LOS ANGELES — According to several recent rankings, Los Angeles is recognized as the premier location in California for celebrating the spooky season, although a number of other cities in the Golden State have also been noted as popular haunt spots.
The City of Angels secured the sixth position on both WalletHub’s list of the top places for Halloween and a separate list from the photo book company Mixbook featuring the most favored holiday destinations.
“Halloween holds a significant place in American culture, and we collectively spend billions of dollars in celebration each year,” stated WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, as reported by the personal finance website.
“However, it’s also a holiday that carries a degree of risk, as children visit the homes of strangers in the dark. The top cities for Halloween are those that ensure safe conditions for festivities, coupled with a wealth of activities, Halloween-themed stores, and favorable weather.”
To compile its rankings, WalletHub assessed the 100 largest cities in the U.S., using 20 metrics such as the number of costume stores per capita, crime rates, and potential trick-or-treat opportunities.
New York took the top spot, followed by Jersey City, New Jersey, in second place and Miami at third, with Las Vegas and Chicago rounding out fourth and fifth, respectively.
Los Angeles ranked sixth, while nearby Anaheim landed in eighth place, between Washington, D.C., in seventh position and Boston at ninth.
Other Californian cities within the top 20 included San Diego at 12th, San Francisco at 13th, Santa Ana at 15th, and San Jose at 19th.
For its rankings, Mixbook surveyed 3,000 families to determine their favorite Halloween destinations, with Salem, Massachusetts, New Orleans, and Amityville, New York, claiming the first three spots.
Los Angeles was also sixth in this ranking, positioned between Orlando at fifth and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, at seventh.
“Los Angeles provides a wealth of spooky Halloween events and haunted attractions, like the iconic Hollywood Tower and the ‘Halloween House,’ which is the filming site for John Carpenter’s Halloween,” noted a press release regarding the rankings. “Horror film enthusiasts can visit these renowned locations or take part in haunted tours across the city, making it a must-see for film lovers and thrill-seekers alike.”
Other California communities making the top 20 included West Hollywood at 18th and Half Moon Bay at 19th.
“While Halloween traditions are cherished, discovering a new destination can elevate the holiday experience,” stated Leslie Albertson of Mixbook in the news release. “Embarking on a short getaway to one of these distinctive locations allows families to encounter a different aspect of Halloween, enriched with history, exciting events, and unforgettable moments.”
