Halloween Events in London

Started as a Celtic festival known as Samhain, Halloween was originally about lighting bonfires and donning scary costumes to keep away roaming ghosts and demons. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III declared November 1 to be a time where all saints and martyrs would be honoured and remembered, and it was known as All Saints Day. It incorporated some of the Samhain traditions, and the evening before was called All Hallows Eve. Later, the day after became known as Halloween, and over time it became a community based celebration.

If you have been to every Halloween celebration in your town in the past, it’s time to head over to the big smoke to give you a bit of a fright. London likes to give Halloween an edgy twist with a fleet of spookily interesting events to tickle your fancy. From extravagant costumes to terrifying night tours, there’s an experience designed for every age range in the city. We have cobbled together some of our favourite picks below.

‘Stranger Things’ Halloween Party. In style of one of the greatest television shows this year, this Halloween party is sure to be like no other. It takes place in a den decked with Christmas lights with some fantastic themed cocktails. If you are quick to snap a ticket online before the event, entry is only £5.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens Fire Festival. With roots in ancient Greece, this fire festival is sure to astound and amaze all those who go to visit. The evening consists of a fireworks display, fire performers, and a spectacular fire magic show.

Fear in the Dark. For the over 18’s who are looking for a scare, this walk in the dark is sure to give you a fright. It starts with an evening of storytelling in the graveyard, with tales inspired by authors like HP Lovecraft and Edgar Allen Poe. The crowd then follows the host as he tells tales through twisted woodland and total darkness.

Discovery Day: Hair-Raising Halloween. Catered for the little ones, kids can explore a variety of haunted locations, such as the witches den at this event, and make their way across a nature trail. They can even make fun potions using herbs from the garden, and a take home a bat box with them!

Pillows and Paintbrushes. For kids ages 7-13, the Dulwich Picture Gallery is having its very first sleep over. There will be the chance to get involved in some exciting printing workshops, dress up in your spookiest costume, and visit a sorceress in the gallery’s haunted mansion.

Why not stay over at the Rembrandt while you visit London for Halloween? The hotel’s central location means you will only ever be walking distance away from local tourist attractions, boutique shopping, theatres and Hyde Park. As a guest of the hotel, you can get live London Underground updates, google maps and a London City Guide via a complimentary Handy smartphone, to help you plan your stay. Check availability in one of our luxurious 194 rooms and suites or call us on 020 3740 7145 to find out more.