15 Best Halloween Events Around the World

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday—without question. As a kid, I loved dressing up, going trick-or-treating, and coming home with bags full of free candy. There was something magical about walking through neighborhoods filled with jack-o'-lanterns, spooky decorations, and people celebrating together.

As an adult, Halloween is just as exciting, but for different reasons. It's the perfect excuse to dress up in creative costumes, attend parties, visit haunted attractions, and enjoy the thrill of a spooky night with friends. Whether you love haunted houses, horror movies, or themed events, Halloween offers something for everyone.

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1. Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights (California, USA)

• Typical dates: Select nights from September–November

• Tickets: Starting around $80–$120+

• Best for: Horror fans and adults

• Famous for: Movie-quality haunted houses and scare zone

I've been visiting Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights since I was a kid. I still remember being terrified by the scare actors hiding in the fog, waiting to jump out at unsuspecting guests. Now that I'm older, it's funny to find myself laughing as the people walking in front of me get startled instead.

Each year, the event features movie-inspired haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, themed food, and live entertainment, making it one of the world's most popular Halloween attractions.

2. Knott's Scary Farm (California, USA)

• Typical dates: Select nights from September–November

• Tickets: Approximately $65–$120+

• Best for: Horror lovers

• Famous for: Intense scare actors and haunted mazes

Knott's Scary Farm is often considered one of the scariest Halloween events in the United States. With haunted mazes, roaming monsters, and countless scare zones, it's a must-visit for horror fans.

One thing that makes Knott's Scary Farm so unforgettable is the scare actors. If they notice that you're frightened, they might decide to follow you through the park. If you're easily scared, your best strategy is to laugh and pretend you're fearless—otherwise, you might become their next target.

I've watched people run into restrooms just to escape the actors, only to have the monsters continue scratching on the doors and walls outside while they waited. I've even seen guests crying and screaming as they hoped the actors would eventually move on. It sounds terrifying, but that's exactly what makes Knott's Scary Farm such an incredible Halloween experience.

3. Escape Halloween (California, USA)

• Typical dates: Late October (usually the weekend before or closest to Halloween)

• Tickets: Approximately $150–$300+, depending on the ticket type and when you purchase

• Best for: EDM fans, costume lovers, groups of friends, and nightlife enthusiasts

• Famous for: Massive music stages, world-renowned DJs, elaborate Halloween decorations, and immersive themed experiences

Escape Halloween combines Halloween with one of California's biggest electronic dance music festivals. Thousands of people arrive in elaborate costumes to experience incredible stage productions, immersive decorations, world-famous DJs, and an unforgettable Halloween atmosphere.

Whether you're dancing to your favorite artists, admiring the creative costumes, or simply taking in the incredible stage production, there's always something exciting happening. The energy of the crowd and the Halloween-themed decorations make it one of the most memorable ways to celebrate the holiday. If you love music festivals and Halloween, Escape Halloween is an event you won't want to miss.

4. Salem Haunted Happenings (Massachusetts, USA)

• Typical dates: Throughout October

• Tickets: Many outdoor events are free; ghost tours, museums, and special attractions typically range from $15–$50+.

• Best for: History lovers, paranormal enthusiasts, families, and Halloween fans

• Famous for: The 1692 Salem Witch Trials, historic sites, ghost tours, costume parades, and month-long Halloween celebrations

No Halloween bucket list would be complete without Salem. Famous for the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, the city celebrates Halloween throughout October with ghost tours, costume contests, haunted attractions, historical tours, parades, and family-friendly activities.

Haunted Happenings is Salem, Massachusetts' annual month-long Halloween festival, held throughout October and centered across the city's historic downtown.

5. Village Halloween Parade (New York City, USA)

• Typical dates: October 31

• Tickets: Free to watch; free to join if you arrive in costume

• Best for: Costume lovers, photographers, performers, and nightlife fans

• Famous for: Creative costumes, giant puppets, live music, dancers, and one of the biggest Halloween parades in the world

One of the largest Halloween parades in the world, New York City's Village Halloween Parade welcomes thousands of costumed participants along with giant puppets, musicians, dancers, and elaborate performances that create an unforgettable atmosphere. Anyone with a costume can join the parade.

6. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Florida, USA)

• Typical dates: Select nights from August–October

• Tickets: Approximately $120–$200+, depending on the date

• Best for: Families, Disney fans, kids, and anyone who wants a less scary Halloween event

• Famous for: Trick-or-treating in Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, Disney characters in costumes, fireworks, and family-friendly Halloween fun

Perfect for families, Disney transforms the Magic Kingdom into a Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treat stations, themed fireworks, Halloween parades, special entertainment, and Disney characters dressed in festive costumes.

7. Derry Halloween Festival (Northern Ireland)

• Typical dates: Late October, leading up to October 31

• Tickets: Many outdoor events are free; some special events may require tickets

• Best for: Festival lovers, families, photographers, and travelers who want a big European Halloween celebration

• Famous for: Parades, fireworks, street performers, costumes, live music, and one of Europe’s largest Halloween festivals

Often considered one of Europe's largest Halloween festivals, Derry comes alive with spectacular parades, fireworks, live performances, street entertainment, and impressive costumes that attract visitors from around the world.

