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This year, those of us who have weekends off are lucky. Halloween in 2026 falls on a Saturday, which practically begs you to plan a delightfully spooky long weekend.
And the luck continues because there are so many places around the US where Halloween isn’t limited to a single night of fun. Salem is an obvious choice that draws more than a million Halloween enthusiasts in October, but the New York parade is legendary, and New Orleans is practically made for Halloween.
We’ll take you through the 6 best places to spend Halloween this year, full of ghost stories, roller coasters, jack-o’-lanterns, and elaborate costumes. The added benefit? You might spend the fall exploring somewhere totally new.
Flying in For Halloween Weekend
Before we get to the top spots to spend Halloween in 2026, we need to discuss logistics. Because October 31 is a Saturday this year, you won’t be the only one making weekend flight plans.
Flights to these popular places are in demand in October, so you need to think ahead. Don’t risk arriving the day of for a can’t-miss event. Flying in at least a day earlier gives you that extra wiggle room.
Pick flights scheduled early in the day. If your early flight unexpectedly gets severely delayed or canceled, there will be way more alternatives later that same day than if you left in the evening. You might still be able to arrive in time to catch a nighttime event.
Your passenger rights are important, too. If you’re not familiar, AirAdvisor breaks down the US rules surrounding flight delays, including the difference between controllable and uncontrollable delays, refunds, and airlines that offer meals and hotels during the disruption.
Review the rules before you go so you know what to ask for if your Halloween getaway flight gets delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
1) Salem, Massachusetts
When: Haunted Happenings, October 1-31, 2026
Fly to: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Though many try, it can be hard to compete with the appeal of Salem for a Halloween trip. Forever associated with the tragic witch trials of 1692, October here goes well beyond that history.
The main event here is Haunted Happenings. Everything gets started with a huge parade, but the fun doesn’t end there. Enjoy month-long events like ghost tours, intriguing Halloween markets, live entertainment, and costume-related dance parties.
You want to be here on October 31. This year, Salem is marking its 400th anniversary with a bang. Well, a drone. The final Halloween show will use 400 drones to light up the sky, accompanied by live music.
As you can likely imagine, Salem gets busy at this time of year. Over one million people flock here in October, so book your hotel far ahead and think about staying outside downtown to avoid some of the chaos.
2) New York City, New York
When: Village Halloween Parade, October 31, 2026
Fly to: LaGuardia (LGA), JFK, or Newark (EWR)
NYC holiday celebrations aren’t exactly low-key, so why would Halloween be any different?
The 53rd Annual Village Halloween Parade is the quintessential October 31st experience. It takes over Sixth Avenue in Greenwich Village with costumed participants, giant puppets, bands, and dancers.
If you’re already in costume, you can join the parade instead of watching from the sidelines. And in a notoriously expensive city like New York, it’s a good thing that the event is totally free.
The parade draw means many of the five boroughs will be even livelier than usual. So if you’re looking for an excuse to spend the weekend in New York (because who isn’t?), this is your chance.
3) Sleepy Hollow and the Hudson Valley, New York
When: Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, September 18-November 8, 2026
Fly to: LaGuardia (LGA) or JFK
Hudson Valley’s Headless Horseman is one of America’s most enduring spooky legends. And as a result, the whole valley really leans into the spooky festivities in honor of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Over two million visitors have experienced the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze over the years. This year, you’ll find thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns lit up at night and movie-monster displays that make the perfect selfie backdrop. End your night with a stop for a Halloween-themed drink at the Headless Horseman’s Hideaway.
4) New Orleans, Louisiana
When: Krewe of Boo!, October 24, 2026
Fly to: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
New Orleans is already high on the spooky scale, with voodoo legends, atmospheric cemeteries, and ghost stories, but the Krewe of Boo! parade on the 24th at 6:30 p.m. is the epitome of Halloween. While the parade is the main event, the weekend is full of other Halloween events like the Zombie Run and the Monster Mash after-party.
Since the events take place around the 24th of October, you can get your Halloween fun in early. Then, you still have the 31st free for trick-or-treating with the kids.
The French Quarter is the obvious place to stay, but consider the Warehouse District too; the parade ends there, so it’s convenient.
5) Key West, Florida
When: Fantasy Fest, October 16–25, 2026
Fly to: Key West International Airport (EYW)
For those who go all-in on their costumes or just love to see over-the-top creations, Fantasy Fest in Key West is for you. The theme this year is Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals.
The 10-day celebration takes over Old Town, and 10 days means flight flexibility. If you want to see the Fantasy Fest Parade, then make sure you’re in town on October 24 at 7 p.m. Otherwise, there are cabaret shows, body painting, and even a Fantasy 5K Run/Walk
6) Orlando, Florida
When: Halloween Horror Nights, select nights in fall
Fly to: Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights magically transforms the theme park after dark for horror fans. Expect 10 haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and terrifying characters roaming the park.
Events take place throughout the fall, Wednesday through Sunday (plus on Monday, October 12), from August 21 to November 1. Double down on the Florida Halloween magic and combine Horror Nights with a quick flight to Key West. The tickets are best bought in advance and are separate from the general Universal admission.
Where Will You Spend Halloween 2026?
These 6 places in the US go hard for Halloween. Parades in NYC, NOLA, and Key West, Universal’s horror, literary legends, and countless costume and dance parties await.
Plan your costume before you leave, book flights and tickets early, and aim to pack as much spookiness in as you can. Make a weekend out of it while Halloween’s timing actually gives you the perfect excuse.
