Halloween 2025 in Belgium

Halloween in Belgium has grown in popularity, with themed parties, haunted attractions, and trick-or-treating in some neighborhoods. While not a traditional Belgian holiday, many people enjoy dressing up, carving pumpkins, and attending spooky events in cities and theme parks.

Halloween: A Public Holiday?

Halloween is not a public holiday in Belgium. While it is widely celebrated with parties, haunted attractions, and themed events, businesses, offices, and schools remain open as usual.

Halloween

Halloween is not a traditional Belgian holiday but has gained popularity in recent years. Its origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. People believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred. Over time, the festival blended with Christian traditions, leading to the modern celebration of Halloween.

In Belgium, Halloween was largely unknown until the late 20th century, when American and British influences introduced the holiday through films, television, and commercial events. Theme parks, bars, and shopping centers began hosting Halloween-themed activities, making it a fun and festive occasion. While it is not a public holiday, its popularity has continued to grow, especially among younger generations who enjoy the spooky atmosphere, costumes, and decorations.

Observance of Halloween in Belgium

Halloween in Belgium is celebrated with increasing enthusiasm, particularly in cities and towns where themed events and parties are organized. Many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs host Halloween parties, encouraging people to dress up in costumes ranging from scary monsters to pop culture characters. Shopping centers and theme parks also decorate their spaces with pumpkins, skeletons, and ghosts, creating a fun and eerie atmosphere. Amusement parks such as Walibi and Plopsaland hold special Halloween events featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and horror-themed performances.

Some neighborhoods have adopted the tradition of trick-or-treating, where children dress up and visit houses for sweets. However, this practice is not as widespread as in countries like the United States. Schools and community centers sometimes organize Halloween activities, including costume contests and pumpkin carving. In rural areas, celebrations tend to be more low-key, with families watching horror movies or attending small gatherings. Some people also connect Halloween with the upcoming All Saints' Day, a more traditional Belgian holiday dedicated to remembering deceased loved ones.

Although Halloween is not a deep-rooted tradition in Belgium, it has become an exciting and festive event, especially for young people. It allows families and friends to enjoy a night of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Its growing popularity reflects Belgium's openness to international influences while adding its own cultural twist to the spooky celebrations.

Halloween Observances