In this blog post, we'll take a thrilling journey through Germany, The Netherlands, France and Belgium, to explore how these countries celebrate Halloween in their own distinctive ways and what fun activities you will be able to plan during this very spooky but highly spectacular season.
Halloween in Europe: where to go?
Halloween in Europe has grown in popularity over the years, and several cities across the continent now celebrate it with their own unique traditions, spooky attractions, and fun events. Whether you’re looking for haunted castles, eerie festivals, or family-friendly parades, Europe offers a range of exciting destinations for Halloween lovers.
On which day is Halloween?
Halloween is celebrated on October 31st every year. It is the evening before All Saints' Day (November 1st) and is often associated with spooky traditions like trick-or-treating, costumes, haunted houses, and other festivities.
Halloween travel destination
If you're looking for a spooky travel destination for Halloween, Europe offers some fantastic places with eerie charm, ghostly histories, and festive events. Here are some top Halloween travel destinations in Europe:
Halloween in Edinburgh, Scotland
- Haunted history: Edinburgh is known for its dark and haunted past, with legends of ghosts, witches, and unsolved mysteries.
- Must visit: explore the underground vaults of the Old Town, visit the haunted Greyfriars Kirkyard, or take a ghost tour through the narrow alleyways of the city.
- Halloween events: Edinburgh Dungeon and the Samhuinn Fire Festival are popular events that showcase ancient Celtic traditions and theatrical performances.
Halloween in Transylvania, Romania
- Dracula's land: the birthplace of the Dracula legend, Transylvania offers a mystical and haunting atmosphere perfect for Halloween.
- Must visit: Bran Castle (often referred to as Dracula’s Castle) hosts a massive Halloween party, and the medieval town of Sighișoara (Dracula’s birthplace) offers a mysterious, gothic vibe.
- Halloween events: Dracula-themed tours, fancy-dress parties, and medieval banquets are a common part of the festivities.
Halloween in Dublin, Ireland
- Origins of Halloween: Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, and Ireland is the perfect place to celebrate its origin.
- Must visit: the Bram Stoker Festival, named after the author of Dracula, features four days of spooky events, including parades, horror screenings, haunted houses, and ghost tours.
- Halloween events: The Púca Festival celebrates Ireland’s Celtic heritage with fire shows, storytelling, and live music in historical locations like Athboy and Trim.
Halloween in Prague, Czech Republic
- Gothic architecture: the eerie beauty of Prague's Gothic architecture, with its ancient streets, adds to its spooky allure.
- Must visit: explore the Sedlec Ossuary (the bone church) near Kutná Hora, Prague’s Old Town, and its ghost tours.
- Halloween events: Halloween is celebrated with themed parties, haunted tours, and ghost walks through the city’s darker, older quarters.
Halloween in Venice, Italy
- Mysterious Canals: Venice is known for its mysterious and eerie atmosphere, especially with its fog-covered canals and winding alleys.
- Must-visit: The island of Poveglia, rumored to be one of the most haunted places in the world and a visit to Venice’s underground crypts.
- Halloween events: while Venice doesn’t traditionally celebrate Halloween, themed parties and masquerades take place in the city’s palazzos and bars, blending the mystery of Venice with Halloween’s ghostly fun.
Halloween in Paris, France
- The City of Shadows: Paris, with its centuries-old catacombs, hidden crypts, and dark alleys, is a fascinating place to explore during Halloween.
- Must visit: the Paris Catacombs, Père Lachaise Cemetery, and ghost tours of Montmartre.
- Halloween events: Disneyland Paris offers family-friendly Halloween events, while the city’s bars and clubs host themed parties. The Catacombs are a must for those seeking a chilling experience.
Halloween in London, England
- Haunted Capital: London’s long history is filled with tales of ghosts, murders, and legends.
- Must Visit: The Tower of London, Jack the Ripper tours, and the London Dungeon are popular attractions for those seeking a spooky adventure.
- Halloween Events: there are plenty of Halloween parties across the city, spooky walking tours, and haunted locations to visit.
Halloween in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Festive Halloween Scene: while Amsterdam is known for its canals and vibrant nightlife, it also embraces Halloween with flair.
- Must Visit: take a ghost walk, visit the Amsterdam Dungeon, or explore haunted spots like the Spinhuis prison.
- Halloween Events: the city hosts extravagant Halloween parties in clubs, as well as a spooky Amsterdam Halloween Festival with horror movie screenings, costume contests, and more.
