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Shop Halloween Deals →Halloween Brussels 2025 is already shaping up to be a night to remember. The city will come alive on October 31, 2025, with its traditional Saint-Gilles Halloween Parade, immersive installations, concerts, spooky trails, and more throughout the city.
I’m writing this as a fellow spook seeker, so expect the inside scoop where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of the evening.
Brussels Halloween 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, October 31, 2025 |
| Parade Start Time | 18:00 local time |
| Parade Focus / Location | Saint-Gilles, starting Place Morichar |
| Main Party | “From Athens to Brussels with Love” at Recyclart (22:00 – 05:00) |
| Other Activities | Dia de los Muertos in Marolles, haunted attractions at Tour & Taxis, cemetery walks etc. |
| Entry / Cost | Parade and many public events are free (party is ticketed) |
| Best Spots | Place Morichar, Rue Américaine, along the parade route in Saint-Gilles |
Background & Origins of Brussels’ Halloween Night
Brussels didn’t always go all in on Halloween. The city’s embrace of October 31 as a festive night is relatively recent, blending global Halloween culture with local traditions. The Saint-Gilles parade is organized in collaboration with Musée d’Art Fantastique and local cultural groups.
Over the years, the event gradually expanded: fireworks were added, street shows became more elaborate, and complementary events such as Dia de los Muertos in Marolles and haunted exhibitions at Tour & Taxis joined the lineup.
Brussels’ Halloween vibe now mixes theatrical performance, music, family fun, and a touch of the eerie but always publicly accessible.
Date, Time & Location Details
Parade Start & Route
The Saint-Gilles Halloween Parade is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. (18:00) from Place Louis-Morichar in Saint-Gilles.
Expect the procession to wind through local streets in Saint-Gilles, featuring performances along the way. As of now, a full published route map wasn’t available in sources I found.
The parade typically features a fireworks show around 19:00 at Place Morichar to punctuate the opening.
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- Marolles district will host Dia de los Muertos from October 27 to November 1. Parades, workshops, altars and concerts will animate the area.
- Tour & Taxis is transformed into a Halloween venue from October 17 to November 2, with haunted houses, rides, workshops and decoration.
- Autoworld Museum (vintage cars) hosts its own Halloween Night event on October 30.
- Roodebeek Park in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert features a haunted walk on October 31 from ~16:30 to 21:00.
- Schaerbeek Greenhouses host a haunted “village” event on October 25 (multiple slots).
These side locations extend the Halloween spirit beyond the main parade.
How to Join / Participate
If you’re thinking of joining the parade, here’s what I discovered so far:
- No formal registration is typically required for parade watchers; just show up in costume.
- If you want to march in the parade (performer, band, group), contact Musée d’Art Fantastique / Saint-Gilles cultural office ahead of time.
- Costume rules: dress-up is encouraged with theatrical flair masks, props, makeup; keep it safe (no real weapons).
- Volunteer roles (ushering, crowd control) may open via local cultural agencies closer to October.
- Children and families are welcome; the parade route is fairly compact, so it’s manageable even for younger attendees.
I didn’t find a public “join the parade” registration link yet these often publish several weeks before the event on Brussels’ city or Saint-Gilles district sites.
Best Viewing Tips & Top Spots in Brussels for Halloween 2025
If you’re planning to watch the parade instead of marching, positioning yourself early is key. The best place to start is Place Louis-Morichar in Saint-Gilles, where the procession kicks off at 18:00. Arrive by 17:30 to secure a good spot.
From there, you can follow the crowd along Rue de la Victoire and Rue Théodore Verhaegen, both lined with cafes that let you grab a warm drink while still seeing every float. Locals say Rue de Parme offers the perfect middle ground less crowded, great photo angles, and close to the fireworks.
For families, the Park Pierre Paulus area provides calmer space and room for strollers. Accessibility ramps near Place Van Meenen make it easier for wheelchairs, and the police usually close side streets to ensure pedestrian safety.
Costume Themes and Style Ideas for Brussels 2025
Brussels loves theatrical Halloween looks. While there’s no fixed “official theme” for 2025 yet, the Saint-Gilles parade is known for fantasy and folklore. Locals blend Belgian comic characters, Gothic street art, and classic horror aesthetics.
You’ll see Dracula capes next to steampunk fairies and light-up ghost wings. In recent years, the “Dia de los Muertos” makeup style became a favorite thanks to the Marolles festival overlap.
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- Add bright LED elements Brussels evenings get dark early.
- Keep costumes warm: October nights can dip below 10 °C.
- Avoid metallic props: Security often restricts metal or realistic weapon imitations.
For those joining the late-night Recyclart party, expect glitter, glow paint, and edgy urban streetwear inspired by Brussels’ techno scene. I personally love seeing the contrast between family costumes at the parade and the art-school crowd at midnight.
Entertainment & Highlights Across the City
The Saint-Gilles parade is just the beginning. Throughout October 31, Brussels turns into a giant haunted theater. Here’s what stands out this year:
- Fire and Light Show at Place Morichar around 19:00 expect pyrotechnics and a street band performance.
- Haunted Tunnels at Tour & Taxis an immersive walkthrough with fog machines and live actors (open Oct 17 – Nov 2).
- Dia de los Muertos Festival in Marolles cultural performances and altar installations (Oct 27 – Nov 1).
