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Best Halloween Attractions in Europe

Europe is packed with Halloween attractions for every type of visitor. Families can enjoy friendly festivals, while thrill-seekers can hunt down the scariest experiences.

Boarding a P&O Ferries ship makes the start of your Halloween trip easy and relaxed. Spacious cabins, calm crossings, and no luggage limits mean you can take costumes, decorations, or seasonal shopping without worry. Your adventure begins the moment you step on board.

  • Derry Halloween (Northern Ireland): This is one of the biggest Halloween festivals in Europe, offering fireworks, street performances, and parades. It’s as much fun for children as it is thrilling for adults. The Cairnryan to Larne crossing gets you across the Irish Sea in just two hours, with festivals waiting on the other side.
  • Disneyland Paris Halloween Season (France): From character meet-and-greets to themed rides, this is a family-friendly Halloween attraction you won't want to miss.
  • Phantasialand (Germany): A mix of rollercoasters, seasonal décor, and haunted Halloween attractions ensures both scares and excitement.

Tower of London Ghost Tours (England): Dive into centuries of eerie history and explore some of the scariest Halloween attractions in the UK.

Halloween in Europe Travel Ideas

Best Places in Europe for Halloween

Some cities stand out during October, offering unique experiences that combine history, fright, and festive fun:

  • Bruges, Belgium: Its canals and medieval architecture take on a mysterious charm in October. Evening ghost walks and candlelit tours through historic streets make it one of the best places to visit for Halloween in Europe.

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: Haunted canal tours and costume parties make it one of the best cities in Europe for Halloween. Take the Hull to Rotterdam route overnight and wake up ready for a Halloween weekend in the Netherlands.

  • Paris, France: Halloween events at theme parks and public spaces combine cultural flair with spooky fun.

  • Edinburgh, Scotland: Ghost tours, underground experiences, and storytelling bring centuries of history to life.

Each city offers something different, whether you want scares, laughs, or a mix of both.

Halloween Festivals & Events in Europe

From modern theme parks to long-standing traditions, here’s a list of Halloween events in Europe you’ll definitely enjoy:

  • Fright Nights at Thorpe Park (England): Fans of thrills can experience some of the scariest Halloween attractions, including haunted mazes and live actors, making this one of the biggest Halloween festivals in Europe.

  • Ghent Halloween Parade (Belgium): Colourful floats, music, and lively crowds turn the city of Ghent into a seasonal spectacle.

  • Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival (Germany): Families can enjoy giant pumpkins, carving contests, and festive treats.

  • Parc Astérix Halloween (France): Just outside Paris, Parc Astérix transforms into a spooky wonderland with haunted houses, themed shows, and scare zones, offering one of France’s biggest Halloween celebrations.

These events show how Halloween in Europe blends tradition, culture, and modern entertainment.

Scariest vs. Family-Friendly Halloween Attractions

Scariest attractions
  • Château de Brissac (France): Ghost tours in a centuries-old castle.

  • Phantasialand (Germany): Haunted mazes and interactive shows that thrill even the bravest.
Family-friendly attractions
  • Disneyland Paris Halloween (France): Costumes, themed rides, and friendly characters. You could sail from Dover to Calais and, with Paris just a few hours’ drive away, arrive in time to enjoy the Halloween event in the city by evening.

  • Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival (Germany): Bright displays and carving contests make it fun for children.

Europe offers both ends of the spectrum, so you can choose your preferred Halloween vibe.

Travel Tips for Halloween in Europe
  • Timing: Mid to late October is ideal for experiencing huge Halloween events.

  • Budget: Street food and cafés offer affordable meals, while nearby premium restaurants provide seasonal treats.

  • Packing: Pack your Halloween costumes, props, makeup, and don’t forget the extra bags for treats and decorations. P&O has no luggage restrictions, so you can pack with ease.
Why Travel with P&O Ferries

Sailing with P&O Ferries makes the trip as enjoyable as the destination:

  • Comfortable cabins and lounges: Perfect for relaxing or preparing for the day ahead.
  • Onboard dining: Snacks and sit-down meals cater to all tastes.
  • Stress-free travel: No airport queues or luggage limits.
  • Flexible luggage: Pack freely with space for Halloween outfits, accessories, and all your festive finds.
  • Groups: Travelling with family or friends is easy, with plenty of space on board to relax together before heading to your event.

Whether you’re travelling to France, Ireland, or the Netherlands, P&O Ferries offers plenty of activities to do onboard that make the whole trip even more fun before the Halloween festivities start ashore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 Where did Halloween start in Europe?
Halloween traces back to Celtic traditions, particularly Samhain, celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of the UK. These ancient customs evolved into modern European festivities.
2 Is Halloween celebrated in Europe?
Yes, Halloween is celebrated in many European cities with haunted houses, parades, festivals, and themed events for all ages.
3 Where to celebrate Halloween in Europe?
You can celebrate Halloween in Europe in Derry, Amsterdam, Paris, and Edinburgh. Visitors can find both haunted Halloween attractions and family-friendly events.