8 Small Towns That Do Halloween Better Than Anywhere Else

Across the United States, Halloween has evolved into more than just a night of costumes and candy—it’s a full-blown seasonal economy. While major cities host large-scale events, it’s the small towns that often deliver the most immersive and profitable Halloween experiences. These communities transform into autumnal wonderlands, drawing tens of thousands of visitors with haunted parades, pumpkin festivals, and eerie folklore. Here are eight small towns that have turned Halloween into a booming business, generating impressive tourism revenue and national attention.

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Sleepy Hollow is synonymous with Halloween thanks to Washington Irving’s legendary tale of the Headless Horseman. This Hudson Valley village leans into its spooky heritage with events like the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, haunted hayrides, and cemetery tours. In recent years, Sleepy Hollow has seen a 29% increase in October foot traffic, with local businesses reporting record sales. It’s a textbook example of how a small town can capitalize on Halloween tourism.

Anoka, Minnesota

Known as the “Halloween Capital of the World,” Anoka hosts one of the oldest Halloween parades in the country. This small town’s festivities span several weekends and include costume contests, haunted houses, and pumpkin carving competitions. The Halloween parade alone attracts nearly double the town’s population, making it a major economic driver for local shops and restaurants.

Salem, Massachusetts

Though often mistaken for a city, Salem retains its small-town charm while delivering one of the most robust Halloween experiences in the country. Famous for its 1692 witch trials, Salem draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each October. Events like the Festival of the Dead, psychic fairs, and historical walking tours contribute to a steady rise in tourism revenue year after year.

St. Helens, Oregon

St. Helens gained Halloween fame as the filming location for Disney’s “Halloweentown.” Each October, the town transforms into a real-life version of the movie set, complete with haunted car shows, costume parades, and pumpkin lighting ceremonies. The Spirit of Halloweentown Festival has become a regional magnet, boosting local business and tourism significantly.

Independence, Kansas

Independence hosts the nine-day Neewollah Festival—“Halloween” spelled backward—which is one of the largest annual events in Kansas. With parades, carnivals, and food festivals, this small town draws thousands of visitors and generates substantial seasonal revenue. The festival’s longevity and scale make Independence a standout in Halloween tourism.

Estes Park, Colorado

Nestled in the Rockies, Estes Park is home to the Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.” Each October, the town leans into its haunted reputation with ghost tours, horror film screenings, and themed events. The combination of natural beauty and eerie ambiance makes Estes Park a top destination for Halloween enthusiasts.

Cynthiana, Kentucky

Cynthiana is the birthplace of “The Walking Dead” comic series, and the town celebrates this connection with zombie walks, horror-themed festivals, and haunted attractions. Its Halloween events have grown steadily, attracting fans of the franchise and boosting local tourism. Cynthiana proves that pop culture can be a powerful tool for small town Halloween success.

Half Moon Bay, California

Half Moon Bay’s Art & Pumpkin Festival is a cornerstone of its fall economy. With fields of pumpkins, colossal squash contests, and artisan markets, the town becomes a seasonal hotspot. The festival draws tens of thousands of visitors annually, making Halloween a key contributor to the town’s tourism revenue.

Final Thoughts

Halloween has become a strategic economic opportunity for small towns across the U.S. By embracing local folklore, pop culture, and community-driven events, these eight towns have turned October into their most profitable month. Whether through haunted history or pumpkin pageantry, each destination proves that a small town Halloween can deliver big results.