By Jennifer Brunton
Halloween, in all its ghoulish glory, is getting closer.
Here are some tried-and-true classic Halloween festivities that will entice young and old, along with a few wonderfully innovative holiday events.
If you love Halloween, consider taking in the revelries in a place that truly goes all out for the holiday.
GettySee The Halloween Capital Of The World In Anoka, Minnesota
Anoka has been holding hair-raising October jamborees full of holiday fun since 1920. Catch the town’s famous Light Up the Night Parade, where Halloween-themed floats shine dramatically in the autumn darkness.
Chances to suit up in your holiday finest—a special parade just for elementary school students, a preschool costume contest—abound. Other offerings include pumpkin smashing, a pancake breakfast, a bonfire and the Gray Ghost 5K.
Anoka’s Halloween events, which start in late September and continue throughout October, give you and yours a chance to do good while getting good and scared: This eerie, yet family-oriented festival raises money for schools and scholarships.
Join Real And Pretend Witches In Salem, Massachusetts
The city that hosted some of the most infamous witch trials ever is a tourist destination year-round. For the Halloween season, Salem naturally goes all out.
In addition to its year-round historical tours, kitschy souvenirs and witchy activities, such as seances, Salem hosts a month’s worth of fantastic events each October. Activities range from ghost stories suitable for kids aged 7 and up to Halloween karaoke. There’s a daily Psychic Fair & Witches’ Market, for all your seasonal shopping needs. There’s even a costumed Witches’ Ball.
All that, plus the naturally enchanting atmosphere of a classic New England town during autumn.
Honor The Dead In Los Angeles
The Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a historically Mexican holiday that’s now celebrated widely around Halloween time. L.A.’s huge Mexican population means its festivities are some of the best in the U.S.
The seasonal festivities on Olvera Street (from October 25 to November 2) will amaze the still-living of all ages. Processions of Aztec dancers and “Living Muertos” (people dressed in traditional skeleton costumes) will bring a thrilling spark to this historic district.
Throughout the neighborhood, you can marvel at the elaborately decorated community altars to the dearly departed. The altars are focal points of a holiday meant to celebrate our deceased forebears.
After the parade, give yourself an energy boost by nibbling on some traditional treats, such as pan dulce (a sweet yeast bread) and decorative yet tasty skulls made out of sugar. Wash it all down with champurrado, a nourishing chocolate drink.
Get Spooked In New Orleans
Some call New Orleans America’s most haunted city. It’s also home to several religious traditions that emphasize the supernatural.
So it’s no surprise that the Crescent City knows how to do Halloween right.
Keep your party on the kid-friendly side of the macabre with just-spooky-enough holiday activities. These include ghost tours and sojourns in an array of atmospheric cemeteries and haunted houses.
The city’s Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, which spans several days and features big-name popular music acts, is also worth checking out.
Time your visit right, and you’ll be able to catch the Krewe of Boo, NOLA’s official Halloween parade, on October 19. It features spectacularly peculiar props and lavish costumes to rival Mardi Gras—but with a sinister spin.
Explore If You Dare In Altamonte Springs, Florida
In A Petrified Forest, jump-inducing scares and foreboding sights and sounds are on offer, starting October 4 and lasting until November 2.
Designed for older children and adults, this is not your basic haunted house. A large, mostly outdoor area has been turned into a horrifying Halloween jubilee—and the emphasis is on making the scares as real as possible.
The entire place is jam-packed with repulsive attractions, including bloodcurdling special effects, disturbing vignettes and spectral characters lurking in the trees. The paranormal goings-on along the extensive forest trails are sure to exceed your wildest fears. In a good way, of course.
Barring extreme thunderstorms, the Petrified Forest stays open. In fact, gloomy rain often just adds to the fun.
Be Part Of The Country’s Most Outrageous Parade In New York City
Every Halloween night brings even more free spirits than usual to Lower Manhattan. About 50,000 people gather to march up Sixth Avenue while flaunting their fabulousness. From gory goblins to undead drag queens, absolutely anyone in a costume is welcome to participate in this flamboyant extravaganza.
You’ll find costumes ranging from the super-scary to completely ridiculous among the parade’s thousands of participants. Dozens of musical acts also join in the ominous merriment.
Many local merchants and restaurants pitch in with special Halloween decorations and deals. Plus, you won’t have to look far for other Halloween happenings in the bustling Big Apple.
If you love Halloween, consider taking in the revelries in a place that truly goes all out for the holiday. With these especially spine-chilling spots, everybody—little ghouls and witches, beastly teens and ghastly grownups—will have a fright they’ll never forget.
A former academic turned freelance writer and editor, Jennifer Brunton lives and works in Vermont.
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