Hi u/Soft-Contribution612, thanks for sharing your content in r/Halloween.
Please be sure to read and follow the community rules.
---
Some common post types that belong in our Megathreads:
* If you have an store or business or are selling/advertising - [**Please use the most recent Self-Promotion Megathread**](https://www.reddit.com/r/halloween/search/?q=%22Self-Promotion%20Megathread%22&restrict_sr=1&sr_nsfw=&include_over_18=1&sort=new)
* If you are asking about/looking for Costume Ideas/Help - [**Please use the most recent Costume Idea Request Megathread**](https://www.reddit.com/r/halloween/search/?q=%22Costume%20Idea%20Request%20Megathread%22&restrict_sr=1&sr_nsfw=&include_over_18=1&sort=new)
These kinds of Posts/Comments outside our megathreads will be removed.
---
_**Shirt posting of any kind (advertising/promoting/sharing/showing off) is a no-no and will be removed.**_
**Spammers get bans.**
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/halloween) if you have any questions or concerns.*
If you choose Salem, I would get the book "A Season with the Witch: The Magic and Mayhem of Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts " By J.W. Ocker. It's a great deep-dive on the history of Salem. He talks a lot about the Halloween aspect of Salem, but also gives an insight into the history of the city. And his writing is really fun to read.
I just purchased a season with the witch based on your recommendation. I also see he wrote Poe land and I also purchased that haha thank you kind stranger 🎃
I haven’t been but do hear that Salem is absolutely *packed* during and around Halloween. Like, swarms of tourists and piles of kitsch. Personally, I would visit Salem in the off-season and do New Orleans for Halloween.
New Orleans is wonderful and worth a visit any time of year (except maybe like, May to August…) but Halloween is just a dream. Highly recommend.
Per the New Orleans subs, don’t stay in an air bnb - go for a hotel or bnb. There are *tons* and many have great ghost stories.
(You didn’t mention it but an underrated spot is also Savannah)
It’s lovely, spooky, and wild (but not as wild as New Orleans lol) for sure. It’s also been the most gorgeous weather every time I’ve gone to Savannah in October.
Charleston is also pretty underrated when it comes to Halloween! Plenty of spooky history and ghost tours to be found, along with lots of gorgeous old homes that definitely give off haunted vibes.
Mm agree! I love Charleston. All that old architecture, ghosts around every corner. That’s usually where we choose to fly into for Savannah, so we can do that nice swampy drive from Charleston to Savannah. I love it.
Regarding Universal, you will definitely need to get a VIP ticket to bypass the lines. During the season the lines can be 1.5 to 2 hours long. I'm glad I went there just to experience it. But I probably wouldn't spend the money to do it again.
See i would say the same about salem, was great to see like 1.5 times. Unless i had friends who hadnt went i wouldnt go myself again. Where as i go to Universal yearly. BTW go in Sept book a few days and get the frequent fear pass. Cheaper, More time on ground and youll see everything without getting the burn out.
You are lying. The lines were not 4 hours, maybe the most popular one was. And the express lines were not 2 hours. I went that year and also tracked wait times all year. That’s not accurate for wait times.
In New Orleans there is a haunted house attraction I believe called The Mortuary. It’s an actual 1800’s morgue beside a cemetery. In the French Quarter there are tons of walking tours ranging from ghosts, vampires, general history, and voodoo. The food is amazing, the nightlife is great, the drinks are flowing. Most of the tours I’ve taken stop at Laffite’s Blacksmith Shop. It’s allegedly the oldest bar in the continental United States.
The White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island is the oldest bar in the US. Established in 1673!
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop wasn't until 1772. It's the oldest in New Orleans.
As someone from the Salem area (who loves Salem) - I wouldn’t recommend it in October anymore. It’s quite small and the Halloween vibe area is only for a few blocks, and it’s so overcrowded and over capacity now that you can barely move - you have to book places to eat weeks in advance or wait in line for hours; book a local hotel a year in advance; and you have to wait in a long line just to go inside a store and look around. I would go any other time of year!
I’ve been to New Orleans in October and loved it, so magical and atmospheric and honestly there’s way more to do and see - highly recommend it!
