Anyone in America can tell you the most epic town to visit for Halloween is Salem, Massachusetts.

Yes, it's true there's a spectacularly spooky twinge to Salem, given the Witch Trials and  general drama around this town that's about an hour north of Boston.

However, if you drive an hour north of Salem, just over the New Hampshire border, you will find another town that loves to celebrate Halloween just as much.

In fact, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is known for its beautiful port, eclectic shops, and fabulous restaurants, but also its annual Halloween Parade.

The month of October is filled with spooky, yet creative events in Portsmouth, like Scary-oke, Tattoo Flash Day, the Undead Beat Night, and the Pumpkin Smash.

This is why hgtv.com has named this port city the best town in the Granite State to visit for Halloween.

The Strawbery Banke Museums' Ghosts on the Banke is a family-friendly event on the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday before Halloween.

It's appropriate for all ages with games, stories, and trick-or-treating in an eerily lit area around the museum.

Portsmouth Halloween Parade via Facebook
Portsmouth Halloween Parade via Facebook
loading...

If you want spooky, then try the Historic Portsmouth Legends and Ghost Walk, from New England Curiosities.

They offer 5 different creepy tours that will make your skin crawl. This is not for the faint of heart, but it is peculiarly and wildly popular.

Portsmouth Halloween Parade via Facebook
Portsmouth Halloween Parade via Facebook
loading...

The Halloween Parade is the biggest event, and starts promptly at 7 pm on Halloween night.  The zany parade features the Monster Troupe, with dancing and conjuring up excitement during the parade with street theater and puppets.

The parade is not city-sanctioned, but rather community-driven, which makes it even more unique.

If you want something close and creepy on October 31st,  this year head to Halloween capital of New Hampshire, the city of Portsmouth.

New Halloween Candy Making It's Debut in 2024

Here is a look at eight of the newest candy offerings that will be debuting during Halloween this year. 

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll

Portsmouth Halloween Parade Costumes

These are some of the best, scariest, and funniest Halloween costumes I saw at the Portsmouth, New Hampshire 2023 Halloween parade.

More From 94.9 WHOM