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  1. Home
  2. Things to do
  3. Events
  4. Halloween events

Halloween in Scotland

Halloween in Scotland is a time like no other! On 31 October, haunted castles, eerie woodland walks, hair-raising ghost tales, and spooky activities, along with Scotland's long-held traditions, offer an authentic Halloween experience unlike any other.

Paisley Halloween Parade and flying witches

© Renfrewshire Council / Kieran Chambers

Spooky experiences and things to do around Halloween

Mercat Tours, Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tour

Ghost tours

Everyone loves a good ghost story, and as one of, if not the most, haunted nations on earth, Scotland is practically awash in spooky tales and unearthly goings-on. Embark on one of the many ghost tours and see what you can find, including Mercat Tours, St Andrews ghost tours, Real Mary Kings Close tours, and the Scottish Witch Trials guided tour, to name a few. 

Whether you believe in the afterlife or not, there is a choice of tours to satisfy every amateur ghost-hunter. From candle-lit vaults and haunted houses to the history of Scotland’s Witch Trail, theatrical silliness, and genuinely spine-tingling escapades. 

Explore more ghost tours in Scotland 

GlasGLOW

© Glasglow

Halloween events

Halloween comes but once a year and we take it very seriously in Scotland, with spooky events, ancient traditions, and superstitions. Here is just a taste of the events you and your family can get involved in. 

  • Samhuinn Fire Festival - A bewitching brew of the macabre and the carnivalesque, it'll come as no surprise to learn that Halloween or rather, Hallowe'en, traces its origins way back to the ancient Celtic Samhuinn Festival. 
  • Paisley Halloween Festival - Witness the streets of Paisley come to life with a twinkling parade, magical installations, and spooky street performances. 
  • Samhain at the Scottish Crannog Centre - Hosting musicians, performers, and an evening full of traditions, tales, and storytelling, uncover the history behind Halloween. 
  • GlasGlow - An annual event that has quickly become the UK’s biggest and best loved Halloween event, enjoy adventures and experiences with world-class sounds, lights, and displays. 
  • Ascarium: Tricks & Treats - Loch Lomond Aquarium turns into a family-friendly spooky adventure with magical challenges to complete. 
  • Halloween Fun Day at Traquair - Britain’s oldest inhabited house is the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of family-friendly Halloween fun, with ghost stories in the woods, tarot readings, and magic shows. 
  • Halloween at Drumlanrig Castle - A frighteningly fun family day out with mysterious games, pumpkin picking and more. 

Explore more Halloween events across Scotland 

A history of Halloween in Scotland

“

‘I have to admit I’m a bit of a skeptic when it comes to ghosts. But going on tours has made me realise that in the most interesting ghost stories, fact and fiction are blurred.’ - Alasdair, VisitScotland 

What is Halloween called in Scotland? 

In Scotland, Halloween has a few different names. The name 'Halloween' comes from a Scottish shortening of 'All-Hallows Eve' and has its roots in the Gaelic festival of Samhain. In Scotland, 'trick or treating' is known as 'guising', which comes from the disguises or costumes worn by children. 

What are the origins of Halloween in Scotland? 

Halloween first came to light in the 16th century where folklore, customs, and religious beliefs played a large part in celebrations and traditions. Today's Samhain Festival is inspired by these origins and is a great way to get in touch with the history of this popular date.

Find more spooky elements to add to your trip

From staying in a haunted castle to learning about Scotland’s myths and legends, there’s plenty to uncover. 

Stay in a castle in Scotland

Take your stay to the next level with a grand castle stay in Scotland – an experience you'll cherish forever.

8 Haunted places in Scotland

Find out about haunted places in Scotland, from Crathes Castle to Glencoe, and hear spooky ghost stories that will keep you awake at night!

10 Most haunted castles in Scotland

Discover Scotland's most haunted castles, from Duntrune Castle to Falkland Palace! Find walking routes, tours and more.

Discover Scottish myths & legends

Explore some of the best Scottish stories, superstitions and folklore.

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