10 Spook-tacular Ways to Spend Halloween in New Orleans
Halloween in New Orleans is a unique experience. The city truly comes alive, and ghosts and ghouls seem to be around every corner.
New Orleans takes Halloween to another level. The decorations and festivities are incredible, especially in the French Quarter and Garden District. Both locals and tourists fully embrace the Halloween spirit.
You can take it easy or dive into the wild side on Bourbon Street—New Orleans offers something for everyone, including the Krewe of Boo parade. The French Quarter’s spooky vibe intensifies as Halloween approaches, making a ghost tour a must for those feeling brave.
Many activities are available year-round, but Halloween adds extra excitement. If you plan to visit, book your tours and accommodations early—Halloween is a busy time, and spots fill up fast. And if you plan to attend the Krewe of Boo parade, check the date ahead of time—it usually happens about a week before Halloween.
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In this article, I’ll share some of the best ways to experience Halloween in New Orleans and tips to make the most of your visit.
How to Spend Halloween in New Orleans
1. Stay at a Haunted Hotel
One of the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit is by staying at a haunted hotel. The French Quarter is home to several, including the famously haunted Hotel Monteleone.
We chose to stay at Place d’Armes Hotel, located in the heart of New Orleans near Jackson Square. The site was once a French colonial school, which tragically burned down during the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, taking many students and the headmaster with it.
Though we didn’t encounter any ghostly children during our stay, the hotel’s eerie history made the hair on my arms stand up at night.
2. Take a Ghost Tour
Taking a ghost tour is a must during Halloween in New Orleans. While it’s popular year-round, the spooky atmosphere intensifies during Halloween.
There are many ghost tours, but our favorite was the French Quarter Ghost Tour. This tour takes you through the streets of the French Quarter, where you’ll uncover the history and hauntings of some of its most famous locations, including the resident ghosts at Muriel’s. Every night, a dinner table with bread and wine is set up at Muriel’s for their resident ghost.
The tour happens at night, adding to the eerie vibe. But during Halloween, it’s even spookier.
Tour Ideas
New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour [book here]
The Ghosts of New Orleans Tour [book here]
New Orleans Ghosts and Spirits Walking Tour [book here]
3. Plan to Attend Krewe of Boo
Krewe of Boo is New Orleans’ official Halloween parade, held one week before Halloween. It’s a perfect way to kick off the Halloween festivities, featuring floats, costumes, and plenty of food. Everyone dresses up for Krewe of Boo, so be sure to wear a costume! The parade starts at Elysian Fields and winds through the French Quarter.
We missed it by a week, but it’s worth considering when planning your Halloween in New Orleans.
4. Visit Madame Laveau’s House of Voodoo
Madame Laveau’s House of Voodoo may be small but full of character. This shop is located on Bourbon Street and offers a glimpse into Madame Laveau’s world. Inside, you’ll find voodoo dolls, gris-gris bags, candles, and other items used in voodoo rituals. You can even have your tarot cards read while you’re there.
Madame Laveau’s House of Voodoo is a must-visit, even if just once.
5. Walk Around the Above-Ground Tombs at a Cemetary
New Orleans is known for its fascinating cemeteries, which make them perfect for a spooky Halloween activity. There’s nothing quite like touring one of these cemeteries at night.
You’ll need to book an official tour to visit a cemetery, as not all cemeteries allow public access. A guide will lead you through the cemetery, offering a unique experience as you explore the grounds at night.
We took a night cemetery tour during our visit and found it both spooky and peaceful. The cemetery is filled with beautiful monuments, graveyards, and above-ground tombs, making it a captivating place to visit, especially during Halloween. It’s also a great way to learn about the history of New Orleans and its burial practices.
Tour Ideas
Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour in New Orleans [book here]
6. Learn About the Vampires of New Orleans
Taking a vampire tour is one of the most popular Halloween activities in New Orleans. The city has a rich history with vampires that have influenced shows like True Blood, Vampire Diaries, and The Originals.
On the tour, you’ll visit famous vampire sites and learn about the real vampires of New Orleans and their impact on pop culture. The experience is both educational and spooky, offering a glimpse into the darker side of the city.
Some even say these bloodthirsty creatures still walk among us today.
Tour Ideas
New Orleans Vampire Tour [book here]
Adults Only New Orleans Ghost, True Crime, Voodoo & Vampire Walking Tour [book here]
7. Eat a New Orleans Vampire Cafe
After your vampire tour, head to the New Orleans Vampire Café for a fun dinner amongst vampires. This popular restaurant serves traditional New Orleans cuisine with a vampire twist, and the spooky touches throughout the restaurant create an eerie vibe, especially at night. You never know what characters you’ll encounter at Vampire Café on Halloween.
Our favorite part is the drinks served in a blood bag—a fun and unique way to dive into the vampire folklore of New Orleans. If you’re lucky, you might be chosen to receive a password for entry into their secret vampire bar.
– Don’t Miss: Amazing Places to Eat in New Orleans –
8. Make a Stop at the LaLaurie Mansion
One of the most haunted mansions in New Orleans is the LaLaurie Mansion, made infamous by Madame Delphine and featured in American Horror Story. The mansion is said to be haunted by the tortured ghosts of slaves, making it a popular stop on ghost tours.
While you can’t go inside, walking by the mansion, especially at night, is an eerie experience. You can almost feel the history and hauntings as you approach the property.
9. Check Out the Halloween Decorations
The Halloween decorations throughout the French Quarter and the Garden District are truly impressive. You’ll find festive displays all over the city, but the Garden District is especially worth a visit.
We particularly enjoyed the Skeleton House at 6000 St. Charles Ave., featuring quirky skeleton displays with humorous social commentary. It’s more funny than spooky and a great spot for the whole family. You can take the Green St. Charles Streetcar to get there and then explore other decorated homes in the area.
10. Dress Up in a Costume and Go Out on Halloween
Halloween in New Orleans is a big deal, and people go all out with their costumes. You’ll see costumes everywhere, day and night, especially on Halloween.
Bourbon Street is wild on Halloween night, with over-the-top costumes and non-stop partying. But if that’s not your scene, you can still dress up and enjoy one of the many Halloween parties in the city. There are costume contests, themed parties, activities, bar crawls, and more.
Is New Orleans busy during Halloween?
Yes, New Orleans is very busy during Halloween. Hotels fill up quickly, especially in the French Quarter, so booking your accommodations early is best. If you plan to attend the Krewe of Boo parade, be sure to check the event date and make arrangements in advance.
Is Halloween a Good Time to Visit New Orleans?
We think so! The French Quarter and Garden District are especially lively during Halloween, with businesses and homes going all out to celebrate. Locals and tourists embrace the holiday spirit by dressing up and joining in the festivities, parades, and parties.
Do People Dress Up for Halloween in New Orleans?
Yes, people of all ages dress up in all sorts of creative and fun costumes for Halloween in New Orleans.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO NEW ORLEANS, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:
- Must-Try Dishes in New Orleans
- Delicious Dining Picks in New Orleans
- 3-Day Guide to New Orleans
- Can’t-Miss Beignet Spots in New Orleans
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.