Top Halloween Destinations for 2024

Halloween is the newest tourist holiday. Of course, local fun with the kids is cool, but did you know that destination Halloween celebrations are becoming the new big thing? From ghostly tours and haunted venues to costumes, celebrations, and more, these destinations go all out for Halloween. If you’ve never considered a Halloween getaway, here are 20 places that are sure to tempt you into taking a bone-chilling, spine-tingling trip! 

Ghostly New Orleans

Voodoo shops, devilish fun in the French Quarter, and haunted tours galore make Halloween second only to Mardi Gras when it comes to partying in the Big Easy. Experience Krewe of Boo’s 2-mile Zombie Run followed by their Halloween Parade at sundown. There are plenty of spooky attractions like the Museum of Death or the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum and tours like Bloody Mary’s Haunted Museum & Voodoo Shop Tour and the Gators & Ghosts Tour. Decorations adorn homes, many claiming to be haunted and costumes are taken to new heights making New Orleans a perfect place to catch the Halloween spirit. 

Celebrate Witches in Salem

Salem, Massachusetts has one of the world’s richest histories of witches, known for one of America’s darkest periods, the Salem Witch Trials. At Halloween, you can learn about the history by visiting the Salem Witch Museum or taking the Witch Trial History & Salem Haunts Tour or the Ghosts, Witches, & Warlocks Guided Walking Tour. There are plenty of super fun options, too, like the Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl and Witch City Broom Making Workshops. Experience the magic as Salem becomes America’s Halloween capitol each October. 

Derry Halloween in Northern Ireland

Derry is home to the largest Halloween celebration in Europe. What started almost half a century ago as a small bar party now overwhelms the streets of Derry as the walled city celebrates Samhain. The city streets offer illuminations, music, pyrotechnics, aerial performances, acrobatics, and more. You can also explore Derry’s long and haunted history through tours and enjoy the annual Halloween Carnival Parade.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Disney fans will fall in love with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party which starts every year in August and runs through Halloween. On select nights, the park is filled with all your favorite Disney villains and fan favorites like Mickey and Minnie dressed in their best Halloween attire. There’s Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular featuring lasers and fireworks and Trick or Treating throughout the park. Of course, even during the day there are new seasonal sights and treats all around Disney World.