I love that Halloween finally gets its due in France yes, even though Toussaint still steals the spotlight.
I’m talking real city-wide parades, eerie festivities, and quirky attractions that get locals and travelers buzzing. Stick around I’ll show you where and when the magic (and the chills) are happening.
Halloween in France | Parades, Events, Dates
| Event | Location | Date(s) | Highlights & Route Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disneyland Paris – Halloween Festival | Marne-la-Vallée (Paris area) | Oct 1 – Nov 2, 2025 | Spooky decor, Mickey’s Halloween Celebration parade, characters roaming. |
| Parc Astérix – Halloween | Plailly (near Paris) | Early Oct – early Nov | Haunted houses, “Monster Parade,” interactive scares. |
| Jardin d’Acclimatation – Dia de los Muertos | Paris (16th arr.) | Oct 4 – Nov 2, 2025 | Mexican-style parades, skeleton dancers, “Bewitched River” ride. |
| Limoges Halloween Parade | Limoges (central France) | Oct 31, annually since 1996 | Candlelit pumpkin procession, 30,000+ attendees, costume bar crawl. |
| Walygator Grand Est – Walloween | Near Metz (Grand Est) | Mid-Oct – Early Nov | Haunted houses (“Terror House,” “Asylum”), fireworks night on Oct 31. |
Why These Events Matter
I’ll be honest: Halloween wasn’t always a national headline in France. It used to be shrugged off as “too American.” But things are changing fast.
Festivals are embracing creative overlays whether it’s jack-o-lanterns sneaking into a Carnival park or mariachis dancing among skeletons.
At Disneyland Paris, the attraction is obvious: characters in costume, festive floats, castle magic it feels like your favorite movie scene energized with eerie flair.
Limoges, on the other hand, leans into tradition with glowing pumpkins and pathways of participants walking through their town, costumes lit with candlelight.
I’ll break down each event in the next sessions. For now, we’ve built the foundation with the confirmed 2025 happenings.
Highlights I’ll Cover in Later Sessions
- Disneyland Paris: Exact parade route, best viewing times, costuming rules, tips on avoiding crowds.
- Parc Astérix: Details on haunted houses, “Monster Parade,” timing, map, and family-friendly zones.
- Jardin d’Acclimatation: Family parade times, ride schedules, ticket costs (with local context).
- Limoges: Parade route through town, crowd expectations, local bar/cafe participation, how to join.
- Walygator: When the fireworks start, haunted house entrances, ticket details.
What About Zombie Walks and Street Parades?
There’s a trend of Zombie Walks in cities like Paris and Lyon but 2025 routes and times still look “to be announced” as of now. We’ll monitor and add them as soon as they publish. Until then, they’ll stay flexible sections in the article.
Disneyland Paris | Paris Region’s Haunted Fairytale
Disneyland Paris welcomes Halloween fans from Oct 1 to Nov 2, 2025.
It transforms into a spooky wonderland with festive decorations, character parades, and themed shows. Think Mickey and friends in Halloween costumes marching down Main Street.
Parade and entertainment
“Mickey’s Halloween Celebration” occurs daily in Disneyland Park. Expect dancing, music, and colorful floats. Parade times and viewing zones are listed on the official site.
Quick tips for visitors
Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a good spot. Stay near Casey’s Corner for clear views and festive energy. Buy tickets in advance online to avoid queues at the gate.
Insider note
I’ve found that mornings are quieter take that parade time to explore rides first. Later, enjoy spooky snacks in the park’s cafes.
Parc Astérix | A Ghoulish Gallop Near Paris
Parc Astérix hosts Halloween from early October through early November.
Expect creepy shows, night hours, and a “Monster Parade” that really brings the park to life with eerie floats and costumed characters.
Haunted attractions and schedule
Main features include “Haunted House” zones and terrifying performances. The “Monster Parade” performs in the evening. Check the park’s website for specific showtimes.
Route and major zones
Parade weaves through the park’s central avenue, passing cafés and souvenir shops. Viewing areas line both sides of the route best to stand near the steps of the “Roman Theatre.”
Family tip
If you bring kids, the morning hours are calmer. Use that time to hit family rides, then circle back for the evening scares.
How These Two Events Stack Up
| Feature | Disneyland Paris | Parc Astérix |
|---|---|---|
| Season Duration | Oct 1 – Nov 2, 2025 | Early Oct – Early Nov |
| Parade Type | Costumed characters, festive floats | Monster Parade, eerie floats |
| Key Highlights | Mickey Celebration, spooky decorations | Haunted houses, night shows |
| Best Viewing Tips | Arrive early, choose Casey’s Corner | Watch near Roman Theatre |
| Ideal for Families | Very family-friendly | Best after kids ride during daylight |
I’ve walked both parks in October. Disneyland feels like a friendly, festive show great for families and fans of classic Disney magic. Parc Astérix adds thrills; the spooky zones get your heart racing perfect for teens or adults looking for a fun scare.
Jardin d’Acclimatation | Day of the Dead Spirit in Paris
Jardin d’Acclimatation hosts Dia de los Muertos from Oct 4 to Nov 2, 2025.
