Halloween in Liverpool 2025 is shaping up to be one of the city’s most exciting celebrations yet. Every October, the streets fill with glowing lanterns, spooky costumes, and plenty of live entertainment.
This year, Liverpool is ready with new parades, haunted attractions, and family activities across the city. Whether you’re a fan of eerie tales, street performances, or fancy dress contests, there’s something for everyone.
Halloween Events Liverpool 2025 Details
| Event Name | Date & Time | Location / Route | Duration | Entry Fee | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool Halloween Carnival | Friday, 31 October 2025, 6:00 PM | Bold Street to Liverpool ONE | 2 hours | Free | Drumming, fire shows, costumes, live music |
| Liverpool ONE Halloween Party | Sunday, 26 October 2025, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Chavasse Park, Liverpool ONE | 6 hours | Free | Fancy dress, silent disco, zombie dance, kids activities |
| Citywide Halloween Week | 27 September – 1 November 2025 | Across Liverpool City Region | Ongoing | Varies | Haunted houses, ghost tours, themed nights |
The Story Behind Liverpool’s Halloween Celebrations
Liverpool’s Halloween traditions have grown massively over the years. The city’s love for creativity, performance, and community comes alive each October.
The Halloween Carnival started as a small local parade, inspired by cultural drumming groups and local artists who wanted to bring energy and rhythm to the season. It’s now one of the UK’s most vibrant Halloween parades, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
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Liverpool also carries a deep connection to storytelling and folklore. With its old architecture, maritime history, and haunted buildings, it’s no surprise that Halloween feels so authentic here.
Many of the city’s ghost tours and themed nights take inspiration from real local legends, giving visitors a mix of history and horror in one unforgettable experience.
2025 Dates, Times, and Parade Routes
The biggest highlight this year is the Liverpool Halloween Carnival, set for Friday, 31 October 2025. The parade begins around 6:00 PM at Bold Street, continues through Church Street and Lord Street, and finishes near Liverpool ONE. It lasts about two hours and features live drumming, dance performers, and glowing lantern displays.
For families, the Liverpool ONE Halloween Party takes place earlier on Sunday, 26 October 2025. It runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Chavasse Park, offering fun costume competitions, drumming workshops, and a silent disco. The event is completely free, making it a great choice for families with young children.
Across the wider city, Halloween celebrations stretch from late September to early November. Expect haunted houses at Newsham Park, outdoor cinema screenings in Calderstones Park, and eerie escape rooms at city venues. Each location brings a different style of Halloween fun, from family-friendly activities to late-night thrills.
What Makes Liverpool Special During Halloween
Liverpool’s Halloween events stand out because of their creative spirit. The mix of cultural performances, music, and community involvement creates a unique experience.
The parade isn’t just about costumes but storytelling through rhythm and light. You’ll hear drumming echoing through the streets, see dancers dressed as mythical creatures, and feel the energy of the crowd.
Another reason Liverpool’s Halloween is special is its inclusivity. There’s something for everyone. Families enjoy the daytime fun at Liverpool ONE, while thrill-seekers dive into haunted mazes and ghost walks at night.
The combination of city-centre excitement and historical backdrops makes it one of the UK’s most atmospheric Halloween destinations.
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Why You Should Attend in 2025
If you’ve never been to Liverpool during Halloween, 2025 is the year to go. The city is already preparing for bigger crowds, more performances, and improved parade routes. It’s also one of the most accessible cities to visit, with great public transport links and a walkable city centre.
I’ve attended Liverpool’s Halloween events before, and it’s hard to beat the atmosphere. The moment the drummers start and the fire performers light up the night sky, you can feel the excitement spread through the streets.
Whether you’re watching the parade or joining in with a costume, it’s an experience that sticks with you.
How to Participate in Liverpool’s Halloween Events
Joining Liverpool’s Halloween celebrations in 2025 is easier than ever. Most of the main events, like the Halloween Carnival and Liverpool ONE Party, are open to everyone.
If you want to walk in the parade, local performers and community groups can register with the event organizers ahead of time.
It’s usually free to take part, though you’ll need to confirm your participation before mid-October. Costumes are encouraged, and the more creative the better.
Many community art workshops run during October to help people design their parade costumes. You’ll find drumming sessions, mask-making classes, and puppet-building activities at venues across the city.
Families can also get involved by joining the daytime events, which welcome kids and adults alike.
Volunteers are also welcome each year. They help with organizing crowds, guiding visitors, and assisting performers. It’s a fun way to be part of the excitement while meeting new people and supporting a great local tradition.
Best Viewing Spots and Tips for the Parade
The parade route winds through Liverpool’s busiest streets, so finding a good spot early makes all the difference.
The best viewing points are along Bold Street and Lord Street, where performances are most frequent. Arrive at least an hour before the parade starts to get a front-row view.
If you prefer less crowded areas, head toward the upper section of Church Street or near Liverpool ONE’s entrance.
These spots still offer great visibility but tend to be quieter. Families with small children often gather near Chavasse Park since there’s more open space and easier access to food and restrooms.
Bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes. October evenings in Liverpool can be chilly, and you’ll likely be standing for a while.
For photos, aim to capture the performers as they turn corners along the route. The streetlights and glowing costumes create fantastic photo opportunities.
Costume Themes and Ideas for 2025
Each year, Liverpool’s Halloween Carnival picks a central theme that inspires the costumes and performances. For 2025, the focus is “Ancestral Spirits and Ritual Fire.”
Expect to see glowing masks, fiery props, and costumes inspired by folklore and mythology.
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If you’re attending, think of creative ways to include the theme in your outfit. Simple touches like LED lights, painted masks, or handmade props can make a big difference. Many locals go all out with full-body costumes or synchronized group outfits.
