Halloween has grown far beyond trick-or-treating. These days, Halloween parties and celebrations mean giant street parades, costume-packed nightlife, spooky old towns, and multi-day festivals. Whether you're travelling with a partner, a group of friends, or the whole family, there's something here for you.
This year, Halloween lands on a Saturday (October 31, 2026), which makes planning a lot easier. Want even more ideas? Check out our guide to the Best Halloween Events Worldwide in 2026. Below are ten places I'd happily book a ticket to. One quick heads-up: dates and tickets can change, so always check the official event pages before you go.
Best Halloween Parties and Festivals
Want to explore the best Halloween parties? Here are the best Halloween parties you can enjoy with your family and friends
1. West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, USA
Where: West Hollywood, California
When: October 31, 2026
Best for: adults and groups of friends
This is one of the most talked-about street parties in California, and you can see why. The costumes are wildly creative, there’s live entertainment on the street, and everyone’s there for the same reason: to have a good time. If you’re after Halloween parties for adults that feel huge but never get intimidating, start here.
2. Village Halloween Parade, New York City, USA
- Where: Village Halloween Parade, Manhattan, New York
- When: October 31, 2026
- Best for: parade lovers and die-hard Halloween fans
New York does this one properly. Giant puppets, performers, and thousands of over-the-top costumes march through the streets, and honestly, the whole city seems to turn up. If you love Halloween parties and celebrations that take over an entire neighbourhood, it’s hard to beat.
3. Haunted Happenings, Salem, Massachusetts, USA
- Where: Haunted Happenings, Salem, Massachusetts
- When: October 2026 (verify individual event dates)
- Best for: history buffs and fans of spooky experiences
If you’re ticking off Halloween celebrations worldwide, Salem has to be on the list. There are haunted attractions, themed tours and costume events, all in a town that completely leans into its dark history. Events run all month, so double-check dates before you book anything.
4. Derry Halloween Festival, Northern Ireland
- Where: Derry Halloween Festival, Derry-Londonderry
- When: October 28 to 31, 2026
- Best for: travellers who want a big, full-on festival
Want to see one of the Halloween festivals around the world that really takes over a whole city? Derry is a great shout. Street performances, themed entertainment and costumes everywhere keep the place buzzing for five straight days.
5. Halloween in Tokyo, Japan
- Where: Tokyo
- When: Late October (check individual event schedules)
- Best for: young adults and pop-culture fans
Tokyo’s Halloween parties and celebrations are all about creativity. Costume gatherings, themed nightlife and pop-culture outfits that people have clearly spent weeks perfecting. It’s colourful, playful and a little bit chaotic, in the best possible way.
6. Halloween in London, UK
- Where: London
- When: October 2026 (dates vary by venue)
- Best for: nightlife lovers and couples
London goes all in, and with style. Themed club nights, costume parties, haunted attractions and spooky tours are scattered all over the city. Halloween parties and celebrations here can be anything from a laid-back pub night to a full-on ticketed event. Some of the best Halloween parties in 2026 will sell out early, so don’t leave it too late.
7. Halloween in Toronto, Canada
- Where: Toronto, Ontario
- When: late October (check local listings)
- Best for: groups, couples and families
Toronto is the friendly all-rounder. There are costume parties, themed venues, family activities and seasonal attractions, so everyone in your group can find something they’ll enjoy. Halloween parties and celebrations here work just as well for families as they do for a night out with friends.
8. Halloween in Sydney, Australia
- Where: Sydney
- When: October 2026 (check individual venues)
- Best for: travellers who want a proper Halloween night out
Here’s a fun twist: Halloween in Sydney lands in spring, so you can head out in costume on a warm-ish evening. Expect themed parties, costume nights and plenty of entertainment, with loads of Halloween parties for adults in the city’s bars and venues.
9. Halloween in Paris, France
- Where: Paris
- When: late October (dates vary by event)
- Best for: couples and city-break travellers
Paris adds a little elegance to the spooky season. Halloween parties and celebrations here lean towards stylish costume nights, themed bars and moody, atmospheric experiences. It makes a lovely city break if you’d like a bit of romance with your mischief.
10. Halloween and Día de los Muertos in Mexico
Where: Mexico City and other destinations
When: Halloween on October 31; Día de los Muertos mainly November 1 to 2
Best for: travellers who want entertainment and real cultural depth
Mexico is a special one, so a quick note: Día de los Muertos is not “Mexican Halloween”. It’s a separate cultural tradition about remembering and honouring loved ones who have passed away, with beautifully decorated altars and deeply meaningful rituals. You can enjoy costume events around Halloween, then experience Día de los Muertos with respect and curiosity.
Tips for Planning Your Halloween Trip
Planning around Halloween parties and celebrations takes a bit more forward thinking than a normal holiday, because everyone else wants the same weekend. A few simple habits help:
- Book early. Flights and hotels near popular events fill up fast. Many Halloween events in 2026 will have limited tickets too.
- Check the official websites. Look up dates, ticket rules, age limits, and entry requirements before you commit.
- Sort out transport. Confirm public transport times and read local safety guidance, since roads and stations can get crowded.
- Pack smart. Costumes can be bulky, so check venue rules and baggage limits first.
- Watch your budget. Compare fares using these tips for saving money on airline tickets, and map out costs with this budget trip planning guide.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're drawn to street parades, late-night parties, or traditions with deep roots, Halloween celebrations worldwide have something for every mood. Pick an event that matches your budget, your interests, and the kind of atmosphere you enjoy most. You'll find that the best trips are the ones that feel like you. And before you start packing, have a look at our Best Travel Accessories for handy things worth taking along.
FAQs
- Where are the best Halloween parties in the world in 2026?
Popular picks include West Hollywood, New York City, Salem,m and Derry. Derry is a great option if you like big Halloween festivals around the world. Always check official event details before booking.
- Which countries celebrate Halloween the most?
The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland,d and Japan are well known for it. That said, how people celebrate varies a lot from region to region.
- What date is Halloween in 2026?
Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
- What are the best Halloween destinations for adults?
Look for cities with costume parties, lively nightlife, and big public celebrations, such as West Hollywood, London, and Tokyo.
- Should I book a Halloween trip in advance?
Yes. Booking early gives you more flight and accommodation options, especially in popular festival destinations. It can also help with prices.
