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Celebrate Halloween. From Salem’s haunted history to Tokyo’s colorful parades, Disneyland Paris’s magical festivities and Universal Studios Singapore’s horror thrills
From thrilling haunted houses to extravagant costume parties, Halloween celebrations have evolved far beyond trick-or-treating, with destinations around the globe transforming into festive, spooky wonderlands
Originating in Scotland and Ireland and now popularly celebrated in the USA, Halloween has quickly become a worldwide sensation in recent years. From thrilling haunted houses to extravagant costume parties, Halloween celebrations have evolved far beyond trick-or-treating, with destinations around the globe transforming into festive, spooky wonderlands. Whether you’re looking for ghostly parades, haunted mansions, or cultural twists on the holiday, here are Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s top Halloween festivals around the world for a spine-tingling experience.
Salem, Massachusetts, USA – A Witch’s Paradise
Salem, known for its infamous 1692 witch trials, is a Halloween hotspot offering a month-long celebration of all things spooky with its Haunted Happenings festival. The entire town transforms into a Halloween wonderland, featuring ghost tours, séances, haunted houses, and costume parades. What sets Salem apart is its historical connection to witchcraft, blending real history with eerie fun. Visitors can explore haunted graveyards, watch reenactments of the witch trials, and attend the annual Witches’ Ball. If you’re a history buff who loves a good scare, Salem is the perfect place to embrace the spooky season.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Halloween on the Streets
Vietnam may not be the first country that comes to mind for Halloween, but the celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City are quickly gaining popularity. Halloween here is a vibrant street festival, with the city’s bustling streets particularly around Bui Vien Street transforming into a festive spectacle. Locals and tourists alike dress up in creative costumes and join lively street parties, pop-up events, and themed gatherings across bars, clubs, and restaurants.
What makes Halloween in Vietnam unique is its blend of Western influences and local folklore. Expect to see everything from classic ghouls and ghosts to characters inspired by Vietnamese legends. The street party atmosphere makes it a lively and unforgettable experience for travelers looking to join in the fun.
Tokyo, Japan – A Halloween Parade Like No Other
The Kawasaki Halloween Parade in Tokyo is Japan’s biggest and most extravagant Halloween celebration. Held in late October, it features thousands of participants in elaborate costumes ranging from traditional monsters to anime-inspired creations. The city turns into a colorful spectacle, blending spooky with quirky in true Japanese fashion.
What makes Tokyo’s Halloween so special is the creativity and craftsmanship behind the costumes. This festival is more than just spooky fun, it’s a celebration of artistry and imagination. Along with the parade, Tokyo hosts countless Halloween-themed events, including costume contests, haunted houses, and citywide parties. It’s a visual treat for both participants and spectators.
Disneyland Paris, France – A Magical Halloween
At Disneyland Paris, Halloween takes on a magical twist, making it the ideal destination for families and Disney fans alike. The park comes alive with festive decorations, spooky parades, and Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best. During the Disneyland Paris Halloween Festival, visitors can experience themed attractions like Phantom Manor and meet iconic Disney villains such as Maleficent and Captain Hook.
Disneyland Paris brings a whimsical charm to Halloween, balancing eerie thrills with family-friendly fun. Special Halloween treats and limited-edition merchandise make it a must-visit for those seeking a magical spin on the spooky season.
Universal Studios Singapore – Halloween Horror Nights
For those seeking a truly terrifying experience, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore is one of Asia’s most intense Halloween events. Each year, the park transforms into a horror-filled landscape, complete with haunted houses, scare zones, and live horror performances.
The event is not for the faint-hearted scare actors dressed as zombies, ghosts, and terrifying characters lurk around every corner. The highlight? The Zombie Apocalypse, a heart-pounding interactive experience that immerses guests in a survival scenario. If you’re a thrill-seeker looking for adrenaline-fueled scares, this is the Halloween event for you.
Seoul Lantern Festival, South Korea – A Spooky Twist on Tradition
Seoul’s famous Lantern Festival takes on a hauntingly beautiful transformation during Halloween, turning the city’s stunning display into an enchanting spectacle. Held along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, the festival showcases intricately designed lanterns that light up the night, many taking on eerie, Halloween-inspired forms in late October.
In recent years, Seoul has added special Halloween attractions, including haunted houses, street performances, and costume parades. What makes it truly unique is its combination of traditional Korean artistry with modern Halloween themes, blending cultural heritage with spooky fun. It’s a visually stunning way to celebrate the season while experiencing one of South Korea’s most beloved festivals.
From the haunted history of Salem to the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Halloween is celebrated in diverse and thrilling ways across the globe. Whether you’re into spooky traditions, cultural twists, or heart-racing adventures, these festivals offer something for everyone looking to embrace the spirit of Halloween.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
October 22, 2025, 19:19 IST
