Halloween is a time of magic and mystery when the veil between the living and the supernatural world is at its thinnest. In Belgium, this spooky holiday has grown in popularity over the years, and in 2023, there are plenty of bewitching events and haunted destinations to explore.
From haunted castles to Halloween festivals, here's a list of the best places to celebrate Halloween in Belgium in 2023.
* Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links is free, and they allow me to continue to provide you with free content about your next hike or travel plans.
How do people celebrate Halloween in Belgium?
Typically, people in Belgium celebrate Halloween with costume parties, spooky decorations, and some trick-or-treating, especially in urban areas, even though it's not really known in Belgium to do so. Pumpkin carving, haunted houses, and themed events also contribute to the Halloween spirit.
Some communities organize parades and gatherings, showcasing a mix of traditional Halloween elements and local customs. Despite its relatively recent introduction, Halloween has become a lively and enjoyable festivity for many Belgians.
Order your pumkin carving set to make the scariest pumkins this Halloween!
Cocoloco Halloween Festival - Antwerp
For a Halloween celebration like no other, don't miss the Cocoloco Halloween Festival. Held on the 31st of October at Sportpaleis Antwerp, this immersive music and arts festival embraces the Halloween spirit to the fullest!
Prepare for a night of electrifying music, mind-bending art installations, and captivating performances, all set against the backdrop of a chillingly surreal atmosphere.
You'll be dancing the night away in Dia del Muerte colors and enjoy spectable, music and art! Ready for the most epic Halloween party of your life? Celebrate the spooky season with friends at Cocoloco.
Ghent's Halloween Festival - Ghent
The historic city of Ghent transforms into a hauntingly enchanting Halloween wonderland during the month of October.
The Ghent Halloween Festival features ghost tours, eerie costume parades, and a plethora of spooky activities for both kids and adults. The stunning medieval architecture of the city adds an extra touch of mystique to the overall experience. Think about the beautiful medieval Gravensteen Castle in Ghent that's worth a visit!
My recommendation is to go on the Dark Side Of Ghent tour at night with a guide who will tell you all about the dark and mysterious tales of Ghent!
Also don't miss the chance to explore Gravensteen Castle, where various Halloween-themed events take place amidst the ancient walls.
Last but not least, check out the massive Halloween party Gandtourage!
Walibi Halloween Fright Nights - Wavre
For those seeking a more adrenaline-pumping Halloween experience, head to Walibi Belgium in Wavre. The theme park transforms into a nightmarish landscape during the Walibi Halloween Fright Nights.
With haunted houses, scare zones, and terrifying rides in the dark, this event is not for the faint of heart. Professional actors bring the scares to life, creating an unforgettable and thrilling Halloween adventure.
I have been to Walibi on Halloween as a child and I still remember it like it was yesterday, absolutely terrifying but so much fun!
Halloween at Bokrijk - Limburg
Bokrijk, an open-air museum in Limburg, takes on an eerie ambiance during Halloween. The museum's beautiful park, with its traditional Flemish buildings, becomes the stage for spine-tingling storytelling, creepy crafts, and frighteningly fun activities for all ages.
Take a haunted walk through the woods and encounter ghouls, witches, and other mysterious creatures. Bokrijk's Halloween event promises a day of family-friendly scares and delights.
Halloween in Antwerp
The city of Antwerp comes alive with Halloween spirit as eerie decorations adorn the streets, and various events unfold throughout the city. Also in Antwerp you can enjoy a Dark Side Tour at night with family or friends to know the mysterious sides of Antwerp during the night.
But the most important part of celebrating Halloween in Antwerp is attending the parties!
Halloween parties will be present in all the biggest clubs in Antwerp, so prepare for spooky nightlife. You can for example join Emo Night Belgium at Kavka Oudaan on the 31st of October.
Don't got to a Halloween Party whitout a Halloween mask or Halloween outfit!
The Caves of Han - Han-sur-Lesse
The Caves of Han provide a truly eerie and unforgettable Halloween experience. As darkness falls, venture deep into the underground labyrinth to discover the "Hanlloween" festivities.
