This year, Halloween will fall on a Saturday (October 31). This means two whole days of Halloween activities, and many cities have crafted their calendars around this event. Halloween is not just dressing up and handing out candy in Europe. The holiday of Halloween was inspired by Samhain, which is the European Celtic festival.  

This blog prepared by the best travel agency in Dubai will let you know about the best experiences which includes Castles, ancient walled cities, and Gothic streets remain intact, and some are planning to host Halloween activities for the first time. Derry celebrates the 40th anniversary of its Halloween celebration. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen has a new culinary partner that holds a Michelin award. Imola converts its racetrack into a giant Halloween party. 

Recommended:
Budget-Friendly Beach Destination in Europe
Europe Travel Guide from UAE
Europe Tour Packages 

Quick Summary for the Best Places in Europe for Halloween 2026 
 

1. Derry, Known as the Home of Halloween in Europe 

The event takes place during 28 to 31 October 2026 and is organized by the festival for its 40th anniversary. It’s called the biggest Halloween festival in Europe. 

Derry’s walled city is turned into a set for four nights. Actors represent ancient spirits, and folklore and Derry’s history come alive on the streets. The Awakening the Walled City Trail takes visitors through themed zones and usually takes place in the evening on 28 to 30 October. Saturday, 31 October is the key day of the festival, and there is the finale with the costume carnival parade ending with fireworks on the River Foyle. 

There are new elements of the 2026 festival: Derry Samhain Experience and Derry Halloween Mural that will remain even after the festival finishes. 

Best family tip: Head to the early evening shows first, since they are the easiest for the kids. Make sure you book your hotel room well in advance since they go very quickly. 

2. Bram Stroker Festival, Dublin 

Dublin is the hometown of Bram Stoker, the creator of Dracula. The Bram Stoker Festival takes place between Friday 23 and Monday 26 October 2026 during the Irish October bank holiday period. It is a Gothic festival featuring theatre performances, walking tours, and night-time shows in various historical locations. 

The organisers reveal the full agenda at the end of September. Make sure to visit the festival’s official website for tickets, which often sell out very quickly. 

The Irish Halloween period is not limited to the city of Dublin. From 28 October to 1 November, the Púca Festival is the biggest Halloween festival held in the Republic of Ireland and features events in hubs all over the country. In Athboy, there is a Samhain Banquet featuring a four-course meal with traditional Irish music and dancing. The event is for adults only and costs around €85. 

Best Tip: Visit Dublin to enjoy the Stoker weekend and then take the train to Derry for the 40th festival. This will make a perfect Halloween trip in Europe. 

3. Best Event at Copenhagen 

For families with kids, Copenhagen is best for the celebration. Tivoli Gardens' Halloween season will be held from 2 October to 1 November 2026. There will be more than 20,000 pumpkins, hay bales, and flowers of autumn in the park. 

Here's the breakdown on how you can plan it 

• Villa Vendetta: A haunted house with 12 scary rooms and long dark corridors. Best for teenagers and adults. 
• Second haunted house: The haunted house that is built around the historic wooden Rutschebanen roller coaster. 
• Giant pumpkins: At the 19th Danish Giant Pumpkin Championship, giant pumpkins are used afterwards as monsters and lanterns. 
• Attractions and small children: Attractions will remain operational as usual. The soft version of the Halloween celebration for young kids will include pumpkin carving and meeting with witches. 
• The lake show: The Halloween Illuminations will be presented by using lasers, flames, smoke, and water on Tivoli Lake. This show will last around eight minutes. 
  
  

Pro Tip: As a treat, the Pagoda at Tivoli offers the three-Michelin-starred Zilte from Antwerp from 2 October to 1 November. Special evening for parents only. By visiting on the weekdays might give you the best experience.  

4. Halloween at Bran Castle, Transylvania 

The most famous Dracula’s Castle in Europe is Bran Castle. Visitors come there for the story, even though the connection with Dracula is fictional. In 2026, many tour operators will organize Halloween events at Bran Castle around 30 and 31 October. 

Typical night would involve a costumed tour of the castle, wine and local beverages, as well as the party in a big tent at the castle premises. The music is playing until about 4 a.m. Prices depend on tour operators and vary from about $319 to $486 per person per event, which includes transport or some additional features. Some tours include a discussion with Dacre Stoker who is Bram Stoker’s relative. 

Most events are organized for adults only. If you prefer family-friendly activities, then daytime tours of the castle with horror elements would be suitable for you. Make sure to check the age limitations for each tour operator. 

