This year’s Halloween season brought some well-deserved recognition for our area. A new WalletHub survey just ranked Jersey City as the No. 2 city in the entire United States for celebrating the spooky holiday.
Newark also grabbed headlines, landing the No. 10 spot among 100 “most spook-tacular” cities nationwide. The rankings looked at trick-or-treater friendliness, Halloween fun, and weather—shining a spotlight on our communities as top Halloween destinations.
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Jersey City Tops the Charts for Trick-or-Treater Friendliness
Jersey City absolutely nailed the trick-or-treater friendliness category, coming in first in the nation. That’s thanks to our city’s high population density, great walkability, and low crime rates—pretty much the perfect combo for families hoping for a safe and fun Halloween night.
We didn’t score quite as high for Halloween fun (No. 95) or weather (No. 62). Still, Jersey City’s safety and accessibility made a real difference, helping it outshine dozens of other big cities.
Why Jersey City Is a Halloween Dream
WalletHub gave Jersey City extra credit for having one of the lowest pedestrian fatality rates in the country. That’s a big deal for trick-or-treaters and their parents.
The city’s got loads of entertainment options, too, like a high number of movie theaters per capita. All of this makes Jersey City a fantastic place for Halloween—and honestly, for having fun year-round.
Newark and Other Top Performers
Newark, our neighbor, snagged the No. 10 spot overall. It ranked No. 5 for trick-or-treater friendliness, No. 97 for fun, and No. 47 for weather.
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Looking beyond our area, New York City took the top spot nationally, followed by Los Angeles, Chicago, and Las Vegas.
Halloween Spending and Traditions
The National Retail Federation says about 73% of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year. They expect spending to hit $13.1 billion, with $3.9 billion just on candy.
- Handing out candy
- Dressing up in costumes
- Decorating homes
People love Halloween for a reason—it brings folks together, and the excitement is contagious.
Visiting Jersey City This Halloween
If you’re heading in from out of town, there are plenty of Jersey City hotels ready for visitors who want to dive into the festivities. Whether you’re here for just one night or making a weekend out of it, it’s smart to look into where to stay in Jersey City so you can get the most out of your trip.
Staying close to event venues, decorated neighborhoods, and family-friendly trick-or-treat routes can really make your experience better.
Getting Around and Exploring the City
Public transit makes getting to Jersey City from New York or nearby towns a breeze. Once you arrive, it’s easy to wander through vibrant city districts packed with shops, cafes, and all kinds of seasonal decorations.
As Halloween gets closer, these neighborhoods light up with themed window displays, costumed locals, and community events. There’s an energy in the air you can’t really describe—you just have to see it.
Beyond Halloween: Year-Round Fun
October’s a big deal for a lot of people, but honestly, there are always things to do in Jersey City. After Halloween, you’ll find cultural festivals, waterfront parks, art galleries, and some truly great dining.
There’s something happening for every season, and that’s part of what makes this city so easy to love.
Final Thoughts
Jersey City’s No. 2 spot in WalletHub’s Halloween rankings isn’t just a seasonal headline. It really shows how much the community cares about safety, accessibility, and keeping things lively.
If you’re a local parent mapping out a trick-or-treat route, you’ll find plenty of options. Travelers hoping for a memorable Halloween will probably leave with stories worth retelling.
As the leaves turn and pumpkins light up the stoops, the city feels extra alive. Jersey City isn’t just a great place to live—it’s got a real claim as one of the best spots in the country to celebrate Halloween.
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Here is the source article for this story: Jersey City, Newark top US cities for Halloween
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
