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6 min read•Published on October 28, 2026Also in :FRITESPTDE

Halloween Around the World: Where to Celebrate It and How to Enjoy It Far from Home

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Halloween isn't celebrated the same way in Derry, New York, or a Canadian neighborhood. This article helps you choose where to celebrate in 2026, remember the right dates, and prepare costumes, bookings, and payments without unpleasant surprises. You'll also learn why the holiday has Irish roots and how it differs from Día de Muertos.

Halloween, a Holiday Born in Ireland: Origin and Meaning in Brief

Halloween traces back to Samhain, an ancient Gaelic festival that marked the transition from summer to the dark season. People then believed the veil between this world and the otherworld grew thin at that time[1]. Costumes served as disguises against spirits, and the first lanterns were carved turnips, not pumpkins[1].

These traditions traveled with migrants to North America, who adapted them: Halloween now has a worldwide reach[1]. In the United States and Canada, the modern neighborhood celebration has its landmark dates: in 1913, Elizabeth Krebs organized an evening in Hiawatha, Kansas, for the town's young people to keep them from vandalizing[2], and the first printed mention of "trick or treat" appeared in a Blackie, Alberta, newspaper in 1927[2].

Dates to Remember in 2026

  • October 28 to November 1: Derry Halloween, celebrating its 40th year[3].
  • October 29 to November 1: Púca Festival in Trim and Athboy, County Meath[4].
  • Saturday, October 31: Village Halloween Parade in New York, along Sixth Avenue[3].

Día de Muertos, which falls around November 1 and 2, is a separate celebration, covered below[3].

Ireland: Returning to the Source of Samhain

In Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the walled city becomes the stage for Europe's largest Halloween festival[5]. The "Awakening the Walled City Trail" blends projections, artists, and folklore characters throughout the streets[3]. The finale is an exuberant parade followed by fireworks[5]. On October 31 itself, tens of thousands of people crowd in for the carnival parade and fireworks[3].

For an atmosphere closer to Samhain and on a more human scale, the Púca Festival offers processions, fire shows, storytelling, and the Samhain Circus in Trim and Athboy, near sites tied to Ireland's ancient past[3]. Ward Hill, near Athboy, holds particular importance in the history of Samhain[4].

Across the island, family activities abound: a animal park with a pumpkin field and treat hunt, an adult trail through a corn maze, a funfair with a haunted course, workshops, and science shows[6]. To understand the holiday's roots, a guided tour for adults traces Samhain, ghost stories, and the customs Irish emigrants carried around the world[6].

United States: Parades, Decorated Homes, and Big Cities in October

In the United States, Halloween has become the holiday of costumes and haunted houses[3]. In New York, the Village Halloween Parade lets anyone in costume march, which is rarer than you might think[3]. On October 31, 2026, Sixth Avenue fills with giant puppets, marching bands, dancers, and thousands of people in costume; if you come dressed up, you're part of the procession[3].

In Salem, Massachusetts, the "Haunted Happenings" throughout October offer parades, markets, shows, costumes, and seasonal attractions across the month[7]. The Grand Parade opened the whole season on October 1, 2026[3].

Orlando suits a group with mixed interests: part of the crew can attend a family theme park evening while the others explore independent haunted houses[3]. Depending on the season, plan for heat, humidity, and park ticket prices.

Canada: A Neighborhood Halloween

In Canada, the celebration takes place mainly in the neighborhood: treats, costumes, and decorations, with the carved pumpkin as the main symbol[8]. Trick-or-treating mostly involves children aged 5 to 14, a group estimated at 4,135,513 as of July 1, 2021[8].

Pumpkin fields covered more than 11,000 acres in the 2021 Census of Agriculture[8]. If you prefer calmer settings, small-town harvest festivals with pumpkin festivals, corn mazes, and orchards offer an alternative to frightening attractions[7].

Colombia: the "Día de los dulces de los niños"

In Colombia, on October 31, the eve of All Saints' Day, Halloween is first and foremost a children's celebration: dressed in costumes, kids roam the streets and ask for candy door to door while singing “triki triki halloween.” The national police has chosen to call it “Día de los dulces de los niños,” the children's candy day, and publishes safety advice every year: pre-planned routes, reasonable hours, and children accompanied by an adult[9]. This is not a festival of the dead: the Catholic All Saints' Day follows the next day.

Differences from Día de Muertos

Around November 1 and 2, in Mexico, streets and homes are decorated with marigolds, ofrendas, and processions honoring the departed[3]. Día de Muertos is a full observance in its own right, distinct from Halloween: understanding it makes the whole trip more meaningful[3]. Our article on Día de Muertos in Mexico (dia-de-muertos-mexique-origine-dates-conseils) covers origins, dates, and tips.

