Halloween in the UK is more than just costumes and pumpkins. It’s a time when streets come alive with vibrant parades, community festivals, and themed entertainment for all ages.
In 2025, major cities are already set to host unforgettable events, each with its own charm and traditions. From seaside processions to large-scale light festivals, there’s something for everyone planning to celebrate.
Whether you prefer the thrill of a massive crowd or the cozy atmosphere of a small-town parade, the UK offers a variety of options this year.
Cities like Southend, Paisley, Manchester, Glasgow, Blyth, and Derry are ready to welcome thousands of visitors. These events promise spectacular costumes, creative floats, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Major Halloween Parades in the UK 2025
| City | Event Name | Date(s) | Time / Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southend | Southend Halloween Parade | Sat 25 Oct 2025 | 6:30 pm–7:45 pm along Marine Parade, family-friendly street performers and illuminated floats |
| Paisley | Paisley Halloween Festival | Fri 24 & Sat 25 Oct 2025 | Parade at 7 pm both nights, town-centre-wide with puppets, lights, music, and food stalls |
| Manchester | Halloween in the City | 25–31 Oct 2025; Weekender 25–26 Oct | Free family events, large “MCR Monsters” displays, and monster procession |
| Glasgow | Spooktacular Carnival & GlasGLOW | 3–26 Oct & 24 Oct–2 Nov 2025 | Funfair rides, street entertainment, and an immersive light trail |
| Blyth | Blyth Halloween Workshops & Parade | 28–31 Oct 2025 (Parade 31 Oct) | Creative workshops, 3 pm parade with costumes, music, and community groups |
| Derry | Derry Halloween Festival | 28–31 Oct 2025 | “Awakening the Walled City” trail with performances and themed installations |
Why These Events Stand Out
Each of these parades offers a different style of celebration. Southend’s coastal route gives the event a unique atmosphere, while Paisley’s combination of art, performance, and tradition draws visitors from across Scotland.
Manchester’s large-scale city decorations make it a family favourite, and Glasgow’s mix of carnival fun and light shows appeals to all ages. Smaller towns like Blyth add a personal touch, with community-led activities that make everyone feel involved.
For those seeking a grand finale to the season, Derry’s multi-day festival delivers one of the most immersive Halloween experiences in Europe. With so many choices, 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for celebrating Halloween in the UK.
History and Origins of Halloween in the UK
Halloween in the UK has roots that trace back to ancient Celtic traditions, particularly Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
Communities would light bonfires, wear costumes to ward off spirits, and celebrate with music and storytelling.
Over centuries, these customs merged with Christian observances like All Hallows’ Eve, evolving into the modern-day celebrations we know today.
While trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving have grown in popularity, parades and public festivals have become a defining feature in many UK towns and cities.
Local councils, community groups, and arts organisations work together to blend historic influences with contemporary creativity. This combination of old and new is what makes UK Halloween events so distinctive.
Parade Dates, Times, and Routes for 2025
Southend Halloween Parade takes place on Saturday, 25 October 2025, from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm. The route follows Marine Parade along the seafront, offering wide open views and plenty of space for spectators.
It’s a short but vibrant procession featuring illuminated floats, street dancers, and themed performers. Paisley Halloween Festival is set for Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October 2025, with the parade starting at 7 pm each night.
The route runs through the heart of the town centre, transforming streets into an open-air theatre filled with giant puppets, costumed groups, and live music. Visitors can enjoy street food and interactive displays before and after the main event.
Manchester’s Halloween in the City week runs from 25 to 31 October 2025, with the main “Walk the Plank” monster procession during the Weekender on 25–26 October.
The route weaves through the city centre, passing key landmarks and major shopping streets. Expect oversized monster installations and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Glasgow’s Spooktacular Carnival operates from 3 to 26 October 2025 along South Street by the River Clyde, offering both day and evening entertainment.
GlasGLOW runs separately from 24 October to 2 November 2025 in the Botanic Gardens, where the walking route takes visitors through immersive light and sound zones.
Blyth Halloween Workshops and Parade span 28 to 31 October 2025, with workshops in the Market Pavilion leading up to the 3 pm parade on Halloween day.
The route passes through the town centre and features local musicians, costumed participants, and decorated floats.
Derry Halloween Festival runs from 28 to 31 October 2025, with the “Awakening the Walled City” trail covering different zones each evening.
The parade and key performances usually focus around the historic city walls, creating a dramatic setting for the festivities.
Best Viewing Locations for Each Parade
In Southend, the best spots are along Marine Parade near the central pier, where the lighting and sound systems are strongest. In Paisley, the town hall area offers great views and easy access to food vendors.
Manchester’s Albert Square and Exchange Square are ideal for catching the largest monster displays. In Glasgow, position yourself near the main carnival rides for atmosphere, or book early slots for the GlasGLOW trail.
Blyth’s Market Place is perfect for pre-parade workshops and live music. For Derry, the Guildhall Square and city wall walkways provide the most photogenic vantage points.
How to Participate in Halloween Parades Across the UK
Joining a Halloween parade in the UK is easier than you might think, but each city has its own process.
In Southend, individuals and groups can register online through the local council’s event page, with categories for schools, charities, and performance groups.
Costumes are encouraged, and illuminated elements always stand out in the evening setting. Paisley’s Halloween Festival invites community groups, artists, and schools to be part of the parade.
Registration often closes a few weeks before the event, and participants may be asked to attend rehearsal sessions. Creative and oversized costumes fit perfectly with the festival’s theatrical style.
