Booking Dates: June 1 – Sept 30, 2025
Travel Dates: Oct 30 – November 3, 2025
Destinations with the Highest Y-o-Y Surge for Halloween 2025 Compared to 2024
| Destination | Y-o-Y Growth in Hotel Bookings |
| Utica-Rome, NY | 475% |
| Rochester, NY | 174% |
| Albany, GA | 131% |
| Bowling Green, KY | 115% |
| Abilene-Sweetwater, TX | 64% |
| Buffalo, NY | 60% |
| Elmira, NY | 59% |
| Syracuse, NY | 58% |
| Huntsville, AL | 50% |
| Springfield-Holyoke, MA | 25% |
Source: Adara, a RateGain Company
For Halloween this year, several smaller and secondary U.S. destinations are seeing remarkable growth in domestic travel compared to last year. Utica-Rome, NY leads the surge with an extraordinary 475% year-over-year increase, followed by Rochester, NY (+174%) and Albany, GA (+131%), reflecting travelers’ growing interest in regional getaways that offer both affordability and a festive atmosphere. Bowling Green, KY (+115%), Buffalo, NY (+69%), and Abilene-Sweetwater, TX (+64%) are also emerging as popular choices, suggesting that visitors are drawn to smaller communities hosting local Halloween events and seasonal activities. Mid-sized destinations like Elmira, NY (+59%), Syracuse, NY (+58%), and Huntsville, AL (+50%) further underscore a trend toward exploring hidden gems over mainstream urban hubs.
This shift highlights a broader pattern in U.S. travel where domestic tourists are dispersing beyond major cities, seeking unique cultural experiences, family-friendly celebrations, and less crowded alternatives. Rising costs in larger metro destinations, combined with the desire for authentic seasonal festivities, are pushing travelers toward secondary markets that can deliver both value and memorable Halloween experiences. The data indicates that Halloween is no longer just about traditional big-city parades or attractions but is increasingly celebrated through local festivals, haunted attractions, and community-centered events across smaller U.S. destinations.
Source: Adara, a RateGain Company
Mid-range stays dominate traveler preferences. Nearly half of all bookings (49%) fall in the $100–200 range, highlighting the strong demand for affordable yet comfortable accommodations. The $200–300 and $500–1000 categories each capture 21% of bookings, signaling that both upper mid-scale and premium stays have solid appeal, particularly among leisure and business travelers seeking higher-value experiences. At the lower end, 14% of travelers opt for budget stays under $100, while 12% choose the $300–500 bracket, indicating a more selective segment willing to spend for upgraded amenities.
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About Adara
Adara, a RateGain company, is one of the world’s largest data exchanges, providing access to ethically-sourced consumer data. With more than 270 global partners who supply aggregated, comprehensive traveler data, Adara delivers actionable insights and predictive intelligence to drive higher marketing ROI. For more information, visit https://adara.com/