In this guide:
Halloween is a special season, and flying overseas can make it truly unforgettable. Many countries have local traditions with spooky special events, giving you a far more memorable experience than you might find at home.
You can celebrate Día de los Muertos in Mexico, wander Europe’s medieval streets, or dive into Asia’s pop-culture festivals. Whatever your choice, an international trip can turn Halloween into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
In this guide, we’ve gathered our top recommendations for the best Halloween vacations internationally. To make planning easier, we’ve also included the nearest airports at each location and suggested the best U.S. airports to fly from, chosen for direct flight options, shorter travel times, and overall value.
If you’re planning for a Halloween vacation closer to home and need some inspiration, read 10 Must-See Halloween Parades, or the 13 Most Haunted Houses in America.
International Halloween Destinations: Top 10
Transylvania, Romania – Dracula’s Homeland
- Nearest airport: Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
- Best U.S. airport to fly from: JFK
- Cultural highlight: Halloween parties at Bran Castle (“Dracula’s Castle”)
Transylvania is well-known as one of best Halloween vacations globally, for good reason. It’s a land of misty mountains, Gothic castles, and famous old legends. Most visitors arrive through Bucharest and travel on to Bran Castle, where the Dracula myth comes to life. During Halloween, the castle hosts after-hours tours in its shadowy halls and costumed parties that fill the night with atmosphere.
Beyond Bran, the fortified citadel of Sighișoara is a highlight. Its winding streets, towering Clock Tower, and ties to Vlad the Impaler set the stage for the region’s dark history. Walking here in autumn adds to the sense of history and legend.
Other eerie sites include the Hoia-Baciu Forest, often called the world’s most haunted woodland, and the elegant Cantacuzino Castle, made famous by Netflix’s Wednesday. This mix of haunting stories, medieval charm, and dramatic scenery makes Transylvania one of the top Halloween destinations in Europe.
Mexico City & Oaxaca, Mexico – Día de los Muertos
- Nearest airport: Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
- Best U.S. airport to fly from: LAX
- Cultural highlight: Grand Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City
Mexico’s Día de los Muertos is one of the best Halloween destinations for its cultural draw. The main celebrations take place on November 1 and 2, but festivities often begin in late October. In Mexico City, the grand parade fills the streets with music, giant Catrina figures and colorful floats. The event moves through the historic center and along Paseo de la Reforma with a reverent display of tradition and art.
In Oaxaca, the mood is both festive and heartfelt. Traditional muerteadas feature locals in elaborate costumes, dancing and parading through the streets with mezcal in hand. The city glows with markets selling marigolds and pan de muerto, while candlelit altars honor loved ones who have passed.
Many visitors join special tours that include dinner followed by guided walks through decorated cemeteries. Together, these cultural experiences turn Mexico into a vibrant and meaningful destination for Halloween vacations.
Edinburgh, Scotland – Ghosts & Fire Festival
- Nearest airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
- Best U.S. airport to fly from: BOS
- Cultural highlight: Samhuinn Fire Festival, a fiery, neo‑pagan performance under Arthur’s Seat each October 31
On October 31, Edinburgh turns into a city of myth and fire. The Samhuinn Fire Festival, hosted by the Beltane Fire Society, takes place under Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park. The show features a dramatic battle between the Summer and Winter Kings, complete with fire displays, acrobatics and drumming.
For those who love eerie tales, Edinburgh’s ghost tours are unforgettable. The City of the Dead Haunted Graveyard Tour gives rare access to the Covenanter’s Prison and the Black Mausoleum, home of the Mackenzie Poltergeist. Many visitors report chilling encounters. Evening tours also lead into Greyfriars Kirkyard, often called the world’s most haunted cemetery, and through the hidden underground vaults beneath Old Town.
With its fiery festival and legendary ghost tours, Edinburgh stands out among Halloween destinations. It combines live performance with authentic paranormal history, creating a citywide experience that’s both culturally rich and spine-tingling.
