What to do on Halloween night in Paris?

Let’s be honest, we mostly just want to celebrate Halloween at night... but why? It comes directly from our Celtic ancestors, who celebrated "All Hallow’s Eve" much like we celebrate New Year’s Eve. Their year ended on this special night, when the veil between the world of the dead and the living is said to be at its thinnest.

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Whether you’re a believer or not, this ancient tradition is still very much alive today, as Halloween is a full-fledged holiday on our modern calendar. If you’re visiting Paris during this unique evening, we’ve whipped up a selection of things to do on Halloween night in Paris. There’s something for everyone!

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What to do on Halloween night with the family in Paris?

Halloween celebrations are for all ages, and little ones want to join in on the fun of this special evening too. As a parent, it can sometimes be hard to find kid-friendly activities for Halloween night. However, cities like Paris are organizing more and more events for both kids and adults.

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Among the great classics that never get old for kids is the famous trick-or-treating! Plus, this activity is a two-for-one that keeps your children occupied for quite a while. First, you’ll need to dress them up and/or apply their makeup, then define a route for the hunt... Don’t forget to teach them the magic words "Trick or Treat" to claim their sugary treasure.

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To keep the festivities going, another activity to do on Halloween night that will entertain the kids is carving a pumpkin lantern. This Halloween staple is always fun for the whole family, and everyone’s creations are a great excuse for a good laugh. Between toothless grins, wonky eyes, and geometric noses, you might start questioning your artistic talents. But don’t forget to explain the meaning of this tradition to your children. These lanterns aren't just decorations; they were originally made to honor souls lost during the year.

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To end the evening on a high note with your kids, you can pick one or two special recipes to make for the occasion. There are plenty of "trompe-l'œil" (optical illusion) recipes with a Halloween theme, and if there’s one night where it’s okay to mess up a recipe, it’s Halloween! It’s the only day of the year where gross-looking things are celebrated. Plus, many of these recipes are quick and easy to make, so you won’t lose the little ones' attention.

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Beyond the usual activities, for those who want to go all out, various places in and around Paris are hosting events. At Disney, an entire month is dedicated to Halloween. From October 1st to November 6th, the villains take center stage at Disneyland Paris. During the Halloween parties, meet iconic Disney villains throughout the park until 2 a.m. The Disney D-Light show also features these characters in a light show blending drones and spectacular illuminations.

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Finally, for tighter budgets, activities at the Paris Zoological Park or the Monster Hunt at Bercy Village will delight the whole family.

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What to do for Halloween as a couple in Paris?

Less romantic than Valentine’s Day, Halloween is still a great excuse for a little date night themed around fear for the brave at heart. We’ve selected a collection of horror movie events for you to get your adrenaline pumping, but mostly to snuggle up to each other for comfort.

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At the Grand Rex, the evening of October 31st is dedicated to horror movie screenings: it’s "Halloween Movies Night." No fewer than 14 films will be shown from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. You can catch classics like The Shining, The Exorcist, and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, as well as modern hits like The Conjuring or A Quiet Place.

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In a different vein, another activity to do as a couple for Halloween is the immersive experience offered by the Dream Factory. Discover or rediscover Terminator 2 in a way that’s unique in France. The Dream Factory doesn't just ask you to sit in a chair and watch the movie; it asks you to literally live it... Interact with the characters, observe them up close, and take part in the action... Don’t forget to book in advance!

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For the less daring, let’s change the theme a bit! There are other things to do in Paris on Halloween night for couples that don’t involve being scared to death. The River’s King is organizing a horror cruise on the Seine on the evening of October 31st. With a bar, food, and a party, choose the package that suits you best.

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Alternatively, Candlelight concerts are remixing their program for Halloween and offering a chance to rediscover "Haunted Compositions." On the program: Clair de Lune, Funeral March, and Danse Macabre—plenty of music to give you magical chills on October 30th at 7:30 p.m. by the candlelight of the Institut des Jeunes Aveugles.

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What to do for Halloween with friends in Paris?

And what about friends—what can you do for Halloween in Paris? With the Manoir de Paris absent this year (they’ll be back in 2023 to give you the chills), you’ll need to try other attractions. The Dark Dream - Le Purgatoire invites you to an immersive experience to conquer your fears... For an hour, wander through this 1,200-square-meter haunted house and rub shoulders with monsters and paranormal creatures to face your worst nightmares—not for the faint of heart.

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And why not party? Did you dream of becoming a fantastic creature or meeting one when you were younger? The Vampire Ball at Pachamama is the perfect chance to make your dream come true. On October 31st, the club transforms into a place with a demonic atmosphere, filled with costumed guests. There will be plenty of fun to be had across the venue’s 2,000 square meters, thanks to 4 DJs. The only rule: party until the end of the night.

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If you can, host a costume party at your place and gather all your friends! It’s a great chance to mix things up and see each other in eclectic outfits. To spice up the evening, give your guests a theme and see if they play along: epic photos guaranteed! To make an even bigger impression, your cocktails can take on... peculiar appearances.

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Don’t have a place to stay in Paris for Halloween yet, but want to try one of these activities? We still have a few accommodations available!

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