Europe turns into something magical every October. Ancient Celtic traditions blend with modern celebrations. You’ll find fire festivals on hilltops, vampire tours through medieval castles, and zombie walks down cobblestone streets — everything you need to celebrate Halloween in Europe.
From Ireland’s birthplace of Samhain to Romania’s Dracula country, each destination offers something different. Some focus on ancient rituals. Others embrace pure spookiness. All of them beat staying home watching horror movies.
1. Derry, Northern Ireland
Derry Halloween runs from Tuesday 28th to Friday 31st October 2025, drawing six-figure crowds to Europe’s largest Halloween festival. The city transforms into the “City of Bones” for 4 nights of street theater, fire shows, and supernatural encounters.
The Awakening the Walled City Trail takes place from 6 pm – 9 pm, October 28-30, where spirits arise for a magical journey through illuminated performances, pyrotechnics, and music.
The festival peaks on Halloween night with 2 major events:
- Carnival Parade starts at 7 pm
- Fireworks finale lights up the sky at 8:15 pm
The free-roam night trail includes installations, projections, street performance, and eerie soundscapes threaded through the city centre and across the Peace Bridge.
2. Edinburgh, Scotland
The Samhuinn Fire Festival returns to Calton Hill in 2025, taking place on Friday, 31st October, with rituals around a bonfire lit at the start of the ceremonies, a genuine Celtic ritual performed by the Beltane Fire Society since 1988.
The festival recreates ancient Samhain traditions. Performers dressed as Celtic spirits dance around fires. Drums echo across the hill. The Summer King battles the Winter King for control of the seasons. It gets primal in the best way.
Underground Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Halloween goes deeper than hilltop fires. Literally. The city built on top of itself for centuries, leaving networks of underground streets and rooms.
Edinburgh Vaults snake beneath the South Bridge. These chambers housed taverns, workshops, and homes in the 1700s. Some say they still do. Tours during Halloween week include séances and ghost hunting equipment.
Greyfriars Kirkyard After Dark
Most people know Greyfriars as the inspiration for Harry Potter character names. But the graveyard has darker claims to fame. The Mackenzie Poltergeist has allegedly attacked over 450 visitors since 1999.
Halloween tours here aren’t for the faint-hearted. Guides unlock the Black Mausoleum where Sir George Mackenzie is buried. People regularly faint, get scratched, or flee mid-tour. The cemetery keeps incident reports on file.
3. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin claims to be the birthplace of Halloween and ancient Samhain celebrations. The Hill of Ward, located in nearby Meath County, was where Celtic priests lit sacred fires approximately 2,000 years ago. Modern Dublin keeps those traditions alive with its own twist.
Bram Stoker Festival
Running October 25-28, 2025, this festival honors Dublin’s most famous horror writer. Events include:
- Gothic walking tours through Stoker’s Dublin haunts
- Victorian séances in period costume
- Horror film screenings in historic venues
- Literary discussions about vampire mythology
The festival centerpiece is the Stoker Afterdark event at Dublin Castle. Think elegant Victorian ball meets horror show. Guests dress in period costume while actors perform scenes from Dracula.
4. Transylvania, Romania
Romania embraces its vampire reputation every Halloween. Transylvania’s medieval towns and Gothic castles provide perfect backdrops for supernatural celebrations.
Bran Castle (yes, “Dracula’s Castle”) throws an annual Halloween bash on October 31st. The 14th-century fortress becomes a proper Gothic nightclub. Local DJs play in the courtyard while bartenders serve blood-red cocktails.
The party includes:
- Vampire transformation makeup stations
- Medieval weapon demonstrations
- Traditional Romanian folk dancing
- Midnight castle tours by candlelight
Tickets sell out by early October. The party runs from 8 pm to 4 am, with shuttle buses from Brașov.
Poenari Citadel: The Real Dracula’s Castle
Serious Dracula fans skip touristy Bran Castle for Poenari Citadel. This clifftop fortress was Vlad the Impaler’s actual stronghold. It’s mostly ruins now, perched dramatically on a mountain peak.
The climb takes 2-3 hours up a steep mountain path. No facilities exist at the top. But the views are incredible, and you’ll be virtually alone with the ruins. Local guides offer Halloween night tours for the truly adventurous. They provide headlamps and tell stories about Vlad’s reign of terror.
