If you thought that the 31st October was simply about trick or treating and one too many toffee apples – think again. Ditch your annual screening of Insidious and jet across the world to experience a Halloween holiday that will guarantee to put a ‘spook’ in your step.
Mexico
In Mexico, Halloween is celebrated in conjunction with the Day of the Dead, also known as Día de los Muertos, a Mexican national holiday. This festival is one that remembers lost loved ones and celebrates their passage into the next life and officially takes place on the first two days of November so your Halloween holiday to Mexico is best as a week-long affair to get the most out of the merriments. Riviera Maya should be your go-to for a Halloween party that you’ll never forget. Xcaret Park hosts the four-day Festival of Life and Death which explores the traditions of Mexico and features decorated altars, concerts, expositions and dancers throughout the festivities. Occidental at Xcaret Destinations is adjacent to Xcaret Park, making it the ideal spot for your Halloween holiday.
Don’t let the skulls fool you – Day of the Dead is a vibrant celebration of life and loved ones
New Orleans
When you think of New Orleans, what springs to mind? Is it plates of sugary beignets piled high and steaming bowls of Creole-inspired seafood jambalaya? Or do you hear the sweet sounds of smooth jazz and the cradle of the blues? Don’t be silly – you think of the infectious merriment of the buzzing celebrations! As the home of Mardi Gras, New Orleans doesn’t do anything by halves when it comes to special occasions, so don’t expect the Halloween festivities to be any different. Adults and kids alike are invited to dress up in the most imaginative and outlandish costumes to take part in the annual Halloween Parade, also known as the Krewe of Boo. The parade marches through the French Quarter on the Saturday before Halloween and guests can either choose to participate or simply watch from the side-lines. Expect a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, live marching bands, and souvenirs thrown to the crowd before the excitement is wrapped up with a Monster Mash costume party. Put the cherry on top of your Halloween holiday to New Orleans with a stay at Hotel Monteleone, less than a 10-minute walk from the French Quarter.
New York City
The city that never sleeps certainly knows how to celebrate in style; the elaborate floats in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, the New Year’s Eve fireworks during the iconic ball drop and the magical Christmas tree light-up ceremony at Rockefeller Centre. So, trust me when I say that there’s nothing like a Halloween holiday to New York to experience this ghoulish event to the fullest. The Village Halloween Parade greets over half a million people that gather on Sixth Avenue to head north all the way to 16th Street. A costume is a must to take part in the march but if you’d rather witness the live bands and the larger-than-life spectacle from a distance, you can’t go wrong with a stay at The Knickerbocker. With the parade route passing the hotel, the rooftop bar here is a perfect place for a bird’s eye view of your New York holiday excitement.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a place that knows how to party so expect your Halloween holiday to the City of Angels to be full of fun from start to finish. Take to Santa Monica Boulevard for the West Hollywood Carnaval for four hours of risqué costumes, live music and delicious food trucks. As always, there’s a prize for the most extravagant Halloween attire but the competition is stiff, so don’t be shy with your creations. Take a break from the chaos with a touch of elegance at Andaz West Hollywood, just a 10-minute drive from Santa Monica Boulevard.
An eerie light descends over LA, Happy Halloween
Orlando
As if a holiday to Orlando couldn’t get more eventful, Halloween in the theme park capital of the world is simply electric. All of the parks celebrate the event in their own unique way and are family-friendly for all ages to enjoy. Younger ones will adore Legoland’s Brick or Treat while preteens will love Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Those who take a liking to a little more adrenaline will be well suited to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios to experience haunted houses, Stranger Things themed simulations and scream-inducing rollercoasters. A stay on the iconic International Drive is necessary to be in close proximity to all of the theme parks, with Rosen Plaza Hotel being the ideal choice as it has a free shuttle service to Universal Studios.
Orlando’s theme parks are guaranteed to give you the fright and time of your life
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