When the leaves fall and the nights stretch longer, Halloween turns into a worldwide spectacle. But what countries celebrate Halloween the most? The answer goes far beyond carved pumpkins and spooky costumes. From ancient pagan festivals in Europe to vibrant street parades in Asia, Halloween has evolved into something far richer than a single night of fright.
Over the years, I’ve celebrated Halloween in more than a dozen countries. I’ve walked through candle-lit cemeteries in Mexico, joined ghost tours in Ireland, and watched massive Halloween parties unfold across the United States.
Each destination celebrates in its own way—some rooted in deep spiritual observances like All Saints’ Day and All Souls, while others focus on modern fun with costume parties, carved pumpkins, and haunted attractions that light up entire cities.
Travelers’ Guide: What Countries Celebrate Halloween the Most
In this guide, I’ll take you through seven countries that embrace Halloween with real passion. You’ll see how local customs, history, and global pop culture merge to create distinct Halloween celebrations.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what countries celebrate Halloween the most and where to plan your 2025 trip for an unforgettable spooky season.
1. United States
It’s no surprise that the United States tops the list. Halloween here is more than a holiday—it’s an industry worth billions. From small-town parades to massive haunted houses, the country turns orange and black by mid-October. Neighborhoods compete in pumpkin carving contests, children fill buckets during trick or treat, and adults dress up for elaborate costume parties that rival movie sets.
I’ve spent multiple Halloweens in places like Salem, Massachusetts, where colonial history meets modern Halloween events. The Salem Haunted Happenings festival runs all month, blending spooky history with lively street energy.
In New York, the Village Halloween Parade draws thousands of spectators and performers, while on the West Coast, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Los Angeles offers world-class scares inspired by hit horror films.
Each region has its twist. In small Midwestern towns, families carve Jack O’Lanterns and bake caramel-covered apples for gatherings, while cities like New Orleans add a touch of voodoo-inspired Fete Gede, connecting Halloween to ancestral remembrance.
Across the board, the Halloween specials on TV and local bars Dressed for Thrills create the ultimate October vibe. Whether you’re a traveler or a local, this is where Halloween spirit thrives year after year.
2. Mexico
Few countries balance life and death with as much color as Mexico. Here, Halloween celebrations overlap with Day of the Dead and All Saints traditions. Locals light candles, decorate cemeteries, and honor loved ones through art, food, and music.
When I visited Oaxaca during El Día de Los Muertos, I saw families sitting beside graves sharing stories, tamales, and laughter—it felt like a beautiful conversation between generations.
Unlike the commercial focus in the U.S., Mexico’s celebrations are spiritual, blending Catholic rituals with pre-Hispanic beliefs. You’ll find All Souls Day altars decorated with marigolds, sugar skulls, and skull masks, while kids still enjoy costume parties and candy-filled evenings. It’s not uncommon to see carved pumpkins and candy apples sold beside traditional soul cakes or pan de muerto in street markets.
The heart of it all is Mexico City’s grand parade—thousands march in costume, celebrating both Dia de los Muertos and modern Halloween.
In 2025, travelers can expect even more pumpkin carving festivals and themed haunted attractions, especially in tourist hubs like Guadalajara and Cancun. Mexico’s fusion of spirituality and celebration makes it one of the most unique answers to what countries celebrate Halloween differently.
3. Ireland / Northern Ireland
If there’s one place that holds the soul of Halloween, it’s Ireland. This is where it all began, centuries ago, with the Samhain festival. Long before Hollywood or Halloween parties, Celtic communities celebrated the end of the harvest and the start of darker days, believing the boundary between the living and the dead thinned during this time.
You can still feel that heritage today, especially in Derry, where I joined locals for the Derry Halloween celebration—Europe’s largest outdoor carnival of its kind.
The streets fill with carved pumpkins, performers dressed as spirits, and fire-lit processions echoing ancient pagan festivals. Locals speak with pride about how Ireland reclaims Halloween’s true roots.
On one trip, I spent an evening with a folklore guide who shared stories of banshees, fairies, and ghosts tied to the rural hills. It felt like traveling through time. Many visitors stay in old manor houses or take ghost tours through Derry’s walls to feel that eerie mix of myth and memory.
