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Things to Do in Edinburgh This Halloween

5th Sep 2024

Halloween in Edinburgh, Scotland is a special time and there’s something for everyone!  

Whether you’re looking for spooky things to do in Edinburgh this season or on the hunt for the best Edinburgh ghost tour, we’ve got you covered. These are our favourite Halloween events Edinburgh has to offer. 

 

1. Halloween Ghost Tour 

An Edinburgh ghost tour is a must-do at the spookiest time of year! Tradition has it that Samhuinn, or Halloween, is the time when the veil between this world and the next is lifted. It's when the spirits of the dead rise and visit the living.

Descend into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults, part of the Edinburgh South Bridge Vaults, or venture into one of the city’s graveyards. 

Various dates, 25 October – 2 November: Learn more here 

A Mercat Storyteller leading an Edinburgh underground tour in a small room of the Blair Street Underground Vaults.

 

2. Edinburgh Castle Halloween 

Discover the ghosts of Edinburgh Castle and explore the city’s darker tales. The castle’s Halloween events include an activity trail for young visitors, dress-up opportunities and the chance to meet apothecary James Buchanan.  

Various dates, 12–31 October: Learn more here

Edinburgh Castle at autumn ready for Edinburgh Halloween events.

 

3. Fireside Stories: Local Lore 

Step into the historic Abbey Strand building and pull up a seat to hear professional storyteller Fiona Herbert share Edinburgh’s many tales: from local lore and myths to magic to mayhem. 

Friday, 25 October: Learn more here 

The corner of Abbey Strand, host for the Halloween Edinburgh event, fireside storytelling.

 

4. Murder on the Mile 

The historic Gladstone’s Land is hosting an interactive and immersive tour of the 16th-century tenement house. You’ll have the chance to help Thomas Gladstone solve a mystery, and hopefully everyone will make it out alive... 

The best part? Costumes are encouraged! 

25-26 October: Learn more here 

The front sign of Gladstones Land topped by a golden bird of prey, ready to welcome Halloween Edinburgh interactive tours.

 

5. Crochet Autumn 

Looking for something a little cosier? How about an autumnal crochet workshop! 

This workshop at Lauriston Castle is perfect for intermediate crocheters. Choose to make a pumpkin, acorn, mushroom or leaves to make a garland or add to an autumn wreath! 

12 October: Learn more here 

A small orange crocheted pumpkin on a green background.

 

With so much on, you’ll never run out of the Halloween events Edinburgh has to offer! What will you try this season? An Edinburgh underground tour, an evening of fireside storytelling, a cosy craft afternoon? 

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