In the Czech Republic, Dušičky, the days of remembrance, coexist with more recent Halloween celebrations, including ghost tours, cemetery visits, and crypt tours[3].

Traps, Scams, and Points to Watch

Fraudulent Bookings and Listings

Scammers may set up fake websites and listings that copy photos and visuals from legitimate sites, paired with attractive prices[10]. They may also contact you by email, text, phone, or social media to pressure you into paying[10]. Don't let yourself be rushed: do your research and compare options before paying[10]. A free website verification tool can help you check whether a site is legitimate[10]. In the United Kingdom, fraudulent emails can be reported to [email protected][10]; elsewhere, contact your country's consumer protection agency.

Book Early

Most top Halloween destinations fill their hotels months in advance: for 2026 it is already late, and for upcoming editions it's best to plan ahead, and some festivals publish their final programs late[3]. Also book accommodations, guided tours, and major attractions in advance, for example in Salem or Sleepy Hollow[7]. Some paid tours can only be booked online, in advance[6]. Before traveling to a parade or festival, check official sources for closures, restrictions, and schedule changes[7].

Costumes: Trip Hazards, Flames, and Labeling

  • A long or loose costume can cause tripping and falls[11].
  • Long or loose costumes, or those with bulky accessories (fake beards, wigs, wings, tails), catch fire more easily[11].
  • “Flame resistant” does not mean nonflammable[11]. Keep children away from open flames, including those of pumpkin lanterns[11].
  • In the United Kingdom, costumes are legally classified as toys and must carry the CE or UKCA mark; be wary of cheap accessories bought online without this marking[12].
  • Make sure masks and hoods don't obstruct the child's vision or breathing[12].

At Night

Choose brightly colored costumes, or add reflective tape or a vest so you're visible at night[11]. Dress for the weather and bring warmer clothing if temperatures drop in the evening[11]. Never cross between parked cars, which block drivers' view[11]. In Canada, the number of offenses reported to police rose 10.8% on October 31, 2013 compared with October 24[13]: stay alert in the evening.

Checklist Before You Leave

  • Confirm event dates with the organizer or the city.
  • Book accommodations and tickets first.
  • Verify a website's legitimacy before paying, and don't give in to pressure.
  • Pack a costume that's comfortable for several hours and suited to each stop's weather.
  • In the United Kingdom, check the CE or UKCA mark and safety guidance on costumes bought locally, and add a reflective element.

This article covers the essentials for choosing and preparing your Halloween abroad. To truly settle into a country, you'll need to go further: step-by-step procedures, a line-by-line budget, and choosing a neighborhood.

