Halloween in Germany: Traditions, Costumes, Trick-or-Treating & What to Expect
Halloween has become increasingly popular in Germany. Every year on October 31, children dress up as witches, ghosts, vampires and monsters, while adults enjoy Halloween parties, themed events and spooky decorations.
But what is Halloween like in Germany? Do children really go trick-or-treating? What costumes are popular? And is Halloween a public holiday?
Here is what you should know if you are spending Halloween in Germany.
When Is Halloween in Germany?
Halloween is celebrated every year on October 31.
Halloween itself is not a German public holiday. However, October 31 is also Reformation Day (Reformationstag), which is a public holiday in several German states, including Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. In 2026, Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31.
Is Halloween Popular in Germany?
Yes. Halloween has become a familiar part of autumn in Germany, particularly among children, teenagers and young adults.
You can find Halloween decorations in supermarkets and shops, pumpkins in gardens and front yards, themed sweets and costumes, as well as Halloween parties and special events. The celebration is modern rather than a traditional German holiday, but it has become an established part of the autumn calendar.
What Do People Do on Halloween in Germany?
There is no single German way to celebrate Halloween. Some families decorate their homes and carve pumpkins. Children may dress up and visit houses in their neighborhood. Teenagers and adults often attend Halloween parties or organize their own celebrations.
- dressing up in costumes
- carving pumpkins
- decorating homes and gardens
- going trick-or-treating
- eating Halloween sweets
- watching horror movies
- attending Halloween parties
- visiting Halloween attractions and events
Do Children Go Trick-or-Treating in Germany?
Yes, in many parts of Germany children go from house to house on Halloween.
Instead of the traditional English phrase “Trick or Treat”, German children commonly say “Süßes oder Saures!” It is the German equivalent of asking for sweets or threatening a small prank.
Not every neighborhood participates, however. Halloween traditions can vary considerably from one area to another. If you are expecting children to come to your door, having a supply of sweets is a good idea.
What Costumes Are Popular in Germany?
Halloween costumes in Germany are usually inspired by classic horror characters and spooky creatures.
- witches
- vampires
- ghosts
- zombies
- skeletons
- devils
- monsters
- creepy clowns
- horror movie characters
Children often choose costumes that are scary but fun, while adults may go much further with makeup, special effects and elaborate party costumes.
Halloween Pumpkin Traditions
Pumpkins are one of the most recognizable symbols of Halloween. In Germany, you will see carved pumpkins outside houses, in gardens, on balconies and at autumn events.
The familiar pumpkin lantern is connected to Irish Halloween traditions. The modern pumpkin tradition became especially associated with Halloween after it developed in North America.
Halloween Parties in Germany
Halloween parties are particularly popular with teenagers and adults. Bars, clubs, amusement parks and other venues may organize special Halloween nights featuring costume contests, horror decorations, themed music, special food and drinks, and haunted attractions.
Large German cities usually offer the widest choice of Halloween events. Hamburg is no exception, with seasonal parties and activities around October 31.
Halloween for Families and Children
Halloween can be a fun family event, especially for younger children.
- Choose a costume.
- Decorate the house.
- Carve a pumpkin.
- Prepare sweets.
- Go trick-or-treating around the neighborhood.
- Watch a family-friendly Halloween movie.
If you are celebrating Halloween in Germany for the first time, remember that participation in trick-or-treating is not universal. Some neighbors love Halloween, while others simply do not participate.
What Sweets Are Popular on Halloween?
There is no single traditional German Halloween candy. Children usually receive familiar sweets such as chocolate, gummy candy, lollipops and small packaged snacks. German supermarkets often sell special Halloween-themed sweets in October.
Is Halloween a German Tradition?
Not originally. The modern Halloween celebration developed from older traditions associated with Ireland and later became especially popular in North America. The name Halloween comes from “All Hallows' Eve”, meaning the evening before All Saints' Day.
The modern version of Halloween has gradually become popular in Germany as well, particularly through costumes, parties, sweets and seasonal decorations.
Halloween and Reformation Day
One unusual thing about Halloween in Germany is its connection with Reformation Day. Both are observed on October 31.
Reformation Day commemorates the Protestant Reformation and is a public holiday in several German states. Halloween, meanwhile, is a modern popular celebration centered around costumes, pumpkins and parties.
For visitors, it is worth checking local opening hours because public-holiday rules can affect shops, museums and other businesses.
Halloween in Hamburg
Hamburg is a particularly interesting city to experience Halloween. The city combines a large urban population with nightlife, cultural events and family activities. Around Halloween, you can find themed parties and other seasonal events.
October 31 is also a public holiday in Hamburg because of Reformation Day. If you are visiting Hamburg at the end of October, Halloween can easily become part of a larger autumn weekend in the city.
What Should You Wear for Halloween in Germany?
There is no official dress code. For a Halloween party, the classic choice is a costume with a spooky theme. For children, comfortable costumes are usually the most practical option because they may spend a lot of time walking outdoors.
If you are not looking for a complete costume, you can also create a Halloween outfit with a themed T-shirt or sweatshirt. Sometimes a simple design works better than an elaborate costume, especially if you want something you can wear beyond Halloween.
Halloween T-Shirts, Gifts and Accessories
Halloween-themed clothing, wall art and small gifts can be an easy way to add a spooky touch without wearing a full costume.
For example, the Gothic Witch T-Shirt features a dramatic witch portrait and works as a Halloween-inspired outfit as well as everyday alternative fashion.
If you prefer a warmer Halloween layer, the Gothic Witch Hoodie – Moon Halloween Pullover features a witch, full moon, black cat, bats and autumn leaves in a dark gothic style.
If you want to bring the same gothic Halloween atmosphere into your home, the Gothic Witch Poster with Black Cat and Bats combines a moonlit witch, black cat, bats and autumn foliage in a dark vintage-inspired wall art design.
For a smaller Halloween gift, the Spooky Window Handprints Mug has a moody, spooky design that fits the autumn atmosphere. Another option is the Athos with Guitar Mug, a dark gothic-style mug with a dramatic rock-musketier scene.
You do not need a complete costume to enjoy Halloween. A themed shirt, hoodie, poster, mug or small accessory can be a simple way to bring the Halloween atmosphere into everyday life.
Is Halloween Worth Experiencing in Germany?
Definitely — especially if you enjoy costumes, autumn atmosphere, pumpkins and themed events.
Halloween in Germany is different from Halloween in the United States, and it is not celebrated equally everywhere. But in many cities and neighborhoods, October 31 has become a recognizable part of the autumn calendar.
For families, the combination of costumes, pumpkin carving and sweets can make Halloween an easy tradition to start. For adults, Halloween parties and themed events offer a completely different experience.
And for travelers, Halloween can be an interesting way to see a more playful side of German culture.
Final Thoughts
Halloween in Germany is a modern celebration with international roots that has found its own place in German life.
You may see children shouting “Süßes oder Saures!”, pumpkins glowing outside houses, people dressed as monsters and witches, and adults heading to Halloween parties.
At the same time, October 31 has another important meaning in Germany because it is also Reformation Day in several states.
So if you are in Germany in late October, do not be surprised to see Halloween everywhere — but do not expect every neighborhood or family to celebrate it in exactly the same way.
Whether you are visiting Germany, living here, or simply curious about German traditions, Halloween is an interesting time to experience the country in a completely different atmosphere.
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