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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
