The Best Halloween Celebrations Around the World: Global Ghosts & Ghoul-tastic Fun!
Calling all Halloween fans!
It is time to turn the porch light off and head on a magical Halloween getaway!
Treat yourself to all the spooky celebrations in one of the world’s best destinations for Halloween celebrations or marvel at the stunning Catrinas and Catrins at one of the world’s most vibrant Día de Muertos celebrations.
Whether you are staying domestic or heading abroad to partake in all the spooky fun, there is a perfect celebration for you!
Derry, Northern Ireland
The Home of Halloween, Derry is cited as the birthplace of what has evolved in to modern day Halloween over 2,000 years ago.
While Northern Ireland may not be the first place people associate with "Halloween”, Derry has the largest Halloween celebration in Europe, and one of the biggest in the world.
With origins from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, the four day “Derry Halloween” festival transforms this ancient Northern Ireland into a Halloween Wonderland! With a kickoff party, carnival parade, custom contests, fireworks and so much more, the Derry Halloween festival is the ultimate bucket list event for any spooky season lover!
Mexico City, Mexico
In contrast to Northern Ireland, Mexico is often one of the first countries people associate with Halloween, or more specifically Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead).
While often associated with, and sometimes called, Halloween,
Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a multi-day Mexican holiday celebrated from October 31 to November 2 to remember and honor deceased loved ones. The celebration includes building altars with favorite foods and photos, visiting graves, and enjoying festive traditions like music and dancing, with the belief that the souls of the dead return to visit their families. This holiday blends Indigenous Mexican and Spanish traditions
and is distinct from Halloween.
Traditional Day of the Dead celebrations and ceremonies are general small and intimate tributes to deceased family members at home, but Mexico City goes BIG for with its citywide celebration.
The biggest draw to Día de Muertos in Mexico City is the massive parades. During these colorful and vibrant street parties, you will see people dress as the iconic Catrinas and Catrins.
The main event of Mexico City’s Day of the Dead Celebration is the big parade, which takes place on Nov 2nd and runs from Paseo de la Reforma from the Estela de Luz to the Zócalo. In addition to the parade, you can take a Day of the Day themed guided tour, take part in local events like face painting, educational events, and parties spanning from the 31st of October to 2nd of November in Mexico City.
Oaxaca, Mexico
While Mexico City’s Día de Muertos celebrations are more modern and tourism forward, Oaxaca has long held the reputation of the best place to celebrate the holiday.
With it’s celebrations rooted in history and tradition, Oaxaca offers the most authentic Day of the Dead experience in the world.
This historic Mexican city comes alive with colorful decorations, ornate alters, stunning Catrina and Catrin statues, and celebrants adorned in traditional outfits and intricate face paint.
Renowned for it’s food, architecture, and history, Oaxaca City is a must-visit at any time of year, but it truly transforms in to a magical experience every Fall during the days leading up to 2 November.
Transylvania, Romania
If at some point in your life you dressed as Dracula for Halloween, raise your hand! 🙋♀️
This famed Romanian count is synonymous with Halloween, as his castle… or, well the castle most associated with him.
While the actual connection between Count Dracula, the character inspired by the truly spooky Vlad the Impaler, and Bran’s Castle (“Dracula’s Castle”) is more rooted in image and marketing than historical accuracy, it is still a really cool and unique experience.
GWA Travel Collective’s very own resident blogger visited Bran’s Castle on Halloween in 2021 and can attest it is the perfect destination for any Halloween lover. Set in the stunning mountains of Bran, Bran’s Castle was built in 1370 and has both a beautiful and eerie feel to it on any day but truly comes alive with the Halloween Spirit in October.
Sighișoara
For a more unique experience, get a little off the beaten path and head to Sighișoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (aka: Dracula). This story book city in central Romania is full of history, charm, beautiful architecture, and all things Dracula.
You can visit the Casa Vlad Dracu, said to be where Dracula was born, now featuring a restuarant and small exhibition. If you are daring, you can brave a stay at Domeniul Dracula Danes hotel.
Visited by GWA Travel Collective’s blogger, in August 2025, this small Transylvania city truly feels like stepping in to a story book. With its old-world feel, and the nods to Dracula, it is a unique and truly noteworthy destination.
Salem, Massachusetts, USA
Made famous by its witch trial history, Salem is the quintessential Halloween destination in the US.
Every October, Salem hosts "Haunted Happenings," one of the US's most popular seasonal events, blending history with modern Halloween festivities.
Salem Halloween isn’t just about parades, ghosts and ghouls, it is also rooted in history. Haunted Happenings offers fun for the whole family with its festive events but is also rich in history and education making it the perfect well-rounded experience for any visitor.
Being the most popular Halloween destination in the US, drawing crowds from all over the country and abroad, booking your perfect trip to Salem requires planning well in advance. Reach out to our knowledgeable and capable team today to start planning your spooky escape!
New York, New York USA
Hosting one of the US’s biggest Halloween parades, NYC’s East Village transforms in to a massive, creative street party with elaborate costumes and floats.
In contrast to the beauty and poise of Mexico City’s beautiful Catrinas and Catrins, New York City’s Halloween parade is a magical eclectic monster mash of costumes, performers, floats, and song and dance.
The even draws massive crowds and offers a fun and festive party vibe, while being safe and entertaining for the whole family.
The party continues into the early morning at the nearby bars and pubs which host elaborate Halloween parties, costume contests, and themed events, making it the ultimate Halloween party destination.
Family-friendly Halloween destinations
Disney Halloween
Every year from mid-August through November, Disney World hosts Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween, an epic Halloween party for kids of all ages.
This separately ticketed event that not only gives access to all the (slightly) spooky and festive fun, but also access to a more intimate park experience.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween, which is hosted by Walt Disney World Florida and Disneyland Paris, features characters in costume, trick or treating throughout the park, specialty light shows, a Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade.
This special Halloween event runs from 7pm to midnight, but your ticket gives you access to the park from 4pm until midnight.
This is a truly magical event for any Disney or Halloween lover, but is especially spectacular for those that love both!
🌟This event sells out every year, well before the opening dates, so be sure to plan in advance. Our Disney Experts are here to help you plan every detail!
Whether you love Halloween for its historical significance, elaborate costumes and merriment, or are in to the spooky spirit of the holiday, there is no better way to celebrate than in one of these fun and festive Fall destinations!
Even though these Halloween and Day of the Dead events hosts thousands of people annually, they book fast! Don’t miss out on all the ghoulish fun by waiting to book, contact us today and start planning your dream fright fest escape!
