What to do for Halloween in Edinburgh?
- Guide to the must-dos for celebrating Halloween in Edinburgh
- 1. The Samhuinn Fire Festival
- 2. Horror Stories at the Royal Scots Club
- 3. A Scary Escape at The Edinburgh Dungeon
- 4. The Ghost Bus Tours
- 5. A Royal Thrill at Edinburgh Castle
- 6. The Mysterious Undergrounds of Edinburgh
- 7. The Real Mary King's Close
- 8. The Haunted Halloween Trail at Newhailes Estate
- 9. The Terminal V Halloween Trilogy: Three Nights of Terror
- 10. The Halloween Freakshow at The Liquid Room
- 11. Halloween Night at Ballie Ballerson
- 12. The Halloween Concert of the Edinburgh Philharmonic Orchestra
- Family and Children's Activities
Halloween in Edinburgh is more than just a night of treats or tricks. It's an experience that merges the city's mystical past with contemporary celebrations. Edinburgh, with its cobblestone alleys and imposing castles, provides a naturally spooky backdrop that brings Halloween festivities to life. Edinburgh's history is rich in tales of witches, ghosts, and ancient legends, making the city all the more enchanting when bathed in the glow of pumpkins on Halloween night.
The Scottish traditions of Halloween date back centuries and are deeply rooted in local culture. The holiday originates from the old Celtic tradition of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. In Edinburgh, Halloween is an opportunity for locals and visitors to immerse themselves in local folklore and explore the city's mysterious side through a variety of events and activities.
In this article, we will explore the different ways to celebrate Halloween in Edinburgh, from traditional events like the zombie walk and the Samhuinn Fire Festival, to haunted site tours, family activities, and special adult-only evenings.
Guide to the must-dos for celebrating Halloween in Edinburgh
1. The Samhuinn Fire Festival
TheSamhuinn Fire Festival is an annual tradition in Edinburgh that celebrates the Celtic transition from summer to winter, thus marking the arrival of the Celtic New Year. Organized by the Beltane Fire Society, this unique celebration is one of the city's largest winter festivals, bringing the tradition of the Celtic New Year to a modern audience.
This new edition of the festival will take place on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 in the beautiful Holyrood Park, from 6:30 pm to 10 pm. The picturesque setting of the park adds a mystical atmosphere to the event, transforming it into a playground for creatures from another world. The parade of the Samhuinn Fire Festival is the highlight of the evening, with costumed participants walking alongside surreal creatures, wrapped in flames and enchanting drum rhythms. Spectators can expect to be amazed by dazzling fire performances, aerial acrobatics, and rhythmic music accompanying an epic representation of the battle between summer and winter.
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The fusion of old and new, spiritual and spectacular, makes the Samhuinn Fire Festival a must-have experience for residents and visitors to Edinburgh. It's an opportunity to connect with ancestral Celtic traditions while enjoying a breathtaking visual spectacle that warms the cold October night.
Ancient traditions come to life in the contemporary setting of Edinburgh, offering a unique and memorable way to celebrate Halloween. The community atmosphere, cultural richness, and overflowing creativity make the Samhuinn Fire Festival an iconic event that captures the spirit of Halloween in all its splendor.
Tickets are on sale at £8.88 for adults and £6.73 for children under 16, allowing everyone to access this modernized ancestral celebration.
2. Horror Stories at the Royal Scots Club
The horror story evening at the Royal Scots Club on Thursday, October 5, 2023 promises to be a scary and memorable getaway. Marjolein Robertson, an award-winning storyteller from the Shetland, will bring her unique storytelling style to the club for an hour of scary folklore, weaving traditional folk tales and music into an enchanting performance that promises to whet the appetite. The event, titled "Fireside Horror Stories & Dinner with Marjolein Robertson", is hosted by the Royal Scots Club and starts at 6 pm with some welcome drinks, followed by a delicious dinner. Participants can expect an evening of chills and suspense, with the promise of starting Halloween celebrations with a collection of scary and captivating stories.
The Royal Scots Club is located in Edinburgh, just a 10-minute walk from Princes Street, making it easily accessible to those who wish to participate.
Marjolein Robertson, who recently enjoyed a successful and complete series at the Fringe 2023, is ready to share her unique talent and humor in an evening that promises to be both entertaining and scary.