Read also

Sources

  1. 1.^ abctourismireland.com — Tourism Ireland shares Ireland's ‘Home of Halloween’ message with the world: “Our ancestors marked the change of season, a time when they believed the veil between this world and the other grew thin.”; “Costumes were worn as disguises to face the spirits.”; “The first Jack-o'-lanterns were turnips rather than pumpkins.” https://www.tourismireland.com/news-and-press-releases/press-releases/article/tourism-ireland-shares-ireland-s--home-of-halloween--message-with-the-world (accessed October 28, 2026)
  2. 2.^ abworldhistory.org — Ten Halloween Facts and Traditions You Need to Know: A Celebration of Transformation - World History Encyclopedia : “The first printed mention of trick-or-treat comes from a Blackie (Alberta, Canada) newspaper in 1927, using the phrase trick or treat – but it is not clear how or why that transition happened.” ; “The origin of today's Halloween party goes back to Elizabeth Krebs of Hiawatha (Kansas, United States) – the mother of modern Halloween – who in 1913 organized a party for the town's young people to keep them from vandalizing the town.” https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2830/ten-halloween-facts-and-traditions-you-need-to-kno/ (accessed October 28, 2026)
  3. 3.^ abcdefghijklmnogigsky.com — 13 Best Places to Visit for Halloween in 2026: From Derry's 40th Anniversary to Transylvania Castles : “Derry Halloween celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and the walled city celebrates from October 28 to November 1.” ; “On Saturday, October 31, 2026, Sixth Avenue fills with giant puppets, marching bands, dancers and thousands of people in costume.” ; “Go knowing that Día de Muertos is its own observance, separate from Halloween, and the whole trip makes more sense.” https://www.gigsky.com/blog/13-best-places-to-visit-for-halloween-in-2026 (accessed October 28, 2026)
Show 10 more sources
  1. 4.^ abtravelandtourworld.com — Ireland's 2026 Halloween Tourism Campaign Goes Global as 30 Million Views Spotlight Ancient Samhain Festivals : “The Púca Festival takes place from October 29 to November 1, 2026 in Trim and Athboy, two historic sites linked to Samhain traditions.” ; “Ward Hill, near Athboy, holds particular significance in the history of Samhain.” https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/6vbpaq9zay1t/ (accessed October 28, 2026)
  2. 5.^ abireland.com — Derry Halloween | Ireland.com : “When the walled city awakens to the spirit of Samhain, Derry~Londonderry becomes the stage for Europe's biggest Halloween festival.” ; “It all builds to the famous finale: an exuberant Halloween parade and a spectacular fireworks display.” https://www.ireland.com/en-us/things-to-do/events/derry-halloween/ (accessed October 28, 2026)
  3. 6.^ abcrte.ie — 30 things to do in Ireland this Halloween : “Secret Valley Wildlife Park combines animal encounters and activities with a monster walk through the woods, a witch village and a large pumpkin field where every child can pick a small pumpkin to take home.” ; “For adults and thrill-seekers, Cornmaze Massacre runs on select evenings from October 16, with more than ten scare zones, actors, haunted woods and a giant corn maze.” ; “A family funfair and a haunted trail bring Halloween to Ringsend Park, with rides, games, music and face painting.” https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2026/1023/1596558-30-things-to-do-in-ireland-this-halloween/ (accessed October 28, 2026)
  4. 7.^ abcdcellulardata.ubigi.com — The best destinations for Halloween : “October's Haunted Happenings offer parades, markets, shows, costumes and seasonal attractions throughout the month.” ; “If you prefer something quieter, explore the harvest festivals held in small towns across New England and the Midwest.” ; “Pumpkin festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, apple orchards, craft markets and autumn colors will let you fully enjoy everything this season has to offer.” https://cellulardata.ubigi.com/fr/blog/articles/les-meilleures-destinations-pour-halloween/ (accessed October 28, 2026)
  5. 8.^ abcstatcan.gc.ca — Halloween by the numbers - Statistics Canada : “The main symbol of the holiday is the pumpkin, which is hollowed out and carved to create a mouth and eyes.” ; “The estimated number of children in Canada old enough to go door-to-door for treats (ages 5 to 14) stood at 4,135,513 as of July 1, 2021.” ; “According to data from the 2021 Census of Agriculture, Canada had more than 11,000 acres of pumpkin fields.” https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/fr/plus/2134-lhalloween-en-quelques-donnees (accessed October 28, 2026)
  6. 9.^National Police of Colombia — Día dulce de los niños: “On October 31 [...] the eve of All Saints' Day, Halloween is celebrated.”; “children dress up for the occasion and walk through the streets asking for candy from door to door, singing the song ‘triki triki halloween’.”; “we wanted to call this date ‘Día de los dulces de los niños’.”; “choose your routes in advance.”; “at a reasonable hour and accompanied by an adult.” https://www.policia.gov.co/index.php/noticia/dia-dulce-los-ninos (accessed October 28, 2026)
  7. 10.^ abcdebromley.gov.uk — Trading standards alert: planning a holiday? – Don't let your money fly away! – London Borough of Bromley : “Scammers may use fake websites and fake listings that copy images from legitimate sites as if they were their own, paired with attractive prices, to tempt you.” ; “They may also contact you by email, text, phone or social media to push you to pay.” ; “Do your research and compare offers – don't let yourself be pressured into paying before you're ready.” https://www.bromley.gov.uk/news/article/517/trading-standards-alert-planning-a-holiday-don-t-let-your-money-fly-away- (accessed October 28, 2026)
  8. 11.^ abcdefgcanada.ca — Halloween safety - Canada.ca : “Long or loose costumes can cause tripping and falls.” ; “Long, loose or oversized costumes and accessories such as beards, wigs, wings or tails are more likely to catch fire.” ; “Some costumes may be labeled flame resistant, but remember that flame resistant does not mean flame proof.” https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-safety/halloween-safety.html (accessed October 28, 2026)
  9. 12.^ abnelincs.gov.uk — Stay safe this spooky season | NELC : “Costumes are legally classed as toys and must carry the CE or UKCA mark, which shows they meet British safety standards.” ; “Don't be tempted by cheap Halloween accessories, especially online, that lack a CE or UKCA mark.” ; “Make sure masks or hoods don't stop your child from seeing or breathing.” https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/stay-safe-this-spooky-season/ (accessed October 28, 2026)
  10. 13.^www150.statcan.gc.ca — Halloween... by the numbers : “10.8%: the percentage increase in offences reported to police on Halloween (October 31, 2013) compared with the previous week (October 24, 2013).” https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/dai-quo/smr08/2014/smr08_192_2014-fra.htm (accessed October 28, 2026)

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