All Saints' Day 2023: weekend offers and ideas

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1. Where to go in Italy

   • Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza

   • Borgo a Mozzano, Lucca

   • Orsara di Puglia, Foggia

   • Rome

   • Naples

   • Venice

   • Gardaland Magic Halloween

   • Mirabilandia, Emilia Romagna

2. Where to go in Europe

   • London, England

   • Transylvania, Romania

   • Prague, Czech Republic

   • Dublin, Ireland

   • Edinburgh, Scotland

   • Stockholm, Sweden

   • Ostend and Brussels, Belgium

   • Cologne, Germany

   • Disneyland Paris, France

   • Europa Park, Germany

All Saints' Day is one of the most eagerly awaited days for us Italians to enjoy a bridge and plan a little holiday. And what could be better than discovering locations where Halloween or All Saints' Day are particularly celebrated? Between Italian and European locations, the proposals are many and all different.
Here are some tips on how to spend All Saints' Day 2023: offers and weekend ideas.

Where to go in Italy

1 - Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza

Photo by Carlo grifone. The Castelli del Ducato association brings together all the castles and fortresses located between Parma and Piacenza, allowing visitors to visit them at certain times of the year. We recommend that you check in advance the events you would like to attend and stay in the nearest town between Piacenza and Parma and rent a car, so that you can move around freely.
On Halloween and on All Saints' Day, there are many events to attend in this area, for all tastes and for young and old: at the Castle of Varano De' Melegari there is"Acchiappa il Fantasma" (Catch the Ghost), a fun event with monsters; in the Castle of Scipione dei Marchesi Pallavicino there is the"Halloween in the thousand-year-old castle: bycandlelight in the magic night', a tour among the mysterious characters that animate the castle, and for the occasion the 15th-century dungeon and the secret passageway will also be open; in the Rivalta Castle there is the'Halloween Night', a one-hour tour among the halls, dungeons and cellars of the castle. In short, lots of events, especially for children but also for adults.

• Event info: there are many different types of events, for young and old. For info, prices and calendar, visit the official website of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza

• How to get there: stopover in Milan or Bologna and then car, train or bus to Piacenza or Parma - flights from €15.00 - see offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €65.00 per room - compare accommodation on booking

2 - Borgo a Mozzano, Lucca

In Tuscany there is only one capital of Halloween and terror: Borgo a Mozzano. Located in the Serchio Valley, on the banks of the river of the same name, in the province of Lucca, this small town has been organising a whole series of events for Halloween, theHalloween Celebration, since 1993. The night of the 31st is the day when the celebrations reach their climax, with shows, performances and fireworks. There is no shortage of zombie parades or role-playing with vampires, the so-called'Black Night'. This night also relives the Legend of Lucinda, a noblewoman from Lucca who sacrificed her lovers to the devil to stay young and beautiful.
But the events are many and every day from 28 to 31: Horror Games, interactive Horror Shows, Ghost Experiment with a Ghostbuster night, itineraries in mysterious places, and a Halloween Celebration Carnival at the Villa Reale in Marlia. In short, a sort of Mecca for thrill-seekers!

• Event info: the programme of all events from 28 to 31 can be found on the official website. Each event has its own price and participation ticket. Places for each event/experience are limited, so it is best to book early.

• How to get there: we recommend landing in Pisa (about 40 km away), alternatively in Florence (about 90 km). Then car, bus or train to Borgo a Mozzano (ticket approx. €6.00) - flights from €26.00 - see offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €70.00 per room - compare accommodations on Booking

3 - Orsara di Puglia, Foggia

You're not particularly interested in the Halloween festival or you don't feel like it? Don't worry, we suggest you visit Orsara di Puglia, in the province of Foggia. Here, Halloween is not celebrated, but the night of 1 November, dedicated to All Saints' Day.
Every year, during the day and throughout the night of 1 November, old traditions are brought back to life. With the Fuocacoste e Cocce Priatorje (the feast of bonfires and heads of purgatory), theancient tradition of sharing food in the street, next to the fire, is held: every family in Orsara di Puglia lights a bonfire and organises a banquet to share with all friends and relatives. In addition, for those who decide to visit the town on this occasion, many street performers, concerts and processions are organised.

