Halloween destinations you must visit in 2024
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Looking for Halloween destinations for your spooky trip? As an autumnal breeze sweeps through the colourful, leafy landscapes, the time of year for spooky thrills and chilling adventures draws near.
If you’re thinking of Halloween places to visit, plenty of destinations and creepy places embrace the eerie and macabre around October 31st.
There are also plenty of Halloween festivals, costume parties, ghost tours, parades and haunted hotels to discover.
I love the spooky season, it’s my favourite time of the year and I’ve visited many destinations around the world to celebrate all things scary.
Based on my travels and some top picks from travel bloggers, I’ve collated a bumper selection of Halloween destinations you must visit in 2023.
From haunted castles and mysterious graveyards to captivating folklore and spine-chilling events, these destinations satisfy your appetite for fright and wanderlust.
Halloween destinations you must visit
best Halloween destinations
Some of the best Halloween destinations include Salem, Massachusetts; Transylvania, Romania; Edinburgh, Scotland; and New Orleans, Louisiana.
These destinations offer an extraordinary blend of history, folklore, and spine-tingling experiences that will leave you with lasting travel memories.
We talk more about haunted destinations you need to visit on this spooky episode of my travel podcast – the Travel Goals Podcast.
On this special Halloween episode, I chat with several travel industry experts about Halloween destinations you need to visit, why Halloween tourism is big business, and the origins of Halloween itself.
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Amazon MusicHalloween in Salem, Massachusetts
In the early 1690s, the small colonial town of Salem, Massachusetts, became the backdrop for one of the most infamous episodes in American history—the Salem Witch Trials.
This dark chapter in the past has captivated historians and the public alike, serving as a haunting reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria, paranoia, and the consequences of unchecked accusations.
Due to the tragic 1692 witch trials, Salem is one of the best Halloween destinations in the world.
Halloween tourism here accounts for around 30% of the city’s annual tourism!
Haunted Happenings Salem
Throughout October, Salem becomes immersed in a captivating array of haunted happenings.
Here, you’ll find Halloween events featuring ghouls, ghost stories, witches, pirates, vampires, and all things macabre. It’s one of the best Halloween family vacations you can have in the US!
Salem’s preparations for Halloween begin early in the fall. By the time October 1st arrives, Salem is adorned with Halloween decorations and ready for a month-long spree of spine-chilling delights.
Salem’s famous Halloween festival, Haunted Happenings, is a massive series of spooky, family-friendly events held in October.
Salem witch museum
There’s an immersive witch trail reenactment, costume balls, carnival rides, psychic fairs and haunted attractions. Significant events include the grand parade and the firework display.
You can also visit the Salem Witch Museum and learn about witchcraft and the historical reasons behind the witch trials in Salem.
I recommend booking a History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour.
Let a local historian guide you through Salem as you listen to 400 years of history and admire the old architecture that dates back hundreds of years.
Derry Halloween, Northern Ireland
Steeped in history and folklore, The city of Derry in Northern Ireland does Halloween in a big way. This historic city transforms into a hub of spine-tingling enchantment during the Halloween season in October.
From ancient traditions to contemporary celebrations, Derry offers a unique and immersive experience that showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage.
During the extravagant festivities, there’s usually a full event programme full of parades, fireworks and street theatre.
Derry Halloween events
Thousands of people in costume also roam the streets of an extravagantly decorated centre. I think it’s one of the best Halloween city breaks you can have in Europe.
Derry Halloween has become so extravagant and popular over the years that it’s been collecting accolades from around the globe.
In 2015 USA Today named Derry the “best Halloween destination in the world”. If the Americans say someone else does Halloween better, you can guarantee they do.
Halloween Celebrations in Derry
Typical Halloween Events in Derry include the Legenderry Food Village & Trail, Samhain Sessions Live Music Programme and the Little Horrors Family Friendly Entertainment.
There are also Tours and Trails, 1st Light, Carnival Parade and Fireworks; the city puts on well over 100 events in venues across Derry.
With the leaves turning golden, pumping displays and creepy costumes, it’s one of the best spooky places to visit in October.
Halloween at Walt Disney World® Resort
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an incredible Halloween-themed event at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
This family-friendly Halloween celebration is held annually during the fall and is when the Magic Kingdom comes alive with spooky offerings.