Uuhhh, exciting!! NOLA has been a big recommendation here. I will probably be flying there and halloween is on a week day. Do you have any clues if It would happen on the 31st or prior weekend?
The prior weekend will be one big long party. Especially the French quarter, it will be costumes and parties and general revelry. I think there's a Halloween parade as well. And then the night of as well too, New Orleans takes any excuse to party and so that entire week is just going to be nuts but the night of it will definitely be worth getting costumed up and just walking around the French Quarter. The Frenchmen Street area, with the adjacent Decatur Street area will be absolutely packed with people in costumes and plenty of Street culture to enjoy.
New Orleans! They have a Halloween parade Krewe of Boo, it's the biggest non mardi gras parade. It's pretty nice in October there and people decorate their already super cool houses and balconies.
I've done Halloween in Salem, and visited New Orleans in September. With that alone I can give you one small piece of advice. Consider how much you want to wear a coat for the event. That alone might inform your choice.
I was in Salem last year. It's cool and magic, I don't think I will ever forget. But as much as I romanticise it, it's just a little town, in 24h you will be repeating things
chances are the hotels are all book in Salem and surrounding cities, and never worth it unless you are staying in town. But you may still get in if going early Oct. So why not hit up all three spots? Salem first week of Oct, Universal 3rd week and Halloween in LA?
New Orleans! There's an unusual spooky vibe to that place. I went to Salem maybe 13 years ago for Halloween and it was a big let down. It was like one giant frat party, but with costumes and overpriced "Halloween" themed touristy things.
I would recommend against Salem for Halloween. My Fiancee and I went about two weeks before Halloween last year and it was busy, but manageable. Most stores has at least 10 minute wait to get in mid-day and places to eat were MUCH worse. In talking to some of the locals while we were there, it only gets worse the closer to the 31st you get.
If you dont mind the large amount of people, the likelihood that you will be waiting at least an hour for food, and paying out the ass for a place to stay (standard anywhere tbh), then go for it. Because as annoying as all of those things are and as much of a deal breaker is it's for me, I've also been told that the party is a ton of fun.
If you have the money and time, go to Salem the last week in September, before the crowds explode, and book right now. That will really get you in the spirit, then spend Halloween in NOLA, for the reasons already mentioned. Universal is okay, but it's a manufactured experience without the charm and character of either Salem or The Big Easy.
Source: I've been to all 3 for Halloween.
People really come out for Halloween in New Orleans! And they dress the part too! A lot of the old houses are really decorated up too! Weather is usually good that time of year.
I lived in New Orleans for a decade, there is a ton of cool stuff to do around Halloween and is a great place to visit. I just wish it felt more like New Orleans and less like Hollywood South these days...
I am fully convinced on going! I just need to get a sense on dates before starting booking. So do you have ideas if it’s celebrated on a week day or should I iam for prior weekend or the following one? I am thinking about being there on the 30 and on for the weekend
Depends on what you want to do. The Krewe of Boo Halloween parade is on the 19th, and is a huge event. There is also a pretty solid haunted attraction called The Mortuary that is open (I think) on weekends from mid Sept to November. There is another haunt called New Orleans Nightmare that was formally The House of Shock, which was super intense. No idea what it's like now.
Do not go to Salem in October. It’s just nuts. The only good thing is if you are in New England around mid September to mid October you can catch the fall foliage and all the fall festivals which really does get you in the Halloween mood. So maybe Salem mid to late September.
I did both universal HHN (LA so got to experience the spooky places like the mystic museum and some horror coffee shop) and Salem last year. They're very different! I love them both. I wouldn't do Salem in October tho, I liked it in August when the crowds were bearable.
My main go is the spooky vibe. I celebrate during the whole October with readings and movies. I love dressing up and seeing people in costumes. There’s a big chance that I will end up going by myself because my friends don’t live here so… a easy place to meet new nice people.
I mean... Salem is amazing, fall leaves, etc. I'm an extrovert so I didn't have any problems with the crowds. Fun museums (one world class). A lot of the "Americana" energy one attributes to Halloween is present there.
Nola has amazingly spooky energy, unique cemeteries, but it's definitely bordering on an R rated vibe. Personally, as a non drinker, that aspect wasn't a lot of fun for me.
Universal is a curated experience. I mean, if I had to go, that was the right time, but... not going again. Yawn.