• Event info: participation in the events is free of charge; to stay up-to-date on the events organised each year

• How to get there: we recommend landing in Bari (160 km) or Naples (140 km), then better to rent a car - flights from €5.00 - see offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €40.00 per room - compare accommodation on Booking

4 - Rome

There are plenty of events in and around the capital!
Let's start with the city: the occasion is perfect for thematic tours perfect for the Halloween atmosphere: we recommend the tour among crypts, catacombs and the dark heart of Rome, where you will descend into the mysterious underground world of the capital; equally fascinating is the tour in the dark side of Rome: facts, legends and mysteries, where you will hear ghostly tales and real events; finally, for fans, the official tour Angels and Demons: the Path of the Illuminati, a path with riddles, secret passages and much more!
As faras pubs, discos and events for young people are concerned, the city is spoilt for choice: every venue organises a different event, from bars to discos, with precise dress codes and all-night parties!

Moving away from the centre, especially for families and children we recommend Halloween at Cinecittà World, with scary attractions, zombies, ghosts, witches and vampires!
In Pomezia, at Zoomarine, they organise horror rides for children and adults.
At Rainbow Magicland from 9 October every weekend events for young and old with skeletons, witches and hordes of zombies!

• Info events: at Cinecittà World from 29 to 31 the park is open from 11 a.m. until night. Info on the official website. At Zoomarine, children up to one metre tall get in free, for more information consult the official site; Rainbow Magicland on the occasion of Halloween has a special rate of €14.90 for 29 and 30 October, €19.90 for the 31st. For more information consult the official site.

• Low cost flights: from €9.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €50.00 per room - compare accommodations on Booking

5 - Naples

Discovering underground Naples at Halloween time will certainly have a different effect! Moreover, on the evening of the 31st, events are organised in every corner, both in clubs and discos, where you can dance masked until the morning of 1 November. And All Saints' Day is very popular here.

And these days you should add another sweet to the list of Neapolitan delicacies to be tasted: we are talking about Torrone dei Morti, a typical Neapolitan sweet prepared on the occasion of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Tradition has it that on this day tables must be full of food to welcome the dead who come to visit from the afterlife, and there are even those who set the table and leave a place free at the table, precisely to welcome the spirits of those who are no longer with us.

Finally, Naples also offers themed tours in perfect Halloween mood: the occasion is ideal for a tour of the Naples Underground, to descend 40 metres below the city; you can dedicate the day to anexcursion to the ruins of Pompeii and Vesuvius, to relive the tragic story of the eruption that buried the ancient city; and again, you can visit the Catacombs of San Gennaro and the Bourbon Gallery!

• Event info: The 'Fuori di Zucca' event will be held at the Fiera d'Oltremare. For this occasion, the Robinson Park will have scarecrows, hay bales and storytellers. Info on the official website. In Castel Volturno there will be the event "Un Mare di Zucche" (A Sea of Pumpkins), with inflatables, workshops, themed routes.

• Low cost flights: from €9.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €55.00 per room - compare accommodations on Booking

6 - Venice

Among the great cities, Venice is an absolute must.
Venice is already one of the most mysterious cities, full of legends. Like that of the Ca' Dario Palace, where its owners or tenants have always died suddenly and even violently. Among the most peculiar and heartfelt legends are also those of the ghost of the Biennale gardens, the baker of St Mark's, the cursed palace, the worn column of the Doge's Palace and the legend of St Helena. The scariest time of the year could be the perfect time to explore and discover the city.

And between parties and shows organised in clubs and discos, you can visit the city with thematic tours: we recommend the private tour among murders and mysteries, in a dark and spooky Venice among dark and narrow alleys, or the tour of the city with the medieval prisons, accompanied by the Lords of the Night, infamous for torturing their prisoners; or the walking tour among ghosts and legends, between the Castello and Cannaregio districts.