As the sun sets over the Magic Kingdom, the park transforms into a bewitching Halloween wonderland without the traditional scares.
The elaborate fall decorations are not to be missed, with Main Street, U.S.A., dressed up in ghostly elegance.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World
The Boo-to-You Halloween Parade is unique to this ticketed event, where favourite Disney characters dress up in Halloween costumes. Kids are also encouraged to come in spooky costumes too.
During the event, some of the most popular Walt Disney World rides — Mad Tea Party, Space Mountain, and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor — typically receive a fun Halloween makeover, including eerie lighting and spellbinding music.
You can also feast on creative fall-themed foods and beverages created exclusively for the event.
And if you dare, attend the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, a stage show that delivers a spellbinding performance.
Púca Festival Ireland
The Púca festival is a three-day vibrant and contemporary festival with a programme of events centred around spectacle, music and food (inspired by the harvest at the time of Samhain)
This immersive Halloween Festival celebrates the ancient traditions of Samhain and welcomes the strange and mischievous creatures in some of Ireland’s most historic places.
The Hill of Ward, where those ancient fires were first lit, and the heritage town of Trim, dominated by a towering Norman fortress.
Celebrating Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween, there’s a packed schedule of traditional storytelling, live music, local food, and light shows that showcase Samhain traditions.
Where did Halloween originate in Ireland?
According to Irish folklore, Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic tradition of Samhain. The old Irish for ‘summer’s end’, Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the start of the New Year.
Evidence gathered from archaeology digs, legends, myths, and Celtic history has all been examined to unearth the story of Halloween’s authentic origins in Ireland.
We take a deep dive into the Púca festival and Halloween’s Celtic original in my special Halloween episode of the Travel Goals Podcast – Spooky Samhain adventures in Ireland – the home of Halloween. Subscribe and download now to get inspired for your Halloween trip to Ireland.
Haunted Savannah Georgia
Did you know Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities in America? That means there are plenty of spooky things to do in the city year-round, not just on Halloween!
Savannah’s beautiful cemeteries aren’t usually open at night, so be sure to check out Colonial Park, Bonaventure (known as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world), and Laurel Grove during the daylight hours.
After exploring all day, grab a bite to eat at The Pirates’ House or The Olde Pink House, both known for their ghostly inhabitants.
Haunted locations in Savannah
You must go on a ghost tour at least once in Savannah – it’s a tradition! The walking ghost tours are the best, but you can also ride around in an old hearse or hop on a haunted trolley tour.
If you’re into a different type of “spirits,” haunted pub tours are really popular.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of the city’s open container law, grab a “to-go cup,” and explore the most haunted places in Savannah.
If you’re brave enough to stay in a haunted hotel, check out Savannah’s oldest and one of its most haunted hotels, The Marshall House.
You learn more about Savannah in the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide. It has everything you need to plan the perfect trip! Contribution by Erin from Savannah First-Timer.
The Clown Motel Tonopah
Tonopah is a former silver mining town in the dusty desert halfway between Reno and Las Vegas.
While it’s often treated as a pit stop between the two largest cities in Nevada, this small town boasts several haunted places that should be on your list if you want to get a dose of adrenaline.
The most popular landmark in Tonopah that draws visitors from all over the world is the Clown Motel. Dubbed “America’s Scariest Motel,” this property has about 2,000 clowns.
As soon as you walk into the lobby, hundreds of clowns in all shapes and forms greet you from the walls and shelves. A giant clown is slumped in a chair next to the front desk.
Each room has clowns looking at you from the pictures on the walls. Themed rooms include a Halloween room, an Exorcist room, and a Friday the 13th room.
And if it that’s not enough, check out the Old Tonopah Cemetery next to the Clown Motel.
Many stories of full-body apparitions have been seen here, and you can even pick up the Old Cemetery Walking Tour Brochure at Tonopah’s hotels and museums.
Halloween in New Orleans
When it comes to celebrating Halloween, few places can rival the vibrant and bewitching atmosphere of New Orleans.
Known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and captivating traditions, the Crescent City takes Halloween to a new level.
From elaborate parades to hauntingly beautiful cemeteries, New Orleans offers an unparalleled experience that combines mystery and macabre.
