You may have already planned where you’re spending Halloween this year, and it’s probably somewhere in Nottingham, if not your hometown. However, there are plenty of awesome celebrations that take place around the world that you can hope to visit someday on your travels: all of which are far more exciting than whatever drinks deal your favourite club is offering!
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights (USA)
Running for 25 years, this Florida theme park comes alive with monsters and maniacs taken directly from your favourite horror movie moments, led by Jack the Clown. Guests can explore a variety of haunted houses, scare zones and experience outrageous live shows as well as the usual rides and attractions.
The Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball (USA)
Salem, Massachusetts plays host to this spirit-summoning evening. Hundreds of people dress up and flock to this small city north of Boston where the infamous Salem witch trials once took place. They enjoy recounting spells, hosting psychic readings, feasting on food and watching live performances.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival (Canada)
For those looking for “an adrenaline rush of fear” accompanied by a bucket of popcorn to toss in the air, Toronto showcases a number of horrifying films from around the world across this annual nine-day festival. 11,000 attendees are exposed to a large variety of movies in the genres of horror, sci-fi, fantasy and cult, also including short and independent pieces.
Amsterdam Halloween Festival (The Netherlands)
This three-day festival guarantees to serve up “bloody good Halloween fun” with a wide range of events to suit the needs of every witch, vampire or ghoul. You can choose from activities such as: roller-skating through the streets; perhaps tasting some terrifying tapas; attending a makeup and costume party; watching the spooktacular parade. Then it all culminates in the annual Monster Bash party on Halloween night!
Disneyland Paris’ Halloween Party (France)
If you’re young at heart, you can attend this Disney extravaganza with family-friendly frights. Meet and greet your favourite mischievous villains at the Halloween Costume Corner, watch the autumn parade, take in the bewitched décor and finish off the celebrations by exploring this enchanting park and all its attractions after hours!
Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival (UK)
For something a little closer to home, and perhaps more easily accessible, you can check out this street carnival in Derry: it’s the largest in Europe! Hop aboard a chilling ghost bus, experience the night-time markets and then take in the world-famous parade, followed by a cascade of brilliant fireworks.
You don’t always have to buy a plane ticket to somewhere far far away to experience something magical and out of the ordinary…
Edited by Sarah Holmes
Sources:
http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/haunted/articles/worlds-spookiest-halloween-festivals
http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/
http://halloweenamsterdam.com/amsterdam-halloween-festival/
http://www.festivalofthedead.com/witchesball/
http://torontoafterdark.com/2015/
http://www.disneylandparis.co.uk/events/halloween-at-disneyland-paris/
http://mustlovefestivals.com/festival/banks-of-the-foyle-halloween-carnival-2015/