The key facts
- The Adventure360 ranking covered 113 cities worldwide; New York (91.1) and Chicago (80.1) lead
- Edinburgh is third (79.2) thanks to the Samhuinn Fire festival, Dublin is fourth (73.0) thanks to the Bram Stoker festival
- Europe is the best destination among continents: five cities in the top 10
How the ranking was compiled
In 2026, Halloween falls on a Saturday, and according to Euronews, many travelers plan to celebrate the holiday, including abroad. Travel experts from Adventure360 analyzed 113 cities around the world to determine where the largest celebrations will take place. Each city was assessed by the number of Halloween events from October 30 to November 1, the vibrancy of nightlife, and the number of late-opening restaurants. Safety levels and the presence of a signature Halloween or Day of the Dead celebration were also taken into account. The final score was given on a 100-point scale.
Ranking leaders
First place went to New York with a score of 91.1, followed by Chicago with 80.1. By country, the United States has the most cities in the top ten — New Orleans took ninth place. By continent, Europe became the best destination with five cities in the top 10: Edinburgh (third place, 79.2), Dublin (fourth, 73.0), Madrid (seventh, 70.7), London (eighth, 69.6), and Prague (tenth, 69.0). However, neither Madrid, nor London, nor Prague has its own signature Halloween event. The top 20 also includes Rome, Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, and Lisbon. The full top ten: New York (91.1), Chicago (80.1), Edinburgh (79.2), Dublin (73.0), Tokyo (72.3), Mexico City (71.8), Madrid (70.7), London (69.6), New Orleans (69.2), Prague (69.0).
Edinburgh and Dublin
Edinburgh, despite a relatively small number of nightlife venues and late-night restaurants, is famous for its many themed events, above all the Samhuinn Fire festival. On October 31, Calton Hill turns into a venue for fire performances with drums, acrobatics, and elaborate costumes. The festival reinterprets the ancient Celtic traditions of seeing off summer and welcoming winter: performers stage a battle between the Summer King and the Winter Queen. In Dublin, there are only seven Halloween events — one of the lowest figures in the top 10 — but the city compensates for this with the Bram Stoker festival, which this year runs from October 23 to 26. Guests can expect 'ghostly' tours, horror theatre, candlelit library visits, and a parade, while families with children can enjoy the free gothic park Stokerland in St Patrick's Park.
Madrid, London and Prague
Madrid has no single major central celebration, but from October 30 to November 2, IFEMA Madrid hosts MADHORROR — a haunted house, horror film screenings, gaming and comic events. Also available are tours about the ghosts and legends of the old city and costume parties in the Malasaña district. London, according to the study, has approximately 22 themed events, more than 1,000 nightlife venues, and 2,600 late-opening restaurants — the maximum among top-ten cities. Among the events are an illuminated trail in Kew Gardens with a 'Dracula's lair' and the Headless Horseman, Jack the Ripper tours, and a 'silent' disco at the London Transport Museum. In Prague, on October 30 the Lucerna Great Hall hosts the Wonderland Halloween party with costumes, live performances, and DJs, and on October 30 and on Halloween night the Karlovy Lázně club holds its annual Wicked Weekend party. Those seeking a quieter experience can enjoy ghost-story tours through the narrow streets and medieval undergrounds of the Old Town.
