Halloween in Edinburgh: Spooky Season Fun
Autumn in Edinburgh is pure magic. Draped in gold and crimson, the already enchanting city comes alive at Halloween. As the crisp fall air nips at your cheeks, there’s an unmistakable shift in the atmosphere – the veil between this world and the next grows thin. Mist clings to the spires of the gothic architecture and a sense of mystery lingers in every shadow. Ghosts from the city’s haunted past lay waiting to be discovered. It’s like Edinburgh was made for Halloween.
As a lifelong Halloween fan, I love everything about this time of year: the witchcraft, sweet treats, pumpkins, and, of course, the costumes! So, what could be better than celebrating my favorite holiday in my favorite city? Edinburgh has all the thrills and chills you need for a fantastic Halloween. Check out these treats of activities and a few tricks to make the most of your spooky adventure.
Why is Edinburgh the Best Place to Visit During Halloween?
Edinburgh boasts a dark and bloody past making it an eerie Halloween destination. Here’s why Edinburgh is the perfect city for spooky season:
Twisted Past
The Grassmarkets in Edinburgh’s Old Town was the site of hundreds of public hangings for crimes, suspected witchcraft, and differing religious beliefs. The last hanging took place on the High Street in 1864. Today a memorial stone marks the place where the gallows once stood.
Gruesome Deaths
In the 1600s the plague ravaged Edinburgh, spreading like wildfire through its densely packed streets. Between the abundance of rats and the poor sanitary conditions, disease was rampant. Sadly, most who caught the plague met agonizing deaths. Some say their tormented souls still roam the city.
Mad Scientists and Murderers
Edinburgh was once a center for anatomical study and the development of surgery techniques. This practice required one thing: bodies. As the need for corpses for medical research grew, so did the increase of body snatchers in Edinburgh. William Burke and William Hare, two of Edinburgh’s most notorious murderers, figured out that selling freshly killed bodies was much easier and more profitable than digging up graves. Only the brave wandered alone at night with these two on the loose. Burke and Hare supplied at least 16 murdered corpses in 10 months before being caught.
So if you're ready for spookiness and a chance of paranormal activity, celebrate Halloween in Edinburgh!
Things To Do In Edinburgh For Halloween
Tour The Haunted Graveyards
What’s Halloween without a moonlit stroll through a graveyard? Edinburgh is home to some of the most haunted burial grounds in the world. Greyfriars Kirkyard, located off the Grassmarkets, is known for its ghost sightings. Some claim to have seen Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who guarded his master’s grave for 14 years, still doing his job in the afterlife. Others have reported far more sinister encounters. Want to test your bravery? Join a free ghost walking tour that includes a trip through the famous graveyard at night.
Visit Edinburgh Castle
Looming over the city, Edinburgh Castle is a popular tourist attraction year-round, but did you know it is also one of the most haunted spots in Scotland? The castle’s history is filled with bloodshed and betrayal, and today, it is said to be haunted by the ghosts of prisoners who met a terrible fate. Staff members and visitors have regularly reported paranormal activity that is sure to raise the hairs on the back of your neck.
Ride The Ghost Bus
Hop on the Ghost Bus for a comedic sightseeing tour of Edinburgh’s spookiest sites. Costumes are highly encouraged, so grab your friends and dress to impress. This quirky tour is filled with history, jokes, and plenty of ghoulish surprises along the way.
Discover The Secrets Of Mary King’s Close
Hidden beneath Edinburgh’s streets lies a secret world – parts of the city, frozen in time. The Real Mary King’s Close is an underground maze of streets and chambers that were once part of Edinburgh’s bustling center before being sealed off during the plague. The close, rumored to be haunted by several ghosts, is home to the lingering spirit of a little girl (as confirmed by a medium) who died during the Plague. Visitors often bring her toys to appease her, but there’s no telling what she might do if she doesn’t find her favorite lost doll soon…
Immerse Yourself In The World Of Harry Potter
Step into the wizarding world and visit the places that inspired key moments in the books. J.K Rowling wrote much of the series in Edinburgh. Potter fans can walk down Diagon Alley (Victoria Street), find Tom Riddle's tombstone, or grab a butterbeer at The Elephant House cafe.
Grab A Drink At A Haunted Pub
Edinburgh is full of pubs where you can sip on a pint and enjoy the Halloween spirit. The Last Drop, located in the Grassmarkets, gets its name from the final hanging that took place just outside the pub. For an even spookier experience, visit the Banshee Labyrinth, known for its resident banshee who is said to scream as a warning of impending death. Or, if you’re ready for a party, Frankenstein’s Bar hosts epic themed nights that are popular with students around Halloween.
Halloween Shows & Events
Edinburgh is a city that loves to celebrate the arts, so it’s no surprise that Halloween is packed with events and performances by local artists. From themed dance shows to spooky theater productions, there’s a lot going on at this time of year. Also, keep an eye out for movie marathons, decorations at the zoo, and local farms offering pumpkin patches if you’re after more lighthearted fall fun.
Join The Samhuinn Fire Festival
This ancient Celtic festival marks the end of summer and celebrates the upcoming rise of winter. This parade is complete with vibrant costumes, drumming, and lots of fire! It’s a mesmerizing event that taps into Scotland’s deep-rooted traditions.
Take A Fall Stoop Stroll
If you’re more into the cozy side of autumn than the creepy, take a peaceful walk around Edinburgh’s charming streets during the day. You’ll find stoops decked out with pumpkins, fairy lights, and harvest decorations. It’s a great way to enjoy the season without the jump scares.
Tips For A Halloween Visit To Edinburgh
Book Early: Whether it’s a Halloween tour or a pumpkin-themed event, tickets sell out fast in Edinburgh around Halloween. Plan ahead so you don’t miss out!
Capture the Magic: Take an early morning walk to capture the city in the mystical morning mist. With few people around, you’ll have Edinburgh’s chilling beauty all to yourself.
Dress Warmly: Whether looking for ghosts in a graveyard or welcoming winter around a firepit, Edinburgh in October can be cold. Bundle up to fully enjoy all the activities.
Embrace the Scary: This is the time to channel your inner witch, vampire, or monster. When brainstorming costume ideas, think scary, not cutesy. You won’t see many cheerleaders or superheroes walking around Edinburgh on Halloween.
Halloween in Edinburgh is an experience that taps into the city’s haunted past and magical present. So throw on your costume, queue up your favorite Halloween playlist, and make this the best spooky season yet!
