13 People & Places That Go Hard for Halloween

For many of us, Halloween is one of the best times of the year. The weather, decor, and festivities enchant us in a way that no other holiday can. Here are 13 influencers and towns who have managed to turn the magic of all-hallows-eve into a year-round celebration.

August 17, 2021

By: Maggie Miller

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Photo By: @magicparatus via Instagram

Photo By: @rafaelbeltranfx via Instagram

Photo By: AP Photo/Jim Mone

Photo By: @homespookyhome via Instagram

Photo By: @creepyafshow via Instagram

Photo By: AP Photo/Rebecca Santana

Photo By: @the_versatile_virgo via Instagram

Photo By: @halloweenqueens via Instagram

Photo By: @halloweenhomemaker via Instagram

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Photo By: @whatmiasaid via Instagram

Photo By: @alexfaction via Instagram

Photo By: AP Photo/Jim Fitzgerald

Niky Sama, @magicparatus

Self-proclaimed “curator of everything spooky”, Niky Sama has dedicated her Instagram, @magicparatus, to the aesthetics of Halloween. Her page is full of gorgeous autumn decor, cute cosplays, and helpful travel tips. Perhaps more impressive than her commitment to Halloween is her dedication to advocating for mental health and women’s rights. Head on over to her page for a fun and informative experience.

Rafael Beltran, @rafaelbeltranfx

Based in Los Mochis Mexico, Rafael Beltran has perfected the art of fantasy makeup. His Instagram, @rafaelbeltranfx, showcases his impressive range of skills, from whimsical grinch transformations and gorgeous sugar skulls to downright terrifying gory special effects. It’s a great place to see a true master makeup artist at work and to get inspiration for your own All Hallows’ Eve look.

Anoka, Minnesota

The town of Anoka, Minnesota has taken Halloween to the extreme. Known as the Halloween capital of the world, their festivities go far beyond October 31st. What started over a century ago as the rebuttal to a town-wide prank has turned into an annual community-wide celebration. Nowadays their autumn schedule includes at least three parades, pumpkin carving contests, bonfires, carnivals, and a post-Halloween pumpkin-smashing event.

Liz Borg, @homespookyhome

Need ideas on how to transform your home into the sophisticated haunted house of Morticia Addam’s dreams? Liz Borg has you covered. Her Instagram page is packed with stylish decor shots that look like they came straight out of the Better Homes & Gardens Halloween issue. One visit to @homespookyhome will have you busting out the cobwebs and jack-o-lanterns six months early.

Creepy AF, @creepyafshow

For an all-out ode to horror and Halloween, look no further than the @creepyafshow on Instagram. Full of hilarious memes and nods to the horror film industry, this account dedicates each and every post to the spirits of the season.

New Orleans, Louisiana

If there are two things New Orleans knows how to do, it’s how to mask up and throw a party. Home to some of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations in the world, New Orleans is known as one of America’s most haunted places. It definitely embraces that spine-chilling energy year-round with fortune-tellers, ghost tours, and mausoleums. When the weather starts to turn, celebrations ramp up for the annual VooDoo Music & Art Experience, Vampire Ball, Boo at the Zoo, and the Krewe of Boo Parade.

Courtnee, @the_versatile_virgo

@the_versatile_virgo is here to prove that heavy metal and Halloween go hand in hand. Her page is populated with stylish nods to the occult and great music recommendations. Give it a visit and double up on ideas for your October playlist and wardrobe.

Natalie, Caitlin, and Meghan, the Halloween Queens, @halloweenqueens

With the bio line “Queens supporting Queens while celebrating Horror & Halloween” you know you’re in for a treat when you visit the Halloween Queen’s Instagram page. An amalgamation of All Hallows art, playlists, pop-culture references, and humor, @halloweenqueens offers joyful revelry in the holiday.

Marsh, @halloweenhomemaker

Most of us have seen a Christmas tree, but Marsh’s whimsical Halloween creations might have us hopping on board with a new trend. Her page, @halloweenhomemaker, is bursting with cute Halloween decor in a kaleidoscope of pastels, plants, and pumpkins. She’s even got a section dedicated to growing a Halloween-themed garden!

Salem, Massachusetts

The notorious witch trials of 1692 have made Salem, Massachusetts synonymous with All Hallows’ Eve. Visitors can explore the city’s dark past year-round at the Salem Witch Museum and on haunted walking tours around the downtown area. As Halloween approaches Salem kicks off the season with its annual Festival of the Dead, which features psychic readings and paranormal experts, and a variety of parties, parades, and haunted houses.

Mia Wallace, @whatmiasaid

Mia Wallace is all about vintage VHS and Halloween vibes. Her page showcases an impressive collection of horror films alongside her quirky Halloween style. Need a scary movie recommendation? Peruse @whatmiasaid’s page and take your pick.

Alex Faction, @alexfaction

Makeup artist, YouTuber, and cosmetologist Alex Faction creates sophisticated makeup looks that will have you running to the nearest cosmetics aisle. His painted faces meld art and horror, demonstrating a definite mastery of the medium. Check out his page, @alexfaction, for some truly astounding All Hallows’ art.

Sleepy Hollow, New York

The location for Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, the real-life Sleepy Hollow lives up to its reputation. The town goes all out in October, decorated with wagons and characters that bring the legend to life. Visitors can enjoy the yearly Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze as well as re-enactments of Irving’s short story.