New Orleans is also a southern US city where touring cemeteries is encouraged, and everywhere you look is a piece of “haunted” history!
It’s the perfect Halloween destination in the USA, especially since thousands head there for the famous parade down Frenchmen Street!
Is Halloween a good time to visit New Orleans?
New Orleans is no stranger to tales of ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural beings. With its storied past and European influence, the city has many haunted locations and eerie legends.
From the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, known for its gruesome history, to the haunted streets of the French Quarter, where spectral sightings have been reported.
Halloween in New Orleans offers a prime opportunity to explore the city’s haunted history through ghost tours and paranormal investigations. It’s one of my favourite Halloween destinations in the USA!
Ghost tour New Orleans
One of the best ways to celebrate Halloween in New Orleans is to go on a guided New Orleans Ghost Tour.
This brilliant tour takes you to the city’s most eerie sites at night in the safety of a group with a knowledgeable guide.
Stop by top attractions such as the LaLaurie Mansion and New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, all while listening to your guide’s detailed stories of the paranormal and beyond.
Halloween in Sleepy Hollow
‘Sleepy Hollow’ in New York’s Hudson River Valley is a quiet destination for most of the year, perfect for antiquing and hiking.
But the region truly comes alive during the autumn months to celebrate Halloween. It’s one of my favourite Halloween travel destinations.
That’s because Washington Irving, author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, was from the area. Start with a visit to Irving’s historic home Sunnyside, which is easily reachable by car from the Tarrytown, NY, train station.
The house will be decorated with gravestones and Headless Horsemen, with tons of fun Halloween activities for kids.
Tarrytown Halloween Parade
Next, stroll through Tarrytown to see the spooky Halloween decorations covering the town.
Even the street signs are done in orange and black and have a little Headless Horseman on them. If you come on the right weekend, you’ll see the famous Tarrytown Halloween Parade.
Finally, jump on the Metro-North train and take a quick trip to Croton-on-Hudson in the evening to see the fabulous Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at the Van Cortlandt Mansion.
The entire gardens are turned into extraordinary pumpkin sculptures like dragons, a real bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and a cemetery.
There’s no other sight like it in the world. Contribution by Stella Jane from Around the World in 24 Hours.
Halloween in Transylvania
When the autumn leaves start to fall, and the air grows crisp, there’s one place in the world that truly embodies the spirit of Halloween – Transylvania.
Located in the heart of Romania, this historical region is synonymous with spooky tales, ancient legends, and a certain infamous count named Dracula.
Transylvania is known worldwide for its connection to Bram Stoker’s novel, “Dracula”. While Stoker never visited the region, he was captivated by its folklore and used it as the setting for his iconic vampire tale.
Count Dracula’s character is linked with Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century ruler known for his brutal tactics.
Although Vlad never identified as a vampire, his cruel reputation and the region’s eerie ambience have fuelled countless vampire legends.
Do they celebrate Halloween in Transylvania?
During Halloween, Transylvania embraces its scary reputation with a range of festivities and events that attract visitors from around the globe.
The city of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, hosts a popular Medieval Festival featuring costume contests, local food and drink, and traditional music and dance performances.
In the town of Bran, home to the famous Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend, you can participate in a nighttime tour filled with chilling tales and haunting history.
The Halloween parties held at Bran Castle are legendary. Visitors are treated to a night of dancing, dining, and exploration inside the castle’s ancient walls, all under the watchful eyes of costumed characters straight out of Transylvanian folklore.
Bran Castle Transylvania
The castle, perched high on a hill and surrounded by dense forests, provides the perfect backdrop for a Halloween adventure.
In addition to these well-known celebrations, many other cities and towns in Transylvania host their own Halloween events.
Street fairs, parades, pumpkin carving contests, and haunted house tours are common occurrences.
And everywhere you go, you’ll find locals and tourists dressed in various costumes, from traditional Romanian outfits to vampire and werewolf disguises.
Paris at Halloween
If you’re wondering where to go for Halloween in Paris, head to the series Catacombs of Paris in the 14th district. Even if it is far from the main Paris attractions, it’s worth the detour for a unique, spooky experience.
