Uncover the hidden horrors that lurk in Edinburgh with our expertly researched Halloween guide, your key to unlocking a world of frightful fun and bone-chilling adventures. Our handbook illuminates Edinburgh's spectral spectrum for synesthetic spirits and color-curious mortals alike.
Popular Events: Experience the eerie tales of the past at The Edinburgh Dungeon, where live actors bring the city’s dark history to life in an immersive setting. In addition to this, the City of the Dead Tours offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most haunted locations in the city, providing a chilling glimpse into Edinburgh's ghostly side. And the Halloween at Edinburgh Zoo is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it transforms the zoo into a spooktacular spectacle with themed activities for the whole family. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Edinburgh Discussion!
See the Latest Halloween News for Edinburgh!
Top Halloween Events In and Around Edinburgh
- The Edinburgh Dungeon
- City of the Dead Tours
- Edinburgh Cocktail Week
- Mercat Tours: Ghostly Underground
- Mercat Tours: Doomed, Dead & Buried
- Mercat Tours: Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls
- Halloween at Edinburgh Zoo
- Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh
- Mercat Tours: Spirits of Halloween
- Halloween Happenings at Dalkeith Country Park (Dalkeith)
See these and even more events listed below!
Edinburgh Area Haunted Experiences
The Edinburgh Dungeon
What to Expect:
An adults-only Dungeon Lates event with new shocks and surprises, strictly for those over 18.
Description:
The Edinburgh Dungeon offers an immersive 70-minute interactive walk-through experience featuring live actors, theatrical sets, and thrilling rides. This journey delves into Edinburgh's darkest history, including gruesome events and historical figures. It promises a fright-filled adventure with plenty of edge-of-seat surprises and humor.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: The Edinburgh Dungeon
City of the Dead Tours
What to Expect:
Sole access to two of the most haunted locations on earth, featuring the legendary Mackenzie Poltergeist.
Description:
City of the Dead Tours offers award-winning, underground city, and haunted graveyard tours featuring the legendary Mackenzie Poltergeist. Led by historians and thespians, these tours combine the weirdest stories, wickedest humor, and wildest history, setting your imagination running wild. With sole access to two of the most haunted locations on earth, these tours are named one of Britain’s best ghost walks and one of the UK’s spookiest tours. Highly recommended by TripAdvisor and awarded the Viator Badge of Excellence, these tours are not for the faint of heart.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: City of the Dead Tours
Mercat Tours: Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls
What to Expect:
An immersive ghost tour that combines historical storytelling with a dram of Scottish whisky in a candlelit cellar.
Description:
Embark on a chilling journey through Edinburgh's Old Town with Mercat Tours' Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls. This 2-hour tour delves into the city's grim and ghostly past, exploring the dark closes and wynds before descending into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults. Enjoy a dram of Scottish whisky in a candlelit cellar while listening to spine-chilling tales of witchcraft, torture, and restless spirits.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Mercat Tours: Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls
Mercat Tours: Doomed, Dead & Buried
What to Expect:
An immersive exploration of Edinburgh's haunted underground vaults and graveyard, featuring expert storytelling and exclusive audio devices.
Description:
Embark on a chilling journey through Edinburgh's dark history with Mercat Tours' Doomed, Dead & Buried ghost tour. Explore the eerie Blair Street Underground Vaults and the haunting Canongate graveyard, where infamous murderers and cursed souls are said to reside. This adults-only tour delves into the city's gruesome past, blending ghost stories with true tales of tragic deaths and hard lives. With Mercat exclusive audio devices, you'll be immersed in the unsettling atmosphere of Edinburgh's haunted sites.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Mercat Tours: Doomed, Dead & Buried
Mercat Tours: Ghostly Underground
What to Expect:
Exclusive access to Edinburgh's Blair Street Underground Vaults, one of the city's most haunted sites.
Description:
Explore Edinburgh's haunted past with Mercat Tours' Ghostly Underground tour. This daytime walking tour takes you through the Blair Street Underground Vaults, one of Edinburgh's most haunted sites. Led by expert storytellers, you'll delve into the dark history of the vaults, witnessing gruesome punishments, restless spirits, and sinister events. The tour is a chilling yet immersive experience, offering exclusive access to these underground caverns unchanged since the 18th century.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Mercat Tours: Ghostly Underground
Mercat Tours: Spirits of Halloween
What to Expect:
A guided tour that immerses participants in Edinburgh's haunted history with exclusive audio devices and a complimentary Halloween cocktail.
