Halloween is a special holiday during which Europe turns into a ghostly and enchanted place. Find out about the top best travel destinations for European travelers on Halloween

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Halloween, celebrated annually on October 31, is one of the oldest holidays in the world. It comes from ancient celebrations and religious rituals and is common in many countries. Costume parties, entertainment, raffles, games, bonfires, fireworks or commemoration of deceased loved ones and ancestors - every state has its own traditions on this day.

Considering that Europe is one of the best places in the world to travel, offering a wide variety of cultural and natural attractions, as well as entertainment in a very small geographical area, many people go to celebrate Halloween here.

We talk about traditions and the best places to celebrate Halloween in Europe below.

Do they celebrate Halloween in Europe?

The European holiday of Halloween originates from the Celtic holiday of Samhain, which was celebrated on the territory of modern Ireland more than 2,000 years ago. This holiday marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a time when the spirits of the dead were believed to be able to cross into the world of the living. To protect against them, it became customary to light fires and wear costumes similar to animal skins.

  The spread of the holiday in Europe and the growth of traditions made the region the best place to spend Halloween. From haunted houses to costume parties, Europe has embraced spooky entertainment, making it an exciting Halloween travel destination.

Most European countries celebrate this day and offer travelers a unique combination of ghost stories and holiday entertainment.

Read about events and festivals in honor of Halloween around the world and how Halloween is celebrated in different countries of the globe in this article.

The best places to celebrate Halloween in Europe

 Derry, Northern Ireland

Ireland tops the list of places to celebrate Halloween in the European style, because it is believed that modern Halloween was born in this country. In particular, the tradition of carving pumpkins comes from the Celtic Irish tradition of carving turnips.

As part of the celebration, Europe's largest Halloween festival is held in the walled Northern Irish city of Derry. A series of themed installations and events take place throughout the city, and the haunted harvest market is particularly popular among entertainment.

The highlight of the celebration is the street carnival parade, a free event that gathers thousands of musicians, dancers, circus performers and costumed spectators. The celebration ends with a brilliant fireworks display over the River Foyle.

Rome, Italy

Italy is known for its ancient ruins, rich culture and history, but during Halloween, the country reveals its spooky side.

There are 36 spooky themed tours in Rome, including a tour of the city's ancient crypts and catacombs, perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. At the same time, 24 cemeteries are available for visiting in the city, which adds to its eerie atmosphere. One popular location is the Capuchin Crypt in Rome, known for its displays of human bones, making it an appropriate place to visit during Halloween.

For travelers wondering where to celebrate Halloween in Europe, Italy offers a mix of history, culture and haunted fun, making it one of the best destinations.

Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania proudly holds the title of one of the scariest places in Europe, and Halloween in Transylvania is something you'll never forget, as the place is known as the land of vampires and all things spooky, so it's still one of the best places to celebrate.

To spend a festive evening in the legendary Bran Castle is the dream of every true Halloween fan. Dating back to 1377, the fortress sits high in the mist-shrouded forests of Transylvania, best known as Dracula's Castle. Dancing, a costume contest and fun entertainment are a must-have part of a Halloween party at Bran Castle.

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Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, with its ancient streets shrouded in fog and mystery, is becoming a prime destination for those looking for spooky Halloween adventures. Between the highlands decorated with a flaming tapestry of red and gold, the magic of the Skye region and the allure of mythical forts, Scotland reveals its darker and more mysterious side in the capital's cobbled lanes. As the veil between worlds thins, Edinburgh's history comes alive, beckoning travelers to explore its dark corners and delve into its ghostly past. From the eerie depths of the Edinburgh Crypts to the majestic silhouette of Edinburgh Castle, the city is teeming with stories of restless spirits and ancient curses.

Copenhagen, Denmark

On Halloween, Copenhagen transforms into an incredibly magical place, with Tivoli Gardens taking center stage in the festivities. Special Halloween exhibits and events abound, and the haunted house captivates visitors of all ages. From traditional pumpkin races to the Monsters Night Out parade, Tivoli's Halloween program promises thrills and fun for everyone. Although Halloween may not be a widely celebrated holiday in Denmark, Tivoli Gardens offers a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of the season in a magical setting steeped in history and magic.

Although Halloween in Europe is quite different from the Halloween you can find in the US, there are many cities here that celebrate this spooky holiday in their own way. From Romanian vampire castles to the Celtic origins of Halloween, choose your destination and embark on a fantastic journey this fall.

We will remind you! Autumn is the best time to go on vacation, because the days are not as hot as in the summer, the popular cities are less crowded, and the prices are much lower than in the high season. We have already talked about the top autumn tourist destinations in Europe for the fall of 2024, as well as the main attractions and events.

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