👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
Save up to 50% on Halloween decorations, costumes, and lights. Don’t miss these limited-time deals!
Shop Halloween Deals →Every October 31, Saint-Gilles in Brussels comes alive with its annual Saint-Gilles Halloween Parade 2025, a magical blend of family fun, fireworks, and costumed performances.
This parade kicks off right in the heart of the Saint-Gilles district, and by 6:00 pm the streets glow with music, light, and spooky energy. Let me take you through all the key details date, route, history, participation, and how to make the most of it.
Saint-Gilles Halloween Parade 2025
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | October 31, 2025, from 18:00 to 20:00 |
| Location / Start Point | Place Louis Morichar, Saint-Gilles, Brussels |
| Route Summary | Through surrounding streets toward the Musée d’Art Fantastique / local galleries |
| Duration | About 2 hours (inclusive of pre-parade shows and fireworks) |
| Entry Fee | Free to public |
| Main Attractions | Fireworks, brass bands, stilt walkers, costumed performers |
| Organizer / Host | Musée d’Art Fantastique & Saint-Gilles local festival team |
History & Origins
The Saint-Gilles Halloween Parade began as a local arts festival expansion, marrying Brussels’ creativity with autumn festivities. Over the years, Saint-Gilles adopted Halloween as a cultural moment, mixing theatrical arts and community spirit.
The parade today is run in coordination with the Musée d’Art Fantastique, emphasizing local art, spectacle, and public participation. Key milestones include adding fireworks displays, live music acts, and expanding route through more streets to increase visibility and participation.
The festival now attracts thousands from Brussels and surrounding areas a clear sign of how Halloween has rooted into local tradition.
Date, Time & Location Details
Precise 2025 Date & Start Time
On Friday, October 31, 2025, the parade begins around 18:00 (6:00 pm).
Pre-parade activities and performances often start slightly earlier, paving the way for the official procession.
Starting Location & Meeting Point
The gathering point is Place Louis Morichar, in the Saint-Gilles municipality.
From this square, performers, floats, musicians, and the crowd assemble before heading out on the route.
Parade Route & Key Streets
While I haven’t found a fully confirmed street-by-street map, the general route moves from Place Morichar through nearby Saint-Gilles streets toward the Musée d’Art Fantastique and local art galleries.
Expect the procession to pass through Rue Américaine or other visible arteries where spectators can line sidewalks. The fireworks display typically ignites near Place Morichar about midway or toward the end of the parade.
After fireworks, the procession continues, winding through decorated streets until it reaches its closing point near the arts center.
How to Participate in the Saint-Gilles Halloween Parade 2025
Anyone can join the Saint-Gilles Halloween Parade 2025 that’s part of what makes it special. The parade is open to residents, artists, and visitors who love costumes and community fun.
Participation is free, but organizers usually ask large groups, performers, or floats to register ahead through the Musée d’Art Fantastique’s event page. This helps them manage safety, route planning, and timing.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
Save up to 50% on Halloween decorations, costumes, and lights. Don’t miss these limited-time deals!
Shop Halloween Deals →If you’re planning to walk in costume, reach Place Louis Morichar early around 5:15 pm is ideal. Streets close quickly, and arriving early gives you space to meet other participants and get into character.
Age isn’t a barrier. Families, kids, and adults all walk together, though young children should stay near parents. Volunteers often guide families through safer, less-crowded paths.
Those who prefer not to march can still join as helpers. The parade always welcomes volunteers for setup, cleanup, and light coordination. If you want to contribute, contact the festival team via the Saint-Gilles community website a few days before Halloween.
Viewing Tips and Best Spots
Finding the right viewing point matters more than you’d think. For clear photos and minimal crowding, I recommend standing near Rue de la Victoire or Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies, just a short walk from the starting point.
If you’re after a front-row view, arrive by 5:30 pm. Locals start lining up early, and once the floats roll out, moving through the crowd becomes tricky.