Prague, Czech Republic – Europe’s Gothic Gem
- Nearest Airport: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)
- Best U.S. airport to fly from: JFK
- Cultural Highlight: Ghost tours through Old Town and medieval underground dungeons
Prague’s Gothic spires, shadowed alleys, and centuries-old legends make it one of the most iconic places to visit for Halloween. On October nights, guides in costume lead ghost tours through the Old Town. Visitors explore hidden lanes and underground corridors while hearing tales of alchemists, plague streets, the Astronomical Clock’s builder, and the city’s legendary Golem.
The city also offers family-friendly fun in October. The Botanical Garden hosts glowing pumpkin parades, while workshops let children craft lanterns and prints. Local neighborhoods even arrange trick-or-treat events. These touches of community spirit balance Prague’s dark history with playful Halloween charm.
Adding to the experience, Prague’s autumn weather creates a naturally spooky setting. Mist often settles over the Charles Bridge while Prague Castle looms above the city. The medieval architecture makes even a simple evening stroll feel like stepping into a Gothic tale.
Tokyo, Japan – Halloween Street Parties & Theme Parks
- Nearest Airport: Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
- Best U.S. airport to fly from: SFO
- Cultural Highlight: Haunted houses and fireworks displays at Tokyo Disneyland
Japan’s contributions to the horror genre can’t be understated, and there’s no finer place to experience them than the capital. Tokyo blends tradition with pop culture, making it a standout for international Halloween vacations.
For families, Tokyo Disneyland transforms itself with unforgettable Halloween parties. From mid-September, the parks sparkle with glowing pumpkins, villain parades and nighttime fireworks. The long season gives visitors weeks to enjoy spooky fun in true Disney style.
Consider a train ride to Osaka, where Universal Studios Japan raises the fear factor with Halloween Horror Nights. Haunted houses bring horror films to life with live scare actors and scary stagecraft.
The Shibuya neighborhood is also famous for lively celebrations, although the festivities have been canceled in 2025 to discourage disorder and overcrowding. You may still find celebrations scattered throughout the area.
Paris, France – Catacombs & Cemetery Strolls
- Nearest airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Best U.S. airport to fly from: JFK
- Cultural highlight: Guided tours of the Paris Catacombs, steeped in Halloween‑season mystique
Paris adds spooky intrigue to its elegant charm, making it a top choice for the best Halloween vacations overseas. Beneath the city, the Paris Catacombs hold the remains of six million Parisians. Walking through the bone-lined tunnels is chilling and unforgettable. Audio tours and special access give a rare look into this silent underground world.
Above ground, ghost tours of Père Lachaise Cemetery share stories of famous residents like Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison.
Families can join the Disney Halloween Festival at Disneyland Paris, held from October 1 to November 2, 2025. The parks glow with pumpkins, parades led by Disney Villains, and extended hours on Halloween night. Highlights include “Mickey’s Halloween Celebration” and seasonal overlays at Phantom Manor and Tower of Terror.
Quebec City, Canada – Haunted Old Town
- Nearest airport: Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
- Best U.S. airport to fly from: EWR
- Cultural highlight: Lantern-lit walking experiences like Ghost Tours of Québec and Les Promenades Fantômes
Wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Québec is both captivating and eerie. As autumn sets in, guides in costume lead visitors through narrow alleys and tell stories of lost loves and ghostly figures that linger in the dark. Ghost Tours of Québec shares centuries of haunting tales, while Les Promenades Fantômes adds theater and grisly characters from New France. Both bring Québec’s haunted past to life and create an unforgettable Halloween experience.
The Plains of Abraham also glow with seasonal spirit in October. Pumpkins, scarecrows, and festive displays turn the vast green space into a spooky autumn stage. On weekends, the Citadel of Québec opens after dark for lantern-lit tours. Visitors hear stories of soldiers, shadows, and echoes from the fortress’s long history.
Hong Kong – Asia’s Halloween Capital
- Nearest Airport: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
- Best U.S. airport to fly from: LAX
- Cultural Highlight: Halloween takeovers at Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong delivers Halloween vacations with bold energy, mixing pop culture, theme park thrills, and buzzing nightlife. At Hong Kong Disneyland, October brings a full month of “Disney Halloween.” Families enjoy colorful parades, playful villains and special shows. The atmosphere is fun, theatrical, and perfect for younger visitors.