8. Bran Castle Halloween Party (Romania)

• Typical dates: Late October, including Halloween weekend

• Tickets: Approximately $25–$80+, depending on the event or tour

• Best for: Dracula fans, history lovers, and travelers seeking a unique Halloween experience

• Famous for: Bran Castle, Dracula legends, costume parties, nighttime castle tours, and Gothic atmosphere

Celebrate Halloween in Transylvania at Bran Castle, famously associated with the Dracula legend. Visitors can enjoy themed tours, costume parties, and a truly unforgettable Halloween experience in one of Europe's most iconic castles.

9. Kawasaki Halloween Festival (Japan)

• Typical dates: Late October (event schedules vary by year)

• Tickets: Many events are free to watch; some special activities may require tickets

• Best for: Cosplay enthusiasts, photographers, anime fans, and families

• Famous for: Elaborate costumes, cosplay parades, creative street performances, and one of Japan's most iconic Halloween celebrations

Japan celebrates Halloween in style, and the Kawasaki Halloween Festival is famous for its incredible cosplay, elaborate costumes, and energetic parade. It's one of the country's biggest Halloween celebrations.

10. Disneyland Paris Halloween Festival (France)

• Typical dates: October through early November

• Tickets: Regular park admission required; prices vary by date

• Best for: Families, Disney fans, couples, and travelers who want a festive but not-too-scary Halloween experience

• Famous for: Disney Villains, Halloween decorations, seasonal shows, themed food, pumpkins, and character meet-and-greets

Every autumn, Disneyland Paris transforms into a Halloween wonderland decorated with pumpkins, Disney Villains, themed entertainment, seasonal food, and exclusive Halloween shows that are perfect for visitors of all ages.

11. Day of the Dead Celebrations (Mexico)

• Typical dates: November 1–2

• Tickets: Many public celebrations are free; tours, special events, and experiences may require tickets

• Best for: Culture lovers, photographers, families, and travelers interested in meaningful traditions

• Famous for: Colorful altars, marigolds, sugar skulls, parades, traditional food, music, and honoring loved ones who have passed away

Although Día de los Muertos is a separate holiday from Halloween, it's one of the world's most beautiful cultural celebrations. Visitors can experience colorful parades, marigold-covered streets, music, traditional food, and stunning altars created to honor loved ones who have passed away.

12. Edinburgh Halloween Events (Scotland)

• Typical dates: Late October through Halloween night

• Tickets: Ghost tours and special events usually require tickets; prices vary by tour or attraction

• Best for: History lovers, ghost tour fans, couples, and travelers who enjoy dark, atmospheric cities

• Famous for: Haunted underground vaults, ghost tours, ancient cemeteries, medieval streets, and spooky Scottish legends

With its centuries-old history and reputation as one of Europe's most haunted cities, Edinburgh is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween. Explore haunted underground vaults, ghost tours, ancient cemeteries, and eerie historic streets.

13. Tivoli Gardens Halloween (Denmark)

• Typical dates: Mid-October through early November

• Tickets: Regular park admission required; prices vary by date and ticket type

• Best for: Families, couples, photographers, and travelers who want a cozy autumn Halloween experience

• Famous for: Thousands of pumpkins, autumn decorations, themed rides, seasonal food, lights, and family-friendly Halloween fun

Each autumn, Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens is transformed with thousands of pumpkins, beautiful autumn decorations, themed rides, Halloween performances, and family-friendly activities that create a magical atmosphere.

14. Halloween at Tokyo Disney Resort (Japan)

• Typical dates: Mid-September through October 31

• Tickets: Approximately $45–$90, depending on the park, date, and ticket type

• Best for: Disney fans, families, couples, and photographers

• Famous for: Exclusive Halloween parades, Disney character costumes, seasonal decorations, limited-edition food, and Halloween-themed merchandise

Tokyo Disney Resort celebrates Halloween with exclusive parades, seasonal decorations, limited-edition food and merchandise, and guests dressed in incredibly creative Disney-inspired costumes.

Ticket are approximately $45-$90.

15. Halloween in New Orleans (Louisiana, USA)

• Typical dates: Throughout October, especially Halloween weekend

• Tickets: Many street celebrations are free; ghost tours, haunted attractions, and parties may require tickets

• Best for: Adults, nightlife lovers, ghost tour fans, and travelers who enjoy haunted history

• Famous for: Haunted tours, voodoo history, costume parties, French Quarter nightlife, cemeteries, and spooky Southern charm

Known for its haunted history, voodoo traditions, ghost stories, and historic cemeteries, New Orleans is one of the most unique places to celebrate Halloween. Throughout October, visitors can enjoy ghost tours, costume parties, haunted attractions, and lively celebrations throughout the French Quarter.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer haunted houses, costume parties, music festivals, or family-friendly celebrations, there's a Halloween event for every type of traveler. From getting chased by scare actors at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights to walking the historic streets of Salem or celebrating beneath the lights of Tokyo Disney Resort, these destinations deserve a spot on every Halloween travel bucket list.

If Halloween is your favorite holiday like it is mine, start planning early. Many of these events sell out months in advance, especially the most popular haunted attractions and theme park celebrations. With a little planning, you can experience some of the world's most unforgettable Halloween events.

Which Halloween event is at the top of your bucket list? Whether you want to survive the terrifying mazes at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, experience the legendary celebrations in Salem, or celebrate Halloween at Tokyo Disney Resort, there's an unforgettable adventure waiting for you. Start planning early, grab your costume, and get ready for one of the most exciting nights of the year.