• Cheap flights: from €45.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b starting from €70.00 per room - compare accommodations on Booking

7 - Gardaland Magic Halloween

At Gardaland during the month of October comes to life the Gardaland Magic Halloween, full of shows and events all themed.
Every weekend until the 1st of November Gardaland will show its scariest side and on the 31st of October it will stay open until midnight for theHalloween Party. Fridays become"Fright Fridays", with the Cursed Forest, the Wagon of Horrors and much more! On these days the park will remain open until 10 pm.
These events are suitable for everyone. And you, are you ready to have fun with rides and themed shows? For info, prices and event details, check the official Gardaland website.

• Event info: the ticket for the Halloween Party on 31/10 costs €31.00, from 6pm to midnight. Scary Fridays start from €26.00. Children under one metre get in for free.

• How to get there: Land in Verona, reach Gardaland by direct train (approx. €2.70) or by car - compare flights

• Where to stay: Attractive hotel+park packages are available, alternatively you can compare the best accommodation on Booking.com

8 - Mirabilandia, Emilia Romagna

Mirabilandia too, on the occasion of Halloween, transforms and welcomes its visitors with lots of shows and themed shows and special opening hours. You can enter this spooky world every weekend from 1 October to 6 November, taking advantage of the various offers on the site. You can participate in various organised experiences, festivals and events:"Tunnel Horror","Halloween Horror Festival", fairy trails and of course all the park's attractions!

• Event info: we recommend buying your ticket online from €34.90, to save money compared to the box office. Various ticket + hotel offers also available.

• How to get there: land in Bologna, from there direct train to Ravenna (ticket cost €7.35) or hire car - flights from €27.00 - see offers

Where to go in Europe

1 - London, England

If you are thinking of spending the bridge outside Europe, the first destination we recommend is absolutely London! Here this holiday, as in America, is really very much felt! And you will find hundreds of different events in the city. There is a lot to do and see even for the little ones: at Legoland Windsor park there is'Brick or Treat', the equivalent of brick-themedtrick-or-treating; at Warner Bros Studios there are lots of Harry Potter-themed events:'the Dark Arts' will focus on the figure of Lord Voldemort! Finally, at the Bronx Zoo there is'Boo at the Zoo', where you can carve pumpkins and take part in a whole range of activities.

Of course, there is no shortage of events for the older ones, including some really scary ones such as the London Dungeon -"The Home of Halloween","London Bridge Experience with Tomb Entrance" or the Ghost Bus tour.

Otherwise, the city offers plenty of ideas for thematic tours perfect for the period. We recommend the Ghost Walk with a boat ride on the Thames, past royal parks and haunted houses; there's no better time of year for a walking tour on the trail of Jack the Ripper, through the streets and sights of London's East End; you can visit the London Dungeon, past characters like Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper or take a guided Harry Potter-themed tour, past witches, magic wands and muggles!

• Event info: for events and parties you can visit the Time Out website

• Low cost flights: from €19.00 - compare flights

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €49.00 per room - compare accommodations on Booking

2 - Transylvania, Romania

Since Halloween is the time of witches, black magic, werewolves, mummies and monsters, how about going in search of a vampire? Surely, there is no better time to go exploring Transylvania and Dracula's Castle!
Amidst dark nights, fog and forests, you will really feel like you have stepped into a vampire movie.

And of course, both at Dracula's Castle and throughout Transylvania there is no shortage of events to celebrate Halloween, you just have to find the one that suits you best. The ideal is the 3-day Transylvania Halloween tour, in the heart of Dracula's land between Sighisoara and Bran Castle, but you can also opt for a fascinating 3-day tour of medieval Transylvania or simply a visit to the castles of Peles, Bran and Brasov.