Halloween in Spain
Halloween in Spain has grown in popularity over the years, blending local traditions with the influence of the American-style celebration. While Halloween itself is observed on October 31st, Spain's unique twist comes from its deeply rooted cultural traditions that surround death and the afterlife. The celebration leads into All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) on November 1st and All Souls' Day (Día de los Difuntos) on November 2nd, making it a more extended period of remembrance and celebration.
Key Destinations to Experience Halloween in Spain
Halloween in Barcelona
- Halloween events: Barcelona hosts plenty of Halloween-themed parties in clubs and bars. The city has embraced the spooky festivities, with costume contests and horror-themed events.
- Traditional twist: many locals still observe the more traditional Castañada, where they gather to eat chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and panellets (traditional almond sweets), a celebration tied to All Saints’ Day.
- Must visit: Poble Espanyol often has Halloween-themed events for both adults and kids, with haunted house experiences, workshops, and theatrical performances.
Halloween in Madrid
- Halloween nightlife: Madrid is known for its Halloween parties, with many bars and nightclubs embracing the spooky theme. You can find costume parties and events scattered across the city, especially in the city center.
- Family-friendly events: Madrid's Parque de Atracciones and Warner Bros. Park transform into Halloween wonderlands with scary attractions, themed shows, and Halloween parades.
- Ghost tours: the city offers various ghost tours that explore Madrid’s haunted history, including eerie sites like the Royal Palace and Casa de las Siete Chimeneas.
Halloween in Salou and PortAventura
Halloween at PortAventura: one of the best places to experience Halloween in Spain is PortAventura World in Salou (near Barcelona). The park is known for its elaborate Halloween decorations, haunted mazes, and parades. It features spooky characters, themed zones, and a variety of Halloween shows, making it a perfect spot for families.
Themed attractions: special rides are enhanced with Halloween themes, and there are haunted trails and houses designed to thrill visitors of all ages.
Halloween in Italy
In Italy, Halloween itself is celebrated on October 31st, it leads into All Saints' Day (Ognissanti) on November 1st and All Souls’ Day (Il Giorno dei Morti) on November 2nd, two days deeply embedded in Italian religious and cultural practices, where families honor their deceased loved ones.
Halloween in Rome
- Ghost tours and haunted history: Rome is filled with ancient sites and legends, making it a perfect place for Halloween ghost tours. Explore spooky sites like the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks, Castel Sant’Angelo, or Piazza del Popolo, which have their share of eerie tales.
- Halloween Events: Nightclubs and bars in Rome throw elaborate Halloween parties, many with costume contests and themed decorations.
- Cultural Twist: Though Halloween parties have become popular, Romans still observe the more solemn traditions of Ognissanti and Il Giorno dei Morti, visiting cemeteries to honor deceased relatives.
Halloween in Naples
- Ancient catacombs and legends: Naples is famous for its underground catacombs and historical sites like the Catacombe di San Gennaro, offering a spine-chilling atmosphere for those seeking a more authentic, haunting experience.
- Halloween traditions: Halloween in Naples includes street festivals, haunted tours, and themed events. The city’s connection to death and the afterlife, seen in its veneration of skulls at places like the Fontanelle Cemetery, adds a deeper layer to Halloween celebrations.
- Witchcraft in Benevento: near Naples, the town of Benevento is known for its ancient association with witches. Legend has it that witches would gather here for their rituals, and today it’s a key location for Halloween-inspired activities.
Halloween in Florence
- Cultural and historical Halloween: Florence may not be traditionally associated with Halloween, but it’s catching on in recent years with events like haunted tours of its historic streets, medieval towers, and Renaissance buildings.
- Family-friendly events: The Museo Stibbert, with its vast collection of arms and armor, hosts Halloween-themed activities for kids, combining history with spooky fun.
- Nightlife and costumes: Florence’s bars and clubs throw Halloween parties where costumes, live music, and eerie decorations are featured.
Halloween in Milan
- Modern Halloween parties: as Italy’s fashion and cultural capital, Milan throws some of the most extravagant Halloween parties. Nightclubs across the city host elaborate events with costumes, themed music, and celebrity guests.
- Gothic allure: the Duomo di Milano adds a gothic backdrop to the city’s Halloween celebrations, and visitors can explore the darker history of Milan through ghost tours and visits to historical crypts and cemeteries.
