How to Enjoy America's Best Halloween Celebrations

Contributor

By Zach Chouteau
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (25 Ratings)

Halloween is the perfect time for some spooky festivities.

If you’re looking for Halloween fun that goes beyond mere trick-or-treating or costume ball activities—there are some seriously spooktacular events around the nation—if you know where to go. Here’s a quick look at some of the most "spirited" celebrations in America.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade in New York City is known by some as the biggest celebration of its kind. Countless revelers take to the streets of Manhattan’s funkiest neighborhood to experience live bands, creative performers and thousands of other dressed-up partiers.
Step 2

Tombstone, Arizona has a violent gun-fighting past that some claim has spawned a thriving ghost population—making it a perfect Halloween haunt. After checking out the daily reenactment of the infamous gunfight, saunter over to Boot Hill Cemetery, perhaps the most famous in America, before seeking out some real spirits in the town’s saloons.
Step 3

Little Five Points Festival and Parade in Atlanta serves up some splendidly scary fun mixed with Southern hospitality. This party is made for people of all ages, with giant skeleton puppets, costume contests, children’s activitities and much more, including a colorful street parade sure to provoke some boos and ahs.
Step 4

The Halloween Carnival in West Hollywood, California is one of the liveliest street parties in the nation, a weeklong bash leading to a celebrated costume contest on Halloween night. This eclectic Los Angeles neighborhood is known for its unique people-watching, and its never better than during this spooky celebration.
Step 5

Maui's Lahaina Halloween Party shows you don't need a brisk autumn evening to properly celebrate this haunting holiday. The historic whaling town’s Front Street is closed to vehicles, making way for a children's costume parade, food stands and much more, and Banyan Tree Park is another center of festivity. Plan ahead when possible, as this is a popular annual party that fills up the hotels in a hurry.
Step 6

For a little spice of life, the Fetish and Fantasy Halloween Ball calls itself Las Vegas’ most adult Halloween party. If you're seeking a naughty but nice Halloween celebration with plenty of tricks and treats, this fiesta is hard to beat. You'll savor the sexy costumes, dirty dancing and some one-of-a-kind libations.
Step 7

In likeable Long Beach, California, a number of options turn the downtown into a devilishly delightful Halloween destination. The Queen Mary transforms into the Ship of Terror with macabre mazes and some truly terrifying surprises, and other fun includes live tunes at Purgatory Park, or kick up your heels dancing at the Dome of Doom.