For families, the north side of Place Morichar is usually quieter. It’s close enough to the main action but less overwhelming for kids. Wheelchair users can access that section easily since sidewalks there are wider.
Weather in Brussels in late October can be chilly and damp. I always suggest layered clothing, light gloves, and waterproof shoes. The parade goes on rain or shine this is Belgium, after all, and rain doesn’t scare anyone in costume.
If photography is your goal, position yourself where streetlights cast even light. Around 6:15 pm, the sun fades, and golden street lighting makes for cinematic shots.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
Save up to 50% on Halloween decorations, costumes, and lights. Don’t miss these limited-time deals!
Shop Halloween Deals →Costumes and Themes
One of my favorite parts of the Saint-Gilles parade is the creativity people bring. There’s no official theme for 2025, which means freedom to be as weird, whimsical, or spooky as you want.
Every year, though, local artists add a subtle artistic focus 2024’s parade leaned on fantasy creatures and surrealist masks, reflecting the museum’s “Art Fantastique” influence. So, 2025 will likely continue celebrating imagination over horror.
If you want to stand out, think in layers and textures. Use LED ribbons, reflective fabrics, or recycled materials; they catch the light beautifully during night parades.
There’s also a costume contest near the main stage after the fireworks. Judges usually look for originality and handmade flair, not expensive props. Winners often receive museum passes or small local-sponsor prizes.
For families, group themes like classic fairy tales, skeleton bands, or comic-book mashups always attract smiles. Kids dressed as pumpkins, ghosts, or mini witches can safely march alongside parents in the early section.
Entertainment and Highlights
The two-hour program blends live music, theatrical effects, and visual art. Expect drummers, stilt walkers, LED floats, and street performers weaving between the crowd.
The opening act features a brass band warming up the square, followed by a slow march of glowing costumes and handmade puppets. Each section represents a creative local studio or school.
One standout highlight is the fireworks show around 7:30 pm, lighting the skyline above Place Morichar. It’s brief but dazzling, syncing with drums and cheers from the audience.
After the parade, several after-events kick in: bars and cafés in Saint-Gilles host themed nights with live DJs. The Musée d’Art Fantastique stays open until late with a “Night of Fright & Art” exhibition.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
Save up to 50% on Halloween decorations, costumes, and lights. Don’t miss these limited-time deals!
Shop Halloween Deals →If you’re staying nearby, don’t miss the pop-up markets selling crafts, candles, and horror-inspired sweets. The entire neighborhood feels like a block party more than a formal parade, which adds to its friendly vibe.
Travel and Accommodation Guide
Saint-Gilles sits right inside Brussels, so reaching it is easy. If you’re flying in, land at Brussels Airport (BRU) and take the train to Gare du Midi, which is just ten minutes away from the parade area.
From the station, you can walk or hop on tram 81 or 92, both stopping near Place Morichar. Buses 48 and 52 also serve the area. I always suggest public transport driving on Halloween night is a nightmare of its own.
Parking around Saint-Gilles is limited, but some visitors use Porte de Hal public garage or Q-Park Louise, both roughly 10–15 minutes away on foot.
If you plan to stay overnight, pick a hotel in Saint-Gilles, Ixelles, or City Center Brussels. Good mid-range options include Hotel Catalonia Brussels, Ibis Style Louise, and Made in Louise Hotel. For a boutique touch, I love Le Chatelain Hotel, which mixes comfort with local charm.
Budget travelers can look into youth hostels near Avenue Louise or short-term apartments. Book early, though; Halloween weekend fills up fast.
Food and Local Experiences
Brussels knows how to mix culture with food, and Saint-Gilles takes that to heart every Halloween. The streets around Place Louis Morichar fill with food stalls, pop-up bars, and small cafés serving local favorites.
You’ll smell Belgian fries, hot waffles, and mulled cider long before you see the stands. If you’re craving something hearty before the parade, try Frit Flagey or Fernand Obb Delicatessen both a short tram ride away and worth the calories.
