Halloween is my favorite holiday, and not just because of the dubious amounts of candy being passed out simply for donning a costume and asking. It’s the quintessential party of the holiday season that events, parties, special attractions, and fun without the drama of your typical family holiday party.

Enjoy Tourist Meets Traveler’s guide to get you started on your holiday travel to-do list with these Halloween 2015 events, parties, and attractions…

Related: Halloween Family Fun: Pumpkin Picking On a Farm with Our Toddler

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

If you Disney is on your to-do list, this special party is perfect for little trick-or-treaters. The event will take place during select dates September 15, 2015 – November 01, 2015 this year. You can enjoy the “not-so-scary fun” from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Dress up your Disney fan and enjoy treats and party with the Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s ‘Hocus Pocus’ this year. A parade and special HalloWishes fireworks display will put a new spin on your experience. Many of the popular rides remain open along special trick-or-treat stations. Note that this party requires a special ticket and is not part of the general admission tickets.

Hollywood Horror Nights

Where Disney does little kid-friendly parties, Universal Studios aims to terrify guests with pulse-pounding thrill. The theme for the 2015 season revolves around terrifying movies and shows like ‘The Purge’ and ‘The Walking Dead’. The events are not recommended for anyone under the age of 13 or have health issues. Similar to Disney’s ticketing, this event is separate ticket purchase and runs on select dates in late September through November 1st. You can score “Killer Deals” on pricing by purchasing online on dates with a blood splatter shown on the calendar.

New York Haunted History

New York is a history-rich city with plenty of mystery. There are tons of haunted locations in NYC, but these will get you started…

One if by Land, Two if By Sea: This eatery is located in Aaron Burr’s old carriage house and it is said Burr’s ghost still haunts the place.

House of Death: Located at 14 West 10th Street, the brownstone is home to many ghosts including former occupant, Mark Twain. He is often sighted in a white suite on the first floor near the staircase.

Billop House: Weekends in October are dedicated to the Haunting of Billop House. In 1680, the home was built by English immigrant Captain Christopher Billop. The avid British loyalist was rumored to have accused a female servant of spying and tossed her down the stairs, breaking her neck and killing her. Both Billop and the servant are said to haunt the house.

Related: Family Friendly Haunted Houses and Attractions

Salem, Massachusetts

You can’t talk about ghosts, hauntings, and Halloween without mentioning Salem. Like New York, it’s filled with history and was the site for witch hunts and burnings. Check out these tours for an amazing spooky adventure…

The Salem Witch Walk: Located near on the seaport, the guided tour delves into facts, myths, and history. The takes place daily with tours times varying between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Additional 5 p.m. tours are available in October.

Hocus Pocus Tours: The licensed, locally owned, family operated company explores Salem’s infamous Witch Trial Hysteria, explores the story of Salem’s most notorious murder, and even shows guests the filming locations for the film ‘Hocus Pocus’. The 90 minute tour is year round, but make sure to dates in October ASAP.

Zoos

Many zoos host a special event that features some sort of Halloween celebration. Check your local zoo for information or try one of these options…

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo ‘Night of the Living Zoo’ : On October 30, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. the adults-only fun features lie music, craft beer, food trucks, costume contest, and artists performing death-defying acts. You’ll find the party in the middle portion of the Zoo between Small Mammal House and the Carousel.

Lincoln Park Zoo – The free Chicago zoo offers a Spooky Zoo Spectacular that is completely open to the public. The zoo offers an opportunity for children to celebrate Halloween in a free, safe, and family-friendly environment. Kids of all ages can make crafts, collect treats, and enjoy family entertainment at no cost.