Other important Halloween events and activities in Italy
- Gardaland (near Verona): Italy’s most famous theme park, Gardaland, transforms into a Halloween wonderland during October, with haunted houses, spooky rides, and Halloween-themed shows for all ages.
- Mirabilandia (near Ravenna): another theme park known for its elaborate Halloween transformation, offering haunted mazes, shows, and plenty of scares.
Germany: the Land of Pumpkin Festivals
Halloween may have its roots in ancient Celtic and American traditions, but in recent years, it has found a home in Germany, evolving into a fun and spooky celebration. While not as deeply ingrained as in the U.S. or the UK, Halloween in Germany is steadily gaining popularity, especially among younger generations and families looking for an excuse to dress up and enjoy some ghostly fun.
Origins and popularity
Halloween first started becoming popular in Germany during the 1990s, largely due to American cultural influence, particularly through movies, TV shows, and commercial interests. Germany already has a strong tradition of celebrating Carnival (Fasching) in the spring, so the concept of costumes and playful mischief was not entirely foreign. However, Halloween has developed its own flair in the country, with events, parties, and trick-or-treating ("Süßes oder Saures") becoming more common each year, especially in urban areas.
German Halloween traditions
While the holiday is still evolving in Germany, certain customs have emerged. Many German cities and towns now host Halloween-themed events such as haunted houses (Geisterhäuser) or "pumpkin festivals" (Kürbisfeste), where you can see enormous displays of carved pumpkins.
Children love to participate in Halloween parades in Germany, donning costumes ranging from witches and vampires to pop culture figures. Trick-or-treating is also becoming more widespread, though it’s not yet as ubiquitous as in other parts of the world. In some neighborhoods, it's common to see homes decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, and skeletons during the last weeks of October.
One of the unique aspects of Halloween in Germany is the blend of Halloween with traditional German folklore. Local legends, like those surrounding the nightmarish "Krampus" or the eerie "Perchten" from Bavarian traditions, sometimes make an appearance in Halloween festivities, adding a distinctly German twist to the spooky season.
How germans celebrate Halloween
Most celebrations take place through costume parties at clubs, schools, or private gatherings, where the "Gruselfaktor" (fear factor) is taken seriously. Halloween-themed food and drinks, like pumpkin soups, blood-red cocktails, and spooky cakes, are staples at these events. Cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich often host large Halloween festivals with nightclubs throwing extravagant themed parties.
While Halloween isn’t a public holiday in Germany, it falls close to Allerheiligen (All Saints’ Day), which is a solemn Christian holiday on November 1st. In certain regions, like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, All Saints' Day is a day of quiet reflection and remembrance, creating an interesting juxtaposition with the more lighthearted and commercial aspects of Halloween.
In Germany, there is actually a traditional holiday called Walpurgisnacht, which occurs on the night of April 30th. During this night, people light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off witches. Additionally, Germany has embraced the pumpkin carving tradition, with pumpkin festivals and contests being held throughout the country in October. The city of Ludwigsburg is particularly famous for its impressive pumpkin displays, attracting visitors from near and far.
While the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival isn't directly associated with Halloween, its primary focus is on embracing the spirit of autumn. However, if you're looking for enormous winter squashes and a wide array of pumpkin-themed events, then this is the place to be. Situated close to Stuttgart, it stands as the largest pumpkin exhibition in the world, showcasing pumpkin carving demonstrations, and a delightful selection of seasonal cuisine. The festival typically runs from late August through the beginning of December.
Amusement parks in Germany, such as Europapark, offer special Halloween events from October to November. During this time, the parks get transformed with spooky decorations and release vampires and goblins, creating a haunting atmosphere.
The Netherlands: Sint Maarten's Day
In the Netherlands, Halloween is celebrated with a twist. Instead of the spooky atmosphere often associated with the holiday, the Dutch celebrate Sint Maarten's Day on November 11th. Children go door-to-door carrying lanterns, singing songs, and asking for sweets. It's a charming tradition that blends elements of Halloween with the Dutch culture of giving.
Originating within the Catholic Church in France, this celebration gained popularity and spread throughout Europe. It serves as a tribute to St. Martin and was historically associated with a festive feast. Traditionally, it also signaled the transition from autumn to winter, coinciding with the annual harvest. In the Netherlands, this festival has been observed for centuries. Typically, the day commences with a mass, and until the early 20th century, it was commonly referred to as a "beggars' holiday."