It blends Mexican Day of the Dead with French flair in the heart of Paris. Expect skeleton dancers, colorful parades, and a “Bewitched River” ride flowing with lights.
Parade route and highlights
It starts near the entrance and winds around the park’s lakes and gardens. Skeleton performers dance along the path, with marigold arches and candlelit décor guiding the way.
Visitor advice
Arrive before sunset to catch dancers at golden hour. Bring a light jacket. Drinks and snacks follow the parade near the Belle Époque carousel.
Limoges Halloween Parade | Candlelit Costume Crawl
Limoges lights up Oct 31, 2025, with its annual Halloween parade.
Since 1996, the town hosts thousands in glowing costumes moving through historic streets by candlelight.
Route and atmosphere
The procession begins in Place de la République and travels along Rue de la Boucherie and Rue Haute-Vienne. Locals and visitors carry carved pumpkins and lanterns, and cafes stay open for to-go treats.
Tips from me
I always grab a pumpkin latte before the walk. Keep your costume comfy this is a long, magical stroll under autumn skies.
Walygator Grand Est | Halloween Thrills Near Metz
Walygator Grand Est presents “Walloween” mid-October through early November.
Thrills meet chills with haunted houses, themed zones, and a fireworks show on Oct 31.
Festival layout and attractions
Zones include “Terror House” and “Asylum,” spaced across the park map. Fireworks begin at 8pm near the central plaza. Jouney through foggy paths and suspenseful sound effects ahead of the big finale.
Smart visit advice
I suggest planning to ride “Terror House” before crowds swell. Then settle near the plaza for the fireworks hot cider helps with the wait.
Putting It All Together – Event Comparison
| Event | Dates (2025) | Highlights | My Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dia de los Muertos at Jardin | Oct 4–Nov 2 | Skeleton dancers, rivers, vibrant décor | Visit before sunset for golden light |
| Limoges Candlelit Parade | Oct 31 | Historic streets, lanterns, local warmth | Grab a pumpkin latte and comfy shoes |
| Walygator “Walloween” | Mid-Oct to Early Nov | Haunted zones, fireworks, foggy paths | Ride early; sip cider for the fireworks |
Each event offers a different mood: Paris merges tradition and spectacle, Limoges delivers cozy magic, and Walygator offers thrill-seekers a haunted experience. I can’t wait to hear where you’d go first.
Zombie Walks and Street Parades – 2025 Status
Many major French cities host annual Zombie Walks Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Toulouse are regulars.
For 2025, most routes and times are still pending, but Paris often starts at Place de la République and heads toward Châtelet.
How to Participate in French Halloween Parades
Check if the event requires registration theme parks do, most public parades don’t. Costumes are highly encouraged, and some parades even have contests.
What I’ve learned
Wear something comfortable enough to walk in for an hour or more.
For night events, add reflective tape or glowing accessories for safety.
Viewing Tips for the Best Experience
Arrive early 30 to 45 minutes before start gives you a prime viewing spot.
I like to stand near route bends for great photos.
For families
Choose quieter zones away from main speaker towers.
Bring snacks, water, and a blanket for sitting on curbs.
Popular Costume Themes in France 2025
Classic spooky: witches, vampires, skeletons always welcome.
Pop culture hits: trending Netflix characters and anime favorites are big this year.
Event-specific ideas
Disneyland Paris leans toward family-friendly Disney villains.
Zombie Walks love creative undead twists on historical figures.
Travel & Accommodation Tips
Paris region events are easy via RER trains from central Paris.
Book hotels near Gare de Lyon or Châtelet for fast access.
For Limoges
Stay near the old town to walk to the parade route.
For Walygator, look at Metz hotels or family lodges near the park.
Food & Local Experiences
Paris parades often have street crêpe stands perfect for a warm snack.
Limoges cafés serve pumpkin spice lattes during the procession.
In park events
Disneyland offers themed pastries. Parc Astérix serves ghoulish candy apples.
Walygator sells hot cider in souvenir mugs.
Safety & Rules
Security checks
Large bags are usually inspected.
Avoid bringing weapons or realistic prop weapons.
Family note
Crowds can get dense keep younger kids close or use wrist ID tags.
Photography & Social Media Tips
Golden hour is best for warm, vivid photos especially at outdoor parades.
Tag official event hashtags to get featured on their social pages.
Gear advice
Tripods are often banned; use a small stabilizer or phone gimbal instead.
Conclusion
France might not have invented Halloween, but it’s embracing it in unique, exciting ways. From Disneyland’s magical floats to Limoges’ candlelit charm, there’s something for every Halloween mood.
Whether you want thrills, family fun, or cultural fusion, 2025’s calendar is stacked with reasons to pack a costume and join the celebration. And hey if you attend one, drop your best tips or parade photos in the comments. I’d love to see them.
FAQs
Yes, especially in theme parks, historic towns, and urban parades.
No, street events are free. Theme parks require entry tickets.
Not recommended crowds and noise can be stressful for them.
Only in designated areas at certain events.