The UK loves all things spooky! 20%* of Brits now say Halloween has overtaken Christmas as their favourite holiday – and 30%** think it should be made a bank holiday.
But forget staying home to carve your pumpkin – Halloween is HUGE around the world! From the haunted streets in New Orleans to vampire castles in Transylvania, here are the ultimate destinations to celebrate Halloween in style.
Mexico: Day of the Dead
Halloween in Mexico isn’t just about scares — it’s about celebrating life after death. The legendary Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) takes over towns and cities with colourful altars, sugar skulls, marigolds, music and parades. Families gather in candlelit cemeteries to honour loved ones, but the atmosphere is electric, joyful, and totally unforgettable. A true bucket-list Halloween experience.
Solo travel brand WeRoad offers two trips to Mexico, both including Day of the Dead celebrations: Mexico 360: day of the Dead & Ancient Wonders and Mexico: Mexico: Día de los Muertos and the Islands of the Yucatán
USA: New York & New Orleans
When it comes to Halloween, America doesn’t mess about. New York goes all out — the Village Halloween Parade is pure chaos in the best way, with thousands in costume dancing through the streets. Broadway even gets in on the action with extra-spooky shows.
Or head to New Orleans, a city steeped in voodoo as part of its historic and cultural identity. Fans of The Vampire Chronicles can take in the areas that inspired author Anne Rice, and there are plenty of ghost tours and haunted Cemetaries to explore. The French Quarter comes alive with costumed revellers, live music, and dark & elaborate Halloween-themed floats.
Travelbag offers holidays to New York & New Orleans
Ireland: The Home of Halloween
Halloween was BORN in Ireland — literally. The Celtic festival of Samhain started here thousands of years ago, when people lit bonfires to scare off spirits. Today, the celebrations are bigger than ever, especially in Derry, where Europe’s largest Halloween festival draws around 100,000 visitors, and features features fire-eaters, steampunk performers, fireworks and streets teeming with folklore and festivities.
Loganair, easyJet, and Ryanair fly to Derry. The Halloween Festival runs from 28-31 August
Philippines: All Saints’ Day
In the Philippines, Undas (All Saints’ Day, November 1st) is a huge deal, with families camping overnight in cemeteries surrounded by candles and offerings. This event is not as colourful or popular with tourists as Mexico’s Día de los Muertos. But don’t be fooled — modern Halloween has crept in too. In Manila and beyond, kids trick-or-treat, malls throw spooky parties, and costume contests are everywhere.
Trailfinders offer Holidays to the Philippines
Romania: Dracula’s Lair
For sheer spine-tingling vibes, nothing beats Transylvania. Gothic castles rise out of misty mountains, and creepy forests seem made for ghost stories. Visiting Bran Castle — aka Dracula’s castle — is a bucket-list scare.
WeRoad’s Transylvania Express offers a 4 night/5 day trip from just £379.
*Consultancy.uk
**Talking Retail – Asda Halloween research