Sick and tired of the same classic Halloween events? A couple of scary movies, some kids looking for candies, and an early night in, what else? How about something different? How about a spooky trip to one of the most popular Halloween destinations in the world?
Pack your stuff, get some tickets, and enjoy the leafy landscapes in a thrilling destination. There are plenty of macabre and eerie destinations out there, so let’s take a look at the most popular ones to explore for Halloween.
Derry, Ireland
Unless you’re Irish, chances are you can’t even locate Derry on the map. However, Halloween has origins in different Celtic celebrations. Obviously, the Irish know how to celebrate it by the book.
Derry hosts one of the most impressive Halloween festivals in the entire world. Its rich history gives Derry’s Halloween a unique and genuine feel that you won’t find in many other places.
There are plenty of things to do there, especially around October. You can visit haunted houses, take a few guided ghost tours around the city, enjoy the stunning parades with massive scary characters, horror stories, and the list can go on. The whole city comes alive with bright colors and lively sounds, creating an atmosphere that’s full of fun and excitement for both locals and visitors.
If you want something less scary, you can also head to Meath, not too far from Derry. The small community has its own Halloween festival, with numerous competitions. If you’re good at pumpkin carving, there are quite a few competitions going on as well.
Transylvania, Romania
You just can’t go wrong by celebrating Halloween in Dracula’s land. Transylvania is part of Romania and spreads over a massive area, so you’ll have to pick one of the most touristic cities. The Bran Castle and the surroundings are ideal, with Brasov being the largest city in the area.
There are all kinds of festivals going on in Brasov. In Brasov, you can find lively street parties and parades. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample local treats like papanași, a delicious fried doughnut topped with sour cream and jam, or sarmale, hearty cabbage rolls that are a staple of Romanian cuisine.
Besides, if you’re visiting for more days, you can also explore the nearby spooky forests (just be careful because they’re full of wild bears), not to mention other small communities around Brasov, such as Poiana Brasov, Busteni or Sinaia, just to name a few.
From a religious point of view, Romanians also celebrate their own Day of the Dead on the 1st of November.
Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic will impress with its Eastern and old-fashioned beauty. But from all the cities out there, Prague is by far the most Gothic one, ready to surprise you with its architecture, medieval features, and stunning winding lanes all around it.
There’s a mysterious scent around it that you just can’t feel anywhere else.
There are all sorts of ghoulish stories about Prague. For example, you can take scary tours around it, visit haunted cemeteries, or even check out the local Torture Museum.
The problem is the Czech Republic doesn’t see Halloween as a traditional celebration, so no major festivals are going on. But at the same time, the young population of Prague loves the holiday.
No matter where you look, there’s a Halloween theme, whether it’s a pub, a restaurant, or a bar. Moreover, there are quite a few Halloween-themed parties going on in the closest weekend to the celebration, ideal if you’re into the Eastern European nightlife.
Foodies will enjoy trying local treats that are just right for the season. Be sure to taste dishes like svíčková, a delicious beef meal with creamy sauce, or trdelník, a sweet pastry rolled in sugar and cinnamon, available at many street stalls and cafes.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
It makes no difference if you travel to Amsterdam with your kids, entire family, or just your partner. There’s something for everyone out there. You can find family-friendly venues for Halloween entertainment.
While Halloween isn’t a traditional holiday in the Netherlands, people love it, so you’ll see Halloween themes wherever you look. There are all kinds of parties and shows, whether during the day or at night. Clubs, restaurants, and even museums embrace the Halloween theme.
And fortunately, there are quite a few spooky museums there.
Some of the best places to explore include the Amsterdam Halloween Festival and the traditional Monster Ball.
Moreover, if you’re in the Netherlands for a longer period of time, you should know that the Dutch have their own unique version of Halloween. Known as Sint Maarten, it’s celebrated on the 11th of November.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is considered America’s most haunted city by many. Therefore, it’s covered in spooky locations. You don’t even have to search too much to find a guided tour taking you through the scariest locations around there.
The city has a deep history of occult practices, so it’s an excellent destination for Halloween. While different themes cover the city weeks before the big day, the Halloween night is when you have to be there. There are countless parties, whether for families or grownups only.
The amazing local culture and the party scene are the main reasons to be in New Orleans for Halloween, but at the same time, it’s also one of the country’s best-rated cities in terms of culture and attractions.
What can be more fun than visiting the French Quarter during the day, enjoying a haunted tour in the evening, and attending a spooky party at night?
Edinburgh, Scotland
Just like Ireland, Scotland has a deep history rich in Celtic traditions. From the same point of view, there are many old-school traditions related to Samhain as well. Some of these customs remained over the years, even after the country became mainly Christian.
For instance, guising relates to kids going from door to door to trick or treat, not to mention the classic apple dunking. Halloween is a deep element in Scottish culture, so you can’t go wrong with spending it in a medieval and spooky place like Edinburgh.
If you do get there, here are a few top things to consider. Go through the Royal Mile and explore the creepy passages and spooky vaults, take the ghost bus tour, and enjoy a few guided tours regarding the most haunted places in the city.
Edinburgh also hosts various Halloween events that capture the imagination. The Samhuinn Fire Festival is a must-see for celebrating the Celtic New Year with a vibrant display of fire, music, and performance art, bringing ancient traditions to life in a modern setting.
Venice, Italy
The Halloween spirit in Italy mainly revolves around Venice and Corinaldo. These aren’t the typical Halloween destinations, but then, the local All Saints’ Day is pretty much the same thing. Followed by the All Souls’ Day, these two days are quite important in the local culture.
Celebrations vary from one place to another, but Venice stands out with its festivals. Locals tend to dress up in different costumes. There are guided tours on the nearby haunted islands as well, not to mention the local shows and small festivals celebrating the day.
When it comes to Corinaldo, it’s known as the capital of Halloween in Italy. There are countless creepy attractions, a festival, and a unique medieval architecture.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Mexico may not appear to be the best destination for Halloween, but locals do celebrate the Day of the Dead on the 2nd of November, which is even better. It’s said that on this day, spirits of the dead return to spend time with their loved ones.
While the holiday is celebrated throughout the entire Mexico, Oaxaca is by far the best destination to enjoy the local festivals. Festivities take about three days and start on the 31st of October. There are all sorts of rituals and festivals going on, not to mention the amazing dressing up.
On top of all these, there are vigils and traditions to observe, plus the amazing street food stalls everywhere you look.
Salem, Massachusetts
Despite being small, Salem has an incredible history of haunted locations. Besides, that’s where 26 people were once murdered for being considered witches. Salem is also famous for the witch hunts from the 17th century.
From this point of view, the so-called Witch City has plenty of memorials, museums, and haunted tours. Celebrations take the whole of October and start with an impressive festival in the first days of the month, only to end up with a fireworks display right on Halloween.
On top of all these, there’s plenty of entertainment for the entire family, from paranormal tours and theme celebrations to carnival rides and street food.
Final Words
In the end, from the haunted streets of Salem to the vibrant parades of Derry, these nine destinations offer a Halloween experience like no other. So, get ready to explore these spine-tingling spots for a Halloween adventure you’ll never forget. Just to inform you that the images you see here are for illustration purposes only.