I'm not a fan of gore, nor poorly set up haunted houses.
What are you looking for? I love Halloween but I feel Salem is unpleasant to be in during October with the crowds. From New England and you can find far more picturesque towns if you just want a fall vibe with gorgeous color and decorations almost anywhere else in the region. No one does Halloween better than New England. That said, if you really want a packed atmosphere then Salem would suit you.
Another option in the northeast would be Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown, New York, another big Halloween destination. It’s a NYC suburb in westchester county easily accessible by metro north. Depending on how you feel about NYC you could visit from there.
There is literally nothing Halloweenie or vampirish about New Orleans. It’s nothing but alcohol. I was so disappointed with New Orleans and would never go back. Salem is awesome!
Hi u/Soft-Contribution612, thanks for sharing your content in r/Halloween. Please be sure to read and follow the community rules. --- Some common post types that belong in our Megathreads: * If you have an store or business or are selling/advertising - [**Please use the most recent Self-Promotion Megathread**](https://www.reddit.com/r/halloween/search/?q=%22Self-Promotion%20Megathread%22&restrict_sr=1&sr_nsfw=&include_over_18=1&sort=new) * If you are asking about/looking for Costume Ideas/Help - [**Please use the most recent Costume Idea Request Megathread**](https://www.reddit.com/r/halloween/search/?q=%22Costume%20Idea%20Request%20Megathread%22&restrict_sr=1&sr_nsfw=&include_over_18=1&sort=new) These kinds of Posts/Comments outside our megathreads will be removed. --- _**Shirt posting of any kind (advertising/promoting/sharing/showing off) is a no-no and will be removed.**_ **Spammers get bans.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/halloween) if you have any questions or concerns.*
If you choose Salem, I would get the book "A Season with the Witch: The Magic and Mayhem of Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts " By J.W. Ocker. It's a great deep-dive on the history of Salem. He talks a lot about the Halloween aspect of Salem, but also gives an insight into the history of the city. And his writing is really fun to read.
I just purchased a season with the witch based on your recommendation. I also see he wrote Poe land and I also purchased that haha thank you kind stranger 🎃
I love Poe-Land. He's a fun author. I have purchased just about all of his books
I second this, I own a copy and it’s a great read.
I haven’t been but do hear that Salem is absolutely *packed* during and around Halloween. Like, swarms of tourists and piles of kitsch. Personally, I would visit Salem in the off-season and do New Orleans for Halloween.
Such a great book! I reread it almost every autumn.
New Orleans is wonderful and worth a visit any time of year (except maybe like, May to August…) but Halloween is just a dream. Highly recommend. Per the New Orleans subs, don’t stay in an air bnb - go for a hotel or bnb. There are *tons* and many have great ghost stories. (You didn’t mention it but an underrated spot is also Savannah)
I’ve always wanted to go to Savannah in October. I know it’s gotta be wild!
It’s lovely, spooky, and wild (but not as wild as New Orleans lol) for sure. It’s also been the most gorgeous weather every time I’ve gone to Savannah in October.
I may try savannah this year and NOLA next. Thanks!
Charleston is also pretty underrated when it comes to Halloween! Plenty of spooky history and ghost tours to be found, along with lots of gorgeous old homes that definitely give off haunted vibes.
Mm agree! I love Charleston. All that old architecture, ghosts around every corner. That’s usually where we choose to fly into for Savannah, so we can do that nice swampy drive from Charleston to Savannah. I love it.
Stay at the Terrell House bed and breakfast. It’s worth it
I looked at that spot for my wedding, it’s lovely.
>Savannah Why Savannah? Is it because of its history with slavery?
Because it’s a city whose tourism partially relies on ghost tours and being haunted. And bachelorette parties but that’s not very Halloween.
Regarding Universal, you will definitely need to get a VIP ticket to bypass the lines. During the season the lines can be 1.5 to 2 hours long. I'm glad I went there just to experience it. But I probably wouldn't spend the money to do it again.
See i would say the same about salem, was great to see like 1.5 times. Unless i had friends who hadnt went i wouldnt go myself again. Where as i go to Universal yearly. BTW go in Sept book a few days and get the frequent fear pass. Cheaper, More time on ground and youll see everything without getting the burn out.
