The Sweetest States and Spookiest Cities: Halloween Candy and Decorations Galore

As the Fall leaves begin to turn, the chill in the air signals the arrival of Halloween and the excitement around trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and horror hits full throttle. Some places take Halloween festivities up a notch by becoming candy-giving legends, while others turn into impressive showcases of spooky decor and scares. So, when deciding if you want to take an epic trip to a city or state that does this holiday right this year, take a peek at the sugar-filled, decoration-drenched data first.

Key Takeaways:

• Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Utah are the states that hand out the most Halloween candy, and the states that decorate the most for spooky season

• Kids might be disappointed in Vermont, Alaska, and Hawaii, as those states hand out the fewest sweet treats

• Pittsburgh, Denver, and Boston top the list of cities splashing the most cash on Halloween candy

Top States for Halloween Candy: Sweet Tooth Paradise

When it comes to doling out the best and most candy during Halloween, Pennsylvania sits at the top of the pile. You read that right: if you're looking for the ultimate state to score big on candy, head to the home of Hershey's. It's no surprise that Pennsylvania leads the pack as the literal epicenter of chocolate confection – and that they don't mess around when it comes to putting sugary smiles on kids' (and adults'?) faces.

Coming in a surprising second is Kentucky, a state you might not expect toward the top. Perhaps it's the Southern hospitality, as residents are known to be generous during Halloween – including handmade and local candy or treats. Right behind in third is Utah, whose family-friendly culture, it makes sense that they don't skimp when filling the candy bags.

Although Idaho might be better known for its potatoes, come Halloween, it's all about the candy. After all, who needs fries when you have a chance at full-sized chocolate bars instead? New Hampshire rounds out the top five, likely because New England's quaint towns each take this holiday by the horns and create their own successful celebrations.

Midwestern states like Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas show that they aren't shy when it comes to Halloween generosity, taking over the candy-loving state rankings with the 6th, 7th, and 8th spots. West Virginia is ranked at a solid 9 – perhaps because of the candy to person ratio there – and Ohio, known for its love of fall football and festivals, clinches the last spot in the top ten. With several other states close behind in the way they pop candy into the eager bags of the nation's youth, what will that say about our cities?

Candy Powerhouses: The Cities That Go All Out

While states might dominate the game in sheer candy volume, certain cities are real heavyweights when it comes to giving out the goods on All Hallows Eve. Leading the pack is Pittsburgh, a city that not only plays host to numerous trick-or-treaters, but to overflowing candy bowls on their porches. It's rumored that kids go home with pillowcases full of unnecessary sweets.

Denver is solid in the second spot, where the open enthusiasm for sweets takes over every October. While it could be the crisp mountain air or the elevated excitement, trick-or-treaters and parents alike in Denver know they're in for candy piles a mile high. Third place goes to Boston, where historic streets meet modern Halloween excitement (and spooky Salem not too far away). You might stroll past centuries-old brick homes, but those same doors are handing out some of the best candy on the East Coast.

Not far behind is Portland, where the city's quirky culture shines even brighter during Halloween – and where all kinds of odd candy gets passed out. Jacksonville, in fifth, is Florida's main candy hub. Residents of this warm southern city make sure visitors leave with bulging bags.

States With a Scary Amount of Halloween Enthusiasm

From haunted house displays to glowing jack-o'-lanterns, certain states and cities stand out for their love of transforming neighborhoods into eerie wonderlands. If you're looking for the best places to experience Halloween in full, creepy swing – and care a bit less about the consumables – here's where to go!

At the top of the list is Utah, where residents turn their homes into ghostly masterpieces. You might not expect the Beehive State to be so invested in Halloween, but they take pride in decking out their homes with intricate displays of cobwebs, tombstones, and witches on broomsticks. Halloween isn't just a night—it's a season here!

Right behind Utah is Pennsylvania, a state that seems to embrace Halloween in all ways. From haunted corn mazes to colonial-era ghost tours, the state's love for authentic spooks is well-documented. Kentucky grabs the third spot and Texas the fourth – where everything's bigger, including Halloween. With sprawling country landscapes and ranch land everywhere, these states can create entire estates of the eerie.

New Hampshire rounds out the top five, proving again that this small New England state knows how to combine cozy fall vibes with creepy Halloween flair, likely in many of its small, connected towns. The fall foliage amidst the colonial architecture draped in ghostly figures makes for a perfect Halloween backdrop on the East Coast.

Halloween in America: Spooky City Streets Ahead

When it comes to cities, Denver takes the top spot for going all-out with Halloween decorations. This city is near-famous for its residents' creativity, with homes featuring everything from haunted graveyards to inflatables of gigantic spiders – and you'll even find entire neighborhoods competing to see who can put up the most jaw-dropping display.

Las Vegas comes in at (perhaps not so shockingly) second place, where the city's love for spectacle extends far beyond the Strip. Just take a moment to think about what a Halloween in Vegas might mean, and, well, enjoy?

In third place, Portland brings its quirky, artsy vibe to Halloween decorating, so expect clever, creative decorations that sprinkle some humorous seasoning over their spooky spectacles. Boston and Austin round out the top five, with Boston's witchy history and Austin's "keep it weird" attitude shining through in decor choices (but we think you've got to see 'em to believe 'em).

Candy, Creativity, and More Candy

Whether you're on the hunt for the best candy or looking to experience some jaw-dropping Halloween displays, there's no shortage of spooky fun to be found across the country. Whether it's Pennsylvania's overflowing supply of chocolate, Denver's mountains of ghastly décor, or the whole vibe in a New England state or city, they all know how to celebrate Halloween in (sweet) style. So grab your costume, your (kid's) candy bucket, and maybe a few friends to enjoy this upcoming holiday in whatever candy-or-creep-laden way you wish – after all, you only die once!

Methodology

To determine which states and cities hand out the most Halloween candy and which decorate the most, we analyzed over 1,000 Google search terms. We looked at volume per capita to be sure each state was equally represented.

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