For many families, Halloween is the highlight of the year – a time when ghost stories come alive, history takes a spooky turn, and celebrations offer chills for all ages. But the excitement often remains close to home, year after year, as families celebrate in the same neighborhoods. With Halloween evolving into more than just a night of trick-or-treating, families across America are now planning full-blown destination getaways. However, if distance was no barrier, where would families choose to celebrate Halloween? Mixbook, the #1 top-rated photobook company, sought to answer this question, surveying 3,000 families to discover their most coveted Halloween destinations. Here are the top 10 places they would choose to experience Halloween in 2024:
#1 Salem, Massachusetts
Salem’s infamous witch trials have made it one of the spookiest cities in the U.S, and not surprisingly top of the list. The town hosts the annual Festival of the Dead, which features haunted tours, witchcraft-themed events, and a witches’ ball. Salem’s deep-rooted history and spooky ambiance make it a Halloween destination like no other.
#2 New Orleans, Louisiana
The New Orleans’ Krewe of Boo parade combines the city’s vibrant culture with Halloween thrills. The French Quarter comes alive with haunted tours, voodoo legends, and spooky events, making it one of the most haunted and festive Halloween destinations in the country.
#3 Amityville, New York
Amityville is known for the infamous Amityville Horror House, which has become a symbol of haunted houses in America. While the house itself is off-limits to visitors, fans of paranormal history can explore nearby haunted sites and attractions, adding to the town’s spooky Halloween allure.
#4 Sleepy Hollow, New York
Famous for Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this town in fourth embraces its spooky heritage with haunted cemetery tours, ghost reenactments, and celebrations centered around the Headless Horseman. Sleepy Hollow’s eerie history and connection to one of America’s most famous ghost stories make it a top Halloween destination.
#5 Orlando, Florida
Orlando’s Universal Studios hosts the famous Halloween Horror Nights, where haunted mazes and scare zones based on iconic horror films come to life. This event is a must-see for horror enthusiasts, offering one of the most terrifying Halloween experiences in the country.
#6 Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles offers numerous spooky Halloween events and haunted attractions, including the iconic Hollywood Tower and the “Halloween House,” the filming location for John Carpenter’s Halloween. Fans of horror films can visit these famous spots or explore haunted tours throughout the city, making it a must-visit for movie buffs and thrill-seekers alike.
#7 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg in seventh is famous for its haunted Civil War battlefields, where ghost sightings are frequently reported. Visitors can take ghost tours of the town’s haunted inns, battlefields, and historic sites, making Gettysburg a top destination for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
#8 Ipswich, Massachusetts
Ipswich’s Crane Mansion on Castle Hill is a sprawling estate featured in films such as The Witches of Eastwick and Flowers in the Attic. This grand estate offers guided tours, and its gothic architecture makes it a popular Halloween destination for those who want to experience both beauty and eerie ambiance.
#9 Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s Little 5 Points Halloween Parade in 9th is known for its eclectic costumes and lively atmosphere. The parade, combined with spooky events throughout the city, offers a unique and vibrant Halloween celebration in one of the South’s most dynamic cities.
#10 Devil’s Tower, Wyoming
And rounding up the top ten is the Devil’s Tower, known for its eerie legends and mysterious atmosphere, especially around Halloween. Visitors can participate in spooky storytelling and stargazing, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a supernatural Halloween experience in a natural setting.
One Mississippi city was among the most coveted Halloween destinations among families in 2024:
#51 Clarksdale
Clarksdale, famous for its connection to the Delta blues and the Devil’s Crossroads, offers a Halloween experience that blends spooky Southern legends with eerie ghost tours. The town’s haunted history and musical heritage add a unique twist to its Halloween celebrations.
Infographic showing the ranking of the most coveted Halloween destinations in America
