A celebration for Satan, that's how the night of All Hollow's Eve is viewed in some communities, particularly the ones that fancy themselves on being "religiously centered." Still for thousands of wholesome and hearty folks, the night of Halloween in US cities across America is simply a night to take solace in fright. Not to mention, it's the one of the only nights of the year where wearing too much make-up and dressing like a "floozy" is considered high fashion. Plus October thirty-first is a great excuse to land yourself two candy bars away from a new cavity.

While Halloween in US retail stores marks the perfect opportunity to trump the prices on packages of stale candy, there are lots of American cities and establishments that provide fun, and often free, entertainment on the thirty-first of October. Just look at the infamous Halloween Parade in Manhattan New York's infamous Village neighborhood. Well, it's not as if residents of the Big Apple don't get to see spooky folks roaming the streets free as a bird in tattered clothes twenty-four seven, but just like on Halloween in US cities that are much smaller than New York, this is the only time that these residents won't be calling the cops. And there are lots of other ghoulish parades, theme park adventures, shopping center parties, and Halloween parades planned for a big Halloween in US towns each year.

Activities For Halloween In US Cities

Check out just a sprinkling of the Halloween activities that have gained momentum in America over the years:

•Halloween Parades: While New York City may have the most famous one, the concept of the Halloween Parade is re-enacted every year in nearly every major city in the United States. Storm out into the chilly late October night and take advantage of the opportunity to show off your "Lil Bo Peep" costume. Washington, DC's posh Georgetown neighborhood is one that features a highly publicized Halloween Parade and gathering on the night of, and the weekend leading up to, Halloween night.

•Theme Park Halloween Adventures: So, you've got a weak stomach and are prone to hurling, hyperventilating, or a nasty combination of the two whenever you are so much as within in earshot of a raging roller coaster. Don't let that stop you from enjoying a night out at your least favorite local amusement park. Theme parks, like the Six Flags franchise, Dorny Park, and Paramount's Kings Dominion, customarily throw elaborate Halloween adventures that last more than a month. Featuring haunted houses, spooky stories, and haunted hayrides, theme park Halloween adventures serve as the final big bang for the amusement park season before things get restarted again around Memorial Day.

•"There's A Ghost At My Mall:" In addition to religious centers and churches, shopping centers and malls in most cities in the United States give out candy and throw "Best Costume Contest" for local children and families.

•Haunted Houses: Thought that great haunted house just off of the Interstate was only around for Halloween in your town? Maybe not. There are, in fact, lots of American states with haunted houses, both real and imaginary, sprinkled all over for enjoyment, or terror, year around.