3. A Scary Escape at The Edinburgh Dungeon
From Saturday, October 7 to Tuesday, October 31, 2023, The Edinburgh Dungeon invites visitors to delve into the dark pages of Edinburgh's history through a series of terrifying experiences. One of the main attractions is "The Death Cell", an immersive experience where participants must try to escape from a death cell before it's too late. This scary event is designed to test your courage and ingenuity, while giving you a glimpse of the city's dark past.
The visit to The Edinburgh Dungeon is a scary adventure that combines history, theater, and horror, with professional actors and stunning special effects to create an unforgettable Halloween atmosphere.
In addition to "The Death Cell", The Edinburgh Dungeon also offers other terrifying attractions and shows that will make you shiver with fear, while entertaining and educating you about Edinburgh's scary legends and historical characters. It's the perfect opportunity for those looking to celebrate Halloween in a unique and educational way, while exploring the dark tales and mysteries surrounding the Scottish capital.
The "The Death Cell" experience is recommended for ages 8 and up and prohibited for children under 5 years old.
4. The Ghost Bus Tours
Step aboard the terrifying Ghost Bus for a guided tour of the most haunted sites in Edinburgh. With a blend of dark humour, history, and theatre, the Ghost Bus Tours offer a unique experience to explore the dark corners and scary stories surrounding the Scottish capital.
The Ghost Bus Tours will take you around the main attractions of Edinburgh, including the Edinburgh Castle, The New Town, Grassmarket, Greyfriar's Kirk, The Old Town, Holyrood Palace and The Royal Mile. The tour is conducted on a vintage Routemaster double-decker bus, guided by a terrifying driver who will take you around the city, sharing bloody anecdotes about its chilling past.
This is not just a guided tour, but rather an experience of comic horror theatre on wheels. Prepare to hear stories of murders, witch hunts, tortures, and scary apparitions.
During the tour, which lasts between 60 and 75 minutes, your guide will make you shiver with tales about the ghouls, ghosts, and criminals of Edinburgh, including the story of grave robbers turned serial killers, Burke and Hare.
The Ghost Bus Tours offer a unique opportunity to see Edinburgh in a different light, enjoying a theatrical guided tour of the city's haunted places. It's a horrific adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories of your stay in Edinburgh during the Halloween period.
5. A Royal Thrill at Edinburgh Castle
Perched on a volcanic rock in the heart of the city, the Edinburgh Castle is an iconic site that dominates the skyline. Known to be one of the most haunted places in Edinburgh, it is home to several legendary spirits who, according to tradition, still roam the old stones of the castle. Among them, you can find a lost bagpiper, a headless drummer, and a man who escaped from the castle's prison in the distant past.
During Halloween night, the castle's mystical atmosphere is amplified, making it a prime location for thrill-seekers. The dancing shadows of ancient lanterns illuminate the cobbled alleys, creating a perfect setting for a scary adventure. While the castle may not be particularly frightening for the average visitor during the day, at night, it takes on a whole new dimension with the mist clinging to the towers and distant echoes resonating through the empty halls.
The night tours of the castle, particularly popular during the Halloween season, offer an exploration of the dark tales and legends surrounding this historic place. Guided by skilled storytellers, visitors are taken through a living history where ghost stories and tales of past battles come to life under Edinburgh's starry sky.
TheEdinburgh Castle is more than just a haunted place; it's a time capsule that allows visitors to travel through the dark and tumultuous times of Scottish history. The Halloween night offers a unique opportunity to live this experience, where the past meets the present, in a thrill of excitement and mystery.
6. The Mysterious Undergrounds of Edinburgh
The mysterious undergrounds of Edinburgh open their doors for a unique exploration that will awaken the Halloween spirit in you. These forgotten passages beneath the bustling surface of the city offer a dive into Edinburgh's dark past, where echoes of former inhabitants still resonate. The Blair Street Vaults, in particular, are a journey into a world where legends come to life in the shadow of ancestral arches.
These vaults, silent witnesses to the city's turbulent history, are the setting for numerous ghost stories and paranormal phenomena reported over the centuries. It is said that the wandering souls of former residents still haunt the place, bringing with them tales of mysterious apparitions and scary encounters.
For the more adventurous, guided tours are offered, providing a unique opportunity to traverse these scary undergrounds under the guidance of local history experts. As you venture into the darkness, the flickering glow of lanterns slowly reveals the tales and legends surrounding these ancient places. It's an exploration that blends thrills and discoveries, allowing you to touch the rich history and mysteries that make Edinburgh a city apart, especially during the Halloween season.
