Halloween 2025 in Germany

Halloween celebrated on October 31st, is a festive occasion where people dress in costumes, carve pumpkins, and enjoy trick-or-treating. Originating from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, it marks the end of harvest and the start of winter, blending spooky traditions with modern fun.

Halloween: A Public Holiday?

Halloween is not a public holiday in Germany. Celebrated on October 31st, it coincides with Reformation Day, a public holiday in some German states, blending traditional observances with modern festivities like costumes and parties.

Halloween

Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated over 2,000 years ago in Ireland. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time when people believed the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred. To ward off spirits, they lit bonfires and wore costumes. Later, with the spread of Christianity, Samhain merged with All Saints' Day on November 1st, and the evening before became known as All Hallows' Eve, eventually evolving into Halloween. Over time, Halloween spread to different parts of the world, including Germany, where it has grown in popularity in recent decades.

Observance on Halloween in Germany

In Germany, Halloween is celebrated on October 31st and is becoming more common, especially among younger people and in urban areas. Many Germans enjoy dressing up in spooky costumes, carving pumpkins, and attending Halloween-themed parties. Trick-or-treating is less widespread than in the United States, but some neighborhoods see children going door-to-door for sweets. Haunted houses, themed events, and Halloween markets are also gaining attention, with shops and streets decorated with skeletons, witches, and other eerie symbols. Schools and kindergartens often organize costume events, making it a fun occasion for families.

While Halloween is not a traditional German festival, it appeals to many because of its playful and creative nature. It offers an opportunity to dress up, socialize, and enjoy autumn-themed activities. The festival also coincides with Reformation Day, a significant public holiday in some German states, adding to the festive atmosphere. For some, Halloween is a way to embrace global cultural trends, while others see it as an excuse to celebrate the spooky and supernatural.

Halloween in Germany is not as deeply rooted as other traditions, but its growing popularity shows its appeal as a light-hearted celebration. It brings people together and adds color to the autumn season, making it an enjoyable experience for all ages.

Halloween Observances