As autumn arrives and jack-o'-lanterns light up porches, Halloween enthusiasm is reaching new heights. The spooky holiday has morphed from a simple night of trick-or-treating into a month-long celebration, driving both tourism and retail sales to record levels.
While many are getting their candy bowls ready and revisiting various Addams Family adaptations on television, there has been a significant increase in tourists flocking to Halloween hotspots like Salem, Mass., and New Orleans, La. These iconic locations, steeped in Halloween lore, are drawing visitors from far and wide who seek to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season.
Salem, famous for its Halloween festivities, has become a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the holiday's rich traditions. Visitors can explore historic sites, join ghost tours, and participate in parades. The town's annual Haunted Happenings festival attracts thousands for a spooky celebration of all-things Halloween.
The surge in Halloween tourism reflects a broader trend of increased spending on the holiday. Nationally, the National Retail Federation estimated that Americans spent a record $12.2 billion during Halloween last year, a 15-percent increase over 2022. Some 70 percent of U.S. consumers participated last year, according to the retail federation, and investment in this year's spookiness is on track to continue this upward trend.
Halloween has become big business and retailers are capitalizing on the holiday's popularity, offering an ever-expanding array of products to satisfy consumers' appetite for all things eerie and fun.
As you stroll through your neighborhood to admire the creative Halloween decorations put up by your neighbors, let the festive spirit inspire you. Whether it’s adding a few more pumpkins to your porch or planning a strange costume, there’s no better time to embrace the spooky season and join in the fun that Halloween brings to our local communities.
"From elaborate costumes to festive decorations, Halloween has transformed into a month-long celebration, inspiring communities to embrace the spooky spirit and join in the fun."