The cave's natural formations take on an otherworldly aura as they become the setting for ghostly tales and mysterious encounters. This Halloween event in the heart of the Ardennes promises an enchanting adventure for visitors of all ages.
Halloween Hike in the Hoge Kempen National Park - Limburg
The Hoge Kempen National Park in Limburg is a vast and beautiful nature reserve known for its heathlands, woodlands, and unique landscapes.
During Halloween, the park organizes a special Halloween Hike, taking visitors on a spooky journey through the eerie forests and shadowy trails.
This Halloween hike offers an extraordinary blend of adventure and fright in the heart of nature.
Discover the best Halloween costumes for kids!
Halloween Night Walk in Leuven - Flemish Brabant
Leuven, a charming university town in Flemish Brabant, hosts an annual Halloween Night Walk that attracts locals and visitors alike.
This guided night walk takes participants through the historic streets, alleys, bars and parks of Leuven, all while exploring the city's spooky legends and ghostly tales.
You can also enjoy Halloween parties in Leuven. Such as the Spooktacular Halloween Bash at Studio 31 on October 27th.
The illuminated cityscape adds to the enchanting atmosphere, making it a perfect Halloween activity for those who enjoy a blend of history and mystery. Do you want to go have a drink in Leuven during Halloween? Discover the best bars in Leuven!
Halloween in Brussels: events and festivals
The heart of Belgium, Brussels, pulsates with a unique Halloween spirit, offering an array of diverse events for every taste.
Dance enthusiasts can don their spookiest attire and join the Halloween Costume Salsa Night, an electrifying fusion of salsa and Halloween.
Families, looking for a kid-friendly celebration, can head to the Fun4YourKids Halloween Party, where little goblins and witches can partake in spooky crafts, games, and delightful treats.
For those seeking an elegant and mysterious ambiance, the Baile das Bruxas Halloween at Claridge Events is a must-attend, promising an enchanting evening of dance and glamour.
Dia de los Muertos celebration
Transport yourself to the colorful traditions of Mexico with Brussels' Dia de Muertos celebration. Held in the vibrant spirit of the Day of the Dead, this event offers somthing that goes beyond the typical Halloween festivities.
From 29th of October until the 4th of November you can enjoy workshops on crafting engraved offerings, masks, and makeup, Mourning Cafés, concerts, and masterclasses featuring traditional Mexican music, an evening meeting with the funeral cooperative of Rennes, and much more.
During the inauguration of the Grand Altar on Tuesday, October 31, you can pay homage to Brussels' multilingualism with a concert in seven languages.
Grand finale on Saturday, November 4: a Colorfully illuminated Procession in the Marolles district, makeup for children and other creative workshops, concluding with a final concert at the Vossenplein.
Hangar Halloween 2023 - 2-Day Indoor Rave
For the thrill-seekers and party enthusiasts, Brussels hosts the electrifying Hangar Halloween 2023, a 2-day indoor rave that promises to be an unforgettable dance experience.
Taking place in a massive hangar, this event is a playground for electronic music lovers and those who revel in the pulse of the night.
With an impressive lineup of DJs, cutting-edge light displays, and a crowd adorned in their most hauntingly stylish costumes, Hangar Halloween transforms into a pulsating cauldron of beats and shadows. 3 rooms, 16 hours of pure crazyness from 10pm to 4am. Check out Hangar Halloween.
Halloween Costumes and Masks you might like
Heading out for Halloween this year? Don't forget to get yourself a costume or at least an accessory to fully immerse yourself in this annual festivity!
Masks for Adults
Halloween costumes for Children
Halloween in Belgium
Belgium offers a diverse array of Halloween celebrations that cater to all kinds of spook-seekers. From family-friendly festivals to adrenaline-fueled fright nights, the country's cities and countryside provide an atmospheric backdrop for a truly magical Halloween experience in 2023.
Whether you're exploring haunted castles, enjoying eerie boat rides, or braving scare zones in a theme park, the spirit of Halloween will be alive and well in Belgium.
So, pack your costumes and get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Halloween in the land of waffles, chocolates, and things that go bump in the night. Happy Haunting!
Keep on exploring & Fly Along
