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Texas nearly tops the list of U.S. states obsessed with Halloween

Let's get spooky, Texas.

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Is Halloween the new Christmas? Sure seems like it in Texas, which just earned top-5 status in a new study of the U.S. states that are the most into the Halloween spirit.

When it comes to doing up the spookiest holiday of the year, the Lone Star State comes in as the third-most Halloween-obsessed state in America.

The report by outdoor furniture retailer Backyard Oasis ranked all 50 states based on an analysis of search results for Halloween costumes, decor, candy, haunted houses, upcoming Halloween events, and more. State populations were also factored into the rankings to ensure the scores were "accurately comparable."

Texas ranked No. 3 with a composite score of 48.16 points, beat only by California who ruled the list at No. 1, and New York which came in at No. 2, earning gilded costume crowns as the top two most Halloween-enthusiastic states.

According to the study's data, Texas is home to 47 haunted houses, many of which are located right here in Dallas-Fort Worth. The state has more than 75 Spirit Halloween stores in 2024, including nearly 30 in DFW, a dozen in Houston, half a dozen in Austin, and four in San Antonio.

Looking outside of DFW, there are approximately 3,000 Halloween-related events happening all around the state in October.

Many trick-or-treaters dream of getting full size candy bars for Halloween, but in a surprising twist, the study found that the most popular Halloween candy in Texas is actually Sour Patch Kids. The sour-then-sweet candy is also highly popular in New York and Illinois, the report says.

Here's how Backyard Oasis broke down the rest of Texas' score:

9,314,440 – Halloween costume searches in October 2023
1,168,320 – Halloween decoration searches
445,670 – Halloween candy searches

Backyard Oasis CEO Andy Wu said in the report that the spirit of Halloween isn't just about giving out candy or dressing up in fun costumes, it's about sharing in a "tradition that sparks creativity and joy across the U.S."

"Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year, bringing people together through creativity and celebration," said Wu. "It's amazing to see how different states embrace the holiday in their own unique ways, from massive costume searches to thrilling haunted houses."

The top 10 most Halloween-obsessed states are:

No. 1 – California
No. 2 – New York
No. 3 – Texas
No. 4 – Florida
No. 5 – Illinois
No. 6 – Ohio
No. 7 – Pennsylvania
No. 8 – Indiana
No. 9 – Michigan
No. 10 – Massachusetts

The least spooky state in the U.S. is Wyoming, which came in at No. 50, joined by nearby states Montana and South Dakota. New Mexico (No. 46) and Vermont (No. 47) were the other two states on the list's bottom five. The full report can be found on backyardoas.com.

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Romance is All Around

9 creative Valentine’s dates around Dallas that don't involve dinner

Photo courtesy of JD Miller

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Going out to dinner on Valentine's Day is a tried-and-true tradition, but why deal with the masses - on a Saturday night, no less - when you can spend some quality time with your significant other at a fun event?

We've gathered together nine great Valentine's-themed events taking place on around the actual date to show your partner that you know how to think outside of the box. Click each link for ticket prices, reservations, and more information. (And by the way, if you do want to add dinner to the mix, here is a long list of restaurants doing something special for Valentine's.)

Thursday, February 12

Perot Museum of Nature and Science presents Valentine's on Tap
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science will present a vibrant, Valentine’s-themed night out as a special edition of their "Thursdays on Tap" series. Guests can spend the evening exploring the museum after hours, enjoying live music, food and drinks, sweet treats, and full access to the exhibit halls without the daytime crowds.

Friday, February 13

Tribute Masters presents Sinatra and Bublé
The concert Sinatra and Bublé will be a night of romance, nostalgia, and timeless music as the special Valentine's tribute show features the legendary sounds of Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé as performed by Dave Halston and Michael Nugent. The show will feature Sinatra's classic hits like "Fly Me to the Moon" and "My Way" and Bublé's modern favorites like "Haven't Met You Yet" and "Everything." The concert takes place at Eisemann Center for Performing Arts in Richardson.

Saturday, February 14

Richardson Community Chorale presents Love Songs
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the men and women of the Richardson Community Chorale will celebrate romance by sharing some of their favorite songs of love. The afternoon concert will take place at First Presbyterian Church of Richardson.

Samuel Lynne Galleries presents JD Miller's Valentines Day Live Painting
Renowned Reflectionist artist JD Miller will return for the 10th Annual Valentine’s Day Live Painting Event at Samuel Lynne Galleries. Miller will create a live masterpiece beginning at 6:45 pm, reimagining a McShan Florist arrangement into a one-of-a-kind painting, capturing the essence of love through movement, texture, and light.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad presents Sweetheart Wine Train
In celebration of Valentine's Day, Grapevine Vintage Railroad will present the Sweetheart Wine Train, on which guests can celebrate with a leisurely train ride from Grapevine to Fort Worth and back. Two glasses of fine Texas wine will be served in a souvenir wine glass, along with individually portioned savory bites and dessert. All women will receive a single red rose, and additional wine will be available for purchase.

Avant Chamber Ballet presents Rhythm and Romance
Avant Chamber Ballet's Valentine's Day production will feature three inspiring ballets. Valse Fantaisie, choreographed by George Balanchine, is a ballet with a whirl of perpetual motion set to Glinka’s swooning melodies. In Paul Mejia’s hands Astor Piazzolla’s famous tangos come to life in Cafe Victoria, a cheeky, sensual story ballet set in a smokey “barre.” Katie Puder’s Sisterhood closes the evening with a celebration of the bonds of friendship beyond blood and our interwoven community featuring music composed by Dallas native Quinn Mason. There will be performances on February 14 and 15 at Moody Performance Hall.

Timeless Concerts presents Valentines Special and Fundraiser
Timeless Concerts' annual Valentines Special and Fundraiser showcases a variety of music performed by violinists LeeAnne Chenoweth and Keyreel Raskolenko, cellist Alice (Jeong-A) Lee, and pianist Heejung Kang. They will play spicy tango music of Astor Piazzolla of Argentina, plus selections of the great romantics. The hour-long concert at Holt Hickman Center will be followed by a post-concert party with pianist Erik Barnes, who will take requests. Guest can enjoy charcuterie style bites, desserts, wine, and soft drinks.

Uptown Revue presents The Hot Mess Heartbreaker Show
The Hot Mess Heartbreaker Show is a late-night, no-holds-barred popcorn-throwing comedy burlesque variety special crashing into Valentine’s Day, because romance is better after dark and a little unhinged. Guests get automatic entry into a raffle, themed food and drink specials, and popcorn projectile privileges. The performance takes place at Pocket Sandwich Theatre in Carrollton.

Sunday, February 15

Bodies Race Company presents Couple Shuffle
For those who like to work off their Valentine's Day indulgences, the annual Couple Shuffle offers races in 2-mile, 5k, and 10k distances. At the Valentine's themed race, participants will enjoy a course sprinkled with photo ops, and a finish line filled with sweet treats and high-fives. Swag includes a designer shirt & custom medal, chip-timing with live results and awards, and treats. Taking place at Audubon Park in Garland, there will also be a kid's dash, an untimed dash for children ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for kids.

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