Previous Story
Halloweentown: 5 Cities That are Crazy About Halloween
The costumes, the candy, the creepy atmosphere – what’s not to love about Halloween? Some people just can’t get enough of this annual event, making a low-key costume party a rather dull place to debut their creative costume choices. Fortunately, a few cities go absolutely all out for their Halloween celebrations. Find out what makes these among the best places to live, and consider a visit if you’re totally obsessed with this spooky holiday.
New York City
New Yorkers may only be able to afford tiny apartments, but their Halloween celebrations are larger than life. The Village Halloween Parade, which has been held annually for over 40 years, is the biggest Halloween parade in the world. Over two million spectators gather to watch thousands of artists, dancers, musicians, and puppeteers complete the mile-long route through Greenwich Village. You’ll be hard-pressed to find this many intricately crafted, stunning, and simply jaw-dropping costumes in one location.
Salem
It’s no surprise that Halloween is the most popular holiday of the year in Salem, Massachusetts. This town known for its infamous witch trials celebrates Halloween for weeks rather than just a day. Salem’s month-long Festival of the Dead includes ghost hunting tours and the annual Psychic Fair and Witchcraft Expo. The main event, however, is the Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball at the Hawthorne Hotel, which features ritual drummers, witch doctors, voodoo ceremonies, and other spooky celebrations.
New Orleans
Mardi Gras is the main claim to fame in New Orleans, but the magnitude of this city’s Halloween celebrations isn’t far behind. Nicknamed “The Most Haunted City in America,” New Orleans feels especially bone-chilling at Halloween, despite relatively warm temperatures. Haunted tours and cemetery visits offer a nice warm-up for the main celebrations. With scandalous costumes everywhere you look and partygoers spilling out into the streets, it’s like Mardi Gras with a spooky twist.
Los Angeles
Want to celebrate Halloween celeb-style? Head to the West Hollywood Carnaval in L.A., where nearly half a million people make up the world’s largest Halloween street party. Because it’s a destination for creatives from all over the world, the costumes here will surprise, delight, and even shock you. Dozens of music acts will be on hand to perform across six stages, while nearby bars host costume contests and patio parties. The highlight of the event is the crowning of an A-lister as “Queen of the Carnaval” – former recipients include Queen Latifah and Rihanna.
Louisville
Unlike most other massive Halloween celebrations, Kentucky’s Louisville Zoo offers an annual event that’s completely family friendly. In addition to seeing some of their favorite zoo animals, kids get to trick-or-treat as they make their way along the zoo walkways. Certain areas are even transformed with fun themes, like Astro Disco and Wonderland Tea Party. Plus, popular characters are on hand for photos and autographs. If you want a Halloween celebration that’s more sweet than scary, this is the perfect destination for you.
Halloween comes only once a year, but the right celebration can make it an annual highlight. Where do you like to celebrate Halloween in style? Share your favorite spots in the comments.