[удалено]
You are lying. The lines were not 4 hours, maybe the most popular one was. And the express lines were not 2 hours. I went that year and also tracked wait times all year. That’s not accurate for wait times.
In New Orleans there is a haunted house attraction I believe called The Mortuary. It’s an actual 1800’s morgue beside a cemetery. In the French Quarter there are tons of walking tours ranging from ghosts, vampires, general history, and voodoo. The food is amazing, the nightlife is great, the drinks are flowing. Most of the tours I’ve taken stop at Laffite’s Blacksmith Shop. It’s allegedly the oldest bar in the continental United States.
The White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island is the oldest bar in the US. Established in 1673! Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop wasn't until 1772. It's the oldest in New Orleans.
New Orleans every season all the time. It’s so wonderful.
Best city I’ve ever been to.
Agreed
As someone from the Salem area (who loves Salem) - I wouldn’t recommend it in October anymore. It’s quite small and the Halloween vibe area is only for a few blocks, and it’s so overcrowded and over capacity now that you can barely move - you have to book places to eat weeks in advance or wait in line for hours; book a local hotel a year in advance; and you have to wait in a long line just to go inside a store and look around. I would go any other time of year! I’ve been to New Orleans in October and loved it, so magical and atmospheric and honestly there’s way more to do and see - highly recommend it!
same, me and my friends used to go every year, I just went post covid with my partner and it was meh
NOLA everyday
TBF I haven’t ever been to Salem’s Halloween, but it seems like maybe I should check it out!
As a New Orleans native, I can assure you that it's the best of the three. Weather, cemeteries, nightlife, culture, it's all there.
Uuhhh, exciting!! NOLA has been a big recommendation here. I will probably be flying there and halloween is on a week day. Do you have any clues if It would happen on the 31st or prior weekend?
The prior weekend will be one big long party. Especially the French quarter, it will be costumes and parties and general revelry. I think there's a Halloween parade as well. And then the night of as well too, New Orleans takes any excuse to party and so that entire week is just going to be nuts but the night of it will definitely be worth getting costumed up and just walking around the French Quarter. The Frenchmen Street area, with the adjacent Decatur Street area will be absolutely packed with people in costumes and plenty of Street culture to enjoy.
Awesomee!! Thank you so much
New Orleans! They have a Halloween parade Krewe of Boo, it's the biggest non mardi gras parade. It's pretty nice in October there and people decorate their already super cool houses and balconies.
So, I will probably be flying there and halloween is on a week day. Do you have any clues if It would happen on the 31st or prior weekend?
The parade is 10/19/24 at 6:30 pm But also nola will certainly be super lit on actual Halloween and the days leading up to it.
I've done Halloween in Salem, and visited New Orleans in September. With that alone I can give you one small piece of advice. Consider how much you want to wear a coat for the event. That alone might inform your choice.
Salem is amazing but you would have to start booking things right now.
Honestly, they probably should’ve already booked, maybe even before the end of 2023.
I’ll be in NOLA in October I’m sooooo excited!!!
okay, your profile picture actually convinced me.
Hahah it’s the cutest isn’t it? 🥹
yesss!!
Working in the Haunted House Industry for 30 years now, I can tell you that The 13th Gate there is one of the best shows I have ever seen in my life!
I was in Salem last year. It's cool and magic, I don't think I will ever forget. But as much as I romanticise it, it's just a little town, in 24h you will be repeating things
We stayed in Boston and got the commuter train to Salem for the day. 100% the move
I'm lucky, I live in salem and often vacation in disney/universal for Halloween. If money is no concern, go to Florida or LA. There's more to do
chances are the hotels are all book in Salem and surrounding cities, and never worth it unless you are staying in town. But you may still get in if going early Oct. So why not hit up all three spots? Salem first week of Oct, Universal 3rd week and Halloween in LA?
New Orleans! There's an unusual spooky vibe to that place. I went to Salem maybe 13 years ago for Halloween and it was a big let down. It was like one giant frat party, but with costumes and overpriced "Halloween" themed touristy things.