The Catacombs of Paris were former quarries later used to stock the cemeteries’ remains in central Paris. These cemeteries became insalubrious and a health risk for the population, so the government decided to close them down.
Halloween in Paris
During your visit to the Catacombs, you will explore corridors and corridors containing piles of skulls and bones of people who died centuries ago!
If you like eerie experiences, this is one of the best places to visit for Halloween.
The entrance to the Catacombs is particularly impressive, with the following inscription carved on the door: “stop! Here’s the empire of the death!” Some bone arrangements are impressive too.
So here’s a unique place to experience Halloween in Paris! The Catacombs of Paris are popular tourist attractions, and the lines are always long.
We recommend buying skip-the-line Catacombs tickets online in advance. Contribution by Elisa from World in Paris.
Haunted Queen Mary Ship in Los Angeles
While Los Angeles is full of haunted destinations, the Queen Mary ship stands out as one of the most unique!
Located in Long Beach across from the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary ship was constructed in the 1930s and first set sail in 1936 from Southampton, England.
Dripping in luxury and elegance, the Queen Mary has five dining rooms, a grand ballroom, two swimming pools, lavish guest rooms, and even a hospital!
After sailing for over 30 years, the Queen Mary retired and now sits in the Long Beach harbour, welcoming visitors to spend a night or to learn of her history, including many ghost stories!
Ghost ship
Popular ghosts include an engineer who was crushed to death in the engine room, many children who dwell in the hallways and pool, and the infamous lady in white who has been seen dancing alone in the luxury rooms.
Take a Haunted Encounters tour to learn more about the creepy ghosts aboard the ship, or check out the Twilight Tour for a better chance to see the ghosts! Alternatively, stay in the hotel (room B340 is the most haunted).
In October, Queen Mary will host a haunted house-type walk-through attraction for more haunts and chills! Contribution By Alanna Koritzke from Periodic Adventures.
The Haunted Bird House, Bracebridge, Ontario
One of Ontario’s most haunted places is the Bird House, otherwise known as the Woodchester Villa.
Located in the charming small town of Bracebridge, on the banks of the Muskoka River, you’ll find the Woodchester Villa surrounded by 10 acres of picturesque forest.
Built in 1882 for Henry J. Bird and his family, this is no ordinary home. The Woodchester Villa is one of Ontario’s largest and oldest octagonal buildings. It was ahead of its time with heating, ventilation, indoor plumbing, and more.
With its contrasting white siding and red accents, this beautiful building is said to be haunted.
Haunted places Ontario
The building was home to three generations of the Bird family.
The original owner, Henry J. Bird’s spirit, is said to still linger in the hallways of his beloved home along with his youngest daughter, Mary.
There have been frequent sightings of Mary looking out the third-floor window, as well as other ghosts in and around the home, some of which include a doctor, a couple of young kids, and an old cook.
So, if you’re looking for a spooky place to visit in Ontario, the Woodchester Villa in Bracebridge is it! Contribution by Stephanie from The World As I See It.
Spooky happenings in Whitby Yorkshire
The beautiful seaside town of Whitby in North Yorkshire is a tourist hotspot, but behind its charming facade lies a spooky past.
From ghost stories, shipwrecks, and ties to the Dracula story, this fishing town is one of the best places to celebrate Halloween.
There are several spooky events taking place in Whitby during Halloween.
Popular events include Whitby’s gothic abbey illuminations and the bi-annual music festival called the ‘Whitby Goth Weekend’.
Halloween events in Whitby
For fans of Dracula, there’s a live performance on the famous 199 steps, and during the day, there is even an outdoor market called the ‘Bizarre Bazaar’. They stock everything from insect jewellery to horror artwork!
For families, the top choice has to be the North York Moors Halloween train that runs non-stop from Pickering to Whitby.
It includes plenty of tricks and treats to keep your little ones shrieking and smiling simultaneously!
As Halloween is a popular time to visit, booking accommodation well in advance is essential, so check out these Airbnb holiday cottages in Whitby and get planning soon! Contribution by Roshni from The Wanderlust Within.
Halloween in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is one of America’s oldest and, by far, most historic cities. It’s a destination full of essential structures in American history, and among the well-preserved Philadelphia historical sites are ghost stories, spooky tales and even hauntings.
