Halloween Tourism Booms in Small U.S. Towns Amid Record $13.1B Spending Forecast

Halloween traditions vary widely across different communities and age groups, blending nostalgia with evolving cultural practices. Sleepy Hollow, New York, transforms into a bustling tourist destination each October, attracting over 100,000 visitors who celebrate its spooky legacy rooted in Washington Irving's famous tale. In New Bedford, migrant families often observe All Saints' Day on November 1 by honoring deceased loved ones, even as younger generations increasingly participate in Halloween festivities to integrate culturally. Adults engaging in trick-or-treating face social norms advising respect for the holiday's child-centered spirit, emphasizing appropriate costumes and behavior. Alternative events like "Trunk-or-Treat" have gained popularity, offering safe, interactive community celebrations that extend Halloween fun beyond traditional door-to-door candy collection. Meanwhile, Canadians reminisce about the UNICEF donation box, a cherished part of Halloween charity that raised millions before its discontinuation, with recent efforts to revive its spirit through commemorative merchandise and fundraising.