Families might prefer lighter themes like friendly ghosts, woodland creatures, or classic movie monsters. The key is to stay comfortable and practical since you’ll be walking or standing for hours. Avoid bulky costumes that restrict movement.
Entertainment Highlights Across the City
Halloween in Liverpool isn’t just about the parade. Throughout October, the city transforms into a month-long celebration of lights, sound, and scares. You’ll find themed nights in bars, haunted attractions, and even outdoor movie screenings.
The Halloween Carnival remains the main attraction, featuring live drummers, dancers, fire performers, and illuminated floats.
As night falls, the mix of sound and color turns the city centre into a living piece of art. It’s the kind of event that appeals to photographers and performers as much as spectators.
Elsewhere, venues like St George’s Hall and Newsham Park host their own haunted experiences. You can take ghost tours inside historical buildings or join immersive storytelling sessions that blend theatre with local legends. Liverpool also offers a few family-friendly options, like pumpkin carving workshops and interactive storytelling for children.
Travel and Accommodation Tips
Liverpool’s city centre is compact and easy to navigate, making it perfect for visitors during Halloween week. The main train station, Liverpool Lime Street, is within walking distance of most event areas. Public transport, including buses and Merseyrail trains, runs frequently during the festival period.
If you’re driving, park at secure facilities near Liverpool ONE or Moorfields, but expect heavy traffic on parade night. It’s better to arrive early or use public transport.
For accommodation, book early since hotels fill up fast in late October. Popular choices close to the event routes include The Shankly Hotel, Hard Days Night Hotel, and Premier Inn at Liverpool ONE. Budget travelers can find hostels near Hope Street or guesthouses in the Georgian Quarter.
Food and Local Experiences
Halloween week is also a great time to enjoy Liverpool’s local food scene. Many restaurants and bars create themed menus for the occasion.
Bold Street offers street food, cafes, and international options just steps from the parade route. If you prefer something cozy, head to the Baltic Market for local bites and live music.
Some pubs and cocktail bars host Halloween-themed nights with costume competitions and live DJs. For families, there are pop-up stalls selling hot chocolate, churros, and roasted chestnuts along the main streets.
The mix of food, lights, and atmosphere makes the evening festive even if you’re not watching the parade.
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Safety and Accessibility
Liverpool’s Halloween events are designed to be safe and family-friendly. Stewards and police are present throughout the parade route to help with crowd control. Bags may be checked at entry points for larger events, so pack light and follow any posted guidelines.
Avoid bringing sharp costume props or glass items. Parents should keep children close, especially during the busiest hours. If you need assistance, several help points are available along the route.
The city also provides accessible viewing areas for visitors with wheelchairs or mobility aids. Chavasse Park and Lord Street have level ground and easy access to restrooms and food stalls.
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Photography and Social Media Tips
Halloween in Liverpool offers some of the best photo opportunities of the year. The streets glow with lanterns, the performers are full of color, and every moment feels like a living art piece.
If you want great photos, plan ahead and bring a phone or camera with a good low-light mode. The parade starts at dusk, so natural lighting fades fast. Try standing near streetlights or illuminated buildings to capture clear shots without flash.
Early evening offers the perfect balance of natural light and ambiance. Arrive before the parade begins to test your camera settings. Capture wide shots of the route before it fills up, then focus on close-ups once the performers pass by.
If you’re posting online, use clear hashtags like #LiverpoolHalloween, #HalloweenCarnival, and #SpoooklyHalloween. These tags make your photos easier to find and help connect you with other eventgoers.
Be considerate when taking photos of performers and families. Always keep a safe distance and avoid blocking the parade route. For those using professional cameras, check in advance if certain areas have restrictions on equipment use.
Why This Halloween Is Worth Experiencing
Liverpool’s 2025 Halloween events promise an unforgettable mix of creativity and community. You’ll see artists, musicians, and families come together to celebrate imagination in its boldest form.
From fire shows to ghost tours, every corner of the city comes alive with energy. The friendly atmosphere makes it easy to feel part of the celebration even if you’re just watching.
Personally, I’ve always felt Liverpool does Halloween better than most cities. It’s not just about dressing up or getting scared.
It’s about celebrating art, culture, and connection. When the drums echo through the streets and the crowd joins in the rhythm, you realize how powerful shared experiences can be.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s Halloween week is more than an event. It’s an experience that brings together history, creativity, and pure fun.
The Carnival parade lights up the city, while smaller events fill every neighborhood with laughter and music. If you’re planning a trip, make sure you mark late October on your calendar.
Bring your costume, your friends, and your camera. Expect music, magic, and a few surprises along the way. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Halloween in Liverpool never disappoints.
FAQs
Yes, the Liverpool Halloween Carnival is free for everyone. There’s no entry fee to watch the parade or take part in most public performances.
Anyone can join if they register in advance through local community groups. Participants usually sign up before mid-October and attend a few costume or drumming workshops before the big night.
It begins on Bold Street, travels through Church Street and Lord Street, and ends near Liverpool ONE.
Arrive at least one hour before the parade starts at 6:00 PM. Crowds build up fast, especially near the start and end points.
Yes, it’s very family-friendly. The Liverpool ONE Halloween Party earlier in the week is designed especially for kids.
Costumes are encouraged, but make sure they’re weather-appropriate. October nights in Liverpool can be cold and windy, so bring layers.
Pets aren’t advised at large events due to noise and crowds. Smaller gatherings may allow them, but always check beforehand.
Alcohol is not allowed along the parade route, though nearby pubs and bars host their own themed nights.
Yes, but spaces are limited. Parking near Liverpool ONE or Moorfields fills up quickly, so public transport is recommended.