6 reasons why New Hampshire was ranked the top Halloween state
New Hampshire is famous for autumn weather, but did you know it’s a top state for Halloween? Read on to learn why it’s a “spirited” seasonal spot.
All across New Hampshire, leaves are turning red and gold, apple cider is appearing on grocery store shelves, and pumpkins are ripening in their patches, because autumn is here. The Granite State is known for beautiful, vivid fall color, but as autumn brings the start of “spooky season” with it, many in New Hampshire don’t know that their state has been named the most festive state in the country when it comes to Halloween.
In 2023, Time Out, a magazine based in the United Kingdom, ranked the twelve best states to celebrate Halloween in, and New Hampshire took the coveted number-one spot! But why? Is the entire state haunted, or just home to exceptionally delicious candy?
Well, there are actually several reasons that New Hampshire is the place to be when October 31 rolls around each year. Put on your finest witches’ hat, vampire’s cape, or other spooky disguise, grab your candy bag, and let’s take a look at what makes New Hampshire America’s most festive Halloween state.
1. New Hampshire’s got Halloween Spirit (many of them, actually)
What better way to measure Halloween spirit than through, well, Spirit Halloween? One of the things the Time Out article cites as a New Hampshire Halloween chart-topper is that it’s home to more Spirit Halloween outlets per capita than any other state.
Why so many? That’s not entirely clear, but these shopping-mall seasonal staples are a great place to stock up on costumes and Halloween decor. To some families, going to look for your costume at Spirit Halloween is a time-honored, annual tradition. Given the many Spirit Halloween locations in the state, one thing is certain: The people of New Hampshire love to get into the Halloween spirit!
2. Picking a pumpkin? Take your pick!
If Halloween had an official logo, it would have to be a pumpkin. From classic jack-o-lanterns to pumpkin-shaped candy to pumpkin costumes for Halloween lovers of all ages, it just wouldn’t be Halloween without them. And while you could get your pumpkin (or pumpkins, plural—no judgement) from the grocery store, it’s more fun to make a day of it and go to a pumpkin patch.
In the Granite State, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to spots to pick your own pumpkin. There are thirty different pumpkin patches and farms across the state that offer pick-your-own pumpkins. You can choose based on which is nearest to you, which one has the most attractions for kids or adults, or swing by a few to decide your favorite!
3. In New Hampshire, you can literally get overloaded with Halloween fun
Are you ready to max out on haunted festivities? If so, you’ll fit right in at New Hampshire’s own Haunted Overload, an annual attraction held at DeMerritt Hill Farm, which has repeatedly been voted one of the best Halloween attractions in the country.
Celebrating their fifteen-year anniversary in 2025, Haunted Overload features uniquely terrifying sets and props, including fifty-foot-tall monsters that loom over those who dare to visit. While every year has new and expanded options, guests can expect to have their socks scared off at the nighttime event (which is advised as most suitable for adults and older children), or enjoy a still-spooky, but more family-friendly experience at the daytime haunt. While you’re there, be sure to pick up some of their specialty pumpkin ale to enjoy at home!
4. A world of spookiness? New Hampshire’s got that, too
For a truly terrifying side to Halloween, Spooky World: Nightmare New England is another attraction that’s all about the thrills and chills of Halloween. With over eighty acres of “thrills, chills, screams and fun,” there’s enough to explore that you should probably plan to spend several hours on site. From the mile-long haunted hayride (New England’s longest) to the haunted houses and immersive, 3D experience, there’s a reason that Spooky World: Nightmare New England attracts guests from across the country.
Guests can unwind from all the adventures at the Monster Midway, which is home to carnival games, axe throwing, food and drink, and fire pits to warm up after the thrills and chills. Be aware that Spooky World: Nightmare New England admits guests of all ages, but they do warn that some of the attractions include blood, gore, and scary elements, so parents of young children should use their discretion.
5. You can learn about the state’s very own haunted history
Haunted attractions are fun, but what about something that blends scary stories with real-life New Hampshire history? Ghost tours across New Hampshire provide opportunities to learn about the state, have fun, and get some spooky thrills. One popular New Hampshire ghost tour is Portsmouth’s “Penance by the Phantom Pier,” which explores the city’s nautical history while also highlighting some of its most haunted spots.
Want to try a ghost tour, but not feeling up for a long walk? New England Curiosities offers a range of ghost tours in New Hampshire, including ride-along trolley tours. Try the “Spirits of the Past” trolley tour, which takes guests through Portsmouth and New Castle, where you’ll learn why a certain stretch of New Hampshire is known as the “ghost coast”!
6. Opportunities to stock up on trick-or-treat sweets abound
You may know that New Hampshire has plenty to appeal to the scary side of Halloween, but what about the sweet? Well, it wouldn’t be Halloween without candy, would it? Of course it wouldn’t—and New Hampshire’s candy stores are world-class all year round, but especially at Halloween.
For sheer variety, it’s hard to beat Chutters, which is home to the world’s largest candy counter! The giant candy counter is located at their Littleton store, but they also have a branch in Lincoln, and both are perfect places to stock up on sweets. On the other hand, for a rich, chocolate-coated taste of Granite State history, swing by Kellerhaus in Weirs Beach. Although the current shop dates only from the 1960s, Kellerhaus as a business has been a New Hampshire tradition since its founding in 1906—and they’re still serving up homemade sweetness, like their house-made chocolate-covered caramel nut clusters.
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