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I’ve traveled the world a few times over, and it’s always hard to be out of the country on my favorite holiday of the year, Halloween in Europe! While Scotland may have invented it, the US appears to corner the market on this one! Although the United States has been dominating as one destination that provides thrilling fanfare during Halloween celebrations, it does not mean that it is the only place that celebrates the holiday. so, today l’m going to introduce the best 5 destinations for Halloween in Europe.
Europe is a turbulent land with a long and fascinating history, castles that are over centuries old, and petrifying legends that can also provide some of the best experiences during Halloween. Celebrate Halloween in Europe with the old and spooky along with extravagant modern-day fantasies with colorful mythologies to provide a slightly different experience than what we’re used to at home.
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This experience includes a wide range of thrilling events and parades, the narration of ghost stories, the Irish tradition of carving Jack-O-Lanterns (a term my dear Aussie friend had no idea what it was and may have made fun of me for suggesting it), costume parties, and the legendary trick-or-treating.
May I add how awesome it is to trick-or-treat with my nieces when the neighborhood fully supports providing alcoholic treats for the adults at their stations! For me, dressing up at the Grinch and providing the full performance, making children cry and run away all while gathering our treats was a highlight of my trip! Yes, I may have digressed a wee bit off topic, but the memories are quite fond.
Back to the task at hand. Ranked as the world’s second-largest celebration from a commercial perspective after Christmas. Who knew, as most of the world doesn’t celebrate our beloved pagan holiday? With that being said, I had to go on the hunt to find countries in Europe that do celebrate it. Below is a list of the best of Europe’s exquisite Halloween destinations:
Limoges is a gothic city in the medieval Limousine region, and Renoir’s birthplace is one of the best destinations in France to spend Halloween in Europe. Although Halloween is not considered customary merriment in France, the City of Limoges has embraced its celebrations since it hosted its first-ever Halloween celebrations in 1996. During these periods, approximately 40,000 annual tourists cherish the City’s colorful Halloween experience with various events, including extravagant parties, costume parades, street shows, ghost story festivals, and themed fairs.
Haunted History: Limoges – Oh, Limoges! Not just a pretty face with its stash from Roman times, this city serves up some spectral spice with legends that might just have you reconsidering that midnight stroll… unless you’re into BFFs from the beyond! Hit those ancient cobblestones and who knows? Maybe you’ll snag a ghostly buddy who can dish out the real historical dirt.
Medieval Architecture: A Halloween Scene to Die For – Step into a scene that looks like it was ripped straight out of a horror flick (in the most Instagrammable way, of course). With gems like the Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Étienne, Limoges basically begs you to strut around in your best medieval damsel costume—minus the distress part, because who’s got time for that? Get lost in those narrow alleys; they’re perfect for dramatic, wind-swept selfies!
Creepy Cemeteries: Where the Party’s Dead (Literally) – If your idea of a good time includes hanging out with some age-old skeletons, Limoges’ cemeteries are your jam. Louyat and Saint-Pierre-du-Queyroix aren’t just graveyards; they’re the VIP lounge for the ancient elites. Bring a picnic, make some new quiet friends, and bask in the moonlight—just try not to wake anybody up.
Local Legends and Folklore: Chill Vibes and Thriller Nights – Forget Netflix, Limoges has enough ghost stories to keep you entertained all night. From haunted castles with drafty dining halls to spirits with zero boundaries, it’s all the spooky gossip you never knew you needed. Perfect for adding that ooh-la-la to your Halloween escapades, or, you know, terrifying yourself into a no-sleep scenario.
Art and Culture: Not Your Grandma’s Porcelain – Limoges might be world-famous for its delicate porcelain, but come Halloween, these artists get downright ghoulish. Keep your eyes peeled for exhibitions that put a spooky spin on traditional vibes. Because nothing says “edgy” like a bone-china skeleton or a porcelain ghost, am I right?
Charming Atmosphere: Spooky Never Looked So Cute – With streets so chic and cafes so cozy, Limoges nails the ‘haunted European village’ aesthetic. Whether you’re sipping a latte by daylight or chasing spectral hints in the moonlight, this city combines scares with charm, making even the boldest soul feel right at home.
This intriguing British capital with its bloody history, mysterious dungeons, petrifying backstreets, medieval structure, and tales of Jack the Ripper (the world’s most fabled serial killer) put London in the books as one of the world’s most haunted Halloween destinations in Europe.
Halloween celebrations in the city are affiliated with ghostly and mysterious attractions and other merriments and festivals all over the city. From sinister tours and themed parades to flamboyant dinners and festivals, London is where you want to be on October 31st.
Gothic Architecture: London’s Posh Haunts – If you thought your high school Gothic novels were just a phase, think again. London’s skyline is throwing it back to the days of brooding heroes and swooning heroines with some seriously photogenic architecture. The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament aren’t just your average historical landmarks—they’re the ultimate backdrop for your Halloween selfies.
Haunted History: Ghosts of London’s Past – London is basically the VIP lounge for the otherworldly. With a past as colorful as a box of Crayola, you bet your bottom dollar there’s a ghost story or fifty waiting to crash your solo party. From the chic haunts of the Tower of London prisoners to the ghouls chilling in ancient pubs (ordering spirits, no doubt), London serves up a spooky story for every taste. Time to lace up those walking shoes, because the city’s eerie tales are best enjoyed on foot, ideally with a comforting cup of tea in hand for bravery.
