Copyright Newsweek
Newsweek has created a map showing the best cities for Halloween based on new rankings from the finance website WalletHub. Why it Matters Halloween has become one of the most anticipated holidays in the United States, not just for its festive costumes, trick-or-treating and haunted houses. Its large-scale economic impact can give businesses a well needed boost. How and where Americans celebrate can strongly affect the safety and enjoyment of the night, especially for families with children. Understanding which cities offer the best mix of safety, festivities, and accessibility helps guide millions in their Halloween plans. What To Know WalletHub, a personal finance website, has published its annual list of the best U.S. cities for Halloween in 2025 based on an extensive methodology. The study analyzed the 100 largest American cities using 20 unique metrics clustered under three primary categories: Trick-or-treater-friendliness, halloween fun and Halloween weather. Criteria ranged from the concentration of costume and candy stores and major safety indicators, such as crime and pedestrian fatality rates, to the probability of pleasant weather on October 31. According to WalletHub’s published rankings, New York claimed the top spot for 2025. The city excelled due to its population density, walkability and abundance of Halloween-themed stores. Following closely were Jersey City, New Jersey, (ranked second for its child-friendly environment and safety) and Los Angeles, California (third, noted for its variety of pumpkin patches, Halloween attractions and favorable weather). Nationally, Americans are projected to spend an average of $114.45 per household on Halloween-related items this year, according to WalletHub’s analysis. In total, this amounts to $13.1 billion in consumer spending for the 2025 Halloween season. WalletHub’s study emphasizes that cities excelling in both festive fun and safety set themselves apart as premier destinations for the holiday. It is important to note that these rankings are based on WalletHub's methodology and opinion, not those of Newsweek or its editors. What People Are Saying WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said: "Halloween holds a big place in American popular culture, and we collectively spend billions of dollars celebrating every year. At the same time, it’s also a holiday that comes with a certain amount of risk, given that children visit strangers’ houses in the dark. The best cities for Halloween are those that provide the safest conditions for celebrating, along with an abundance of activities, Halloween-related stores and good weather." Consumer strategist Lisa Miller told FOXLA: "There is $11.6 billion expected to be spent on Halloween in this season. And, if you think about it, in our neighborhoods, there’s decorations, there’s candy, there’s costumes—but Halloween is bug business." What Happens Next As Halloween festivities approach, many communities may use the report to enhance events and safety initiatives. Additionally, with consumer spending on the holiday continuing to rise, businesses are likely to increase their offerings and hours to meet demand. For those interested in reviewing the full rankings, scores, and criteria, WalletHub provides a detailed breakdown of its methodology on its site.