During the parade, many nearby bars like Le Dillens and Café Maison du Peuple serve Halloween-themed drinks. Some even add dry-ice cocktails that look like mini potions perfect for a cold Brussels night.
Families usually hang around Parvis de Saint-Gilles, where street musicians perform between acts. You can grab snacks, chat with locals, and enjoy the artistic side of Brussels in a relaxed way.
If you’re staying longer, explore Musée d’Art Fantastique, which transforms into a mini haunted museum during Halloween week. It’s one of Europe’s quirkiest spots for fantasy art, and its collection ties perfectly into the creative theme of the parade.
Safety and Rules
Saint-Gilles organizers take safety seriously, but the event remains welcoming and friendly. The parade area is pedestrian-only during the event, with local police managing cross-streets and crowd flow.
Bags are usually checked near the main square, so it’s smart to carry small, easy-to-inspect bags. Leave large backpacks or glass bottles at your hotel they aren’t allowed.
Toy weapons or props that look too realistic might also be refused, especially during the family section of the parade. Keep costumes safe and comfortable for walking; cobblestone streets and long hours can be tough in heavy boots.
For kids, wristbands with parent contact info are available at the festival help booths. Volunteers hand these out for free, and it’s a small gesture that adds peace of mind.
If you’re traveling alone, stay in well-lit streets near groups. The area stays busy until late evening, and local cafés remain open until the crowd thins. Overall, the Saint-Gilles parade has a great safety record and friendly staff who truly care about the community vibe.
Photography and Social Media Tips
Bring your camera Saint-Gilles at Halloween is pure visual joy. Between lanterns, face paint, and fireworks, it’s a photographer’s dream.
For sharp parade shots, arrive before 6:00 pm to capture the warm twilight glow. If you’re using a phone, adjust exposure manually or use night mode to balance the bright lights against the dark sky.
The most photogenic spots include Place Morichar, the fireworks stage, and the musician lineup on Rue Américaine. Each offers colorful movement and great crowd reactions.
Tripods aren’t banned, but large gear might be tricky to set up. I usually bring a mini tripod or handheld gimbal easier to maneuver and allowed by security.
When posting online, use hashtags like #SaintGillesHalloween2025, #HalloweenInBrussels, and #SpoooklyHalloween to join the main feed.
If you want those perfect motion shots, wait for the stilt walkers or fire jugglers they create natural rhythm and drama. Just don’t forget to pause and enjoy the moment too; no photo beats living it firsthand.
Conclusion
The Saint-Gilles Halloween Parade 2025 isn’t just a local event it’s a celebration of art, imagination, and the joy of dressing up. Every October 31, the heart of Brussels fills with drummers, glowing costumes, and families celebrating creativity.
From the fireworks at Place Louis Morichar to the street performers on Rue Américaine, every corner hums with laughter and community energy. Whether you’re walking in costume, snapping photos, or simply soaking in the lights, this parade delivers a Halloween night to remember.
So, if you’re planning a spooky European trip next October, make Saint-Gilles your stop. Bring your costume, your camera, and a sense of fun you’ll leave with stories, not just pictures.
FAQs
Yes, completely free. All public areas, performances, and fireworks are open to everyone.
Not for walking in costume. Registration is only required for organized groups, floats, or performers.
Try to reach by 5:15 pm if you’re marching, or by 5:30 pm if you want a good viewing spot.
The starting point is Place Louis Morichar, and it generally circles through the Saint-Gilles district toward the Musée d’Art Fantastique.
Absolutely. Families make up a big part of the crowd. Early sections are child-friendly, with fun costumes and soft lighting.
Small pets on leashes are allowed, but loud noises and crowds may stress them out. Better to leave them in comfort at home.
The show goes on. Bring an umbrella or hooded raincoat light rain is almost a Brussels tradition.
No strict limits. However, post-fireworks bar parties are adult-oriented and start after 9:00 pm.
A few paid parking spots exist at Q-Park Louise and Porte de Hal Garage, both within walking distance.