In modern times, Sint-Maarten has lost some of its former popularity, and many families no longer partake in its observance. Nonetheless, the festival continues to hold significance in certain parts of the Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of Limburg and North Holland.
On the other hand, in the Netherlands, people indeed make an effort to mark October 31st by donning costumes, enjoying a night out with friends, or arranging Halloween-themed gatherings at their homes. These gatherings typically feature spooky movies, hauntingly captivating music, and some deliciously frightening snacks.
In Limburg, the open-air museum known as Bokrijk undergoes a spooky transformation during Halloween. The museum's picturesque park, featuring traditional Flemish buildings, serves as the backdrop for spine-chilling storytelling, eerie crafts, and thrilling activities suitable for all age groups.
The Hoge Kempen National Park is an extensive and stunning natural sanctuary renowned for its expansive heathlands, dense woodlands, and distinctive scenery. As Halloween approaches, the park hosts a unique event called the Halloween Hike, guiding participants on a chilling expedition through the mysterious forests and dimly lit trails. This Halloween hike delivers an exceptional fusion of outdoor adventure and spine-tingling thrills in the midst of nature's beauty.
Moreover, for those looking to create a Halloween-themed family event with a twist, many holiday parks also offer special Halloween activities and decorations, making it a perfect destination for families to enjoy a spooktacular holiday experience. Parc Maasresidence Thorn offers homes for every taste and you never know what the team there will be cooking up at any given moment when it comes to holidays and celebrations!
France: La Toussaint and La Fête d'Halloween
France combines its own traditions with Halloween festivities. On November 1st, the French celebrate La Toussaint, or All Saints' Day, by visiting cemeteries and honoring their deceased loved ones. Halloween, or La Fête d'Halloween, is also gaining popularity among the younger generation, with costume parties and trick-or-treating becoming more common in recent years.
In the past, November 1st was recognized as Samhain, later referred to as the "Celtic New Year." This pagan observance marked the commencement of the year and the onset of the dark season, kicking off a week of celebrations.
The initial recognition of Toussaint, or All Saints' Day, on November 1st, may be attributed to Pope Gregory III. Nonetheless, it was Pope Gregory IV who, in 835, issued an official decree mandating that all Christians commemorate Toussaint on the 1st of November.
The adoption of Halloween was a gradual process until the 1990s when there was a noticeable increase in enthusiasm for celebrating this holiday. To get into the gory atmosphere of Halloween, the catacombs of Paris are definitely one of the most real tourist attractions, although not the best fit for families but couples and friend groups tend to enjoy it a lot.
For families in France, a fantastic suggestion is to visit Disneyland. The park recently announced on its social media platforms that the Disney Halloween Festival will make a comeback from October 1 to November 5, 2023. This means that those who adore fun will have the opportunity to enjoy The Mischief Makers, Villainous Masters, and Mysterious Hosts, who have undertaken the task of creating the spookiest and most enjoyable Halloween celebration.
Belgium: Halloween with a Spooky Twist
In Belgium, Halloween takes place every year on October 31st. While it's not an official holiday, it's a festive and enjoyable event that precedes the more solemn All Saints and All Souls Days at the beginning of November.
But Halloween has gained popularity, especially among the younger crowd. The country's historic buildings and dark forests provide the perfect backdrop for spooky celebrations.
For example, during the month of October, the picturesque city of Ghent undergoes a captivating and eerie transformation, becoming a Halloween wonderland.
The Ghent Halloween Festival offers a range of spooky activities, including ghost tours and creepy costume parades, suitable for both children and adults. The city's exquisite medieval architecture enhances the overall mystique of the experience. It’s also a great idea to explore the enchanting medieval Gravensteen Castle in Ghent.
Embark on a haunted stroll through the woods and come face to face with ghosts, witches, and other enigmatic beings. Bokrijk's Halloween festivities guarantee a day filled with family-friendly thrills and delights.
The Caves of Han offer a haunting and unforgettable Halloween experience. As night descends, dare to explore the depths of the subterranean maze and encounter the "Hanlloween" celebrations. Within the cave's natural formations, an otherworldly atmosphere takes shape, becoming the backdrop for eerie stories and enigmatic encounters. Nestled in the heart of the Ardennes, this Halloween event guarantees an enchanting adventure suitable for visitors of all generations.
If you choose to stay at Vallée les Etoiles holiday park, you can experience and visit all of the above, while the holiday park also offers its very own surprises and experiences during the season, related to autumn activities and Halloween.