Description:
Experience a spine-tingling ghost tour through Edinburgh's medieval streets and haunted vaults. This tour delves into the city's dark past, featuring tales of spirits stepping through the veil between worlds. You'll explore the Blair Street Underground Vaults and end the night with a complimentary drink in the candlelit Megget's Cellar.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Mercat Tours: Spirits of Halloween
Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh
What to Expect:
A comedy-horror theatre experience on wheels, featuring a haunted history bus tour with a unique ex-funeral bus.
Description:
The Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour is a unique comedy-horror sightseeing experience that takes you through the darker side of Edinburgh. Boarding a classic 1960s Routemaster bus, you'll encounter top attractions like Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriar's Kirk, and the Royal Mile while learning about the city's gruesome past, including murders, witch hunts, and hauntings. The tour is hosted by trained actors, adding to the theatrical experience.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh
Halloween Happenings at Dalkeith Country Park
What to Expect:
Haunted tour through the eerie basement of Dalkeith Palace with special effects.
Description:
Experience the spooktacular Halloween Happenings at Dalkeith Country Park, featuring a curiously creepy pumpkin patch, the NEW Prisoners Palace experience, kids' Halloween workshops, and a spooky scavenger hunt in Fort Douglas. Take a haunted tour through the basement of Dalkeith Palace, complete with special effects and perhaps some lost souls.
Where: Dalkeith | More Info: Halloween Happenings at Dalkeith Country Park
Spooky Trail at Almond Valley Heritage Centre
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration featuring a haunted playground with various spooky activities and craft sessions.
Description:
Experience a spine-chilling Halloween celebration at Almond Valley Heritage Centre. The Spooktober event features a treacherous trail of Lost Spells, Mischief, and Mayhem, where you can uncover hidden spells and conquer your fears. Enjoy the Crazy Bales Maze, Dark Arts Craft School, and Halloween Broomstick Making sessions. Family Fright Nights offer a haunted playground with a spooky storyteller, feast at the Witches Butchery and Bakery, and twisted carnival games. The SPOOKTACULAR BALL promises an epic night of DJ Bones, fire eating performances, and freaky magic shows.
Where: Livingston | More Info: Spooky Trail at Almond Valley Heritage Centre
Halloween Hunt at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
What to Expect:
A family-friendly haunted hunt with themed decorations and interactive elements.
Description:
Join us for a Haunting Halloween Hunt at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Our lovable mascot, Dizzy, has created a spook squad dressed as five different famous Halloween creatures: Frankenstein, Dracula, Mummy, Witch, and Werewolf. Each character lurks in the shadows on each floor. If you find them all, a sweet treat reward awaits you in our Gift Shop. The event features themed decorations, ghostly projections, scary portraits, and hair-raising photo ops. Don't miss our Severed Head exhibit and the OptiMusic exhibit where you can create creepy tunes.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Halloween Hunt at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Edinburgh
Halloween at Edinburgh Zoo
What to Expect:
The unique feature of Halloween at Edinburgh Zoo is its blend of spooky and fun activities in a zoo setting, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Description:
Halloween at Edinburgh Zoo offers a variety of spooky and fun activities for all ages. Enjoy Beasties and Broomsticks brunch, carve a pumpkin for the zoo animals, and participate in Wicked Encounters with fascinating creatures. The event also includes How to Train Your Dinosaur shows and a Skulls and Sip event, all designed to get you into the Halloween spirit.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Halloween at Edinburgh Zoo
Oktoberfest at West Princess Street Gardens
What to Expect:
An authentic Oktoberfest experience with traditional German beer, food, and live music in the heart of Edinburgh.
Description:
Edinburgh Oktoberfest 2024 is a vibrant celebration that brings the spirit of traditional Munich Oktoberfest to Scotland's capital. Held in West Princes Street Gardens, the event features specially brewed Bavarian beer, traditional German food like Bratwurst and Schnitzel, and live music from German bands. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere by dressing in Lederhosen and Dirndls, adding to the authentic experience.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Oktoberfest at West Princess Street Gardens
Halloween Hoots at Edinburgh Zoo
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration in a zoo setting with various spooky and fun activities.