• Event info: TheHalloween Party at Bran Castle is held at Dracula's Castle; for all the information you can visit the official website of the Castle

• Cheap flights: Flights to Bucharest from €50.00 - compare flights

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €40.00 per room - compare the best accommodation on Booking

3 - Prague, Czech Republic

Halloween is not celebrated in Prague, but on 2 November there is the Day of the Dead (Dušičky), also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Dead. On this day, people visit cemeteries and decorate graves with fresh flowers and candles in order to illuminate the souls of the dead. We recommend a visit to the cemeteries in Olšany, Vinohrady and Vyšehrad, which, with all the candles lit, offer a very atmospheric landscape.

Although Halloween is not an official holiday, there is no shortage of events! Between terror tours through the dark alleys and hidden corners of the city, fancy dress parties, parties in clubs and discos, themed fairs, pumpkin carving workshops and children's shows, you're sure to find the right event for you to spend the spookiest night of the year in an unforgettable way!

In addition, Prague lends itself beautifully to themed tours to discover the dark and noir sides of the city. We definitely recommend the Prague Ghosts and Legends tour and the tour of the Old Town, dungeons and prisons.

• Info events: there are so many events organised that it is impossible to list them all; each one has its own timetable and entrance fees; definitely worth mentioning is the Zombie Run on 30 October

• Cheap flights: from €60.00 - compare flights

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €55.00 per room - compare accommodation on Booking

4 - Dublin, Ireland

Spending Halloween in Ireland, in Dublin, certainly has its charms! This festivity is indeed very popular: you will see children and adults dressed up as witches, warlocks, vampires and monsters intent on doing "trick or treat", or what we know as "trick or treat?".
The colours of this night are black and orange, the city is full of pumpkins turned into lanterns, here called Jack O'Lanterns, and there are lots of themed parties in all the clubs.

In addition, the streets also celebrate another holiday, the Celtic New Year or Samhain, which celebrates the end of the harvest and thus the arrival of winter.

In addition, you can take the opportunity to visit the city and its surroundings with perfect thematic tours! We recommend the walking tour of the dark side of Dublin, or the fun tour among the ghosts of Dublin with the Gravedigger Bus Tour, or more classic excursions such as a visit to the Cliffs of Moher or a visit to Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges and Belfast departing from Dublin.

• Events info: there are many events organised in different locations, for more info visit the Dublin Visitor Centre

• Cheap flights: from €15.00 - compare flights

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b's from €90.00 per room - compare the best accommodation on Booking

5 - Edinburgh, Scotland

Not everyone knows this, but Edinburgh is the most haunted city in the whole of Scotland! And that alone is a good reason to plan a short trip to the city during the scariest time of the year!
If that's not enough for you, there are plenty of other reasons that make Edinburgh a perfect Halloween city: themagical yet mournful atmosphere created by the fog that often invades its narrow cobbled alleys and stone houses; the many cemeteries, always open for visits; the ghosts that haunt the city and all the legends related to them.

And there is no shortage of events that will make your night even more frightening: starting with the Celtic New Year celebrations, as in Ireland, and then the celebration of the pagan Samhuinn Fire Festival, not to forget the many organised tours to go in search of ghosts and to visit haunted places. These include the spooky underground tour, the even scarier haunted graveyards tour, or a fascinating tour of the castles and villages of Loch Lomond, Trossachs and Stirling

• Event info: events include'Spirit Fest: Celebrate Halloween with Spirits','The Rocky Halloween Show','Halloween: Staying Alive with Five' or'Annasach's Hallowe'en Ceilidh'; for programmes, dates and prices visit What's on Edinburgh

• Cheap flights: from €42.00 - compare flights

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €90.00 per room - compare accommodation on Booking

6 - Stockholm, Sweden

Even the Nordic capitals have their traditions, and Stockholm could be a great destination for your short trip to discover how these cities celebrate the Day of the Dead.

Again, as in Prague, Halloween is not celebrated with theme parties, pumpkins and monster costumes, but thousands of candles are lit in the Skogskyrkogården cemetery in memory of those who have passed away. The Skogskyrkogården was built in 1917 and is located right in the middle of ancient trees, a feature that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
This tradition is always held on the first Saturday in November, the day when people visit their deceased loved ones and decorate their graves with pine wreaths and candles.

