While Halloween might have its roots in Ireland, where it began as the Celtic festival of Samhain and featured candles inside carved beet-roots instead of pumpkins, it has certainly become a major American celebration. However, Europe is gradually embracing this spooky holiday too.
So, if you find yourself in Europe during this eerie time of year, don’t worry – there are plenty of thrilling Halloween activities to enjoy:
England – Oxford
Head to Oxford Castle for the annual Ghost Fest, which includes Trick or Treating, After Dark Dinners, and Ghost Hunts. The month-long event in October offers a variety of activities for all ages and levels of fear tolerance, like Truth & Dare Tours, a Halloween midnight tour, family-friendly Trick or Treating, pumpkin carving during October half-term, and overnight Ghost Hunts.
Austria – Retz
Retz, known for its yearly pumpkin harvest, celebrates the Kürbisfest or Pumpkin Festival. The event features pumpkin carving, parades, and parties. If you want more details and don’t mind some German, check out their website for more information.
Germany – Berlin
During Halloween, Berlin’s shops and stores on Karl Marx Allee are adorned with orange pumpkins and fuzzy spiders. From October 29 to November 4, visit the Fernsehturm (dubbed “The Highest Bat Nest in Berlin”) for both Halloween decorations and a superb city view. If you miss Halloween, don’t worry – Christmas markets start popping up from late November.
Italy – Corinaldo
In the Marche region of central Italy, Corinaldo hosts “La Notte delle Streghe” or “The Feast of Witches” during the last week of October. This medieval town has earned the title of the Italian Capital of Halloween. For more details on the events behind its historical walls, visit their website.
Spain – Madrid
An American expat in Madrid shared a funny post about how locals (and Europeans in general) can be quite old-school or unimaginative with Halloween costumes. To see Halloween Spanish-style, check out the event listings in Madrid.
France – Paris
For a truly American Halloween experience, visit Disneyland Paris. Known as the American Mothership outside the US, it hosts Disney’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park. It’s an exciting event for the entire family with guaranteed chills and thrills.
Enjoy these European Halloween festivities and make the most out of this spooky season!
suansuan