Here’s Why This Illinois Town Is One Of The Top 20+ Places To Celebrate Halloween

GALENA, IL — When it comes to celebrating Halloween, small towns like Galena in northwest Illinois are a great place to revel in the spooky season.

In her “20+ Best Small Towns for Celebrating Halloween,” HGTV’s Lynn Coulter says Galena and its surrounding areas feel "magical when the trees change colors in fall, and it's delightfully spooky at Halloween."

Coulter gives a shoutout to Galena itself, as well as surrounding towns like Elizabeth and Warren.

Some upcoming festivities in Galena include the Galena Country Fair on Oct. 11-12, and Galena's 45th annual Halloween parade and festival on Oct. 25. The event is the "largest, longest, and spookiest Parade and Festival in the Tri-State Area," Galena boasts.

According to Enjoy Illinois, "Hosted by the Galena Area Chamber of Commerce, this beloved tradition features a spellbinding lineup of floats, marching bands, costumed characters, and entertainment for all ages. With the glow of autumn lanterns and the energy of thousands of spectators, it’s one of the region’s most anticipated fall celebrations."

Here’s the full list of Coulter’s recommendations:

California

• Morro Bay

Connecticut

• Montville

Colorado

• Manitou Springs
• Estes Park

Georgia

• Macon
• Athens
• Savannah

Illinois

• Galena

Indiana

• Fishers

Kansas

• Independence

Kentucky

• Newport

Louisiana

• Baton Rouge

Massachusetts

• Sturbridge
• Salem

New York

• Sleepy Hollow
• Niagara Falls

North Carolina

• Oxford
• Hendersonville
• Boone

Rhode Island

• Providence

South Carolina

• Conway

Tennessee

• Philadelphia
• Adam

Vermont

• Corwith