Perhaps the creepiest place in the whole city is Philly’s Eastern State Penitentiary.
The giant prison is located in the Fairmount neighbourhood and comprises an entire square city block.
The structure looks more like a medieval castle, and it once held America’s most notorious criminals, including the infamous gangster Al Capone.
The former prison is alleged to be one of America’s most haunted destinations, and it’s open to the public for year-round tours and experiences.
Halloween events in Philadelphia
During Halloween, the prison hosts an attraction called Terror Behind the Walls. It’s a theatrical experience where visitors walk through the yard, cells, infirmary and other areas of the prison.
There are often guided tours that include ghost hunting equipment and even a simple candle-lit tour at dusk, which is the most intimate way to visit the spooky site.
The Peak District’s haunted locations
My fascination with ghosts and the supernatural began at a young age, and it all originated from a trip to the Peak District, UK.
I must have been about 6 or 7 during a family holiday when I picked up a book about the most haunted places in the area. I couldn’t put the book down for the whole trip, so began my love for spooky stuff!
Halloween might not be celebrated as extravagantly as in other parts of the world, but the Peak District has many famously haunted locations and sightings.
Peak District hauntings
There have been incredible supernatural reports in the small area over the years. Some of the most famous are Winnat’s Pass, a whole valley which is said to be haunted by two young murdered lovers.
Tideswell also has a whole choir which reportedly sings hymns in the darkness the night before someone in the village dies.
Bolsover Castle was built on an ancient burial ground with a whole collection of otherworldly guests!
When you combine this with small, traditional and historical villages, many of which have no reception and often have a thick cloud of fog, you have a quite spooky place.
Though most people visit Peak District hiking trails, this would be a fantastic place to spend Halloween in a rural village and visit some of the eerie haunted sites! Contribution by Veggie Vagabonds.
Haunted Chapel in São Paulo
Many tourists visiting the Holy Cross of the Hanged think it is just another chapel, another touristy thing to do in São Paulo.
This 18th-century chapel was built inside a cemetery for slaves, the poor, criminals, or anyone who would rise up against the empire.
Back then, the authorities would execute those people by hanging them in public inside the cemetery for practical reasons.
While the cemetery eventually moved to another location a century later, the chapel remained in its place together with some haunted rumours.
Holy Cross of the Hanged
Legend has it that the church’s altar marks where people were executed, and their souls still roam here since people’s remains were never transferred or removed.
Whether that’s true or not, I can’t say, but the Holy Cross of the Hanged still draws many faithful people who light candles for the afflicted souls.
In the same breath, paranormal believers claim the chapel has abnormal electromagnetic waves. Would you light a candle there? Contribution by Bruna Venturinelli from I Heart Brazil.
Haunted Dragsholm Slot Castle Copenhagen
About an hour’s drive from Copenhagen’s city centre lies a lesser-known Danish castle called Dragsholm Slot.
The spooky structure is home to manicured gardens and sweeping views of the North Sea. Dragsholm is also one of the spookiest castles in Scandinavia and is said to be occupied by at least four spirits.
Today, you can visit any wandering spirits because the castle is a luxury hotel and restaurant.
If you’re brave enough to stay in the haunted castle, you may meet the former Bishop of Roskilde. He was imprisoned in the castle during the Reformation, and guests report moaning coming from the area where he was imprisoned.
Dragsholm Slot Castle ghosts
Another ghost story involved the ‘Lady in White’, a nobleman’s daughter who was caught in a forbidden romance with a castle worker.
Her vengeful father tied her to a pole in the castle cellars and built a brick wall around her, leaving her to perish.
The friendly spirit of the grey lady also haunts the castle. She is said to have worked on the grounds and suffered from a toothache before passing.
A kind, fellow labourer pulled her tooth, but it became infected, so her pain was relieved, but it caused her death. Her happy spirit walks the grounds, looking to thank the man who pulled her tooth.
Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia
Bonaventure Cemetery is a quick 15-minute drive from downtown Savannah, Georgia, one of the best places to go for Halloween
It’s a famously spooky city with many ghost stories and haunted happenings. The Bonaventure cemetery is one of the many haunted places, and the grave of Little Gracie Wilson is the most famous spot in the cemetery.