Description:
Halloween Hoots at Edinburgh Zoo offers a spooky yet family-friendly experience. Visitors can enjoy eerie tours of the zoo at dusk, Halloween-themed animal displays, fang-tastic breakfasts, and special pumpkin carving sessions. These events support the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's wildlife conservation charity by promoting deeper connections between people and nature.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Halloween Hoots at Edinburgh Zoo
The Royal Botanic Garden’s Spooky Trail
What to Expect:
A festive and interactive Halloween celebration within the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Description:
The Botanics Halloween Trail is a family-friendly event where Caley, the good garden witch, is throwing a Halloween party for the Botanics Beasties. Participants follow clues around the garden to find party items on her list and meet some party guests along the way. Completing the trail rewards participants with a yummy treat. The trail runs daily from 10am to 4pm, and trail booklets are available for ÂŁ3 each at the John Hope Gateway or East Gate.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: The Royal Botanic Garden’s Spooky Trail
Carve a Treat
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration in a zoo setting where participants can carve pumpkins and enjoy the zoo's animals.
Description:
Carve a Treat is a family-friendly event at Edinburgh Zoo where participants can carve pumpkins while enjoying the zoo's wildlife conservation charity's animals. The event offers a unique opportunity to learn more about species anatomy and get close to unique mammals and nocturnal birds. It is part of the zoo's spooky season celebrations in October.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Carve a Treat
Monster Disco at Conifox Adventure Park
What to Expect:
A comprehensive Halloween celebration with a variety of spooky activities and attractions.
Description:
Conifox Adventure Park is hosting a spooky Halloween celebration with a bang, featuring a show-stopping firework display, a flame-tastic fire performer, The Witches Labyrinth, Broomstick Flying School, Devilish Disco, and a new addition for 2024 – The Funhouse of Fear Maze. The event also includes a pumpkin patch where children can pick their perfect pumpkin and take part in various spooky activities.
Where: Kirkliston | More Info: Monster Disco at Conifox Adventure Park
Oktoberfest at Brewhemia
What to Expect:
A celebration of Bavarian culture with live entertainment and traditional German food and drinks.
Description:
Oktoberfest at Brewhemia is a festive celebration of Bavarian culture, featuring steins of beer, delicious schnapps, mouth-watering schnitzels, and plenty of wieners. The event includes live entertainment, such as brass bands and DJs, and offers a variety of German sausages and authentic pretzels. It's a unique experience that brings the spirit of Munich to Scotland's only Beer Palace.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Oktoberfest at Brewhemia
Pumpkin Festival at Kilduff Farm
What to Expect:
A family-friendly pumpkin festival offering pumpkin picking, a bale maze, and various autumnal activities in a picturesque setting.
Description:
The Kilduff Farm Pumpkin Festival is a beloved autumn tradition where families can pick their own pumpkins, enjoy a bale maze, participate in festival games, and take part in various autumnal activities. The event is set amidst the picturesque Kilduff Farm in East Lothian, offering a wholesome experience for all ages.
Where: Near Haddington | More Info: Pumpkin Festival at Kilduff Farm
Halloween Family Event: Enchanted Tea Room Adventures
What to Expect:
A magical afternoon featuring fortune-telling and tasseomancy workshops for kids.
Description:
Join us for a spooky yet delightful Halloween family event at the Enchanted Tea Room Adventures. Enjoy a magical journey with fortune-telling and historical tales brought to life by Cara Hamilton's psychic powers and Avi Lago's tasseomancy workshop. Kids will love learning about ancient art and predicting the future with tea leaves. This enchanting afternoon promises to be a fun and memorable experience for all ages.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Halloween Family Event: Enchanted Tea Room Adventures
Crochet Club Edinburgh - Ghosts and Cauldrons
What to Expect:
A beginner-friendly crochet workshop where participants can create adorable spooky ghosts and cauldrons.
