Halloween is quickly becoming one of the most exciting holidays for travelers, and 2024 is no exception. While local celebrations with kids are fun, destination Halloween events have taken things to a whole new level. From spooky ghost tours and haunted locations to extravagant costume parties and thrilling festivities, destinations around the world are going all out for this eerie time of year.
Instead of sticking to the usual party scenes, why not explore destinations that transform into eerie, atmospheric wonders this time of year? If you’ve never thought about a Halloween getaway, now’s the perfect time to consider it. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top Halloween destinations in 2024.
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Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is a destination that immediately comes to mind when thinking about Halloween. Known for its dark history with the infamous witch trials of 1692, Salem becomes a haven for spooky activities throughout October. The entire town transforms, with haunted tours, witchcraft museums, and Halloween parades taking center stage.
In 2024, Salem’s Halloween celebrations will include themed events such as the Salem Witch Trials Memorial Tours, the Grand Parade, and “Haunted Happenings”—an annual event that runs for the entire month of October.
The charm of this town comes from its ability to mix historical context with the modern-day thrill of the spooky season. Whether you’re visiting the Witch House or taking part in an evening ghost walk, Salem’s atmosphere is guaranteed to give you chills.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando has long been one of the world’s top destinations for theme park enthusiasts, and in 2024, it’s getting even better for Halloween lovers. Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights is an event that people travel from all over the globe to experience. This year’s event promises more haunted houses, thrilling rides, and interactive scare zones than ever before.
Universal has built a reputation for delivering one of the most terrifying and creative Halloween experiences in the world, with original concepts and partnerships with popular horror franchises. The park will also be decked out in its spooky best, with themed decorations and night-time spectacles that can’t be missed.
Transylvania, Romania
For a Halloween experience that will send chills down your spine, look no further than Transylvania in 2024. Famous for its connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the region is deeply entwined with dark folklore and gothic architecture. Visiting Bran Castle, often linked to the Dracula legend, is a must.
During Halloween, the castle opens its doors for the annual Halloween Party, where guests enjoy a night of gothic beauty, creepy stories, and a chance to immerse themselves in the eerie atmosphere of one of the world’s most haunted sites. Transylvania’s countryside, filled with foggy hills and mysterious forests, offers a thrilling adventure for anyone seeking an authentic horror experience.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is famous for its rich history, delicious food, and vibrant music scene. While during Halloween, the city takes on a darker, more mysterious side. Known for its haunting past, including centuries of voodoo and ghostly legends, New Orleans in October is full of eerie charm.
In 2024, the city will host its famed Krewe of Boo parade, one of the most iconic Halloween parades in the United States. The streets of the French Quarter will be alive with haunted tours, including the famous Voodoo Bone Lady tour.
You can explore historic cemeteries where the restless spirits of the past are said to linger. The city’s French Quarter, with its old-world architecture, adds to the mystique, making it a top destination for those looking for a more atmospheric Halloween experience.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is home to some of the world’s best Halloween attractions, with something for everyone. These include theme parks to haunted houses to ghost tours. In 2024, the city’s Halloween festivities are expected to be more thrilling than ever.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights is a major highlight, known for its terrifying haunted houses based on popular horror franchises, as well as original creations. The city is home to attractions like the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, a haunted maze set on the famous ocean liner, and Knott’s Scary Farm, which features elaborate scare zones, haunted mazes, and live shows.
Los Angeles is also the place for urban legends and supernatural sightings, with haunted locations like the Hollywood Forever Cemetery offering ghost tours for those willing to brave the unknown.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, is a destination that will captivate anyone interested in history, mystery, and Halloween spookiness. Known as one of the most haunted cities in the world, Edinburgh’s Old Town offers visitors an opportunity to explore its dark alleys, haunted vaults, and eerie cemeteries.
The city’s ghost tours, such as the Underground Vaults tour, are not for the faint of heart, as they delve into the depths of the city’s grim past, full of plagues, executions, and unsolved mysteries. The city will offer a range of Halloween events, including its famous Samhuinn Fire Festival, which celebrates the ancient Celtic festival marking the beginning of winter. Edinburgh’s dark history, paired with its atmospheric gothic architecture, makes it the perfect Halloween destination for thrill-seekers.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Sleepy Hollow, New York, is a legendary place thanks to Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The ghostly figure of the Headless Horseman still roams the landscape in popular imagination. This Halloween, Sleepy Hollow transforms into a Halloween dream (or nightmare).
The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery offers haunting tours where you can visit the graves of the legendary characters from Irving’s story. The town also hosts the annual Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze.
Here thousands of intricately carved pumpkins light up the night, creating a magical yet eerie atmosphere. Sleepy Hollow’s quaint, yet foreboding, setting makes it a must-visit for fans of Halloween horror and folklore.
Mexico City, Mexico
In Mexico, Halloween (Día de las Brujas) is mainly a children’s event, where kids dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating. It’s a fun, lighthearted celebration that focuses on playful spookiness. However, if you’re looking for a more culturally rich experience, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is the holiday to experience.
Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, it honors departed loved ones with colorful parades, vibrant calaveras (skulls), and altars adorned with marigolds, candles, and offerings. It’s a festive, yet meaningful occasion that blends remembrance with celebration, offering a truly unique insight into Mexican traditions. During this time, locals gather in cemeteries and streets, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that far surpasses Halloween in its depth and beauty
Conclusion
Whether you prefer haunted houses, spooky parades, or historical ghost tours, this year’s halloween has a destination for everyone. Trick and treat yourself to one of our top holiday destinations for Halloween.