In addition, you can take themed tours in the city in perfect Halloween mood, such as the history and ghosts walking tour: you will hear stories about mysteries, murderers, ghosts among Stockholm's darkest streets and alleys!

Useful info: to keep up to date with all the events, such as the big Halloween parade on 2 November from 15:30 until 18:30, check out the official Stockholm Halloween website

• Cheap flights: from €60.00 - compare flights

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €110.00 per room - compare accommodations on Booking

7 - Ostend and Brussels, Belgium

You'll be surprised to know that Ostend, located on the coast of Belgium, is the country's Halloween city par excellence! Here, in fact, the festivities start much earlier than in America or other European cities: already from 1 October you can see the streets and shop windows decorated and take part in the various events that are organised.

If you stay a few days in Brussels, don't miss the gloomy and dismal atmosphere of Halloween and visit the city on a half-day thematic tour of mysteries and legends, to learn about the symbols of secret societies and discover the mysteries of the Templars and the Illuminati.

• Event info: to keep up to date with all the events including clubs, tours and events taking place in Brussels on Halloween, check out the official Visit Brussels website

• Cheap flights: to Brussels from €10.00 - compare flights; if you want to visit Ostend for the occasion you can take the direct train from Brussels (ticket cost €18.80)

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €80.00 per room - compare accommodation on Booking

8 - Cologne, Germany

Another German destination perfect for organising your bridge is Cologne. Apart from being easily visited in three to four days, it is perfect for travelling with children. Moreover, it is a very old city, with origins dating back to the Roman Empire, and its streets are full of mysteries and legends!

Takepart in one of the many tours that are organised in Cologne, and follow your guide as he takes you to discover the most mysterious secrets and scariest legends behind this city, such as the story of the'heads of the 11,000 virgins', the ones that go round Cologne's St. Maternus, or that of Die Heinzelmännchen zu Köln. In short, Cologne is a city to discover and Halloween is one of the best times to do so!

• Cheap flights: from €40.00 - compare flights

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €65.00 per room - compare accommodation on Booking

9 - Disneyland Paris, France

If we have recommended Gardaland and Mirabilandia for Italy, we certainly cannot mention Disneyland Paris, France.
Here too, on the occasion of Halloween, the park is transformed and welcomes its visitors with lots of shows and themed events. The atmosphere will change, becoming much spookier!

The streets of the amusement park will be invaded by Disney villains and you can choose to side with them for a night! Have fun at Mickey's Halloween party, enter a new dimension and lose yourself in the Disney Illuminations show. Fun is guaranteed for everyone, young and old!
We recommend you consider buying your ticket online for several days.

Furthermore, if you also want to visit Paris, we recommend you opt for thematic tours, such as the walking tour of the dark side of the city, among cursed places and the ghosts of Notre Dame, or the guided tour of the Père-Lachaise Cemetery, among the graves of famous people such as Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.

Event info: to stay up-to-date on all events, to check the entrance fee (which varies according to different packages) and the opening hours day by day, we recommend you consult the official event website

• Low cost flights: from €15.00 - compare flights

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €75.00 per room - compare accommodations on Booking

10 - Europa Park, Germany

Europa Park is the second largest park in Europe. It is located in the town of Rust, near the border with France.
Even here at this time the atmosphere becomes magical and dark at the same time: witches, zombies, vampires and monsters invade the streets of the amusement park and all of them are decorated with pumpkins and cobwebs. Of course, there is no shortage of themed shows and parades and rides created especially for the event, to entertain both young and old. If you're brave enough, you absolutely cannot miss theHorror Nights - Traumatica, which will put even the toughest of tough guys through their paces.

Event info: to keep up to date with all the events, to check the entrance fee (which varies according to different packages) and the opening times day by day, we recommend you check the official event website

• Cheap flights: land in Stuttgart (145 km), from there hire car or public transport to Rust - compare flights

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €70.00 per room - compare accommodations on Booking