The little girl, in the late 1890s, at the age of six, passed away from pneumonia to the great sorrow of her parents, who were well known in the city for throwing parties, many of which Gracie was known to attend.
Haunted locations in Savannah
Haunted Graveyards in Savannah
Gracie is buried beneath an extraordinarily life-like statue on which visitors today often leave gifts.
Don’t dare to take away one of the gifts, for you may cause Gracie’s statue to cry tears of blood. Keep your eyes peeled while you’re in the cemetery for a young girl in a white dress skipping around and playing.
Say ‘hi’ before Gracie vanishes again into thin air. Contribution by Caitlin Boylan from The Country Jumper.
Haunted Port Arthur Historic Site Tasmania
It doesn’t get much creepier if you’re looking for Halloween destinations in Australia than the Port Arthur Historic Site.
Two hundred years ago, Tasmania was the worst place in the world for an English criminal to be sent to suffer for their crimes.
On the opposite side of the world, under the watchful eye of oppressive jailers and forced into the most back-breaking labour. More than 10,000 souls died at this World Heritage-listed convict penitentiary!
Ghost tour Port Arthur Historic Site
Those days are long gone, but it is no surprise that their ghosts remain. Even as early as the 1800s, stories began to emerge of weird diseases, freaky figures, and weird events that, to this day, can not be explained by science.
Ghost tours are the best way to explore this sprawling site, and they operate twice per day, with the first tour commencing right at dusk.
Bring a friend, because this is one ghoulish experience you’ll never forget! Contribution by Andrew Strikis of Lap of Tasmania.
Haunted Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee
Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee, was built in 1893 and has been an icon of the hotel industry for over a century.
It’s one of the best hotels in the city and the Midwest. The hotel is located near the historic Third Ward.
The hotel strives to maintain the tradition of a warm welcome, great services, and impeccable style.
Did you know that the Pfister Hotel is also said to be the most haunted place in Wisconsin?
If you like haunted hotels, this is one of the best places to go for Halloween.
Spooky Sightings in Milwaukee
Major league baseball players have reported a wide range of paranormal activity when they stayed in the hotel. Some of the things they reported are electrical anomalies, object manipulations and apparitions.
If you’re looking for less spooky surroundings, the hotel is just three blocks away from the shores of Lake Michigan.
You can enjoy 4-start services along with appreciating the beauty of Wisconsin. Surrounded by museums, malls, and theatres,
Milwaukee is perfect to plan a getaway to some of the best winter cabins in Wisconsin. Contribution by Paulina from Paulina on the Road.
Halloween in New Zealand
Halloween in New Zealand might not seem the obvious choice – given that October is summertime there, but this spooky holiday is growing in popularity.
Known more for its ethereal landscapes and Maori culture, New Zealand may seem an unlikely setting for ghouls and ghosts.
Yet, as darkness descends on October 31st, New Zealand has a curious blend of Halloween festivities juxtaposing traditional elements with a distinct Kiwi twist.
One of the key aspects of Halloween in New Zealand is the blending of cultural influences. The country has a diverse population, incorporating indigenous Māori culture, European traditions, and various ethnicities worldwide.
This cultural diversity is reflected in celebrating Halloween with a fusion of different customs and practices.
Samhain New Zealand
One ancient Halloween tradition is Samhain. A festival of Celtic origin that marks the end of the harvest season and the coming of winter.
It is celebrated on October 31st or November 1st and is considered one of the four major Gaelic seasonal festivals.
Despite its Northern Hemisphere roots, Samhain is observed in New Zealand. However, some pagans celebrate at the end of April/start of May.
This is because the Winter season begins at this time of year in New Zealand.
Do they celebrate Halloween in New Zealand?
Modern Pagans and Wiccans still celebrate Samhain as one of their most important festivals. It’s a time to honour and communicate with deceased loved ones and reflect on the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
This Celtic tradition has also been incorporated into some modern-day Halloween events – creating a fusion of cultural practices adds a uniquely Kiwi touch to Halloween festivities.
Devil’s Bridge, Ceredigion, Wales
Looking for ethereal places in Wales at Halloween? Many places in Wales are full of Celtic legends and spooky stories. One such place is Devil’s Bridge in the Cambrian Mountains.
