – Home to the Telluride Horror film festival, they go all out for it. This includes the KOTO Halloween bash and a town parade.
Ceredo and Kenova, West Virginia – These little town team up to put on one amazing festival. During the day it’s all bake-offs, tractor pulls, and lots of fall fun. Then at night head to the pumpkin house to see them light up over 3,000 jack o lanterns.
What do you think are the best Halloween towns in America and why? Let me know in the comments below!
Tomi
Wednesday 13th of July 2022
Cynthiana Kentucky is a great fall town! They have over 500 skeletons on display throughout town and the whole town gets involved in decorating. They are also home to the worlds largest walking dead mural (the creator is from there) there are also fun fall events every weekend in September and October, from fall festivals to parades and ghost walks!
Shannon Harris
Wednesday 21st of August 2019
I currently live in Estes Park, CO. Not only do they host the mystery dinner but the entire outside of the Stanley is lit up with red lights for October. In honor of the Shining and the phrase "redrum". Not only but a block away from the Stanley is downtown Estes Park. We block off the 4 way main streets and all the shops dress their windows and doors for the occasion handing out candy to all who trick r' treat. Every one dresses up no matter the age with pets included! Halloween is my favorite holiday and this is one of the reasons I love living in Estes Park.
Laura G
Thursday 11th of October 2018
You have to visit Celebration, FL during Halloween. The homes are so beautifully decorated and a few are a true work of art!