Manchester’s Halloween in the City parade is curated by arts organisations, but some sections are open for volunteers and costumed walkers. Families can also take part in “mini parades” or themed trails happening around the city centre.
In Glasgow’s Spooktacular Carnival, you can join themed costume competitions or perform as part of street entertainment. For GlasGLOW, participation is limited to attending the trail, but visitors are welcome to dress up and bring props for photos.
Blyth’s workshops are the best way to prepare for its parade. Attendees can create masks, props, and costumes during the days leading up to the event, ensuring everyone feels part of the celebration.
Viewing Tips and Best Spots
If you’re aiming for prime viewing space, plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the parade starts. For Southend, the area near the central pier fills up quickly due to its proximity to parking and food outlets.
In Paisley, the pedestrian zones in the town centre provide easy movement and good visibility for families. Manchester’s Albert Square is a hotspot, but if you prefer fewer crowds, Deansgate offers good views with more breathing room.
In Glasgow, South Street is perfect for the carnival, while the Botanic Gardens provide plenty of space along the GlasGLOW route. In Blyth, the Market Place is both the starting point and the heart of the entertainment.
Derry’s city walls offer an elevated view of the processions and installations, but for close-up shots, the streets near Guildhall Square are unbeatable.
Costume Themes and Ideas for 2025
Many UK Halloween events announce official themes, but even without one, creative dressing is part of the fun. Southend often sees a mix of traditional horror characters and family-friendly cartoon themes.
Paisley leans towards theatrical and oversized costumes, often with illuminated elements. Manchester’s parades embrace large-scale monsters, so group costumes and bold colours work well.
Glasgow’s carnival welcomes anything from classic spooky outfits to funfair-inspired looks. Blyth’s community focus makes it perfect for handmade costumes, while Derry’s rich cultural backdrop inspires Celtic and mythical themes.
If you’re looking for inspiration, think about incorporating local history, famous landmarks, or event-specific colours into your outfit. Comfort matters too, especially for longer routes or cooler evening temperatures.
Entertainment and Highlights of Halloween in the UK 2025
Each Halloween event across the UK offers its own mix of entertainment to keep the crowds engaged before, during, and after the parades. In Southend, illuminated floats, live bands, and street performers create a carnival atmosphere along the seafront.
Paisley’s festival goes a step further with giant puppets, fire shows, and dramatic light projections that turn the town centre into a theatre stage.
Manchester’s Halloween in the City features the famous “MCR Monsters” installations, live music stages, street theatre, and children’s craft zones.
Glasgow’s Spooktacular Carnival delivers a mix of rides, games, and food stalls, while GlasGLOW immerses visitors in themed light trails.
Blyth focuses on community-led performances, with local musicians, dance groups, and costume displays. Derry’s festival combines storytelling, street theatre, and cultural performances to create an immersive experience.
Travel and Accommodation Tips
If you’re travelling for a parade, it’s best to book hotels early, especially in cities with large-scale events like Manchester, Glasgow, and Derry.
For Southend, staying near the seafront allows easy walking access to the parade route. Paisley visitors can stay in the town or in nearby Glasgow, which is only a short train ride away.
Public transport is often the easiest way to reach the events, as parking can be limited near parade routes. In Manchester, tram and train stations are within walking distance of the city centre festivities.
For Glasgow, the subway and local buses serve both the carnival and GlasGLOW. In Derry, shuttle buses operate between key event zones and parking areas.
Food and Local Experiences
Part of the fun of attending a Halloween parade is sampling seasonal treats. Southend offers classic seaside fish and chips alongside themed market stalls.
Paisley’s town centre is filled with pop-up food vendors serving everything from warm cider to gourmet street food.
Manchester’s city centre restaurants often run Halloween specials, and many bars create themed cocktails for the weekend.
Glasgow’s carnival features sweet stalls and hearty snacks, while Blyth keeps things cosy with local bakery offerings and hot drinks during the parade. In Derry, you can expect a mix of traditional Irish dishes and festive street food along the event routes.
Safety and Rules
Large gatherings mean it’s important to follow event guidelines. Bag checks are common at entry points, and items like real weapons or oversized props may be prohibited.
If you’re bringing children, choose well-lit, less crowded viewing spots, and keep them close during the busiest parts of the parade. Warm clothing is essential, as October evenings in the UK can be cold and damp.
Photography and Social Media Tips
For the best photos, arrive early to secure a spot with good lighting. Evening parades benefit from positions near street lamps or stage lighting.
Use event hashtags on social media to share your images and connect with other attendees. Some events have restrictions on professional camera equipment, so check in advance if you plan to bring more than a smartphone or small camera.
Conclusion
Halloween in the UK has grown into a diverse celebration that blends tradition with modern entertainment. In 2025, every major parade offers its own unique flavour, from the seaside charm of Southend to the cultural spectacle of Derry.
Whether you’re travelling for a weekend or visiting your local event, planning ahead will help you make the most of the experience. Bring a great costume, choose your spot wisely, and enjoy one of the most exciting nights of the year.
FAQs
Most parades and festivals are free, but certain attractions like GlasGLOW require tickets.
It depends on the event. Crowded and noisy environments may not be suitable for animals.
Yes, if you want to walk in the parade. Spectators do not need to register.
Arriving 30–45 minutes before start time ensures a good viewing spot.
Most public parade areas do not permit open alcohol, though nearby venues may serve themed drinks.