The Best of Halloween in the USA
Hosting the world’s most famous theme parks, Orlando provide the perfect playground to run amok on holiday that focuses on the make-believe.
To help you plan an eerie night worth remembering, we have hand-picked some of our favourite US cities to visit on Halloween.
Salem, Massachusetts
Embracing an infamous history of witch trials and executions, Salem makes the most of the hallowed holiday with activities scheduled all throughout October.
Each year the town hosts an annual grand parade, pumpkin carving contest and witch trials re-enactments, and indulges those who take spooking seriously with events like candlelit witch circles, Crucible readings, voodoo ceremonies and séances. The celebrations culminate on Halloween night, when 100,000 revellers fill the streets of Salem.
- Flights to Boston: Salem is located approximately 40 minutes’ drive northeast of Boston. Together with partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Australia operates flights to Boston via Los Angeles, from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Boasting a history of voodoo worship and a reputation for theatrical flair, New Orleans is a fantastic destination to get swept up in Halloween’s celebrations.
The city caters to merrymakers, thrill-seekers and families alike with a host of holiday-themed events. The French Quarter is set abuzz by the Krewe of Boo Halloween parade. Rock legends and chart-toppers take to the stage in City Park for the world’s biggest Halloween music festival, The Voodoo Music + Arts Experience. Revellers mix with creatures of the night at the Endless Night Vampire Ball. Children are treated to a night of tricks and fun at Boo at the Zoo.
- Flights to New Orleans: Together with partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Australia operates flights to New Orleans via Los Angeles, from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
Orlando, Florida
Hosting the world’s most famous theme parks, Orlando (pictured) provides the perfect playground to run amok on a holiday that focuses on the make-believe.
Universal Studios’ after-hours scare fest, Halloween Horror Nights brings the park to life with maze of movie-themed haunted houses, street performances and live entertainment. While Disney World's Magic Kingdom provides an alternative for those who startle easily, with the music, floats, fireworks and costume-clad characters of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
- Flights to Orlando: Together with partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Australia flights to Orlando via Los Angeles, from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
New York City, New York
Living up to its reputation of ‘the city that never sleeps’, New York is abuzz at Halloween with a wealth of events and activities running all times throughout the day and night.
Two million spectators line Six Avenue to watch 60,000 marchers take part in the wildly popular Village Halloween Parade. The celebrations continue into the night at Webster Hall’s mausoleum-themed after-party. Children are catered to with creepy critters, pumpkin carving and storytelling at New York Halloween tradition Boo at the Bronx Zoo. The American Museum of Natural History Annual Halloween Celebration also joins in the festivities with costumed characters, trick-or-treating, live music and magic performances.
- Flights to New York: Together with partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Australia operates flights to New York via Los Angeles, from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