The country honors both All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day, blending faith with folklore. While Dublin hosts lively costume parties, smaller villages keep quiet traditions alive—lighting candles, baking soul cakes, and remembering lost loved ones.
In Northern Ireland, families still mark All Hallows’ Eve with bonfires, a nod to their ancestors’ belief in warding off spirits. For travelers exploring what countries celebrate Halloween differently, Ireland’s blend of sacred and supernatural remains unmatched.
4. United Kingdom
Across the sea, the United Kingdom celebrates Halloween with a mix of tradition and youthful energy. While the roots here also trace back to Celtic customs, the modern British approach merges old folklore with newer events like Guy Fawkes Day, which follows closely after Halloween.
During my stays in London and Edinburgh, I noticed how these two observances often overlap—fireworks from Bonfire Night echo through the same neighborhoods where kids trick or treat days earlier.
Urban areas like Camden, Shoreditch, and the Lapa district in London fill with themed costume parties. Pubs host trivia nights, restaurants offer Halloween specials, and locals share stories of haunted castles and horror stories from English folklore. Edinburgh, with its medieval streets and hidden closes, becomes one of Europe’s most atmospheric Halloween hubs.
The haunted attractions around the Royal Mile rival anything I’ve seen in the United States, though the storytelling here is quieter—less spectacle, more suspense.
In smaller English towns, traditions tied to Reformation Day still surface. Communities honor All Saints and Observances honoring the dead with church vigils, balancing solemnity and festivity.
Modern pop culture, influenced by authors like Lisa Morton and Lesley Bannatyne, has reignited interest in authentic Halloween origins. For travelers chasing what countries celebrate Halloween the most in Europe, the U.K. bridges sacred observance and lively urban nightlife, making it a fascinating dual experience.
5. Philippines
Halloween in the Philippines surprised me the most. It’s both sacred and social—a mix of All Souls Day devotion and modern festivity. When I first visited Metro Manila during late October, I watched families travel back to their hometowns, carrying flowers and candles to cemeteries.
These visits are heartfelt, often turning into reunions, music-filled vigils, and shared meals among gravestones. It’s their version of remembering through togetherness.
Yet, in cities like Quezon City and Makati, the younger crowd has embraced Halloween parties and costume parties inspired by Western pop culture. I once attended a rooftop party themed “Dressed for Thrills,” where DJs mixed gothic beats with K-pop.
The blend was surprisingly natural. Filipinos have a local custom called “Pangangaluwa,” similar to caroling but done in ghostly costumes—an ancient rural tradition slowly returning in modern form.
Outside the cities, traditions shift toward faith. Locals observe All Saints’ Day, and some regions even tie these rituals to their own Autumn festivals, linking seasonal change with remembrance.
During my travels through Cebu and Iloilo, I noticed shops selling candy apples beside prayer candles, blending Western sweets with Catholic solemnity. The Philippines might not appear first when people ask who celebrates Halloween the most, but few nations match its sincerity. It’s where Christianity and death meet compassion, reflection, and joy.
6. Japan
Japan’s version of Halloween is unlike anywhere else. It’s less about spirits and more about spectacle. The first time I attended the street celebrations at Shibuya Crossing, I realized that no one celebrates like the Japanese when it comes to Halloween Costumes. Thousands of people flood the streets, dressed as everything from anime heroes to horror icons. Police often redirect traffic because the crowds get that big.
This is one of those destinations where Halloween celebrations take on a life of their own. Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka host massive parades, while nightlife districts such as Shinjuku and Roppongi transform into open-air costume carnivals.
At Universal Studios Japan, Halloween Horror Nights brings movie-style thrills with intricate haunted setups and carved pumpkins glowing across the park. For travelers asking what countries celebrate Halloween the most in Asia, Japan stands out for its urban energy and commitment to visual creativity.
Interestingly, traditional Japan still acknowledges ancestral remembrance through festivals like the Obon Festival and Teng Chieh, both honoring departed souls. You’ll see subtle crossovers in October, where spiritual customs quietly meet Western fun. Cafes sell themed sweets like Greek Pumpkin Pie, and even shrines join in with lantern nights. Japan has transformed Halloween into both pop culture and reflection—proof of how adaptable global October observances can be.
