If you’re someone who believes Halloween is more than just candy and costumes—more of a thrilling, cultural, and sensory experience—then you’ll love this round-up of the world’s top Halloween travel destinations. From centuries-old legends and gothic architecture to candlelit cemeteries and elaborate parades, these five cities pull out all the stops in October. Whether you’re chasing ghosts or simply the perfect spooky Instagram moment, these destinations are sure to cast their spell.
#1 Mexico City, Mexico: Day of the Dead Meets Halloween Magic
While Halloween is celebrated on October 31, Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) takes place on November 1st and 2nd—but trust me, the festivities start early in Mexico City. This deeply spiritual celebration honors departed loved ones with vibrant marigolds, sugar skulls, and dazzling altars. In 2025, the famous Day of the Dead parade—featuring giant skeleton puppets, painted faces, and traditional music—will take over Paseo de la Reforma with even more flair.
Luxury tip: Book a stay at the Four Seasons Mexico City for front-row views of the parade and access to their exclusive Day of the Dead experiences, including altar-making workshops and mezcal tastings.
#2 Salem, Massachusetts, USA: The Witch Capital of the World
If there’s one destination where Halloween feels extra, it’s Salem. Famed for the 1692 witch trials, this small New England town transforms into a month-long celebration of all things spooky. The Salem Haunted Happenings Festival runs throughout October and includes ghost tours, haunted houses, seances, and costume balls in centuries-old buildings. The energy in Salem is electric, and history buffs will appreciate the deep dive into the town’s colonial past. Don’t miss the Witch Museum or a guided tour through the historic graveyards under golden autumn leaves.
Luxury tip: Stay at The Merchant, a chic boutique hotel housed in an 18th-century mansion with a stylish twist—perfect for cozying up after a ghost tour.
#3 Paris, France: Gothic Glamour and Ghostly Legends
Halloween in Paris is an elegant affair with just the right amount of edge. The City of Light leans into its gothic past this time of year, with candlelit tours of the Catacombs, macabre museum exhibits, and eerie concerts in centuries-old churches. The famously opulent Père Lachaise Cemetery is particularly haunting in October, as mist curls around the tombs of Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf. You’ll also find chic Halloween-themed soirées at rooftop bars and costume parties in historic châteaux just outside the city.
Luxury tip: Book a suite at Le Meurice and let the concierge arrange a private, after-dark Catacombs experience—an unforgettable twist on Parisian romance.
#4 Sleepy Hollow, New York, USA: A Storybook Halloween Come to Life
Nestled along the Hudson River just north of Manhattan, Sleepy Hollow is the stuff of legend—literally. Washington Irving’s Headless Horseman tale comes to life here each October with haunted hayrides, dramatic reenactments, and storytelling beneath the autumn leaves. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, just a short drive away, features over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins glowing along historic paths—truly a sight to behold.
Luxury tip: For a sophisticated stay just minutes from the heart of Sleepy Hollow, book a room at The Opus Westchester in White Plains. This sleek, modern hotel offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool with sweeping views, and an on-site spa—ideal for relaxing after a day of haunted hayrides and ghostly tours. Their concierge can also arrange private transportation to and from Sleepy Hollow, so you can enjoy the festivities without any hassle.
#5 New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: Voodoo, Vampires, and Masquerade Magic
No one throws a party like New Orleans—and Halloween is no exception. The city’s rich history of voodoo, vampires, and haunted happenings blends beautifully with its love for music, costumes, and parades. From haunted French Quarter tours to elaborate vampire-themed balls and voodoo ceremonies, October in NOLA is a multi-sensory experience. Halloween here feels like a magical mix of mystery and revelry. And of course, Bourbon Street is buzzing with creative costumes and festive chaos.
Luxury tip: Book a suite at the Hotel Monteleone, a literary landmark with its own ghost stories and a famous revolving bar, the Carousel Lounge.
