The Five Best Places to Experience Halloween in the U.S.
The Celtic Origins of Halloween
The roots of Halloween lie in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated by the Celts of Britain and Ireland over 2,000 years ago. This festival marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a liminal space when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to be thin.
When large numbers of Irish immigrants came to the United States in the mid-1800s, they brought their customs with them. Over time, these traditions — combined with American influences — led to the Halloween we recognize today.
1. New Orleans: A Cultural Mélange and Unique Traditions
There are few places that combine history, tradition, culture and food like New Orleans — it’s also a city that comes easily to mind when thinking about Halloween. Famous for its vibrant celebrations, blending French, Spanish, African and Creole traditions, New Orleans may be best known for its lively Mardi Gras festivities. However, because of the city’s deep connection with Voodoo, All Saints’ Day and spiritual customs, it also plays a significant role in Halloween. Voodoo, a religious practice that’s often misunderstood, emphasizes honoring ancestors, which parallels many Halloween themes and observances as a time of remembrance.
The city’s famous cemeteries, like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, are known for their above-ground tombs and historical significance, offering insight into the city’s complex relationship with death and remembrance.
2. Charleston: Southern History and Tradition
Another city combining history, culture and cuisine is Charleston, South Carolina. Its Colonial history, African American Gullah culture and memorable architecture make it one of the country’s most historically rich cities. Though Charleston has its fair share of ghost stories, the true depth of its cultural significance is in its preservation of history.
Charleston’s cemeteries and centuries-old homes are reminders of the past (and clear fodder for Halloween celebrations). Southern storytelling, too, has long been a powerful way to preserve and pass down history and culture. From early settlers to enslaved people, stories and oral traditions have conveyed lessons, folklore and beliefs about life, death, harvest and remembrance. This tradition continues today, keeping the South’s rich and complex history alive and connecting generations.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans, LA
3. Halloween in Washington, D.C.
While Halloween wasn’t a major celebration in the U.S. capital until the 20th century, it was First Lady Mamie Eisenhower who introduced Halloween decorations to the White House in 1958. Her display included pumpkins, skeletons and dried corn, which brought Halloween into the national spotlight and made it a more mainstream holiday in American culture.
Today, Washington, D.C., embraces Halloween with a vibrant mix of events and traditions. The White House continues to celebrate the holiday with annual decorations and events for local children, fostering a sense of community and festivity. Across the city, neighborhoods host parades, haunted houses and pumpkin-carving contests, reflecting the diverse culture of D.C. and its evolution of Halloween celebrations over the decades.
4. Salem, Massachusetts
The Northeast has its own spooky reputation, too, of course. Salem, Massachusetts. Known worldwide for its infamous witch trials of 1692, Salem has transformed its dark history into a vibrant celebration of Halloween. Each year, the city hosts month-long festivities that attract visitors from all over. From haunted tours through the historic streets to witch-themed events, Salem embraces its past while offering a unique cultural experience.
The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, MA
5. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and opulent historic mansions. Each October, these grand estates, once summer homes for America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age, serve as perfect backdrops for ghost tours, where visitors can explore the city’s rich history intertwined with tales of the supernatural.
Halloween’s cultural significance spans centuries and continents. Whether you’re fascinated by its ancient roots or curious about the cultural traditions of cities across the globe, the stories behind Halloween offer a gateway to understanding history, culture and nature.
Want to dive deeper into Halloween’s mysteries and traditions? Check out our list of books inspired by the holiday and other great learning resources.
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