Description:
Join Crochet Club Edinburgh for a beginner-friendly crochet workshop where you'll learn to make adorable spooky ghosts and cauldrons. This relaxed workshop is perfect for Halloween, covering basic amigurumi skills and providing all materials, including a hot drink and cake. It's an excellent opportunity to relax and create something beautiful.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Crochet Club Edinburgh - Ghosts and Cauldrons
Halloween Trail
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with ghostly fun activities in the woodlands of Priorwood Garden.
Description:
Embark on a spooktacular adventure through the woodlands of Priorwood Garden. The Halloween Trail offers an eerie yet family-friendly experience with ghostly fun activities, treats to be won, and a prize for the scariest costume. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and well-behaved dogs are welcome on a lead. With public toilets and cafes nearby, this event promises an unforgettable afternoon of spooky delights.
Where: TD6 9PX | More Info: Halloween Trail
Pumpkin Patch (if separate from other events)
What to Expect:
A new storytelling experience by Folksy Theatre with a focus on diversity and inclusivity.
Description:
The Pumpkin Festival at Scotland's Theme Park in 2024 features a new storytelling experience by Folksy Theatre, titled "Farmer Pottington: The Perfect Pumpkin." The event includes a Halloween-themed game where everyone wins a prize, a pumpkin trail, and a visit to the pumpkin patch. Under 2s go free but do not qualify for the pumpkin patch prize. The festival also offers Halloween arts and crafts in a marquee and a ride on the Pumpkin Express land train.
Where: Various | More Info: Pumpkin Patch (if separate from other events)
Crochet Autumn workshop at Lauriston Castle
What to Expect:
A fun and relaxing crochet workshop focused on creating autumn-themed projects in a beautiful setting.
Description:
Join the Crochet Autumn workshop at Lauriston Castle to explore the therapeutic benefits of crochet while creating beautiful autumn-themed projects. This workshop focuses on community and wellbeing, making it an ideal activity for those looking to relax and express their creativity.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Crochet Autumn workshop at Lauriston Castle
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near Edinburgh
Happy Halloween Disco / Karaoke
What to Expect:
A Halloween-themed karaoke and disco party with a chance to win prizes for best costumes.
Description:
Join us for a spooktacular night at Leith Dockers Club in Edinburgh The Happy Halloween Disco / Karaoke event promises an evening filled with your favorite Halloween tunes and karaoke classics. Come dressed in your best costume for a chance to win some fang-tastic prizes. It's going to be a boo-tiful night of music, laughter, and fun.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Happy Halloween Disco / Karaoke
Other Halloween Activities Near Edinburgh
Edinburgh Cocktail Week
What to Expect:
A dedicated No & Low Bar offering a variety of non-alcoholic cocktails.
Description:
Edinburgh Cocktail Week is a ten-day celebration of mixology, pop-ups, music, and events across Edinburgh. The festival features ÂŁ5 Signature Cocktails at 100 of the city's best bars, a bustling Cocktail Village with 24 pop-up bars, a new PIAFF Champagne Lounge, live music, and street food trucks. It also includes a dedicated No & Low Bar for non-alcoholic cocktails and various events like gin and whisky masterclasses.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Edinburgh Cocktail Week
Step back in History at The Real Mary King’s Close
What to Expect:
A one-hour guided tour through authentically preserved 17th-century streets, offering a unique glimpse into Edinburgh's hidden history.
Description:
Step back in time and explore the hidden history of Edinburgh at The Real Mary King’s Close. This unique attraction offers a glimpse into the city's 17th-century past, featuring authentic stories, preserved streets, and historical artifacts. Discover the lives of former residents and uncover the secrets of this once-bustling close.
Where: Edinburgh | More Info: Step back in History at The Real Mary King’s Close
Rioja Wine Fair at The Balmoral
What to Expect:
Guided wine sessions led by a renowned wine expert.
Description:
The Rioja Wine Fair at The Balmoral in Edinburgh offers an evening dedicated to exquisite wines from Spain's renowned Rioja region. Guests can indulge in a variety of globally inspired canapés expertly paired to highlight the versatility and richness of Rioja wines. The event features masterclasses led by wine writer Rose Murray Brown, providing a rare opportunity to explore diverse wine styles, from celebrated classics to bold, avant-garde creations.