Although Halloween might have come from Ireland, originally the celebration of the celtic Samhain with candles inside carved beet-roots instead of pumpkins, it’s definitely an American celebration, which the Europeans slowly are warming up to.

So if you’re in Europe in this murky time of year, despair not – we have some horrifying Halloween happenings too:

England – Oxford

Visit Oxford Castle for the annual Ghost Fest with Trick or Treating, After Dark Dinners and Ghost hunts – check out more info on their Ghost Fest website.

A packed schedule throughout the whole month of October guarantees there will be something for every age group (and fear tolerance!), including Truth & Dare Tours, a Halloween midnight tour, family friendly Trick or Treating, Pumpkin carving for October half term and overnight Ghost Hunts.

Austria – Retz

Situated in an area known for its annual pumpkin harvest, Retz celebrates Kürbisfest or pumpkin festival with pumpkin carving, parade and parties. If you’re up for the challenge on some info in German, check out www.kuerbisfest.at

Germany – Berlin

Shops and stores are decorated with orange pumpkins and hairy spiders, in the pedestrian shopping street Karl Marx Allee. Or check the Fernsehturm (or as they call it: The highest Bat Nest in Berlin) from October 29 to November 4, where you can enjoy both their Halloween decoration and the stunning view on the city.

And if you’re too late for the spooky season, the festive season with lots of Christmas markets is already on from end November.

Italy – Corinaldo

Corinaldo lies in central Italy’s Marche region and has become the Italian Capital of Halloween and organise “La Notte delle Streghe” or “The Feast of Witches” every year the last week of October.

To read more about, what goes on behind the walls in this medieval town, check out this website.

Spain – Madrid

Doing the research, I stumbled over this post from an American living in Madrid – it was hilarious! She might have a point about Madrilenos (and Europeans in general) being very “old school” (to put it nicely) or just plain unimaginative when it comes to Halloween costumes. If you want to see how they interpret Halloween in Spain, check out this list of events in Madrid.

France – Paris

You can just go “all in”, the American way – in Disneyland Paris! The American Mothership outside the US! Disney’s Halloween Party takes place in Disneyland Park and is a night-time extravaganza for the whole family. Extra shivers and spooky chills are guaranteed!

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