- Recyclart Halloween Party (22:00 – 05:00) techno, costume contest, and art projection show.
| Event | Location | Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Gilles Parade | Place Morichar | 18:00 – 20:00 | Family & street show |
| Fireworks Display | Place Morichar | 19:00 | Spectacle |
| Dia de los Muertos | Marolles | 27 Oct – 1 Nov | Cultural festival |
| Haunted Experience | Tour & Taxis | 17 Oct – 2 Nov | Attraction |
| After Party | Recyclart | 31 Oct, 22:00–05:00 | Nightlife |
Travel & Accommodation Tips for Visitors
Brussels is a compact city, so getting around on Halloween night is easy with public transport though you should expect crowds.
Nearest Airport: Brussels Airport (Zaventem), around 30 minutes by train to Brussels Midi.
Train Connections: Brussels Midi Station (South) is closest to Saint-Gilles parade starting point.
Metro Stations: Hotel des Monnaies (Metro 2 or 6) and Parvis de Saint-Gilles (Metro 3 or 4).
If you plan to stay overnight, here are recommended hotels near the route:
- Jam Hotel Brussels (1 km from Place Morichar – rooftop bar).
- Hotel Made in Louise (charming and quiet, 10 minutes walk).
- Pullman Brussels Midi – for those arriving by train.
Parking around Saint-Gilles is limited during the parade. Use the Porte de Hal Parking Garage or leave the car at Tour & Taxis and take the tram (Line 81).
Public transport usually runs until 2 a.m., and special night buses (Night Lines N11 & N12) serve the Saint-Gilles area after midnight. That’s perfect if you plan to stay late for the Recyclart party and don’t want to hunt for a taxi.
Food, Drinks & Local Experiences
What’s Halloween without a good bite to eat after the parade? Saint-Gilles and Marolles are brimming with options.
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- Café La Pommeraie – serves pumpkin soup and mulled wine for the occasion.
- Brasserie Verschueren – retro Brussels bar near Place Van Meenen.
- Chez Maman Drag Show Cabaret – hosts a special Halloween evening with costume performances.
If you prefer something family-friendly, visit the food market at Place du Châtelain, where vendors offer Halloween-themed pastries and Belgian chocolates shaped like pumpkins.
Many bars around Recyclart and Sainte-Catherine run happy-hour deals for anyone wearing a costume. That’s one way to earn a free beer for your creativity literally cheers to that.
Safety & Rules for Halloween Night in Brussels
Brussels is safe during Halloween but crowds can be dense around Place Morichar and Marolles. Police patrols and volunteers are stationed throughout the route.
Key Safety Guidelines:
- Bags may be checked at entrances of major venues.
- Glass bottles and metal props are not allowed.
- Fire performers are licensed don’t imitate their tricks.
- Families with kids should carry a flashlight and agree on a meeting point in case of crowd separation.
Emergency numbers are posted near metro stations and temporary medical tents at Place Morichar and Tour & Taxis. The city also provides free drinking water stations near major venues handy if you’re dancing all night in a mask.
Photo & Social Media Tips
Halloween Brussels is a photographer’s dream. The lighting shifts from warm street lamps to neon stage lights, so bring a phone or camera with good night mode.
Best times for photos: 18:00–19:30 during the parade start, and after 20:00 when crowds spread out into side streets. Hashtags to use: #HalloweenBrussels, #SaintGillesParade, #SpoooklyEvents, and #VisitBrussels.
Tripods and professional rigs require permits inside some venues like Tour & Taxis, but street photography is free and encouraged. Locals love posing with visitors a smile and “Happy Halloween” in French (Joyeux Halloween !) go a long way.
Conclusion
Halloween Brussels 2025 brings together everything people love about the season parades, costumes, and collective fun without the overwhelming crowds of mega-festivals. It’s quirky, creative, and proudly Belgian.
If you’ve been searching for a European Halloween experience that feels both authentic and adventurous, this is it. Book your stay, prep your outfit, and get ready to celebrate in the streets of Brussels with thousands of fellow night owls.
FAQs
Halloween in Brussels will take place on Friday, October 31, 2025, with events running from mid-October through early November. The main Saint-Gilles Halloween Parade begins at 6:00 p.m. at Place Louis-Morichar.
Yes, the parade is completely free for spectators. Only some after-parties or indoor attractions, like the Recyclart Halloween Night, may require tickets.
The parade starts at Place Louis-Morichar, winds through the streets of Saint-Gilles, and loops back near Rue de Parme and Place Van Meenen. Fireworks at Place Morichar mark the highlight of the event.
Yes, residents and visitors are encouraged to dress up and join along the sidewalks. Those who want to perform, march, or volunteer can contact the Saint-Gilles cultural office or Musée d’Art Fantastique for participation details.
Arrive around 5:00–5:30 p.m. if you want a front-row viewing spot. Families and photographers tend to gather early near Place Morichar and Rue de la Victoire.
Besides the parade, there are multiple Halloween experiences:
Tour & Taxis Haunted Village (Oct 17 – Nov 2)
Dia de los Muertos Festival, Marolles (Oct 27 – Nov 1)
Haunted Walk at Roodebeek Park (Oct 31, 16:30–21:00)
Autoworld Halloween Night (Oct 30)
Recyclart Afterparty (Oct 31, 22:00–05:00)
Absolutely. The early part of the evening is designed for families and children, especially near parks and community zones. The late-night events (like Recyclart) are better suited for adults.
Parking is limited around Saint-Gilles. Use Porte de Hal or Midi Station parking lots. Public transport (metro, tram, and bus) runs until 2:00 a.m., and night buses N11 and N12 cover Saint-Gilles after midnight.
Go bold but warm. Costumes inspired by folklore, steampunk, or gothic fashion dominate. Since it’s chilly, add layers or thermals under your outfit.
Open drinks are generally discouraged along the main parade route. However, bars and beer tents around Saint-Gilles and Marolles serve alcohol within designated areas.