7. South Korea
If Japan’s Halloween is visual art, South Korea’s is social electricity. The nightlife in Seoul’s Itaewon and Hongdae neighborhoods pulses with color every October. Locals and expats gather for massive costume parties that last all weekend.
Themed bars, K-pop lounges, and clubs roll out “Dressed for Thrills” events where creativity meets chaos. During my 2023 visit, I saw locals blending traditional hanbok designs with gothic twists—proof that the country has made Halloween entirely its own.
Korean media and pop culture heavily influence Halloween celebrations. Shopping streets in Gangnam and Myeongdong display carved pumpkins and candy apples beside limited-edition skincare and dessert brands. Theme parks like Everland host light shows, and even restaurants serve spooky-themed menus. You’ll spot Lan Kwai Fong-style street festivals emerging here too, a sign of cultural exchange between Seoul and Hong Kong.
Though the celebration is modern, there’s an undercurrent of respect for remembrance. Some communities quietly link Halloween week with local Reformation Day and All Souls Day services, creating a thoughtful mix of joy and memory. For anyone exploring what other countries celebrate Halloween, South Korea is one to watch—it’s stylish, expressive, and rapidly becoming a Halloween capital in Asia.
Why Some Countries Go Big — Key Drivers
From my years traveling through dozens of countries, I’ve noticed that Halloween grows strongest where culture, commerce, and community overlap. When you look at what countries celebrate Halloween the most, several clear reasons emerge.
1. Cultural Roots and Ancient Beliefs
Countries like Ireland still connect modern traditions to the Samhain festival and old pagan festivals. These roots give Halloween depth, reminding locals that it began as an observance between worlds, not a marketing event.
2. Media and Global Influence
Movies and horror stories keep the Halloween spark alive worldwide. I’ve seen kids in Tokyo copying Hollywood monsters and teens in London hosting “scary movie nights” with horror films as their main attraction. Global pop culture unites people around this eerie season.
3. Diaspora and Religious Links
Migration spreads customs. Filipino and Mexican families living abroad bring rituals tied to All Souls Day and Dia de los Muertos, influencing neighbors and tourism boards. Churches worldwide also mark Saint Barbara’s Day or Eid il-Barbara, both reflecting shared remembrance.
4. Commercial Appeal and Urban Youth
The fashion, food, and nightlife industries have made Halloween a business hub. From Seoul’s Dressed for Thrills parties to Mexico’s street markets filled with candy apples, the holiday has become an October observance that blends spirituality with spectacle.
5. Hybridization and Local Adaptation
The mix of traditions—like Guatemala’s Barriletes Gigantes or Spain’s La Castanyada—shows how nations adapt Halloween to local culture. These hybrid forms keep the celebration alive, relevant, and diverse.
Intra-country Variation & City-Level Hotspots
Halloween doesn’t look the same everywhere, even within one country.
Here’s how celebrations shift from city to city, based on my own travels.
| Country | Hotspots | What Makes It Unique |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Salem, Los Angeles, New Orleans | Salem’s witch trials legacy, LA’s haunted attractions, and New Orleans’ voodoo-inspired Fete Gede events |
| Mexico | Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico City | Fusion of El Día de las Brujas and El Día de Los Muertos, colorful parades, family altars |
| United Kingdom | London, Edinburgh, York | Bonfires from Guy Fawkes Day, All Hallows’ Eve church vigils, and pub costume nights |
| Japan | Tokyo, Osaka | Massive cosplay parades, themed desserts like Greek Pumpkin Pie, and light shows |
| Philippines | Manila, Cebu | Faith-based All Saints’ Day visits and youth costume parties |
| South Korea | Itaewon, Busan | Trendy Lan Kwai Fong-style streets, creative themes, and all-night Halloween parties |
Travelers will notice that even within one country, Halloween blends spirituality, fashion, and creativity. In Seoul, I saw carved pumpkins lining café windows; in Dublin, villagers still bake soul cakes for neighbors. Local customs evolve, but the spirit—of community and remembrance—stays the same.