When the sun sets, Lan Kwai Fong, the city’s famous nightlife district takes the spotlight. From mid-October to October 31, its narrow streets fill with costumed partygoers and themed bars. The atmosphere is loud, lively, and full of energy. Crowd controls keep the event safe while preserving its status as one of the city’s showstopping Halloween parties.
For thrill-seekers, Ocean Park’s Halloween Bash is the main event. From mid-September to early November, the park becomes a haunted playground. Attractions like “Fear Formula,” “Haunted Hong Kong,” and classic haunted houses bring local legends to life. The scale of production makes this one of Asia’s biggest Halloween celebrations and a top choice for your vacation.
Ljubljana, Slovenia – Medieval & Mysterious
- Nearest Airport: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)
- Best U.S. airport to fly from: BOS
- Cultural Highlight: Halloween parties at Ljubljana Castle
If you prefer to travel off the beaten track, Ljubljana’s Old Town feels like stepping into a fairytale with a shadowy twist. It’s perfect for those seeking a unique Halloween vacation. Imagine navigating the eerie Minotaur’s Corn Maze in nearby Krtina, where seasonal challenges and hidden puzzles await amid the October mist.
Each year, the majestic Ljubljana Castle often hosts spirited Halloween nightlife and parties. Historic ambiance, spooky fun, and festive local spirit make Ljubljana an under-the-radar gem for Halloween. There are medieval mystery and charming surprises around every corner.
10. Valletta, Malta – Haunted History & Forts
- Nearest Airport: Malta International Airport (MLA)
- Best U.S. airport to fly from: JFK
- Cultural Highlight: Valletta: The Dark Side Walking Tour, an atmospheric ghost and crime story experience
In Valletta, Malta’s capital, you’ll find haunting architecture and old legends, making it one of the best global Halloween vacations for travelers seeking mystery in the Mediterranean. At dusk, The Dark Side Walking Tour leads visitors through shadowed alleys and historic squares. Guides share dark tales of beheadings, executioners, and the Order of Saint John.
By night, Valletta’s cobblestones and baroque buildings transform into a backdrop for both historic spookiness and modern horror. It is a standout for Halloween vacations, perfect for travelers who enjoy haunted elegance and local tales.
FAQs: Best Vacations for Halloween
What are the best international Halloween vacations?
Top picks include Transylvania, Edinburgh, and Tokyo. Each offers a unique way to celebrate Halloween with history, parties, or spooky tours.
Which country has the scariest haunted tours for a Halloween trip?
Scotland and the Czech Republic stand out. Both have Gothic landmarks and spooky ghost tours that make them perfect for Halloween vacations.
Is Día de los Muertos the same as Halloween?
No. In Mexico City and Oaxaca, Día de los Muertos runs from November 1–2. But visiting in late October lets you enjoy both traditions, making it one of the best Halloween vacations in Latin America.
Where can I find the biggest Halloween street parties?
Tokyo’s Shibuya district and Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong are famous for street parties filled with costumes, parades, and nightlife energy.
Are there family-friendly Halloween vacations overseas?
Yes. Disneyland Paris, Universal Studios Japan, and Ocean Park in Hong Kong all host Halloween events designed for families.
Which European cities are best for Gothic Halloween vacations?
Prague, Paris, and Ljubljana all shine with castles, cemeteries, and medieval streets that create a spooky atmosphere.
Do theme parks host Halloween events internationally?
Yes. Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, Ocean Park, and Disneyland Paris all transform into Halloween vacation hotspots each autumn.
What is the best warm-weather destination for Halloween vacations?
Valletta, Malta. It combines mild Mediterranean weather with ghost tours, haunted history, and seasonal events.
Are there unique Halloween vacations in Asia?
Yes. Tokyo and Hong Kong both mix Western-style celebrations with local culture, creating unforgettable international Halloween vacations.
How can I save money on hotels and parking before my Halloween vacation?
Reserve one of our airport parking and hotel packages. It bundles your hotel stay, secure parking, and an airport shuttle into one reservation. Save money and reduce stress before you fly.
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