WalletHub’s latest study on the best cities for Halloween 2025 got me thinking.
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When I scanned the rankings, fond memories of the holiday came rushing back. As a kid, I loved the thrill of dressing up and racing from house to house with a pillowcase full of candy.
Later, as a parent, I relished the chance to pass that joy along. Whether it’s carving pumpkins, decorating the porch, or helping my kids transform into superheroes and skeletons, the opportunity to indulge my sweet tooth and be someone different for a night is just too good to pass up.
So just how big is Halloween in America? Consider this:
- 73% of Americans plan to celebrate this year.
- We’ll spend $4.3 billion on costumes and $3.9 billion on candy.
- The Halloween attraction industry generates $400 million in annual revenue.
- And we produce 1.44 billion pounds of pumpkins every year.
Clearly, Halloween isn’t just a holiday. It’s a cultural event. And now we know which U.S. cities do it best.
🎃 Top Cities for Halloween 2025
WalletHub ranked 100 cities based on factors like costume store density, walkability, safety, candy access, and party potential.
Here are the top 10:
- New York, NY
- Jersey City, NJ
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Las Vegas, NV
- Miami, FL
- Anaheim, CA
- Boston, MA
- Gilbert, AZ
- Newark, NJ
🏆 Leading the Way: The Top 3 Cities
These three cities stood out from the rest, earning top marks for Halloween spirit, safety, and celebration potential.
New York, NY
The Big Apple tops the list with the most candy stores per capita and the second-most costume shops. Its high population density and walkability make it ideal for trick-or-treating, and it ranks second for movie theaters and 16th for haunted houses. New Yorkers also search for Halloween parties more than anyone else in the country.
Jersey City, NJ
Just across the river, Jersey City shines with the second-highest population density and third-best walkability score. It’s also one of the safest cities on the list, with low crime and pedestrian fatality rates. Add in a strong showing for movie theaters, and you’ve got a Halloween haven.
Los Angeles, CA
LA brings the party with a high number of pumpkin patches, costume stores, and candy shops. It ranks first for movie theaters and sixth for haunted houses, making it an excellent pick for thrill-seekers and film buffs alike.
Even if your city didn’t crack the top 10 overall, it might shine in other ways. WalletHub’s study breaks down rankings across categories like safety, candy access, costume shops, and trick-or-treating potential. There’s still a chance your hometown made the list.
🎒 Highest Potential Trick-or-Treaters
These cities offer the strongest combination of walkability, safety, and kid-friendly density, ideal for maximizing candy haul and Halloween fun.
- Laredo, TX
- Bakersfield, CA
- Fresno, CA
- Gilbert, AZ
- San Bernardino, CA
🕯️ Lowest Potential Trick-or-Treaters
These cities may be less ideal for traditional trick-or-treating due to factors such as low population density, limited walkability, or safety concerns.
- Scottsdale, AZ
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Boston, MA
🛡️ Lowest Crime Rate
Safety matters on Halloween night. These cities ranked lowest for violent and property crime, making them great picks for families.
- Gilbert, AZ
- Irvine, CA
- Chandler, AZ
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Boise, ID
👗 Most Costume Stores Per Capita
Need a last-minute costume or party gear? These cities have the highest concentration of Halloween costume shops.
- Las Vegas, NV
- New York, NY
- New Orleans, LA
- Cincinnati, OH
- Atlanta, GA
🍬 Most Candy & Chocolate Stores Per Capita
Sweet tooth approved—these cities are packed with candy and chocolate shops, perfect for stocking up or indulging.
- New York, NY
- Honolulu, HI
- Las Vegas, NV
- Chicago, IL
- Pittsburgh, PA
💰 Celebrate Without Breaking the Bank
How can you have fun this Halloween without going broke? Jenna R. LaFreniere, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Communication Studies at Texas Tech University, offers these savings tips:
- See what free activities your city offers! Maybe your town hosts a festival or art trail that’s free to walk around.
- Visit a pumpkin patch with family or friends and take fun photos wearing costumes or your favorite Fall clothes (think plaids and corduroy or maybe orange and black).
- Host a pumpkin carving party with your friends. Listen to a Halloween song playlist that you make yourself or simply find one online.
- Pick your favorite Halloween movies and make a night of it. Look online for easy Halloween-inspired treats and snacks to serve, like Mummy Hot Dogs or Halloween Brownies (you can make spiderwebs across them with white icing, or you could stick candy eyeballs all over).
🧛♂️ Can’t Get Enough Halloween?
If Halloween is your favorite holiday and once a year just isn’t enough, you’ll want to check out Summerween. This growing trend brings spooky vibes to July, offering a chance to celebrate in warm weather with costumes, candy, and creative twists on classic traditions. It’s perfect for fans who want to keep the spirit alive year-round.
And if you’ve ever wondered whether visiting Salem, Massachusetts in October is worth the hype, now’s the time to explore it. With its deep witch trial history and immersive seasonal events, Salem remains one of the most iconic Halloween destinations in the country. You can learn more and decide if Salem is the right fit for your fall travel plans.
🎃 Celebrate Wherever You Are
Whether you’re planning a big night out or a cozy celebration at home, Halloween offers something for everyone. From top-ranked cities to hidden gems, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season. So grab your costume, stock up on candy, and make the most of this spooky time of year.
Featured image credit: Szabó János
