Top 7 places around the world to celebrate Halloween

Halloween is a time for costumes, themed parties, haunted attractions and streets decorated with pumpkins, skeletons and spooky lights. The festival is popular across the United States, and there are a few cities worldwide that celebrate the event in their own unique way. Here are seven spots to explore for your Halloween getaway – from parades and family-friendly events to historic ghost tours and boisterous street festivals.

Salem is a famous Halloween town, packed with attractions, history and month-long festivities celebrating Halloween. There are themed shops to visit, museums to explore, guided walking tours and costuming events through the city. The streets take on a Halloween look in October, making it a good choice if you enjoy spooky stories, historic sites and festive crowds.

If you are looking for Halloween in the form of a big street party, then Derry is the perfect option for you. It holds an annual event celebrating Halloween which includes a carnival parade, events that reflect the history of the holiday, themed trails and fireworks. The Ancient walled city is the setting for several days of events with entertainment for the family or a group of friends. The festival will be held from 28th October to 1st November 2026.

Dublin has a variety of Halloween traditions, including spooky storytelling and cultural events. You can explore the city's Gothic connections, attend themed performances, join walking tours and take part in pumpkin-carving workshops. The city also celebrates its links to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which is associated with Halloween's origins. If you're looking for a mix of history, entertainment, and nightlife, this is an ideal place to visit.

New Orleans brings together Halloween costumes, street parties, historic neighbourhoods and nightlife. Visitors can explore the French Quarter, take guided tours focused on local ghost stories and look out for themed events across the city. The annual Krewe of BOO! parade adds to the celebrations with floats and costumes. This destination is worth considering if you want Halloween to include music, food, parties and late-night entertainment.

Edinburgh's old streets, historic buildings and Gothic architecture provide a fitting backdrop for a Halloween trip. You can join ghost tours, explore underground historic sites and discover local legends. Seasonal celebrations linked to Scottish traditions also bring fire performances and costumed characters to the city. It is a good option for those who prefer eerie surroundings, folklore and unusual evening experiences over large costume parties.

If you enjoy vampire stories and haunted castles, Transylvania offers a Halloween setting unlike many others. The region is closely associated with Dracula, while Bran Castle is a major attraction for visitors interested in the legend. Halloween events can include themed castle visits, horror screenings, costumed entertainment and parties. The destination is particularly suited to travellers who want a mix of medieval architecture, folklore and spooky sightseeing.

Tokyo offers a different take on Halloween, with elaborate costumes, themed cafés, seasonal displays and special events at entertainment venues. You can explore Halloween decorations in shopping districts, visit themed attractions and enjoy costume-inspired experiences. The city is a good fit for those who prefer pop culture, creative outfits and modern entertainment to traditional ghost stories. Check local event rules before planning street celebrations, as arrangements can change from year to year.