Halloween in Belgium has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the year. From gothic city squares to illuminated coastal parades, the country knows how to blend spooky charm with local culture.
In 2025, celebrations will be bigger, brighter, and full of energy across multiple cities. I’ve gathered every confirmed date, route, and major event so you can plan the perfect Halloween experience.
Whether you’re after a family-friendly parade, a night of fireworks, or an eerie historical tour, Belgium in October has something for everyone.
Halloween in Belgium 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main Date | Thursday, October 31, 2025 |
| Main Cities | Brussels, Antwerp, Blankenberge, Wavre, Ypres, De Panne, Namur, Liège |
| Major Parades | Brussels Saint-Gilles Parade, Blankenberge Halloween Parade, Antwerp Cocô Loco Festival |
| Start Times | 18:00–20:00 (varies by city) |
| Route Type | City squares, coastal boulevards, theme park paths |
| Entry Fees | Most parades free; theme parks ticketed |
| Crowd Size | Ranges from 5,000 to 30,000 depending on event |
| Top Attractions | Floats, live music, fireworks, street performers |
| Weather in October | 8°C–14°C; cool evenings |
| Official Sources | City tourism boards, event organizers |
History and Origins of Halloween in Belgium
While Belgium isn’t the birthplace of Halloween, its Celtic and medieval history connects deeply with the holiday’s spirit. Early influences came from Samhain traditions and All Saints’ Day processions.
Over the past two decades, Belgian cities embraced modern Halloween with parades, theme park events, and costume festivals. Brussels was among the first to organize a large-scale urban Halloween parade in the early 2000s.
Coastal towns like Blankenberge added illuminated floats to attract both locals and tourists. Theme parks such as Walibi Belgium and Bellewaerde later built month-long Halloween programs that draw international visitors.
Now, Halloween here is as much about community as it is about scares blending old-world charm with a modern celebration style.
Brussels Saint-Gilles Halloween Parade 2025
Parade Overview
The Brussels Saint-Gilles Halloween Parade is a highlight of the Belgian Halloween calendar. Known for its lively music, costumed performers, and family atmosphere, it’s perfect for all ages.
Quick Info:
| Date | Thursday, October 31, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Time | 18:00 – 20:00 (fireworks at 19:00, parade at 19:30) |
| Start Point | Place Louis-Morichar, Saint-Gilles |
| Route | From Place Morichar through local streets to Musée/Centre d’Art Fantastique |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Best Viewing Spot | Place Morichar for fireworks; Rue Américaine for the parade lineup |
What to Expect in Brussels
The atmosphere here is electric. I’ve attended in previous years, and the energy as the fireworks light up the Place Morichar is unmatched. The streets fill with percussion bands, stilt walkers, and children in creative costumes.
The route is short enough for families with young children, yet packed with performances. Local cafés often set up outdoor stands with hot drinks and seasonal snacks. Arriving early is worth it, especially if you want a front-row spot for the fireworks.
Antwerp Cocô Loco Halloween Festival
Festival Overview
While not a traditional parade, the Cocô Loco Festival in Antwerp is a Halloween party on a grand scale. Expect theatrical performances, electronic music, and immersive décor that transforms the venue into a surreal nightscape.
| Date | Saturday, November 1, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Time | Evening event |
| Location | Waagnatie Expo & Events, Rijnkaai 150, 2000 Antwerpen |
| Entry Fee | Ticketed (check official site for prices) |
| Vibe | Adult-focused, party atmosphere |
Blankenberge Halloween Fireworks & Parade
Event Overview
Blankenberge, a coastal gem, hosts one of Belgium’s most visually spectacular Halloween weekends. It combines seaside fireworks with a glowing evening parade.
| Fireworks Date | Saturday, October 25, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Time | 19:30 – 20:30 |
| Location | Zeedijk / the Pier |
| Parade Date | Sunday, October 26, 2025 |
| Time | 18:00 – 20:00 |
| Route | Through city-centre streets ending at Grote Markt |
| Entry Fee | Free |
Why the Coast is Magical in October
I’ve always thought there’s something eerie yet beautiful about the North Sea in autumn. The fireworks reflect on the water, and the salty air makes the evening feel alive.
The parade features illuminated floats, costumed dance troupes, and plenty of themed music. It’s also a great excuse to book a weekend stay in a seaside hotel you get the Halloween fun plus a peaceful beach walk the next morning.
