Three Virginia Cities and D.C. Rank High for Halloween Celebrations
Virginia — As Halloween approaches, three cities in Virginia and Washington, D.C. are highlighted as some of the top places to celebrate the spooky season, according to a recent WalletHub analysis. Released on October 22, the study ranks Virginia Beach at No. 29 and Washington, D.C. as the seventh-best place for Halloween festivities in the 2024 Best Cities for Halloween list. The analysis evaluated cities on criteria such as trick-or-treater friendliness, Halloween activities, and weather, with D.C. earning an overall score of 57.46.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo emphasized the significance of Halloween in American culture, noting the billions spent annually on the holiday. However, he reminded that safety is a major concern, especially as children visit unfamiliar homes in the dark. Virginia Beach stands out with the third-lowest crime rate, while Norfolk and Chesapeake rank lower for their density of candy stores.
Virginia cities ranked in the WalletHub report include:
- Virginia Beach, No. 29, with a total score of 48.73
- Chesapeake, No. 70, score of 42.81
- Norfolk, No. 93, score of 38.05
The top ten cities for Halloween celebrations include a mix of urban hubs, with New York, Jersey City, and Miami leading the pack. Halloween, rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, continues to evolve in America, marked by traditions such as trick-or-treating and jack-o-lantern carving. The holiday now ranks as the second-largest commercial holiday in the U.S., generating approximately $6 billion annually.
As communities gear up for celebrations on October 31, WalletHub’s findings offer a glimpse into the festive spirit and safety considerations for families in Virginia and beyond.
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