According to U.S. Census data, Halloween is expected to draw millions of revelers across the United States this Oct. 31.

Originally rooted in the Celtic festival of Samhain, the holiday marks the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. Over time, this ancient Gaelic tradition has transformed into a vibrant celebration filled with trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, costume parties and various social gatherings.

Census data reveals that this year, an estimated 41 million children aged 5 to 14 will don costumes and take to the streets, seeking candy and other treats. With approximately 131 million homes and apartments serving as potential destinations for these eager trick-or-treaters, neighborhoods will be bustling with activity. Notably, about 60.6 million housing units have steps to climb, adding a bit of a workout for those hoping to collect their Halloween bounty.

For many, dressing up is a key part of the fun. In 2022, there were approximately 700 formal wear and costume rental establishments in the United States. Some of the most common Halloween costumes reflect the workforce, with registered nurses leading the way, followed by physicians, police officers, firefighters, and athletes.

As families plan their spooky excursions, they might consider visiting some of the eeriest-named places in the country. Scarville, Iowa, and Slaughter Beach, Delaware, offer unique Halloween charm, while Tombstone, Arizona, and Sleepy Hollow, New York, evoke classic spooky legends. Other notable towns include Salem, Massachusetts, and Casper, Wyoming, which are popular for their Halloween celebrations.

A recent survey conducted by Mixbook, a leading photobook company, asked 3,000 families to name their ideal Halloween spots. The survey revealed that, if distance were no barrier, many of the spookiest-named destinations would top the list for Halloween 2024. According to respondents, the most sought-after Halloween celebration spots include:

Salem, Massachusetts – Known for its witch trials, Salem hosts the annual Festival of the Dead with haunted tours and witchcraft-themed events.

New Orleans, Louisiana – Offers the Krewe of Boo parade, haunted tours, and voodoo legends.
Amityville, New York – Home to the infamous Amityville Horror House, though the house itself is closed to the public.

Sleepy Hollow, New York – Celebrates its spooky heritage with haunted cemetery tours and ghost reenactments.

Orlando, Florida – Universal Studios hosts Halloween Horror Nights, featuring haunted mazes and scare zones.

Los Angeles, California – Known for haunted attractions and events inspired by classic horror films.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – Offers ghost tours of haunted Civil War battlefields.

Ipswich, Massachusetts – The Crane Mansion offers guided tours in a gothic setting.

Atlanta, Georgia – The Little 5 Points Halloween Parade showcases unique costumes and lively festivities.

Devil's Tower, Wyoming – Known for eerie legends, offering spooky storytelling and stargazing.

celebration would be complete without sweets. In 2022, there were nearly 3,400 candy and nut stores across the United States catering to the insatiable sweet tooth of Halloween revelers. The chocolate industry alone employed approximately 45,000 people, while about 28,000 were employed in non-chocolate candy manufacturing, reflecting the high demand for festive treats.

Data in this article come from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 Population Estimates, the 2024 Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey, the 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, the 2022 County Business Patterns and the survey results by Mixbook.