At Devil’s Bridge, three separate bridges span the 90m waterfalls of the River Mynach, with one built on top of the other between the 11th and 19th centuries.
According to local legend, the Devil built the original bridge, as it was considered too difficult a task for mortals.
The story begins with an old woman who needs to cross the deep Mynach Gorge to get her cow back from the other side of the river.
The Devil offered to build the old woman a bridge. However, it was on condition that he’d take possession of the soul of the first living thing that crossed it. The old lady agreed, and the Devil built the bridge.
Before crossing the bridge, the old lady removed an old crust from her apron. She then threw it towards the cow on the other side of the bridge.
Her hungry dog eagerly chased it over the bridge. The Devil, expecting to get the old woman’s soul, got that of the poor dog. It’s one of the most mythical Halloween destinations on the Celtic Routes in Wales.
Day of The Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico
If you’re looking for a unique event rich in culture over Halloween, the Day of The Dead in Oaxaca is a multi-day celebration you won’t want to miss!
Day of The Dead (or Dia de Los Muertos in Spanish) has been a tradition in many Mexican cultures for thousands of years.
While you’ll see plenty of makeup and costumes, parades and parties, it’s important to note that Dia de Los Muertos is not a Mexican version of Halloween.
While sharing certain thematic elements, Halloween and the Day of the Dead are distinct annual events that differ significantly in their traditions and atmosphere.
Halloween – observed on the last night of October, embraces a spirit of terror and mischief.
On the other hand, the Day of the Dead festivities occur over the first two days of November and are characterised by vibrant colours and a celebration of life that is both affirming and joyful.
Día de Los Muertos
During Día de Los Muertos, when the veil between this world and the next is especially thin, loved ones can temporarily return to Earth.
Traditionally, during the Day of The Dead in Oaxaca City, entire families and friends spend the nights out of their homes and next to the graves of their loved ones, singing, eating and drinking tequila at the graveyard.
The gravesites are cleaned and decorated with marigold flowers, candles, and the favourite alcoholic drinks of the deceased.
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Halloween Destinations You Must Visit FAQ
Q: What are the best places to go for Halloween 2024
A: There are several destinations worldwide known for their incredible Halloween celebrations. Some top recommendations include Salem, New Orleans, Sleepy Hollow, Transylvania, and Derry, Northern Ireland.
Q: Why is Salem, Massachusetts, of of the best Halloween vacations?
A: Salem is infamous for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, making it a hotspot for those interested in the dark history of witches. During Halloween, Salem hosts a month-long Haunted Happenings festival featuring parades, reenactments, haunted houses, and witch-themed events.
Q: What makes New Orleans a unique Halloween vacation?
A: New Orleans combines its rich cultural heritage with its voodoo and vampire legends to create an unforgettable Halloween experience. The city hosts the Vampire’s Ball, offers ghost tours, and features the spectacular Krewe of Boo Parade in the French Quarter.
Q: Why is Sleepy Hollow a recommended Halloween destination?
A: Sleepy Hollow, located just outside New York City, is the setting of Washington Irving’s famous short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Visitors can attend the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, witness the Horseman’s Hollow haunted attraction, and visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
Q. What are the best Halloween Destinations for Adults?
Several destinations worldwide offer thrilling and memorable Halloween experiences for adults. Some popular recommendations include Las Vegas, Nevada; New Orleans, Louisiana; London, England; Tokyo, Japan; and Berlin, Germany.
Q: Are there family-friendly Halloween destinations?
A: Several destinations offer family-friendly Halloween celebrations. Some notable options include Disneyland and Universal Studios in the United States, where theme parks transform into Halloween wonderlands with decorations, parades, and trick-or-treating events.
Q: Are there any haunted house attractions worth visiting?
A: Numerous haunted house attractions worldwide provide thrilling experiences during Halloween. Popular Halloween destinations include 13th Gate – Baton Rouge, Erebus Haunted Attraction – Pontiac, Michigan and Scare Kingdom, UK.
Q: Are there any Halloween destinations known for their extravagant costumes?
A: Key destinations for elaborate costumes include Salem in Massachusetts, Derry in Northern Ireland and New Orleans in Louisiana.
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