Best Tip: It is recommended to stay at Brasov during your stay. It is an amazing medieval town located near Bran. This place has an impressive historical center and convenient transportation links with the castle. 

5. History, Fire, and Ghost Tours at Edinburgh 

Edinburgh has this sense of being haunted even in non-Halloween season, but when it comes to Halloween, the city takes the haunting vibe. On 31 October 2026, the Beltane Fire Society will host the Samhuinn Fire Festival. It is an event featuring fire, drums, acrobatics, and theatre as part of a live performance where summer transfers its powers to winter. 

For ticket entry and other information, please visit the official website of the Beltane Fire Society. 

For the days leading up to Halloween, you can participate in a ghost walk along the Royal Mile or take an underground tour of the closes of Edinburgh's Old Town. Real Mary King's Close and the Scottish Storytelling Centre are both options. The Scottish Storytelling Centre is friendly and kid friendly. 

6. Big Parties and Gothic Nights in Prague 

The Czech capital turns into a Halloween set up year-round. Stone paved roads, haunted towers and historical basements make the ghost tour fun. The most ghost tours begin in the evening in the Old Town and last from 90 minutes to 2 hours. 

If you want to visit the best Halloween parties in Europe here, then pay attention to Bloody Sexy Halloween at SaSaZu. This event will take place on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October 2026. It is open to guests from above the age of 18. They call this party the largest Halloween party in Central Europe. Here, people can enjoy performances, DJ sets and a costume competition with a prize pool of $1,900. Guests who do not have costumes might be required to pay extra fees. 

Pro tip: Local people also celebrate the Day of All Souls on 2 November, visiting graves with flowers and candles. So, you can also enjoy by roaming on the local streets seeing locals celebrating this wonderful day. 

7. Unique Halloween Celebrations in London 

More options for Halloween fun can be found in London compared to any other city listed here. Events mainly take place on Friday, 30th and Saturday, 31st of October. 

• The Mandrake, Fitzrovia: Dante's Inferno experience throughout the hotel on 31st October. General admission, a dinner package, or an overnight stay can be selected. 
• Candlelight Club Halloween Ball: Secret 1920s speakeasy night with jazz and cabaret at a mansion in south London. 
• Clapham Grand: Halloween party and Bongo's Bingo on 31st October. 
• Thames boat parties: Four Halloween boat parties at Crown Pier on Victoria Embankment, including Zombie Pirate Ship. 
• Bashment Nation: Daytime party at LDN East on 31st October, 4 pm - 11 pm, with Caribbean food stands. Here only adults are allowed. 
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Harry Potter Dark Arts season takes place from the 16th of September until the 8th of November; after-hours events are held from the 29th to the 31st of October. It is a good option for families. 
  
  

8. Monsterland Halloween Festival in Imola 

Monsterland is one of the largest events on this list. Monsterland takes place on Saturday, 31 October 2026, on the racetrack of Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy, from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. The organisers plan to attract more than 40,000 participants. 

The 2026 edition is larger and provides 7,000 additional square meters, a VIP area, and 14 stages. The organisers invite more than 150 artists and 200 performers. This year includes Italian rapper Salmo and techno DJ Marco Carola in the line-up. Extra bus routes and special hotel offers are provided to allow spending the weekend in Imola and Emilia-Romagna. Tickets and regulations for minors will be announced closer to the date. 

Pro Tip: Imola is located close to Bologna, which has amazing culinary options. Be ready to have a long dinner there before the party night. 

Best Tips for Halloween in Europe 2026 

• Book your flights and hotel prior, as Halloween will be held on a Saturday, and therefore the 30th and 31st of October weekend will be the most crowded.  
• Consider the date and booking policies on the official website, as the program may change.  
• Wear warm and rainy clothes for Ireland, Scotland, and Denmark.  
• Note carefully that you must follow the age restrictions for many adult-only parties. 
  
  

Conclusion 

There are many ways to spend Halloween in Europe in 2026, and it starts from participating in the 40th anniversary parade in Derry, taking kids to pumpkin gardens in Tivoli, dancing on the castle stage in Transylvania or having a party with 40,000 participants in Imola. There is an ideal Halloween in Europe for everyone, no matter what's your budget is. 

It takes some effort to organise such a trip, but Next Holidays will help you. Booking a seasonal Europe tour packages with Next Holidays means booking all travel components with one company and making one plan with you.  

No matter if you want to have a family holiday in Copenhagen, a party holiday in Prague or London, Next Holidays will provide you with the choice and will help you book it easily. Just call now to organise your Halloween in Europe 2026 holiday before October comes.