Wavre | Walibi Belgium “IBILAW” Halloween Festival
Festival Overview
Walibi Belgium transforms into a thrilling Halloween park experience every autumn. In 2025, the “IBILAW” season will run for nearly a month, with haunted houses, scare zones, and themed rides.
| Dates | Saturday, October 11 – Sunday, November 2, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Extended Hours Nights | Oct 11, Oct 18, Oct 25 – Nov 1 (10:00 – 22:00) |
| Regular Hours | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Location | Boulevard de l’Europe 100, 1300 Wavre |
| Entry Fee | Ticketed (check official website) |
| Audience | Families by day, thrill-seekers by night |
Ypres – Bellewaerde Halloween Nocturnes
Bellewaerde Park in Ypres offers a mix of animal encounters and amusement rides, making its Halloween program unique. The 2025 season includes special “Nocturnes” with extended hours and fireworks.
| Dates | Saturday, October 11 – Sunday, November 2, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Nocturnes | Oct 25, 26, 30, 31, Nov 1 (open until 21:00) |
| Fireworks | Mexico Square on Nocturne nights |
| Location | Meenseweg 497, 8902 Ypres |
| Entry Fee | Ticketed |
| Theme | Spooky yet family-friendly |
De Panne – Plopsaland Halloween Celebration
Plopsaland De Panne offers a cheerful yet slightly eerie Halloween atmosphere, perfect for families with younger children. In 2025, the park will host multiple celebration nights.
| Dates | Saturday, October 4 – Sunday, November 2, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Celebration Nights | Oct 25, Oct 31, Nov 1 (open until 22:00) |
| Location | De Pannelaan 68, 8660 De Panne |
| Entry Fee | Ticketed |
| Best For | Young kids and character meet-and-greets |
Why Plopsaland Appeals to Families
If you’re looking for a softer Halloween experience without jump scares, Plopsaland is ideal. Themed shows, friendly characters in costumes, and gentle decorations make it less intimidating for small children.
Celebration Nights add a bit more atmosphere, with lights and fireworks creating a festive ending.
Namur – Citadel Halloween Nights
The historic Citadel of Namur offers an atmospheric backdrop for a Halloween walk-through experience. Terra Nova galleries and outdoor paths become immersive storytelling zones.
| Dates | Thursday, October 30 – Sunday, November 2, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Time | Evening entry slots (check ticket site) |
| Location | Terra Nova, Citadel of Namur |
| Entry Fee | Ticketed |
| Format | Guided and self-paced spooky tours |
Why Namur’s Citadel is Unique
There’s something chilling about walking through centuries-old stone tunnels by lantern light. Actors, sound effects, and lighting turn the citadel into a living horror story.
It’s a smaller-scale event compared to big parades, but it’s one of the most immersive in Belgium.
Liège – Chill2Chill Indoor Halloween Festival
Liège’s Halloween nightlife scene peaks with the Chill2Chill Indoor Festival a late-night celebration for those who prefer music and dance over outdoor parades.
| Date | Friday, October 31, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Time | 20:00 – 06:00 |
| Location | Palais des Congrès, Esplanade de l’Europe 2, 4020 Liège |
| Entry Fee | Ticketed |
| Atmosphere | Club-style, costume encouraged |
Why Liège is Worth the Trip for Night Owls
The lineup often includes DJs from across Europe, with light shows and themed décor filling the space. It’s an all-night event, so pacing yourself is key and costumes range from glamorous to bizarre.
If you want to turn Halloween into an all-night party, this is where you go.
Viewing Tips and Best Spots for Belgium’s Halloween Events
Getting the best out of Halloween in Belgium is all about timing and positioning. For parades like Brussels Saint-Gilles, arrive at least an hour early to secure a spot near Place Morichar. This gives you a direct view of both the fireworks and the parade kickoff.
In coastal towns like Blankenberge, the Zeedijk is your prime viewing area for fireworks. For the parade, position yourself near Grote Markt, where the floats slow down and performers interact with the crowd.
Theme park events have a different strategy at Walibi and Bellewaerde, go for evening slots if you prefer a darker atmosphere. These hours have better lighting for photos and a stronger Halloween vibe.
Costume Ideas and Themes for 2025
Belgian Halloween doesn’t have a single national theme, which means you can be as creative as you want. In 2025, I’m expecting a mix of traditional gothic styles and pop-culture references.
For family events like Plopsaland, friendly costumes such as pumpkins, fairies, or superheroes work best. Parade-goers in Brussels often go all out with elaborate makeup, capes, and handcrafted props.
If you’re joining nightlife events in Antwerp or Liège, you can lean towards dramatic, high-fashion Halloween looks. If you want to blend in with local trends, add small Belgian touches a black-yellow-red accessory or a nod to folklore characters like witches from Ardennes tales.
