2016 is your year to have the most epic Halloween [1] ever. We've created the ultimate list of the best places to celebrate All Hallows' Eve [2] in America. Whether you're looking for a festive celebration or a really good scare, these awesome places [3] will leave you impressed. Check them out and see if they're close to you!
Let It Shine Pumpkin Festival, Laconia, NH
The Let It Shine Pumpkin Festival [6], which started in 1991, has gotten bigger and bigger every year. You can visit Laconia to see more pumpkins than you've ever have in your entire life. We guarantee it. There will be 20,000 jack-o'-lanterns this year that you can enjoy day or night. There's also a pumpkin parade, beer garden, and Great Goblin food court.
Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios, Orlando, FL
If you're looking to be truly terrified, Halloween Horror Nights [7] is the ultimate scare-your-pants-off experience. You get to go through tons of elaborate haunted houses, each with a different theme. This year, some of the haunted houses are based on American Horror Story [8], The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Walking Dead [9], and The Exorcist.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
The location for the legend of the Headless Horseman comes alive during Halloween [10] time. There are cemetery tours, a haunted house, haunted hayrides, and tons of other events [11]. Horseman's Hollow transforms into a scary attraction ruled by vampires, witches, undead soldiers, ghouls, and ghosts, all lead by the Headless Horseman himself.
Halloweentown, St. Helens, OR
If you are a HUGE fan of the Disney Channel original movie Halloweentown [12] like we are, you will freak out over the fact that St. Helens, OR, re-creates the fictional town. According to MoviePilot [13], the town replicates the film's entire set, complete with the giant pumpkin in front of city hall. There are tours and celebrations [14] in the city every weekend of October. They even have a ceremonial lighting of the giant pumpkin at the beginning of the month.
Festival of the Dead, Salem, MA
If you love Salem's history revolving around witches and magic, you'll be fascinated by the month-long Festival of the Dead [15]. There's nightly psychic readings, paranormal adventures, and the Salem Witches' Magic Circle [16]. Over 500,000 people come to visit the town in the month of October.
Halloween in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is considered to be one of the most haunted cities in the country, so obviously they go all out for Halloween [17]. There are haunted tours in the French Quarter and tons of voodoo shops. The Krewe of Boo [18] is an elaborate parade filled with monsters, treats, and New Orleans traditions. There is also a massive party on Frenchmen Street [19] where people dress up in costumes and celebrate all night.
Terror on Tillson Street, Romeo, MI
This street of homes [20] is famous for its ridiculous and incredible Halloween [21] decorations. It's created by a dedicated group of homeowners and over 30 houses create an elaborate display. Each of those houses hands out over 2,000 pieces of candy on Halloween — that's a lot of trick-or-treaters! You can come and admire all of the homes starting the week before Halloween. You won't be disappointed, that's for sure.
Queen Mary, Long Beach, CA
The Queen Mary puts on its Halloween [22] event, Dark Harbor [23], every year, and it never disappoints. There are 10 terrifying haunted houses aboard the ship, several of them being scary mazes that are difficult to escape.
Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular, Louisville, KY
In Iroquois Park, 5,000 pumpkins line a quarter-mile walking trail and brighten up the night. Many of the carvings at the Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular [24] are very elaborate. The trail is open until late at night so you can enjoy the glowing splendor for hours.
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, Los Angeles, CA
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval [25] is the largest Halloween [26] street party in the world. There will be live entertainment on multiple stages, food vendors, photo stations, and drink specials at the local bars. Everyone dresses up in their best costumes!