5. London, England
London’s Halloween scene spans centuries of ghost stories and Gothic architecture. The city’s dark history provides endless material for supernatural celebrations.
The Tower of London extends its ghost tours throughout October. The 1,000-year-old fortress is home to some of England’s most famous spirits:
- Anne Boleyn, seen carrying her head through the courtyard
- The Princes in the Tower, two young boys, were allegedly murdered in 1483
- Lady Jane Grey, the “Nine Days’ Queen”, was executed at age 16
Halloween at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens transforms into a haunted botanical wonderland every October. The “After Dark” experience creates an illuminated trail through the gardens’ 300 acres.
- The Japanese Gateway is lit with orange and purple lights
- Palm House is filled with fog machines and eerie music
- Temperate House hosting ghost story readings
- Treetop Walkway offering views over the illuminated gardens
The experience works for all ages. Early time slots (6 -7 pm) suit families. Later slots get spookier. The Victorian conservatories look particularly Gothic when lit dramatically.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s Halloween celebration reflects the city’s anything-goes attitude. Expect creativity, inclusivity, and some seriously bizarre costumes.
Amsterdam Dungeon Experience
The Amsterdam Dungeon, located near Centraal Station, extends its hours throughout October. This theatrical experience recreates 500 years of Amsterdam’s darkest history.
Shows include:
- The Plague of 1665 with immersive smells and sounds
- Spanish Inquisition trials with audience participation
- Medieval torture chamber experiences (all theatrical, obviously)
- Witch trials from Amsterdam’s superstitious past
The experience lasts 80 minutes and includes 10 different shows. Actors stay in character throughout, and some speak only Dutch (adding to the authenticity).
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s architecture seems designed for Halloween. Gothic spires, medieval bridges, and baroque palaces create the perfect supernatural atmosphere. The city embraces Halloween while maintaining its historical dignity.
Prague’s UNESCO-listed Old Town Square hosts Halloween festivities around the famous Astronomical Clock. The medieval square fills with costumed locals and tourists enjoying traditional Czech beer and Halloween treats.
The Astronomical Clock’s hourly show takes on special meaning during Halloween. Legend says the medieval clockmaker was blinded to prevent him from building another. His ghost allegedly still maintains the clock’s intricate mechanisms.
Prague Castle, the world’s largest ancient castle complex, offers special Halloween tours through its Gothic halls and underground chambers. The 9th-century castle has accumulated nearly 1,200 years of ghost stories.
The cathedral houses the tomb of Saint John of Nepomuk, whose tongue allegedly never decomposed after his martyrdom. Guards report unexplained whispers echoing through the cathedral during late-night tours.
Prague Medieval Experiences at Klementinum Library
The library offers after-hours Halloween tours of its baroque halls. The 18th-century library houses over 20,000 volumes, including several books on demonology and witchcraft. Mirrors on the ceiling create disorienting reflections during candlelit tours.
8. Paris, France
Paris approaches Halloween with characteristic style and dark sophistication. The city’s long history provides plenty of ghostly material, from medieval streets to Victorian-era catacombs.
Disneyland Paris Halloween Season
Disneyland Paris transforms into “Halloween Festival” from October 1-November 3, 2025. The park becomes significantly spookier than its American counterparts, embracing European Gothic sensibilities.
Character meet-and-greets feature villains exclusively during the Halloween season. Maleficent holds court in her dragon form. The Evil Queen from Snow White conducts “mirror consultations.” Jafar demonstrates actual magic tricks.
The park stays open until 2 am on Halloween night with special fireworks shows and a midnight costume parade.
Paris Catacombs: The Empire of Death
The Paris Catacombs extend their operating hours throughout October. These underground ossuaries hold the remains of over 6 million Parisians, arranged in decorative patterns along tunnel walls.
The tunnels maintain a constant 14°C (57°F) temperature. The limestone walls literally seep moisture, creating an authentically eerie atmosphere. Audio recordings have captured unexplained sounds in the deepest sections.
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen blends Scandinavian design sensibilities with traditional Halloween spookiness. The result is elegantly creepy celebrations throughout the Danish capital.
Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks (opened 1843), transforms into “Halloween in Tivoli” from October 11-November 3, 2025. The park’s Victorian-era architecture and mature gardens create a naturally Gothic atmosphere.