Entertainment Highlights Across Belgium
Halloween here isn’t just about walking parades; it’s about creating a full sensory experience. Brussels delivers percussion bands and street theatre, while Blankenberge stuns with illuminated floats.
At Walibi, you can expect haunted mazes with professional actors, while Bellewaerde combines its rides with immersive sets and animal encounters. Namur’s Citadel offers storytelling sessions inside historical walls, and Antwerp’s Cocô Loco brings circus-style acts to the dance floor.
Each city has its own highlight moment from Brussels’ fireworks opening to Liège’s sunrise-afterparty making it worth visiting more than one location if you can.
Unique Traditions and Local Touches
Belgium’s Halloween culture has a few quirks you might not see elsewhere. Many towns integrate All Saints’ Day customs, blending remembrance with celebration. In coastal areas, lantern processions are common, inspired by old fishing traditions.
Some parades include giant puppet figures, a nod to medieval folklore. Others, especially in smaller towns, host pumpkin-carving contests and light shows on historic buildings.
It’s this blend of global Halloween influences with local history that makes Belgium’s celebrations stand out from the rest of Europe.
Travel and Accommodation Tips
Belgium’s compact size makes it easy to hop between cities, but planning ahead is key for Halloween. Brussels is the central hub, with trains reaching Antwerp in 40 minutes, Namur in under an hour, and Blankenberge in under two hours.
If you’re attending multiple events, consider booking hotels close to the parade routes or main venues. In Brussels, look near Saint-Gilles or City Centre.
In Blankenberge, seaside hotels along the Zeedijk offer prime parade and fireworks views. Theme park trips are easier if you stay in Wavre, Ypres, or De Panne overnight.
Public transport runs late in bigger cities, but for coastal towns or rural parks, check schedules in advance you might need a taxi or rideshare for the return trip.
Food and Local Experiences
Belgium’s Halloween season is also an excuse to enjoy its food scene. In Brussels, street vendors often set up near Place Morichar, selling waffles, frites, and mulled wine.
Blankenberge’s coastal stands serve fresh seafood alongside seasonal pumpkin soup. Theme parks like Walibi and Bellewaerde offer limited-time Halloween menus think black burgers, caramel apples, and pumpkin desserts.
If you’re in Antwerp, combine the Cocô Loco festival with a pre-event dinner at one of the city’s classic brasseries.
And yes, Belgian beer makes an appearance at many events especially in nightlife-focused celebrations like Liège.
Safety and Rules
While Halloween in Belgium is generally safe, large crowds mean you should take a few precautions. Keep valuables close, especially during busy parades. Many events have bag checks, and sharp props or overly realistic weapons may be refused.
For families, stick to well-lit areas and plan a meeting point in case anyone gets separated. Theme parks have clear signage and staff at every major point, making them ideal for younger visitors.
Always check the official event page for the latest rules some may have costume restrictions or guidelines for masks.
Photography and Social Media Tips
If you’re aiming for great photos, timing is everything. Golden hour works best for parades like Brussels Saint-Gilles or Blankenberge you get natural light and the start of the evening glow.
Use wide shots to capture full floats or firework displays, and switch to close-ups for costume details. For theme parks, low-light settings and a steady hand help keep night shots sharp.
Most events have official hashtags posting with them increases your chances of being featured by organizers. Just remember to be respectful when photographing performers or children.
Conclusion
Halloween in Belgium isn’t just one event it’s an entire season of parades, parties, and themed experiences. From the family warmth of Plopsaland to the electric beats of Cocô Loco, every city offers something unique.
My advice? Pick at least two contrasting events one parade or coastal celebration, and one theme park or nightlife experience. That way, you’ll see both Belgium’s traditional charm and its modern festive side.
If you’re planning to attend, start booking now. Events like Brussels’ parade and Blankenberge’s fireworks draw huge crowds, and hotels fill fast.
And if you’ve been before, I’d love to hear your tips and see your photos share them in the comments and let’s keep the Halloween spirit alive year-round.
FAQs
Yes, it has grown rapidly, with major parades, theme park events, and nightlife festivals across multiple cities.
Most city parades are free, but theme parks and nightlife events require paid tickets.
Family-friendly parades and parks are suitable for kids. Nightlife events like Cocô Loco are adults-only.
Costumes are encouraged everywhere, but check event guidelines some restrict masks or large props.
Cool and often damp, with evenings between 8°C–14°C. Bring layers and waterproof shoes.