How to Experience Halloween in These Countries
If you’re planning your next spooky adventure, here’s how to get the best from these adventure destinations that top the list of what countries celebrate Halloween the most.
1. Choose the Right City
Pick your experience:
- United States: Join the Village Parade in New York or explore haunted houses in Orlando.
- Mexico: Visit Oaxaca during Hanal Pixán for local family rituals.
- Japan: See Shibuya’s street crowd in full Halloween Costumes.
- Ireland: Walk Derry’s fire-lit streets during the Samhain festival.
2. Time It Smartly
Late October to early November works best. Some events like Mexico’s All Saints’ Day or Japan’s theme park nights continue for weeks.
3. Respect Local Traditions
In faith-oriented places, join candlelight vigils quietly. Learn the meaning behind rituals tied to Christianity and death or the Qingming festival if you’re traveling in East Asia.
4. Capture and Celebrate
Photograph colorful carved pumpkins, share moments from local Autumn festivals, and join food stalls offering candy corn or roasted chestnuts. Stay respectful, ask before photographing altars, and remember—it’s a shared celebration of memory and imagination.
5. Try Something Unique
In Barcelona, attend La Castanyada. In Guatemala, watch the giant kite displays of Barriletes Gigantes. Both offer heartfelt local twists on global Halloween traditions.
Final Thoughts
After traveling across continents and experiencing countless cultures, I’ve seen how each country puts its own soul into Halloween.
From the commercial spectacle of the United States to the heartfelt remembrance of Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos, the holiday continues to evolve in fascinating ways.
Understanding what countries celebrate Halloween the most isn’t about counting pumpkins or parades—it’s about appreciating the values, beliefs, and creativity each society brings to the night.
In 2025, I expect even more cultural blending: Japan’s neon parades growing larger, Seoul’s Halloween parties spreading across new venues, and Europe reconnecting with its ancient pagan festivals.
Whether it’s lighting candles for All Souls Day in the Philippines, tasting candy apples in London, or joining the La Castanyada in Spain, the meaning of Halloween has stretched beyond borders. Wherever you go, travel with curiosity, respect local customs, and remember—the world’s fascination with the supernatural connects us all.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Halloween exist in non-Western countries?
Yes. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines celebrate in their own ways. These blend Western influences with local faith-based events such as the Obon Festival, All Saints’ Day, and community Autumn festivals.
2. Which country has the biggest Halloween party?
The United States hosts the largest celebrations. New York’s Village Parade and Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights draw global visitors each October.
3. Is trick-or-treating universal?
Not entirely. It’s common in the U.S. and U.K., but other nations adapt it. In the Philippines, for example, kids perform songs for treats during “Pangangaluwa,” while Mexicans mix trick or treat with Hanal Pixán customs.
4. Can tourists participate easily?
Absolutely. Whether you’re joining haunted attractions in Los Angeles or street parades in Tokyo, travelers are welcome. Just respect religious events linked to Christianity and death.
5. Are there countries that officially ban Halloween?
Some nations with conservative or religious governance discourage it. Always check local advisories before traveling.
6. What’s the difference between Halloween and Day of the Dead?
Halloween focuses on costumes and scares, while the Day of the Dead or El Día de Los Muertos honors ancestors. Both share themes of remembrance, but Mexico’s version is deeply spiritual.
7. Which country celebrates Halloween the most in Europe?
Ireland and the United Kingdom lead Europe’s celebrations, tracing back to All Hallows’ Eve and ancient Celtic rituals like the Samhain festival.
8. Where is the biggest Halloween celebration in the world?
Salem, Massachusetts and Derry, Northern Ireland are two of the biggest. Both cities hold massive festivals blending history, folklore, and fun.
9. Is Halloween big in Asia?
Yes, especially in Japan and South Korea. Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing and Seoul’s Itaewon are now global Halloween icons, known for creative Halloween Costumes and night-long celebrations.
10. What countries do not celebrate Halloween?
Many Middle Eastern and some Southeast Asian countries don’t observe it publicly due to cultural or religious reasons. However, expat communities often host private costume parties and small gatherings.
