There are many different Halloween traditions throughout the world. If you love to celebrate Halloween, check out our handpicked selection of the 5 coolest places to spend Halloween.

New Orleans

Image Credit: Krewe of Boo

New Orleans is a pretty cool place, rich with a culture that can be found in the quirky architecture, food and vibrant nightlife. World-famous for its Mardi Gras festival, New Orleans also go all out to celebrate Halloween, too.

The Krewe of Boo is the city’s official parade, bursting with huge floats, elaborate costumery and various creepy shenanigans. From haunted tours, voodoo shops and cemetery gates swung open for visitors, there’s nowhere quite like New Orleans to get into Halloween mode.  

Salem

Image Credit: Visit Salem

Salem, a city on the north coast of Massachusetts above Boston, is famous for its witch trials of 1692, where several local women were accused of practicing witchcraft. Hysteria quickly spread and a court was formed to trial them. 19 people were sentenced to death by hanging until eventually public opinion began to change and the trials were stopped.

So, Salem has a history that makes it fully deserving of making it into our top 5. The city acknowledges its history and capitalises on it to entice visitors. There’s even a witch walk 4 times a day during peak season, where you’ll be blessed in a magic circle and learn about potions and spells.  

The cult favorite Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus, was actually filmed in and around Salem, including the Town Hall. If you’re a fan of the film, it’s absolutely worth a visit.

Romania (Dracula’s Castle)

Bran’s Castle is also widely known as Dracula’s Castle, as it best fits the description given in Bram Stocker’s ‘Dracula’. It’s super-eerie (but also beautiful and magnificent) and screams Halloween.

Situated in Transylvania, you can stay in one of the many hotels near to the castle. The castle is open daily to visitors.

York

Image Credit:  Visit York

York is known as one of England’s most haunted city’s (it was actually voted Europe’s most haunted city in 2002), so there’s lots to see and do to get the most out of your Halloween experience here.  

York was founded by the Romans in 71AD and its chequered history included Viking invasions, the Norman Conquest and the Civil War. Guy Fawkes was born in York and Dick Turpin died there, so we can understand why it enjoys such a frightening reputation.

There’s apparently over 500 ghosts within York’s medieval city walls, so we definitely recommend exploring one of the ghost walking tours that are available. Or kick it up a notch by staying in one of the haunted hotels! 

Walt Disney World

Image Credit: Walt Disney World 

The happiest place on earth (and trust me, it is, I have been over 10 times) gets a Halloween makeover come August, and it’s absolutely magical.

At the centre of the celebrations is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. There’s candy, costumes and characters! Boo-tifully decorated in true Disney style, it’s fun for all of the family.

There’s lots of special events throughout Walt Disney World to celebrate Halloween, including themed character dining. What better way to celebrate Halloween than eating supper with Mickey Mouse dressed more garishly than normal?