Jack the Ripper Tours: A Victorian Nightmare or a Feminist’s Friday Night? – Who needs a Netflix true-crime binge when you can walk the foggy streets of Whitechapel and hear all about Jack the Ripper’s escapades? Dive headfirst into Victorian London’s shadowy corners and immerse yourself in tales of the infamous antagonist. It’s like a history lesson, but with more murder.
Halloween Events: London’s Spooktacular Scene – Forget bobbing for apples at your neighbor’s Halloween party—London’s got a haunted house with your name on it. Whether you’re shrieking your way through the London Dungeon or playing it cool with Henry VIII’s ghosts at Hampton Court Palace, London knows how to party it up for Halloween. There’s something for everyone, from the thrill-seeker to the pumpkin-spice enthusiast. Just remember to charge your phone; you’ll want evidence of your bravery… or your best scaredy-cat face.
Pumpkin Patches and Festivals: Gettin’ Gourdy With It – Ah, is there anything more quintessentially autumn than frolicking through a pumpkin patch, latte in hand? London’s pumpkin patches and festivals are here to fulfill all your fall fantasies. Carve yourself a jack-o’-lantern with an attitude, indulge in pumpkin everything, and if you find yourself lost in a corn maze, just remember: you’ve braved the city’s ghost tours—you can handle some cornstalks.
Transylvania is undoubtedly the most exquisite region in Romania and a destination you should consider for your Halloween vacation. Famous for its connection to the Dracula Legend and the Bran Castle, this region will also fascinate you with the frozen villages and citadel collections, where its modern world is merged and twisted with long-lasting culture and legends. These attributes make Halloween celebrations in Transylvania mystifying and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is recurrent every year.
Dracula’s Castle: Airbnb Wishes It Had These Views – Ladies, pack your garlic and sharpen those wooden stakes because we’re heading to Dracula’s Castle. Bran Castle, AKA the ultimate goth boyfriend’s dream house, is the main squeeze of Halloween in Transylvania. This place is like the original haunted house, except nobody’s jumping out in a mask for cheap scares—here, the fear factor is all in the history. Walking through those eerie corridors makes for the perfect “Wish you were here” postcard moment. But let’s face it, we’re solo travelers! We don’t wish anyone was here—we’re too busy soaking up the badassery of standing on a cliff-side castle that could double as a villain’s lair in every vampire movie ever.
Villages and Fortresses: Where Every Day is Throwback Thursday – Transylvania decided that quaint villages and imposing fortresses weren’t just a fad but a lifestyle. Picture this: you, wandering through Sighișoara, possibly on the trail of the original bad boy, Vlad the Impaler. With every cobblestone street, you can almost hear the whispers of “I told you to turn right at the haunted bakery.” And Rasnov Fortress? It’s not just imposing. It’s your next profile pic, flaunting that you’re the queen of all you survey (and maybe scoping out for any vampires ’cause let’s be real—this place has ambiance).
Folklore and Legends: Better Than Your Favorite Fantasy Novel – Forget about binge-watching Supernatural for the 15th time. In Transylvania, the folklore is off the charts with stories that include everything from VIP vampires to werewolves with social anxiety. Dive into this treasure trove of legends where every tale is a rabbit hole waiting for a fearless lady like yourself to tumble down. Who needs fiction when you’ve got centuries of spine-tingling myths to keep you company? Besides, it’s always fun to casually drop into conversation, “Oh, you know, just hunting werewolves in Transylvania,” when folks back home ask what you’ve been up to.
Haunted Forests and Mountains: For When You’ve Had Enough of Beach Vacays – Just when you thought your outdoor adventures couldn’t get any more epic, the Carpathian Mountains come into play. Looking for mysterious forests and hidden valleys? Check. Eager to hike trails where the only signs of life might be spectral? Double-check. This isn’t your average National Park visit. It’s a heart-racing expedition into Mother Nature’s moodier side. And if you listen closely, you can hear her whisper, “Girl, you’ve got this. Also, maybe don’t stray from the path?”
Halloween Events and Festivals: It’s Not Just a Season, It’s a Lifestyle – Picture it: Halloween in Transylvania. It’s not just an event; it’s a vibe. Costume parties where “Dracula chic” is the dress code, themed dinners with a menu that might include “Shadows on Toast,” and ghost hunts where the only thing scarier than the ghosts is the Wi-Fi signal. Whether you’re in it for the chills, the Instagram content, or just to bask in the otherworldly atmosphere, Transylvania rolls out the black carpet for anyone brave enough to join the party.
The City of Edinburgh is one of the best and most unique destinations to spend your Halloween holiday. This city acknowledges that Halloween is not only a time for tricks or treats or a chance to put on a costume but also a preservation of the legendary Celtic festival of Samhain. The rich culture, massive castles, mystery tales, spooky vaults, and the Royal Mile make 31st October a blast in the city.
Ghost stories, haunted streets, contorted souls, creative-themed parties, and costume festivals put the city of Amsterdam among the top Halloween destinations in Europe. Whether it’s family entertainment in restaurants, ghost tours in the museum, or an intense extravagant party in the clubs and music concerts, there is undoubtedly something for everyone in Amsterdam during the Halloween festival.
If you’re going to travel into Europe during the time of year this awesome holiday takes place, you will have a few locations to choose from. So, if you’ve managed to leave the country during this time of year, but you don’t want to miss the fun, Halloween festivals, costumes, and the ghostly are still available in this region. But no matter where you go during Halloween or throughout the other times of year, make sure you always Travel Till You Drop!
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Hi, Jill Here
Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.
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