New York may very well be the only city where you need five Halloween costumes for one singular week. Whether your outfit is as niche as the Empire State Building climbers or you’re busting out the trusty old cat ears, one of the best things about our favorite city is that there’s always somewhere to go.
And the data agrees! According to a recent report by WalletHub, New York City has been named America’s Best City for Halloween in 2026. Between unmatched walkability, endless costume shops, top-tier candy stores, and so much more, here is why NYC takes the crown this spooky season.
Why New York City Is the Best
NYC’s dense urban geography and vibrant retail scene make it an absolute powerhouse for trick-or-treaters and partygoers alike:
- Top-Tier Walkability: Ranking 3rd in Walk Score, NYC’s high population density and pedestrian-friendly streets mean trick-or-treaters can hit scores of doorsteps and collect maximum candy with minimal effort.
- Costume Central: NYC ranked #1 for Halloween Costume Stores per Capita (and #2 for total count), making it easier here than anywhere else to pull together a last-minute outfit or track down obscure prop pieces.
- Candy Capital: For sweet tooths, the city ranked #1 for Candy & Chocolate Stores per Capita, ensuring high-quality treats on every block.
- Endless Entertainment: When it comes to Halloween events, NYC boasts the 2nd-most movie theaters per capita (perfect for horror film marathons), the 16th-most haunted houses, and an abundance of seasonal pop-ups, parades, and amusement parks.
What the Study Focused On
To determine the rankings, WalletHub compared 100 of the largest U.S. cities across 20 key metrics spanning three main pillars:
- Trick-or-Treater Friendliness: Walkability, population density, share of potential trick-or-treat stops, and weather conditions.
- Halloween Fun & Entertainment: Costume stores per capita, candy shops, movie theaters, haunted houses, and local events.
- Safety & Convenience: Crime rates, pedestrian safety metrics (NYC ranked 11th for pedestrian-fatality safety), and traffic conditions during peak trick-or-treating hours.
With Americans projected to spend a staggering $13.1 billion on Halloween expenses this year, the study aimed to highlight cities that offer the perfect mix of high-energy fun, rich neighborhood traditions, and safe environment options.
Top 10 Best Cities for Halloween
While New York City claimed the top spot, several other major U.S. cities stood out for their Halloween spirit, safety, and entertainment options. Here are the top 10 cities nationwide according to the WalletHub study:
- New York, NY – Leading the nation with top walkability, costume density, and candy stores.
- Jersey City, NJ – High walkability and close proximity to top Halloween events.
- Chicago, IL – Excellent neighborhood trick-or-treating density and themed activities.
- Los Angeles, CA – Abundant costume shops, prop houses, and theme park haunt events.
- San Jose, CA – High safety ratings and prime family trick-or-treating communities.
- Arlington, VA – High neighborhood safety and strong community event participation.
- Boston, MA – Historic Halloween charm, walkable historic districts, and ghost tours.
- Seattle, WA – High safety scores paired with rich haunted house options.
- San Francisco, CA – Highly walkable streets and vibrant nightlife celebrations.
- San Diego, CA – Warm autumn weather and extensive family-friendly attractions.
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