Edinburgh at Halloween

[pencilcaseandcabbage]

Older teen DD and I are looking at a trip to Edinburgh and the most suitable time means being there for Halloween. She loves Halloween, but if it's just her and I up there with no friends, she may be disappointed. Can anyone tell me what the evening is likely to be like in the city centre? Do people dress up? Do places have Halloween celebrations? She'll be 18 by then. Any info appreciated :)

Can’t say I’ve ever noticed anything different. Try the “what’s on” website. There’s ghost tours all year round.
also request this gets moved to the scotsnet board where you’re more likely to reach the locals.

Ah good idea, thank you.

Some of the city centre pubs might have decorations and theme nights. The last time Halloween was on a weekend I remember town being completely mobbed with pissed up freshers dressed as ghouls.

You could book The Edinburgh Dungeon or a walking ghost tour. Ghostbusters is on at the Usher Hall with an orchestra playing the score live - have done festive equivalent and a nice night.

Glasgow has ‘GlasGlow’ but a train and underground ride away so 90min.

A walking ghost tour might be fun - if it doesn't leave me too scared to sleep that night 🤣

Samhuinn is on and it's a real spectacle: www.citizenticket.com/events/beltane-fire-society/samhuinn-fire-festival-2025/

Do a ‘the Cadies and Witchery tour. Ghost/ history walk around city. Great fun.

Do a ghost tour - mercat are one of the best tours and they do and adults only one. Edinburgh dungeons will do something too. You might also get somewhere doing a Halloween afternoon tea or cocktails (try Manhatta or brewhemia).
Frankenstein's bar is open all year round but will be great at Halloween.

There's also conifox, slightly out of town but they do the terror scream fest.which is getting a lot of hype!

Everything will need booked in advance.

Thank you for all these ideas. Fire festival and ghost tours sound brilliant. Unfortunately, when I talked to her yesterday she told me that although she still wants to go to Edinburgh, she doesn't want to go that weekend. Which is a shame as I was really fancying some of your suggestions. Thank you again and I hope we do make it another time.