No matter who you are, there are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh at Halloween, from adults-only events to family-friendly activities. Here's a list of just some of the events you can experience this October.
1. Halloween Ghost Tours
There aren’t many cities that have a hidden underground. This is part of what makes Edinburgh’s Old Town, as the home of the Blair Street Underground Vaults, so unique! The vaults are a series of centuries old caverns located under the South Bridge. They were used by businesses and abandoned before the city’s poor sought shelter there and today we have exclusive access.
Join us this October for a Halloween ghost tour of the underground vaults and learn more about them and the traditions of Samhuinn. Book your Halloween ghost tour below.
Adults-Only 18+: Haunted Halloween or Raising The Dead
Family-Friendly 5+: Halloween Underground or Spirits of Halloween
2. Samhuinn Fire Festival
The Samhuinn Fire Festival takes place annually on Edinburgh's Calton Hill. Samhuinn is a Gaelic and Celtic pagan tradition historically observed in Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. It celebrates death, rebirth, and the changing of the seasons. During the Fire Festival you'll witness a dramatic standoff between the kings of summer and winter with fire dancing and even acrobatics. Learn more.
3. Visit Surgeon’s Hall
Not specific to the season, the Surgeon’s Hall Museum is open year round. It’s one of the oldest museums in Scotland and its contents are slightly darker than what you may find elsewhere. In its collection is the death mask of serial killer William Burke and a notebook made from his skin.
With a collection focussed on surgery and medicine, the rest of the museum’s items are naturally gory, making an October visit an interesting Halloween activity if you have the stomach. Learn more.
4. Edinburgh Zoo Spooktacular
Even Edinburgh Zoo gets spooky in October with this special Halloween event! Enjoy family-friendly Halloween activities, an illuminated halloween-themed trail, and themed food and drinks. Discounted early bird tickets are available for a limited time only. Learn more.
Image ©Edinburgh Zoo.
5. Newhailes Haunted Halloween Trail
Visit the haunted woods at the historic Newhailes House in Musselburgh and follow the family-friendly Halloween trail decorated with bats, spiders, and more. The trail even includes a graveyard to add to the atmosphere. Learn more.
Have you found the Edinburgh Halloween event for you? Whichever Halloween activities you choose this year we hope you have a brilliant time. Sign-up to our newsletter to always be one of the first to know what's on in Edinburgh.