Seasonal transformations in Tivoli Gardens:
- 33,000 pumpkins are decorating the entire park
- Halloween-themed rides with special effects and soundtracks
- Spooky laser shows projected onto historic buildings
- Haunted maze constructed in the park’s bamboo garden
The park’s Demon rollercoaster receives special Halloween theming, including fog machines and horror movie soundtracks synchronized with the ride experience.
Nordic Horror Traditions
Denmark’s Halloween celebrations incorporate traditional Nordic folklore elements often overlooked by other European cities.
- Trolls and forest spirits from Danish fairy tales
- Viking mythology featuring Hel, goddess of the underworld
- Medieval ballads about ghostly knights and supernatural encounters
- Hygge-horror (cozy horror) – scary stories told by candlelight in intimate settings
Local restaurants serve traditional October foods like flæskesteg (roast pork) and æbleskiver (round pancakes) while staff share ghostly folktales. The combination of comfort food and spine-chilling stories creates Denmark’s unique approach to Halloween.
10. Venice, Italy
Venice doesn’t officially celebrate Halloween, but the city’s inherent mystery and world-famous Carnival traditions create magical autumn experiences. October brings fewer crowds and atmospheric fog rolling off the Adriatic.
While Venice’s main Carnival happens in February, smaller mask-making workshops and costume events occur throughout October. Local artisans use Halloween as an opportunity to showcase their crafts to international visitors.
Ghost Tours Through the Canals
Venice’s supernatural side emerges during autumn evening tours through the city’s maze of canals and narrow walkways. The mist rising from the lagoon creates natural special effects.
The mysterious and haunted locations in and around Venice, worth the Halloween trip, are:
- Poveglia Island stories (former plague quarantine island)
- Bridge of Sighs and its romantic ghost legends
- Ca’ Dario Palace, known as the “cursed palace” due to its owners’ tragic fates
- San Michele Cemetery, where famous figures like Stravinsky rest
Guides share stories about Venice’s most famous ghost, “La Dama Bianca” (The White Lady), who allegedly appears on foggy nights near the Rialto Bridge, searching for her lost lover who drowned in the Grand Canal.
11. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona blends its own October tradition (La Castanyada) with modern Halloween celebrations. The city’s Gothic Quarter provides an authentic medieval backdrop for supernatural festivities.
Barcelona’s traditional autumn festival La Castanyada (October 31-November 1) coincides perfectly with Halloween. This Catalan celebration honors the dead while welcoming winter.
Gothic Quarter Ghost Walks
Barcelona’s Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter) contains the city’s oldest buildings, some dating to Roman times. The narrow medieval streets and shadowy plazas create perfect conditions for ghost tours, visiting:
- Barcelona Cathedral, with its 13 white geese (representing Saint Eulalia’s age at martyrdom)
- Plaça Sant Felip Ner,i where bullet holes from the Spanish Civil War remain visible
- Call Jueu (Jewish Quarter) was abandoned after the 1391 pogroms
- Roman walls where gladiators’ spirits allegedly still battle
Saint Eulalia’s ghost is Barcelona’s most frequently reported supernatural sighting. The 4th-century martyr appears near the cathedral, always accompanied by white geese.
12. Berlin, Germany
Berlin approaches Halloween with characteristic creativity and counterculture flair. The city’s history provides dark material, while its famous club scene creates unique party experiences.
Movie Park Germany (45 minutes from Berlin) hosts “Halloween Horror Festival” from September 27 to November 9, 2025. This film studio theme park creates movie-quality horror experiences:
- Hollywood-style haunted houses with animatronics and special effects
- Scare actors trained by professional stunt performers
- Horror movie marathons featuring German and international films
- Zombie apocalypse simulations using the park’s backlot streets
Zombie Walk Berlin
Zombie Walk Berlin transforms Alexanderplatz into an undead gathering point. Participants meet at the World Time Clock before shambling through the city center, ending at Museum Island.
13. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges already looks like a Halloween movie set year-round. Its medieval architecture, winding canals, and cobblestone streets create a natural Gothic atmosphere. October adds just enough supernatural touches to make it perfect.
