Today is Halloween, meaning it’s time for scarves, falling leaves, and pumpkin spice lattes. If you’ve never spent Halloween abroad, why not start planning a special trip to the best spooky destinations for next year?
Fall doesn’t have to be depressing, even though we all know what’s coming next. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful seasons, plus it’s packed with festivities — from cozy Thanksgiving dinners to, of course, the creepiest time of the year! And if you’re craving some adventure, just plan a Halloween trip for next year!
Whether it’s the wild street parties, fascinating vampire and witch legends, or a haunted town, some places on Earth just really embrace the spooky spirit and do Halloween better than the rest of the world.
Here are the 8 best travel destinations for Halloween in 2025.
1. Salem, Massachusetts, USA
In 1692, 20 people were executed in Salem after being accused of witchcraft. Known as the Salem Witch Trials, this dark chapter in the city’s history shaped its witchy reputation. Over the years, Salem has embraced this legacy, transforming from a place of tragedy into a town where all things creepy and supernatural are celebrated.
Salem’s witchy past, gothic buildings, and eerie vibe draw visitors from all over. On a typical Saturday night before Halloween, Salem can attract 50,000 to 75,000 people! And more than 1 million people visit the city each year.
There’s plenty to explore, from the Salem Witch Museum and the Old Burying Point Cemetery to the “Bewitched” statue and Harry Potter-themed shops. You can also participate in ghost tours or check out haunted houses and the Monster Museum.
But the city really comes alive during Haunted Happenings, a huge month-long festival every October, with parades, witchcraft-themed events, and Halloween day celebrations that take the gloomy fun to the next level.
2. Derry, Northern Ireland
Irish people take Halloween very seriously due to its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Derry, especially, goes all out with its iconic Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival, often considered Europe’s biggest Halloween party.
Each year, this massive 4-day event draws thousands of visitors with its eerie costume parades, spooky activities, street and circus performances, haunted houses, live music, and fireworks. The highlight is the spectacular Carnival Parade on Halloween night.
Derry’s old-school Gothic vibe, with its medieval walls and narrow streets, is the perfect backdrop for this gigantic Halloween event. It’s like the city was made for this holiday!
3. Transylvania, Romania
If you’re obsessed with vampires and their legendary tales of supernatural powers and bloodsucking, you definitely need to celebrate Halloween in Dracula’s homeland at least once in your life. Transylvania is a beautiful area of Romania, famous for its medieval castles, picturesque landscapes (especially during fall, so you’re in luck), and its deep connection to vampire folklore.
During Halloween, the region becomes a magnet for enthusiasts with themed events and tours that embrace its dark reputation. You’ll also find haunted castle tours and other festive activities that bring the vampire legends to life.
One of the most iconic ways to celebrate is to attend the Halloween party in Dracula’s Castle (Bran Castle), which is considered the top Halloween party in the region. You can also enjoy the Halloween festivities at the Medieval Citadel in Sighișoara, Dracula’s birthplace, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Oaxaca, Mexico
I know what you’re going to say: Día de los Muertos is not Halloween. But this celebration of life and death definitely deserves a spot on this list! It’s a colorful and vibrant gathering honoring the dead. Picture beautiful parades, traditional costumes, rituals, skull makeup, nighttime processions, street stalls, vigils, and decorated altars with candles, among other things.
On November 2, the boundary between the living and the spirit worlds fades as people honor their loved ones and welcome back their spirits. It’s truly a special and unique Mexican tradition! I’m excited to experience it myself today, even though I’m in Guadalajara and not Oaxaca.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience of Día de los Muertos, Oaxaca is the place to be. The festivities last 3 days, starting on October 31, so really, you won’t be missing out on Halloween, but instead, you’ll discover a unique perspective on death. If you want something a little less traditional and prefer to party hard, head to the capital. Mexico City hosts massive celebrations with large parades and concerts.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Who said Mardi Gras is the only epic costume party in New Orleans? We’ve all heard how amazing this city is for its Creole food, jazz music, and lively French Quarter, but did you know it’s also one of the most haunted cities in the U.S.?
New Orleans has deep ties to voodoo, and you’ll find voodoo shops, museums, and guided tours that dive into this fascinating culture. It also has great vampire stories, and this all started thanks to Anne Rice’s famous book “Interview with the Vampire”.
So when Halloween rolls around, the city gets even more thrilling. Start by exploring its historic buildings and touring the eerie cemeteries if you dare. Then, enjoy the night’s festivities on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter and Canal Street. You can even go on a haunted pub crawl! Don’t miss the Krewe of Boo, New Orleans’ official Halloween parade, and the iconic Endless Night Vampire Ball for some incredible costumes.
I was actually supposed to be in New Orleans for Halloween, but I’m arriving Sunday instead. I had to make tough choices to be able to do the amazing promotion for 1 million points (I had to fly AeroMexico to make my round-the-world trip easier).
6. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s medieval allure makes it the perfect place for Halloween, and just like Ireland, Scotland has deep Celtic roots and plenty of traditions tied to Samhain. With so many haunted attractions, the city truly impresses Halloween addicts from around the world!
Edinburgh is particularly good at hosting ghost tours that take you through mysterious places like the creepy underground vaults, the Old Town, and the Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery. For an extra thrill, check out the haunted Edinburgh Castle and explore The Real Mary King’s Close, a historic underground street where the city’s haunted past really comes to life.
One Halloween event you absolutely have to attend is the Samhuinn Fire Festival. This impressive celebration features amazing fire dancing, acrobatics, wild drumming, and crazy costumes. And if you’re a fan of horror films, check out the Edinburgh Horror Festival too.
7. London, England
Get ready for a super festive Halloween! The British never need a reason for a good party, so just imagine how wild the capital gets on October 31. London has it all for a frighteningly good time — from chilling tales of Jack the Ripper to haunted spots like the Tower of London, the Old Bailey, and all those eerie pubs. It’s simply a blast at this time of year!
London has many Halloween festivities so it can be hard to pick where to go. You can take a guided ghost tour through graveyards and sites associated with infamous murders. You can do The Jack the Ripper Walk, led by a crime historian, and The London Dungeons, a great interactive horror show.
8. New York, USA
New York City is a classic choice for Halloween. Every year, about 2 million people attend the Village Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village, and people wearing costumes are welcome to join. Of course, there are also countless haunted houses like Blood Manor, costume parties, themed raves, ghost tours, and other exciting events in the city that never sleeps.
If you’re heading to the Big Apple for Halloween, don’t miss the illuminated carved pumpkins at the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, and be sure to grab a cocktail at the annual Halloween pop-up, Black Lagoon. These are just a couple of the many events happening in NYC; you’ll find the spirit of Halloween around every corner!
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Summary
It’s best to plan your fall getaway for an epic Halloween abroad early for next year! Lucky you — some of the best travel destinations for this holiday are right in North America and relatively close by in Europe, so you can enjoy all the Halloween fun without traveling too far!
What would you like to know about these 8 Halloween destinations for your next spooky trip? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Día de los Muertos, Oaxaca, Mexico (photo credit: Therese Beck)