Other spectacular Halloween destinations in Europe
Europe offers a variety of exciting Halloween destinations, each with its own unique atmosphere, history, and spooky charm. From ancient castles and haunted cities to eerie underground crypts and vibrant festivals, these locations provide a thrilling backdrop for Halloween celebrations.
Halloween at Europa Park
Europa Park, located in Rust, Germany, transforms into a spectacular Halloween destination during the entire month of October. The theme park is known for its detailed seasonal decorations, spooky attractions, and immersive experiences that cater to all ages.
- Halloween décor: Europa Park goes all out with thousands of pumpkins, corn stalks, ghosts, and eerie lighting throughout the park, creating an exciting yet spooky atmosphere.
- Scary mazes and haunted houses: For thrill-seekers, Europa Park offers a variety of haunted mazes and scare zones, including Traumatica, a horror event featuring terrifying characters and spine-chilling experiences.
- Kid-Friendly Halloween: alongside the more intense experiences, there are family-friendly activities like pumpkin carving, face painting, and Halloween shows for children.
- Special shows and parades: throughout the Halloween season, the park hosts special performances, eerie parades, and nighttime firework displays, all designed to immerse visitors in the Halloween spirit.
Europa Park offers a perfect combination of fun and fright, making it a fantastic Halloween destination for families, couples, and friends looking for an adventure in a spooky setting.
The Paris Catacombs
For a truly eerie and immersive Halloween experience, the Paris Catacombs provide an unforgettable backdrop. Located beneath the streets of Paris, this labyrinth of tunnels and caverns is home to the remains of over six million people, making it one of the most haunted places in Europe.
The Catacombs are a winding maze of dark passageways lined with neatly arranged bones and skulls, creating a macabre yet fascinating atmosphere for Halloween. Special tours are often held during the Halloween season, offering visitors a deeper dive into the history and mysteries surrounding the Catacombs, from stories of secret societies to chilling legends. The dark, cool tunnels make for a haunting experience, perfect for those seeking a unique and historical setting to celebrate Halloween.
Visitors often report a sense of being watched or hearing strange noises in the depths of the Catacombs, adding an extra layer of thrill for Halloween explorers.
Exploring the Paris Catacombs during Halloween gives a blend of history and ghostly intrigue, providing an unforgettable, bone-chilling adventure beneath one of Europe’s most iconic cities.
Halloween as a free day
Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, is generally not considered a public or free day (holiday) in most countries, particularly in Europe. It is mainly seen as a cultural celebration rather than an official holiday. However, people still take part in various Halloween festivities, such as costume parties, trick-or-treating, and themed events. In some places, schools or businesses may hold Halloween-related activities, but it usually doesn’t come with an official day off from work or school.
Countries with more prominent Halloween celebrations, like the United States, Canada, and parts of the UK, also don't treat Halloween as a public holiday, but events and activities tend to happen in the evening.
Some countries or regions may observe the following day, November 1st (All Saints' Day), as a public holiday, particularly in traditionally Catholic countries like Spain, Italy, Belgium, and France. This day is a time for honoring saints and deceased loved ones, and in some places, it has connections to Halloween traditions. In these countries, people often get a day off, creating a festive long weekend around Halloween.
Conclusion
Halloween in Europe is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern celebrations. While the customs may vary from country to country, the spirit of fun and togetherness is universal. Whether it's warding off witches in Germany, singing for sweets in The Netherlands, or paying homage to the departed in France you will see a unique and diverse array of traditions.
So, if you're planning to experience Halloween like never before, consider taking a spooky tour through the heart of Europe and discover how each country adds its own twist to this beloved holiday.
Here are some helpful tips for a holiday with your family during Halloween:
- Plan ahead: research the specific Halloween events and traditions in the countries you plan to visit.
- Check if there are any special festivals, parades, or events happening during your stay.
- Local cuisine: sample the local autumnal dishes and treats. In many European countries, you'll find special desserts, candies and drinks. In Germany, for example, indulge in delicious pumpkin-themed treats, and in Belgium, savor chocolates with sumptuous fillings.
- Experience the local traditions: immerse yourself in the local traditions. If you're in Germany, don't miss out on the Walpurgisnacht celebrations. In France, pay a visit to a local cemetery during La Toussaint. embracing these customs can provide a deeper understanding of the local culture.
- Respect Local Customs: remember that this night is celebrated differently in each country. Be respectful of the local traditions and customs, even if they differ from what you're used to.
