The Best Small Towns to Visit This Halloween for Haunted Houses, Food Fairs, and More
Celebrate the spookiest time of year in these quaint villages across America.
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Halloween celebrations in big cities can absolutely be a blast—there's no denying that. But, in our humble opinion, the best Halloween towns in America are small towns. With historic homes, ghost stories, and tall tales passed down from generation to generation, no one sets the mood quite like 'em. There's also something incredibly special—and dare we say a little spooky—about spending the night of October 31st far away from the bright lights and crowded streets of more populous locales, and that's precisely why we've rounded up the best small towns to celebrate in right here.
When deciding where to head this Halloween, it helps to know a bit more about what kinds of fall festivals and spooky events you're in for. From quirky small-town traditions that you can only find in this or that part of the country, to the best corn mazes and even full-on Halloween festivals, we've made sure to include the scoop on each destination's particular agendas for the upcoming holiday. Looking for a haunted hotel to spend the night in? We've got those, too!
And parents, you'll want to pay special attention: Our list includes dozens of family-friendly Halloween activities. In fact, if you've got your little ones dressed up in their Halloween costumes for kids and don't want to risk scaring them in the slightest, nearly all of these places are safe bets. Halloween bake-offs, tractor shows, and other fall-inspired games and shows are just a few of the less scary options that await you. So go forth and find your perfect small town destination for this Halloween!
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Set along the Delaware River—and the New Jersey/Pennsylvania state border—this charming small town treats Halloween as a full season. Schedule a lantern-led ghost tour as early as September, and be sure to make time for the Scarecrow Walk and competition at Peddler’s Village. Nearby Sesame Place hosts a "not too spooky Halloween drive-through" for families, while Sleepy Hollow Haunted Acres is sure to scare the socks off of any older Halloween lovers with a wander through an abandoned—and bewitched—old village.
La Canada Flintride, California
Visit Descanso Gardens for CARVED, a must-see event for any Halloween fan. Hundreds of perfectly-carved pumpkins line the Camellia Forest each fall, in addition to extra activities like hayrides, visiting a pumpkin house, and even a fun blacklight exhibit.
Dearborn, Michigan
Over 1,000 jack-o'-lanterns light up the night at Dearborn's annual "Hallowe'en at Greenfield Village" event. But that's not all you'll find here: A costumed Headless Horseman, along with apple cider and doughnuts, add to the fun and bring joy to visitors of all ages.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
There are oh-so-many ways to celebrate Halloween in the hometown of Washington Irving's Headless Horseman legend. Visit the 300-year-old Van Cortlandt Manor, which gets an epic makeover for the Great Jack-'O-Lantern Blaze every year, tour the historic Lyndhurst Castle, or take a walk around the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Washington Irving rests.
St. Helens, Oregon
You may recognize this town from the iconic Disney movie Halloweentown, because many of the scenes were filmed here. In addition to St. Helens' annual giant pumpkin lighting, visitors can get in on the fun by attending all of the various Spirit of Halloweentown Festival events.
Anoka, Minnesota
Known as the "Halloween capital of the world," this lively community has made it its mission to provide everyone with fun ways to celebrate the holiday since the 1920s. Special events were originally planned to prevent teens from stirring up trouble in the neighborhood, but nowadays, troves of volunteers organize scarecrow contests, scavenger hunts, runs, bonfires, and parades galore.
Half Moon Bay, California
Known as the "Pumpkin Capital of the World," Half Moon Bay hosts an annual Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off every October. Fun fact: A farmer from Anoka, Minnesota (yep, another town on our list!) won with this 2,350-pound fruit in 2020. Come for the giant (and we mean GIANT) pumpkins and stay for the pumpkin beer, cozy inns, and stunning coastal location.
Telluride, Colorado
Every year locals have a wicked good time in this sleepy Colorado mountain town at the Telluride Horror Show film festival, KOTO Halloween bash, and town parade. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, the location alone is enough to get you to book a plane ticket here.
Croton-on-Hudson, New York
The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze is known amongst locals as the biggest Halloween festival in the area—and one look at photos from the event will tell you why. The Blaze includes over 7,000 hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns, plus a synchronized soundtrack. We can't think of a better reason to head to the Hudson Valley this season!
Salem, Massachusetts
Back in 1692, the infamous Salem witch trials were held in this tiny New England town. Hundreds of years later, the area's witchy ties still draw herds of visitors—especially around Halloween. The community hosts hundreds of events every October, including festivals, balls, and tours—you can get more information at HauntedHappenings.org.
Keene, New Hampshire
This New England town is a beloved Halloween hotspot. Get ready for plenty of fun at this small town's annual Keene Pumpkin Festival. Although postponed for 2022, the event promises to make its return in 2023, so start planning your trip early!
Romeo, Michigan
While some cities create over-the-top Christmas displays every year, this Midwestern town gets gussied up for its annual Terror on Tillson Street Halloween event. During the month of October, local homeowners create spooky and detailed displays on their front lawns. Why pay for a haunted house when you can simply walk around this neighborhood and get the same experience for free?
Eureka, Missouri
Walk through the town of Eureka come October, and you'll be in for a real treat. The town's annual Scarecrow Festival is not one to miss. You'll see scarecrows of you favorite characters (like these Minions!), people, animals, and more while strolling through the streets.
Stowe, Vermont
While Vermont is known for its gorgeous fall foliage and covered bridges, it's also a good place to go for a spook. Emily's Bridge is said to be the site of a woman's death in the 1800s. It's rumored she spitefully haunts the area, clawing at cars and scratching visitors. People have also reported hearing footsteps from under the tunnel!
Asheville, North Carolina
There's a limitless amount of haunted adventures you could have in Asheville. Embark one of the famous Haunted Asheville Ghost Tours, and learn about all the spirits that lurk at the Omni Grove Park Inn, Helen's Bridge, and more. The Biltmore Village Mystery Tour is another must!
Pine Barrens, New Jersey
This southern New Jersey area spans over 1 million acres. It was left completely abandoned back in the Colonial era, when people discovered coal in Pennsylvania. There's plenty of reported supernatural activity throughout the ghost towns here, including rumors of "The Jersey Devil."
Harrisville, Rhode Island
The Conjuring is the ultimate scary Halloween movie. Instead of watching it this year, why not experience it? This terrifying home served as the real-life inspiration for the film—and the current owners say it's still very much haunted. Whether you book a regular tour or an overnight investigation, expect plenty of paranormal activity!
Estes Park, Colorado
This mountainside village is home to the historic Stanley Hotel, which was the inspiration behind Stephen King's chilling novel The Shining. Visitors can get into the Halloween spirit by attending the Shining Ball or a murder mystery dinner hosted at the hotel. Also fun: On Halloween night, everyone in the community skips door-to-door visits and heads to Main Street for trick-or-treating.
Independence, Kansas
Head to this southeast Kansas small town for their Neewollah (Halloween spelled backward) festival. It's a 9-day-long celebration, which includes dozens of activities, like parades, food festivals, carnivals, and more. In years past, roughly 75,000 visitors came, making it the largest annual event in the state!
Fall River, Massachusetts
All horror fans know the creepy story of Lizzie Borden—but did you know you can stay in the house (pictured) where the infamous axe murders happened? It's been converted into a bed and breakfast, but the interior has been left pretty much exactly the way it was in the 1800s.
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