Family Festivals: The Best Halloween Events Around the World

by Helen Ochyra

The Best Halloween Events Around the World

UK


See also Enjoy England’s guide to Halloween events.

London
This Halloween (Oct 24th–Nov 1st) the landmark London Eye is being transformed into a spooky, misty forest where wolves howl and the wind whistles. Handing out tricks and treats will be two grisly-looking sisters, Witch Treat, who only uses magic for good, and Witch Trick, who tempts children to be naughty. Naughty children end up in the bubbling bog of no return, whilethose who take the pledge to be good at the Promising Point (at the Eye’s summit) will be protected from the wicked witch for good – and receive a treat-filled goody bag.
 
Oxfordshire
Discovering ghosts in the gardens of Blenheim Palace is just one of the outdoor and indoor activities taking place at Winston Churchill’s birthplace between Oct 24th and Nov 1st. In the palace itself, you hear the building’s untold story and meet its ghosts on the spooky family tour, before heading outside to follow the ghost trail through the pleasure gardens, where 15 spooks lurk, waiting to be found. Kids can also create a Halloween souvenir in the café, where scary pottery-making and pumpkin carving are on offer and Heart FM’s angels will be on hand with free spooky face-painting.
 
Scotland
Meet the residents of the Real Mary King’s Close beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, within a hidden warren of streets where people lived – and died. The Supernatural History Tour allows you to walk in their footsteps and discover why this is thought to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland. You’ll hear first-hand evidence of ghostly visitations and maybe even experience one yourself.

EUROPE


France
Party with the baddies at Disneyland Paris between Oct 3rd and Nov 1st, when mischievous pumpkin men and women join the complete cast of Disney villains and the star of the season, Jack Skellington, to transform the themepark into a kingdom of trickery and witchery. Halloween shows include the Once Upon A Dream parade, and you can take a trip on Minnie’s Party Train in its Halloween-themed splendour. There’s also Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Party for tots who might be overwhelmed by the nasties. 

Romania
Who better to spend Halloween with than Vlad the Impaler, AKA Count Dracula, in Transylvania? You can get up close and personal with the world’s most famous vampire on Adventure Transylvania’s five-day tour (Oct 28th–Nov 2nd;; from €840pp), which takes in Bucharest’s Princely Palace (which he built), the house where he was born, and Bran Castle, the spooky fortress known as Dracula’s Castle
 
Spain
Meet the dead at PortAventura themepark, where magic and mayhem take over during what the Spanish call El Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead (until Nov 22nd). Gruesome creatures hide in the undergrowth, the undead wander Far West seeking their next victims, and huge pumpkins grow along every street. For a real fright night, make a reservation at creepy Hotel Burn, but remember to keep one eye open – something evil inhabits the rooms here and it doesn’t sleep.
 
REST OF WORLD


USA
Not one for the very young or the faint-hearted, Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood and Orlando are guaranteed to put the frighteners on you. This Halloween, visitors can brave the Saw maze, face Michael Myers from ‘Halloween’ and meet the masked miner from ‘My Bloody Valentine’. There’s also an all-new ‘Bill and Ted’ show and a tribute to the cult ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’, and the backlot tour is transformed into the Terror Tram, where Billy from ‘Saw’ puts his audience through their paces. 

Mexico
Forget scary ghouls and goblins in Mexico, El Dia de los Muertes or Day of the Dead (Nov 1st and 2nd) pays respect to the dead through celebration. During the traditional festival, locals honour their deceased ancestors by buying small gifts and flowers by the armload to offer to them, tuck into traditional dishes such as chocolate skulls, bread in the shape of bones and calabaza en tacha (cooked squash with cinnamon and brown sugar), and in many towns, including Oaxaca and Mexico City, parade colourful papier maché figures to the local cemetery. It’s Halloween, but not as we know it.

Australia
It’s not just the crocs that are terrifying at Australia Zoo in Queensland – come Halloween, the world-famous zoo will be taken over by creepy goblins and witches and their spooky games. Come dressed in your best Halloween costume (there are prizes for the best) and play stick the wart on the witch’s nose and wrap the mummy. There’s also trick or treating and monster face-painting. Note that you can save $15 on entry by donating blood.

China
Celebrate Halloween alfresco but without freezing in Hong Kong’s Discovery Bay, which will be decorated for the occasion and where many restaurants will be offering eclectic Halloween-themed menus. There’s also a carnival area with several play areas and numerous trick or treat booths handing out treats to passing children.

 

 

Also see Take the Family's Half Term Holidays page.

Other feature articles by Helen