Bruges preserves its 14th-century appearance better than almost any European city. The entire historic center is UNESCO-protected, meaning modern intrusions are minimal. During October evenings, gas-lamp style lighting and mist rising from the canals transform the city into something from a fairy tale.
Chocolate Skull Workshops
Bruges is famous for chocolate craftsmanship, and several shops offer Halloween-themed workshops during October: chocolate skulls using antique molds, edible coffins filled with praline “bones”, Blood-red truffles flavored with raspberry and chili, and Gothic chocolate sculptures inspired by the city’s architecture.
Ghost Stories of Bruges Canals
Bruges’ canals provide unique perspectives for supernatural storytelling:
- The Lady of the Lake, who drowned in the Minnewater (Lake of Love)
- The Phantom Beguine is still caring for the sick at the Beguinage
- The Murdered Merchant, whose blood supposedly stains the stones at Wollestraat
- The Bell Ringer’s Ghost, who still climbs the Belfry every night at midnight
Local legend claims the tower’s original bell ringer never left his post. Guards report hearing footsteps on the stairs when the tower is empty. The bells sometimes ring at midnight without human intervention.
14. Kraków, Poland
Kraków blends Catholic All Saints’ Day traditions with local folklore and Halloween celebrations. The city’s medieval architecture and royal history create perfect settings for supernatural festivities.
November 1st is All Saints’ Day (Wszystkich Świętych) in Poland, when families visit cemeteries to honor deceased relatives. Kraków’s observance is particularly moving, as thousands of candles illuminate historic cemeteries throughout the city.
Traditional activities on All Saints Day in Krakow
- Candle lighting at Rakowicki Cemetery creating seas of flickering lights
- Flower placing on family graves with traditional chrysanthemums
- Prayer services at churches throughout the Old Town
- Food offerings left at gravesites for departed souls
Rakowicki Cemetery becomes especially atmospheric during All Saints’ evening. Over 100,000 candles transform the cemetery into a glowing tribute to the dead. The tradition dates back centuries and continues regardless of weather.
15. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s unique geography, built on both sides of the Danube with extensive underground networks, creates perfect conditions for Halloween celebrations. The city’s thermal baths, cave systems, and historic architecture provide endless supernatural possibilities.
Most European Halloween celebrations peak during the final week of October, but many events begin mid-month. All Saints’ Day (November 1st) extends celebrations in Catholic countries like Poland and Spain.
Key dates to remember:
- October 28-31: Peak celebration period across all destinations
- October 31st: Traditional Halloween night with most major events
- November 1st: All Saints’ Day observances, especially meaningful in Eastern Europe
Europe’s efficient transportation networks make multi-city Halloween tours feasible. Budget airlines connect most destinations within 2-3 hours flying time.
Strategic routing suggestions:
- British Isles Circuit: Dublin → Belfast/Derry → Edinburgh → London (ferry and train connections)
- Central European Gothic Tour: Prague → Budapest → Kraków → Berlin (excellent train connections)
- Western European Halloween Trail: Amsterdam → Brussels/Bruges → Paris → London (high-speed rail)
Eurail passes provide unlimited train travel but require advance reservations during the peak Halloween period. Book popular routes (Paris-London, Amsterdam-Brussels) several weeks ahead.
Each destination approaches Halloween differently based on local traditions:
| Celtic Nations (Ireland, Scotland) | Treat Halloween as serious cultural heritage, combining ancient Samhain traditions with modern celebrations. |
| Catholic Countries (Poland, Spain, Italy) | Blend Halloween with All Saints’ Day observances, creating more solemn but equally meaningful experiences. |
| Germanic Nations (Germany, Austria, Netherlands) | embrace Halloween’s commercial aspects while maintaining their own autumn folklore traditions. |
| Eastern Europe (Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania) | markets Halloween tourism heavily, sometimes creating experiences specifically for international visitors rather than authentic local traditions |
Halloween weekend ranks among Europe’s busiest tourism periods. Book accommodations well in advance, especially in popular destinations like Edinburgh, Dublin, and Prague.
Unique Halloween lodging options:
- Castle hotels in Romania and Scotland offer authentic medieval experiences
- Historic inns throughout Europe embrace Halloween themes during October
- Boutique hotels in Gothic quarters provide atmospheric bases for exploration
- Converted monasteries and convents offer spiritual retreats during the All Saints’ period
