This year, All Hallows’ Eve – commonly known as Halloween – looks set to be a little different! Rather than the usual guising, why not take part in one of these events.
Samhuinn Fire Festival, Edinburgh
This Celtic festival is run by the Beltane Fire Society and harks back to the traditions of Samhain, the pagan celebration of the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
See the colourful costumes depicting ancient folklore characters, listen to music, see street theatre performances and dance around the fire at this traditional pagan festival!
Mercat Tours, Edinburgh
Take a spooky tour of Edinburgh’s most haunted underground vaults, walk through the Old Town after dark, hear tales of witches and vagabonds and find out more about Edinburgh’s Gallows! You can even attend an adult-only tour to find out about the macabre history of Edinburgh in all its gory detail. This scary tour isn’t for the feint hearted so make sure you know what you’re letting yourself in for before booking!
Real Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
Immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s dark past on one of The Real Mary King’s Close’s Lantern-Led tours! Find out more about The Close’s residents lit just by lanterns and meet the characters that would terrorise people of the time. The tour runs every 15 minutes and takes about an hour.
Halloween Pumpkin Trail, Castle Kennedy
Visit the spooky Halloween pumpkin trail at Castle Kennedy in Dumfries & Galloway where you can explore the autumnal gardens and search for hidden pumpkins. Once you’ve found them, grab a hot chocolate in the tea room.
St. Andrews Ghost Tour, St. Andrews, Fife
This award-winning ghost tour is in the historic St. Andrews. Starting in Church Square, behind Holy Trinity Church, you can explore the dark streets, hear tales of folklore, ghost stories and discover more about the witches in the area.
The Edinburgh Dungeon
Visit this gruesome attraction to find out about Scotland’s most horrifying events and creepiest legends! This year sees the return of Séance…Is Anybody There? You’ll be invited to talk to the victims of Burke and Hare and other murderers from the past. You’ll have plenty of scares so make sure you know what you’re letting yourself in for! Not suitable for children under eight.
Edinburgh Drive in Movies – Halloween Edition
Don’t forget the popcorn! Edinburgh International Festival and Unique Events are presenting a Halloween programme of movies available to view at the drive in! Lasting a week, this programme of scary movies includes cult classics such as Ghostbusters, Scream and Jaws. You can win prizes for your Halloween costume and enjoy a sing-a-long car disco!
All of these events are scheduled to take place at the time of writing, but please pre-book where possible and check with the venue before setting off.