How Is Halloween Celebrated in the Netherlands?
Halloween in the Netherlands is generally less about one nationwide tradition and more about finding your own way to celebrate.
Halloween Parties
For students and young adults, Halloween often means dressing up and going out.
If you're studying in the Netherlands, check:
Your university or hogeschool
ESN and international student associations
Local bars and clubs
Local cinemas and theatres
Your city's uitagenda (events calendar)
Local Facebook groups
Search for "Halloween 2026 + your city" closer to 31 October to see what's happening near you.
Haunted Houses and Horror Experiences
Halloween is also an opportunity for theme parks and local organizations to turn up the scare factor.
You'll find haunted houses, escape rooms, and scare experiences throughout October.
Always check the recommended age and scare level before buying a ticket.
Have a Horror Movie Night
Considering Dutch October weather, staying inside isn't such a bad Halloween plan.
Grab some snacks, invite your friends over, and have a horror movie marathon.
Want to make it more Dutch? Try adding a Dutch horror or thriller to your watchlist:
De Lift (1983)
Amsterdamned (1988)
De Poel (2014)
Sneekweek (2016)
Amsterdamned II (2025)
You can also check your local cinema. Some cinemas schedule horror classics, marathons or special screenings around Halloween.
Pumpkin Picking and Carving
Want something more autumnal than terrifying?
Search for a pompoenboerderij (pumpkin farm) or pluktuin (pick-your-own garden) near you.
Pick your favourite, take it home and organize a pumpkin-carving evening.
Just remember that not every pumpkin farm offers pick-your-own activities, so check before visiting.
Three Best Halloween Events in the Netherlands
Walibi Fright Nights
Halloween Fright Nights at Walibi Holland is one of the biggest Halloween events in the Netherlands. It is located in Biddinghuizen, the Netherlands.
In 2026, Fright Nights take place on these selected dates: 3, 4, 10, 11, 16 to 18, 22 to 25, 31 October, and 1 November from 10:00-23:00.
Expect scare actors, haunted houses, walkthroughs and scare zones throughout the amusement park. The first haunted house opens at 13:00 and a special show featuring the infamous Eddie the Clown takes place on 14:00 and 15:00 at the main stage.
Prefer something less terrifying? Walibi also organizes Halloween Spooky Days, aimed primarily at families with children aged 6 to 12. It takes place on 13, 15, 18, 20, and 21 October,
Popular dates can get busy, especially on the 31st, so booking in advance is recommended.
Toverland Halloween Nights
As night falls across Toverland's themed areas, a heavy fog rolls in and hundreds of vivid scare actors emerge from the shadows. Toverland is located in Sevenum, the Netherlands,
Halloween nights take place on these selected dates: 3, 10, 17 to 19, 21 to 25, 31 October, and 1 & 7 November from 10:00 until 23:00.
The evening officially kicks off with a high-energy, spine-chilling parade, signaling the takeover of the park. Walk through 6 free scare zones. Visitors who prefer a less intense encounter can carry a special Halloween Magic Wand to keep creeping monsters at a safe distance.
The Ghost Walk
While Amsterdam is famous for its picturesque canals and vibrant culture, it also hides a darker, more mysterious history. Step into the shadows with a local expert, to uncover the city’s most chilling haunted sites. Every ghostly tale told on this tour is 100% true, making it a fascinating history lesson, a thrilling adventure, and, above all, a deeply entertaining night out!
The tour takes 90 minutes and starts from Rokin 85-89. Check the official website's booking page to see the exact tour times.
Halloween vs. Sint Maarten: What's the Difference?
The Netherlands already has its own tradition involving children going door-to-door for sweets: Sint Maarten.
Sint Maarten is celebrated on 11 November. Children walk through their neighbourhood carrying colourful lanterns. They knock on doors and sing a Sint Maarten song. In return, they're given sweets, fruit or another small treat.
Sounds familiar, right?
But there are some important differences:
Halloween (31 October): costumes, scary decorations, parties, and horror events
Sint Maarten (11 November): lanterns, singing at people's doors, receiving sweets, mainly celebrated by children.
Sint Maarten isn't "Dutch Halloween." They're separate traditions with completely different origins.
However, Sint Maarten helps explain why door-to-door Halloween hasn't historically played such a big role in the Netherlands.
Celebrating Halloween on a Student Budget
You definitely don't need an expensive event ticket. Halloween can actually be one of the easiest celebrations to organize yourself.
You could:
Host a horror movie marathon
Have a pumpkin-carving competition
Organize a Halloween potluck
Have a DIY costume competition
Host a Halloween game night
Bake Halloween-themed snacks
Decorate your student house together
Practical Halloween Tips for Internationals
Buy popular tickets early: If you're planning to visit Walibi or another ticketed Halloween experience, don't wait until Halloween week.
Check Your Last Train Home: Going to a Halloween party in another city? Check your journey home before you go.
Prepare for Dutch Weather: Your amazing costume may need one additional accessory, a raincoat. Late October in the Netherlands can be cold, dark, windy and wet.
Check Costume Rules: Some clubs and events have restrictions on full-face masks, props and realistic-looking weapons.
Don't Forget Your Bike Lights: It gets dark early by late October, so make sure your front and rear bike lights work before cycling home to prevent unwanted fines.
