Although in most European countries Halloween is a festivity mainly for children, in the US the haunted season is taken very seriously. Several American cities start organizing spooky events and decorating buildings as early as September, and supermarkets get filled with any kind of Halloween-themed treats and desserts. If you are looking for some fun ways to celebrate Halloween in the US, grab your costume and check out these little towns!
1. Anoka, Minnesota
Located only 32 km (20 miles) north of Minneapolis, this little town has been known as the Halloween’s Capital of the World since its proclamation in 1937! The city is believed to be the first place in the United States to put on a Halloween celebration to divert kids from participating in troublesome Halloween pranks in the neighborhood. The first Halloween committee was created back in 1920, aiming to plan the big event together with Anoka’s businessmen, teachers, parents, and students. The result was the organization of a huge parade down Anoka’s Main Street with bands, drum corps, treats, Halloween costumes, and a bonfire. Since then, the celebrations have been held every year with the exception of 1942 and 1943 due to World War II. Today, the event has turned into a month full of family fun. Celebrations continue to be world class and include a variety of activities and events, such as pumpkin competitions, house decorating contests, balls, parties, bonfires, Halloween movie screening, and costume parades.
2. St. Helens, Oregon
If you are a movie lover, you’ll probably recognize this town. In 1998, St. Helens was transformed into a Halloween town to shoot the Disney movie “Halloweentown.” Twilight’s fans will also be able to spot Bella’s house at 184 S. 6th St. in St. Helens. And the most interesting thing is that you can book it through Airbnb and stay overnight there! A couple of years ago, the new owners renovated the Twilight Swan House and restored it to the actual movie setting: The perfect place for a unique 31st October. The city also organizes a festival named “Spirit of Halloweentown.” The main attraction of the festival is the annual pumpkin lighting, during which a huge pumpkin is lit up on the first Saturday of October and it stays lit for the entire month in the courthouse plaza.
3. Salem, Massachusetts
This city has a reputation for being full of supernatural events. Back in 1692, Salem was the setting of the infamous witch trials, during which 19 men and women convicted for witchcraft were hanged in Gallows Hill, a barren slope near Salem Village. Hundreds of years later, its witchy ties still attract to Salem herds of Halloween enthusiasts willing to participate in the spooky events that are organized there. A calendar with Halloween events is available at Haunted Happenings. Some events include scary guided tours through the darkened streets of Salem, horror parties, Vampires’ nights, and a themed trail with over 1,000 jack-o’-lanterns, mums and pumpkins, light displays, music, and more. You’ll also find plenty of haunted houses, costume parties, and parades to keep you busy during the Halloween season.
4. Sleepy Hollow, New York
Located 48 km (30 miles) north of New York City, Sleepy Hollow was featured in the short ghost story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by US writer Washington Irving. The book served as inspiration for the 1999 supernatural horror movie directed by Tim Burton. Still today, there are reports of the Headless Horseman, the city’s unofficial mascot, at cemeteries throughout the area. The city boasts one of the oldest cemeteries in the US, namely The Old Dutch Burying Ground. Additionally, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery houses Irving’s grave. The cemetery hosts daytime and evening lantern tours to get to know the history of this famous cemetery. During the Halloween’s season, the 300-year-old Philipsburg Manor is transformed into a spooky haunted trail with costumed actors from the 1700s. There are also dramatic performances of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, haunted hayrides, farmers markets, live music, and Halloween parades.
5. Laconia, New Hampshire
Although this year most Halloween’s celebrations won’t happen due to the pandemic, this little town deserves to be included here. Laconia is a New England town that each October attracts thousands of visitors thanks to its famous NH Pumpkin Festival. It is a two-day community-hosted street festival that celebrates fall, but also the uniqueness of New Hampshire’s artistry and creativity.
The festival features over 60 food & craft vendors, a beer garden, and various fun activities like Zombie Walk, Bungee Jump, and 10K/5K Run. But the main attraction of the festival is the tower of Jack-o-Lanterns made with 10,000 to 20,000 carved pumpkins. The event attracts about 40,000 attendees of all ages every year.