Edinburgh's undergrounds offer a memorable Halloween experience, a journey through time where every stone and every dark corner whispers the stories of bygone days, thus enriching your Halloween celebration with a historical and mysterious touch.
7. The Real Mary King's Close
Beneath the pulsating cobblestones of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh lies a hidden treasure wrapped in mystery and history - the Real Mary King's Close. This enigmatic place, often described as the most haunted corner of the city, has recently been crowned as one of the most haunted places on the globe. Once, in the heart of the 17th and 18th centuries, this narrow alleyway buzzed with life, housing a thriving community that worked and lived within its fold.
Today, the Real Mary King's Close offers a fascinating window into the daily life of Edinburgh's residents of that era. It's a preserved fragment of history, a city beneath the city, silently telling the tales of those who resided there. Nestled under the iconic Royal Mile, this narrow alleyway (or "close" in English) was one of Edinburgh's most vibrant neighborhoods, a living testament to the time, now carefully preserved under the City Chambers.
The haunted reputation of this place dates back to ancient times, with traces of paranormal activities dating back to around 1685, when a family named Coltheart moved in after the terrible plague epidemic. The whispers of the past seem to echo through tales of ghosts, crying children, and ladies in black wandering in the shadows. The local guides, knowledgeable and passionate, are there to unveil the most terrifying and fascinating stories of this mystical place.
Guided tours invite you to delve into the labyrinth of time, each one-hour long, led by passionate storytellers who rekindle the legends and characters of the past, from the plague doctor to the last resident of the Close.
For those wishing to broaden their exploration, a two-hour walking tour is also offered, embracing not only Mary King's Close, but also other picturesque closes off the Royal Mile, thus providing a broader backdrop to Edinburgh's richly textured history.
The Real Mary King's Close is more than a historical site, it's an immersive experience that allows visitors to touch the soul of Edinburgh, while strolling through the whispers of the past.
8. The Haunted Halloween Trail at Newhailes Estate
The Haunted Halloween Trail at Newhailes Estate is a spooky adventure inviting you to traverse a mysterious path on the weekend preceding Halloween, namely Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October 2023.
The Newhailes estate, located just a 25-minute drive from downtown Edinburgh, transforms into a haunted wood where participants can walk or run through a course strewn with scary surprises. The picturesque setting of Newhailes Estate, with its well-maintained gardens and lush nature, offers a striking contrast to the spooky ambiance of the haunted trail, creating a unique experience for visitors.
During this event, participants are invited to traverse a strange trail in the estate's woods, where scary scenes and thematic animations are prepared to surprise and entertain them. The event takes place from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, October 28, and from 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday, October 29. Tickets for this Halloween haunted trail can be booked online, and it is advised to book them in advance due to the event's popularity.
The organizers promise a spooky adventure with encounters with spiders, skeletons, witches, and other Halloween creatures throughout the course. It's a fun and interactive way to celebrate Halloween, while enjoying the beautiful historical and natural setting of Newhailes Estate.
9. The Terminal V Halloween Trilogy: Three Nights of Terror
The Terminal V Halloween Trilogy event, scheduled from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 October 2023 at Edinburgh's Royal Highland Centre and concluding at the Liquid Room on Tuesday 31 October, is a three-day event marking a first in Scotland. It promises a memorable musical getaway with a rich and varied lineup spread over two stages, hosting more than 35 artists throughout the weekend.
The festivities will begin from October 27 to 29 at the Royal Highland Centre, culminating on October 31 at Edinburgh's Liquid Room. The innovation lies in the Halloween Trilogy concept introduced by Terminal V, orchestrating three consecutive nights with distinct lineups. Each is wrapped in a special Halloween decor, accentuated by custom audiovisual installations, thus ensuring a terrifying atmosphere.
The lineup, on the other hand, is a feast for electronic music lovers with over 35 artists performing on two different stages over the weekend. Each day, a new range of renowned artists from the electronic scene will storm the stages, promising a fresh and exciting ambiance.
As for the ambiance and decorations, the organizers have set the bar high. They have concocted unique stage installations and set up an outdoor dining area, a haunted funfair, and outdoor relaxation spaces. The entire festival will take place indoors, while encouraging Halloween costumes, which should infuse an unforgettable Halloween atmosphere.