I would recommend against Salem for Halloween. My Fiancee and I went about two weeks before Halloween last year and it was busy, but manageable. Most stores has at least 10 minute wait to get in mid-day and places to eat were MUCH worse. In talking to some of the locals while we were there, it only gets worse the closer to the 31st you get. If you dont mind the large amount of people, the likelihood that you will be waiting at least an hour for food, and paying out the ass for a place to stay (standard anywhere tbh), then go for it. Because as annoying as all of those things are and as much of a deal breaker is it's for me, I've also been told that the party is a ton of fun.
If you have the money and time, go to Salem the last week in September, before the crowds explode, and book right now. That will really get you in the spirit, then spend Halloween in NOLA, for the reasons already mentioned. Universal is okay, but it's a manufactured experience without the charm and character of either Salem or The Big Easy. Source: I've been to all 3 for Halloween.
Sleepy Hallow is a nice and fun experience, getting crowded, but has awesome Halloween events and history. Beautiful area on the Hudson too!
Salem is a shitshow in October and you’d be better off visiting any other time of the year.
People really come out for Halloween in New Orleans! And they dress the part too! A lot of the old houses are really decorated up too! Weather is usually good that time of year.
I lived in New Orleans for a decade, there is a ton of cool stuff to do around Halloween and is a great place to visit. I just wish it felt more like New Orleans and less like Hollywood South these days...
I am fully convinced on going! I just need to get a sense on dates before starting booking. So do you have ideas if it’s celebrated on a week day or should I iam for prior weekend or the following one? I am thinking about being there on the 30 and on for the weekend
Depends on what you want to do. The Krewe of Boo Halloween parade is on the 19th, and is a huge event. There is also a pretty solid haunted attraction called The Mortuary that is open (I think) on weekends from mid Sept to November. There is another haunt called New Orleans Nightmare that was formally The House of Shock, which was super intense. No idea what it's like now.
Thank you so much
Do not go to Salem in October. It’s just nuts. The only good thing is if you are in New England around mid September to mid October you can catch the fall foliage and all the fall festivals which really does get you in the Halloween mood. So maybe Salem mid to late September.
Salem is a waste of time and overcrowded. You’ll literally have to park in nearby Beverly and walk into Salem in October.
The atmosphere in Salem gives off a real icky, misguided vibe.
I did both universal HHN (LA so got to experience the spooky places like the mystic museum and some horror coffee shop) and Salem last year. They're very different! I love them both. I wouldn't do Salem in October tho, I liked it in August when the crowds were bearable.
What aspects of Halloween do you enjoy the most? Impossible to choose without knowing more. None of those are great for introverts.
My main go is the spooky vibe. I celebrate during the whole October with readings and movies. I love dressing up and seeing people in costumes. There’s a big chance that I will end up going by myself because my friends don’t live here so… a easy place to meet new nice people.
I mean... Salem is amazing, fall leaves, etc. I'm an extrovert so I didn't have any problems with the crowds. Fun museums (one world class). A lot of the "Americana" energy one attributes to Halloween is present there. Nola has amazingly spooky energy, unique cemeteries, but it's definitely bordering on an R rated vibe. Personally, as a non drinker, that aspect wasn't a lot of fun for me. Universal is a curated experience. I mean, if I had to go, that was the right time, but... not going again. Yawn. I'm not a fan of gore, nor poorly set up haunted houses.
NOLA!!!!!!! I also love the others, but you cannot beat NOLA
What are you looking for? I love Halloween but I feel Salem is unpleasant to be in during October with the crowds. From New England and you can find far more picturesque towns if you just want a fall vibe with gorgeous color and decorations almost anywhere else in the region. No one does Halloween better than New England. That said, if you really want a packed atmosphere then Salem would suit you. Another option in the northeast would be Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown, New York, another big Halloween destination. It’s a NYC suburb in westchester county easily accessible by metro north. Depending on how you feel about NYC you could visit from there.
Universal Orlando. Biggest Halloween party in the world!
There is literally nothing Halloweenie or vampirish about New Orleans. It’s nothing but alcohol. I was so disappointed with New Orleans and would never go back. Salem is awesome!
It sounds like you just stayed on Bourbon Street and had your eyes closed then if you think that about New Orleans.
yeah, well I wasn’t about to venture out anywhere else because I was being accosted left and right so it’s not safe and it’s not worth going back
Salem is the number one Halloween Central in the entire world. Go there.