The Spookiest Spectacles Across The Globe
Halloween brings out the most haunting festivals and attractions in the best way. Every October many places host scary haunted houses and events that lure costumed visitors hoping for an adrenaline spike. Calling all creatures of the night–– we've got a list of attractions that make even the bravest souls scream in fear.
1. Sacramento Scream Park, Sacramento, USA
With four haunted houses of various themes, it’s not a quick night of fright, it’s hours of terror. Sacramento’s Scream Park claims to be the scariest venue in California. They put on an elaborate event every October with terrifying details and deadly characters that leap from the shadows and make you scream.
2. Cincinnati Fear Fest, Williamsburg, USA
Only the bravest souls should enter Cincinnati’s Fear Fest. With several creepy attractions like haunted houses, trails, and a theater showing horror films, you’ll jump in fright all night. Indulge in the many festive dining options or heal your throat from all the screaming with a beer at one of their bars.
3. Cougar Creek’s House Of Horrors, Surrey, Canada
This haunted house is a premier attraction designed to frighten adults and is not recommended for children. Immerse yourself in spine-chilling attractions and watch shows that’ll give you goosebumps. Experience the fear in their dark corridors with horrifying actors ready to jump at you from every corner.
4. Dia De Muertos, Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico is where you want to spend The Day of the Dead. This two-day celebration is an Aztec tradition that dates back to the early 1500s. Families honor the dead with customs, rituals, and parades; adorned altars are made with photographs and decorations.
5. Dracula’s Castle Halloween Party, Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania is home to Count Dracula and his castle throws an extravagant party every year. The fortress dates back to 1377 meaning it has lived through many dark tales. The Bran Castle party thrown on All Hallow’s Eve is a legendary celebration with world-class DJs and an epic costume contest.
6. Hush Haunted Attractions, Westland, USA
This eerie freak fest is the scariest location in Michigan this time of year. With multiple horror attractions including elaborate haunted houses, it’s a good place to get your adrenaline pumping. Check out their calendar of events for more spooky activities.
7. Haunted Happenings, Salem, USA
Salem is home to the deadliest witch trials in history and a town you must visit near Halloween. In honor of its dark past, Salem has been throwing a month-long celebration for over 40 years. With many spooky events including a huge parade, street fair, ghost tours, and more, there’s no shortage of witchy activities to get involved in.
8. Haunted Halloween In Panama, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam throws a massive party at the reputable club in the city’s core. The atmosphere is alive with spine-tingling music and vibrant costumes as spooky clubbers party all night long. Haunted Halloween is a spectacle of night creatures and a community of like-minded Halloween enthusiasts.
9. The Village Halloween Parade, NYC, USA
New York City hosts a giant Halloween parade full of extravagant floats and horrifyingly fabulous costumes. Kids of all ages attend this village spectacle, watching with excitement and a fun-filled fear. Held on Halloween night every year in Greenwich Village, it’s a must-see before a night of trick-or-treating.
10. Hungry Ghost Festival, Hong Kong, China
Similar to Mexico and other cultures, Hong Kong hosts a festival to honor dead ancestors and prevent evil spirits and negativity from affecting their lives. At the Hungry Ghost Festival, attendees bring gifts to give to the spirits of the dead as they dress up in costumes and indulge in festive food and drinks.
11. Halloween Festival, Derry, Northern Ireland
The Halloween Festival in Derry is like no other. Arguably the best and scariest attraction in all of Ireland and the UK, Derry sure knows how to throw a haunted and historical event. Spend 4 nights at Europe’s largest Halloween festival full of freaky folklore, vibrant street celebrations, and many spooky spectacles.
12. Halloween In Brussels, Belgium
The entire city of Brussels explodes in horrifying glory this time of year. The public swimming pool transforms into a “blood bath” with red-colored water and the streets become venues for Halloween decorations and elaborate costumes. The city hosts many scary events like ghost tours, parties, and parades.
13. Pumpkinferno, Ottawa, Canada
Canada’s capital is also the capital of jack-o-lanterns in October. Each night, this one-of-a-kind festival lights up in the magic of 9000 carved pumpkins as they line the streets of the Upper Canada Village. It’s a multi-award-winning event that showcases artistic displays that range from whimsical to dark and creepy.
14. Folklore Haunted House, Atlanta, USA
Folklore Haunted House is another terrifyingly brilliant attraction hosting two haunted houses and other spooky activities. Expect to get frightened all night from all the horrifying creatures that lurk around every corner. The haunted houses are thoroughly detailed and prepped to scare the bravest adults.
15. Endless Night Vampire Ball, New Orleans, USA
New Orleans’ exuberant ball has a mixed vibe of masquerade elegance, edgy rock n’ roll, and burlesque with an evil twist. Expect a night-long party with live performances, dancing, and best costume contests. The bar serves up vampire-themed cocktails and festive snacks to keep your spirit alive.
16. Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard, Edinburgh, Scotland
Halloween is an integral part of Scottish culture and the country is not short of dark folklore and haunted destinations. The underground vaults and graveyard tour in Edinburgh is one of those mysterious attractions you can visit any time of year but it’s best near Halloween. Learn about it’s dark past and ghost stories that shape the city.
17. Luna Festival, Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Gothic influence and medieval architecture set the backdrop for a dark and mysterious venue. The Luna Festival will host a musical extravaganza with dancing all night long under the moonlight. Expect fire shows, famous DJs, and delightfully creepy performances over a two-day event.
18. Halloween Jazz Ball, London, England
Dance the night away at London’s Halloween Jazz Ball featuring haunting live performances from talented musicians. The ball takes you back to an eerie 1920s speakeasy full of costumed partiers with dark secrets. The venue is a spectacle of stunning jack-o-lanterns and festive decor.
19. Legends Of Horror At Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada
The city’s enchanted castle transforms into a haunted venue every October. Legends of Horror is an intriguing blend of theatrical performance and self-guided haunted house. As you walk through the haunted castle, actors put on a show while other costumed figures hide in the shadows ready to pop out and scare you.
20. Palazzina Grassi, Venice, Italy
Masks and costumes are practically mandatory in Venice during All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day. The city comes alive with deadly-looking characters roaming the streets and attending multi-day festivals. Among many festivities, the famous Palazzina Grassi hotel throws a spectacular Halloween party attracting all creatures of the night.