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Salem is a bit crazy during Halloween. The streets are packed with tens of thousands of people walking around in costume, street performers, walking ghost tours, etc. I agree the witchcraft museum wasn't all that interesting. There are reenactments of the witch trials at the witch house, I think, but we didn't do that so I can't vouch for it. People travel from all over the country and beyond to spend Halloween in Salem. It's a big deal.
Another choice might be Sleepy Hollow, NY, home of Washington Irving's Headless Horseman. The village of Sleepy Hollow is decorated for the season, and their street signs are orange and black year-round. There's a haunted walk, a festival, ghost tours of the cemetery at the Old Dutch Church, nighttime telling of the legend of the Headless Horseman at the church. A few miles away, the Jack-o-Lantern Blaze is worth seeing too. The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton | Historic Hudson Valley
The thing with Salem and Sleepy Hollow is that Halloween celebrations go on throughout the month of October, so you could pick any weekend that month to go and experience it. Though clearly the crowds and excitement peak on Halloween or Halloweekend.
The Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village in NYC is the most fun Halloween parade I've been to. The costumes are so creative and it's a great atmosphere. I've heard New Orleans is good too, but I haven't been there for Halloween.
I didn't know Portsmouth, NH had anything going on for Halloween, but it looks like they have a good parade. I'd be up for checking it out sometime myself if I'm in the vicinity.
Columbus, Ohio has Highball. It's essentially a giant costume party/festival downtown with 30,000 attendees, live music, costume contests etc. I don't think Columbus is necessarily "the best" city for Halloween but if you happen to be in the city or nearby it's a fun time.
Is Portsmouth, New Hampshire the best city for Halloween?
Quote:
Originally Posted by PortlandWalker
Hi, I'm looking for a city that creates a citywide Halloween vibe (not just haunted houses) and so far it looks like Portsmouth is in the running.
I'd imagine Salem would be another candidate.
Can anyone give me a list of cities that do Halloween the best? Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lammius
Salem is a bit crazy during Halloween. The streets are packed with tens of thousands of people walking around in costume, street performers, walking ghost tours, etc. I agree the witchcraft museum wasn't all that interesting. There are reenactments of the witch trials at the witch house, I think, but we didn't do that so I can't vouch for it. People travel from all over the country and beyond to spend Halloween in Salem. It's a big deal.
Another choice might be Sleepy Hollow, NY, home of Washington Irving's Headless Horseman. The village of Sleepy Hollow is decorated for the season, and their street signs are orange and black year-round. There's a haunted walk, a festival, ghost tours of the cemetery at the Old Dutch Church, nighttime telling of the legend of the Headless Horseman at the church. A few miles away, the Jack-o-Lantern Blaze is worth seeing too. The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton | Historic Hudson Valley
The thing with Salem and Sleepy Hollow is that Halloween celebrations go on throughout the month of October, so you could pick any weekend that month to go and experience it. Though clearly the crowds and excitement peak on Halloween or Halloweekend.
The Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village in NYC is the most fun Halloween parade I've been to. The costumes are so creative and it's a great atmosphere. I've heard New Orleans is good too, but I haven't been there for Halloween.
I didn't know Portsmouth, NH had anything going on for Halloween, but it looks like they have a good parade. I'd be up for checking it out sometime myself if I'm in the vicinity.
I never heard of Portsmouth, New Hampshire being famous for Halloween so I cannot say. But Lammius makes some very good suggestions.
Totally different than New England but Santa Cruz (CA) is a really crazy / whacky / freaky / weird and fun place to be on Halloween. It's a favorite "holiday" here.
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Is Portsmouth, New Hampshire the best city for Halloween?