Ticket sales are already open with an offer of VIP tickets for those seeking a premium experience. The Terminal V Halloween Trilogy event shapes up as a unique opportunity for electronic music lovers and Halloween festivities to celebrate this occasion in a festive and scary setting. The event promises a memorable experience with enchanting music and breathtaking decors that will transport participants to another world.
10. The Halloween Freakshow at The Liquid Room
On Monday, October 30, 2023, The Liquid Room in Edinburgh transforms into a place of horror to host the Halloween Freakshow. Prepare yourself for a Halloween-themed evening from 10pm until 3am, with tickets starting at £5 for those aged 18 and over.
Located in Edinburgh's Old Town, The Liquid Room will turn into a terrifying place, with frightening decorations specially designed for the event. The main attraction of the evening will be immersive visuals inspired by the movie "The Purge", creating a scary interactive atmosphere that promises to keep everyone on edge.
That's not all, the evening will be animated by incredible artists who will interact with the audience, as well as professional makeup artists to help participants complete their scary costumes. The dance floor will be buzzing until the early hours of the morning, with catchy tunes that will make you dance all night. So it's time to bring out your scariest outfits and head to The Liquid Room for an unforgettable Halloween night. Thrill-seekers and dance lovers will find their happiness in this special evening that promises an immersive experience with scary live acts, immersive decoration, and top-notch melodies.
This Halloween Freakshow at The Liquid Room is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the Day of the Dead in a festive and terrifying atmosphere, with interactive elements that will make the experience memorable. Between the visuals from the movie "The Purge", the scary interactive atmosphere, the lively dance floor, and the live performances, this evening is destined to haunt memories long after the Halloween festivities are over.
11. Halloween Night at Ballie Ballerson
Ballie Ballerson in Edinburgh turns out to be the dream place to celebrate Halloween in style. The establishment has concocted a memorable evening on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, inviting party-goers to dive into a devilishly entertaining atmosphere. The theme chosen for this special evening is "Zombie Wedding", promising an out-of-the-ordinary experience. The musical notes of the evening will be dictated by talented DJs, ready to set the dance floor on fire with frenzied rhythms.
One of the highlights of the evening will undoubtedly be the adult ball pit, where everyone can relive their childhood, all in a Halloween atmosphere. For the occasion, the ball pit will be tinged with blood red, adding a scary touch to the whole. Cocktail lovers will not be left out, with a menu of original drinks specially concocted for the event.
In addition to this evening of October 31, Ballie Ballerson pampers Halloween lovers with an additional event called "Halloweekend: Disco With The Dead". Spread over several dates around Halloween, this event offers a fascinating alternative for those who wish to extend the festivities.
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The Halloween night at Ballie Ballerson promises a festive and scary atmosphere, where enchanting music, original cocktails, and a crowd dressed as creatures from beyond the grave will create unforgettable memories.
Tickets for this event are offered starting at £10, providing an affordable option to celebrate Halloween over several days.
12. The Halloween Concert of the Edinburgh Philharmonic Orchestra
The Edinburgh Philharmonic Orchestra promises a spectacular evening to celebrate Halloween on Saturday, October 28, 2023, drawing inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock and his iconic horror film " Psycho" (1959). The event will take place at the Canongate Kirk, located at 153 Canongate in the old town of Edinburgh (EH8 8BN), and will begin at 7:30 pm.
Tickets are available at prices ranging from £14.50 to £24.50.
The evening's program consists of several orchestral pieces carefully selected for their dark and mysterious atmosphere. It begins with Funeral March, Op. 35 by Chopin, a composition that has become an archetypal evocation of death and was played at Chopin's burial at the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris, on October 30, 1849. The sequence includes the Psycho Suite, incidental film music from Alfred Hitchcock's film " Psycho" (1959), composed by Bernard Herrman and adapted for the orchestra. After a break, the orchestra will perform The Isle of the Dead, Op.29 by Rachmaninoff, a symphonic poem where Rachmaninoff uses a recurring motif to depict the movement of water and rowers, creating a holistic reflection on the intertwining of life and death through music.
This event represents a unique opportunity to celebrate Halloween in a cultural and memorable way, while enjoying exceptional musical performances in a historic and charming setting.
Family and Children's Activities
These family activities offer a variety of experiences, allowing families to celebrate Halloween in a safe and fun environment. Each of these events has been designed with children in mind, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy the Halloween festivities.
13. The Halloween Family Day at the University of Edinburgh
The "Halloween Family Day" event at the University of Edinburgh, scheduled for Saturday, October 21, 2023, invites families to a free day full of entertainment. On the agenda, Halloween-themed craft activities and a spooky exploration of the museum, orchestrated by St Cecilia's Hall.
This event, which will take place from 10am to 5pm, promises families a rewarding experience, combining fun and cultural discovery around the Halloween celebration.
14. The Halloween Hoots event at Edinburgh Zoo
The Halloween Hoots event, scheduled from Friday, October 27 to Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at the Edinburgh Zoo, is a special celebration of the Day of the Dead that invites visitors to an entertaining and scary experience. Upon arrival, visitors will be greeted at the members' gate and directed to the "ZOOpernatural animal antics" arena where they can experience the excitement of birds in flight, learn about the mysterious behavior of the zoo's residents, and even have the chance to participate themselves. A quick stop to roast marshmallows is also planned before the rangers guide visitors to the next part of the adventure.
The celebration continues with a Halloween show, featuring the zoo's exotic animals in a festively scary atmosphere. After the show, a haunted tour of the enclosures is organized, allowing visitors to see the zoo's animals in a scary light after dark.
The Edinburgh Zoo, with its atmosphere specially designed for Halloween, its scary decorations and animations, ensures to immerse visitors in the spirit of the holiday. The Halloween Hoots event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Halloween in a fun and educational way, while enjoying the presence of the zoo's exotic animals.
The event will take place every day from 5pm to 7pm, giving visitors a chance to celebrate Halloween in a unique way. The zoo's address is 134 Corstorphine Road in Edinburgh (EH12 6TS), making it easily accessible for local residents and city visitors. Entry fees are set at £17 per adult, £15 for adult members, £12 per child and £10 for child members, making this event accessible to a wide audience.
15. The Nightmarish Picking at Craigies Farm
From Friday, October 13 to Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Craigies Farm opens its doors for pumpkin picking adventures mixed with Halloween thrills thanks to its "Tunnels of Terror", offering families the opportunity to have fun in a farm setting while celebrating Halloween. The farm transforms its picturesque fields into a spooky playground, perfect for celebrating the ghost season.
At the heart of the event is pumpkin picking. Visitors can stroll through the pumpkin fields, with a breathtaking view of the South Queensferry countryside, and pick their own pumpkins in anticipation of the holiday.
This year's novelty, the "Tunnels of Terror", will bring chills and scary fun for the whole family. Costumed characters will add a touch of fun fright throughout these themed tunnels, creating a truly immersive experience. During the day, these tunnels, renamed "Spooky Tunnels", offer little scares specially designed for the youngest. They will also have the opportunity to meet various colorful characters, listen to scary stories from a storyteller, participate in devilish games, take photos with scary props, and enjoy a spectacular sensory light experience. However, at nightfall, the atmosphere becomes more terrifying, and the "Spooky Tunnels" transform into "Tunnels of Terror", intended for older children and adults, promising fun chills that will keep the whole family on their toes and screaming with laughter.
From spiders to scarecrows, skeletons and ghosts, everything is there to immerse you in the spirit of Halloween.
This experience was created in partnership with NL Productions, the team behind the Castle of Light at the Edinburgh Castle and the Spooktacular and Christmas Nights at the Edinburgh Zoo, guaranteeing a high-quality immersive event.
The tunnels will be accessible from Friday, October 13, 2023, and the pumpkin field will be open throughout October, with tickets going on sale each week depending on availability.
It is recommended to book online in advance to guarantee your visit, as the popularity of this event is such that tickets may sell out very quickly.
Edinburgh, with its rich past and centuries-old traditions, offers a multitude of experiences to celebrate Halloween. Whether you are a thrill-seeker, a fan of ancient traditions, or simply looking for a fun evening with family or friends, the Scottish capital has something to offer everyone. Traditional events like the Samhuinn Fire Festival, legendary haunted places like the Edinburgh Castle or Real Mary King's Close, the Ghost Bus Tours, various family activities, scary nights for adults, and the horror story evening with storyteller Marjolein Robertson at the Royal Scots Club, ensure a complete and memorable Halloween celebration.
By participating in these festivities, not only will you experience scary and fun moments, but you will also immerse yourself in the local culture, exploring the legends and stories that make Edinburgh a unique place to celebrate Halloween. So, whether you are a resident or a visitor, make sure to take advantage of the many activities on offer and experience an unforgettable Halloween in Edinburgh!