Halloween 2025 in the United Kingdom – Holidays
Halloween in the UK 2025 falls on Friday, 31 October 2025.
It’s one of the most popular autumn celebrations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, filled with costumes, pumpkins, trick or treating, and spooky events.
What Is Halloween and When Is It Celebrated?
Halloween short for All Hallows’ Eve is celebrated every year on 31 October. The festival has ancient Celtic roots, originally marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
In the UK, Halloween has grown from a folklore tradition into a mix of ancient rituals, community fun, and modern pop culture. Children dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, and go trick-or-treating, while adults enjoy Halloween parties and horror film nights.
Halloween UK Dates (2024–2028)
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 31 October 2024 | Thursday |
| 2025 | 31 October 2025 | Friday |
| 2026 | 31 October 2026 | Saturday |
| 2027 | 31 October 2027 | Sunday |
| 2028 | 31 October 2028 | Tuesday |
History of Halloween in the UK
The origins of Halloween date back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in what is now Ireland, Scotland, and parts of England.
Ancient Celts believed that on the night of 31 October, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, and spirits could return to Earth. People lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts.
When Christianity spread across Britain, Samhain merged with All Saints’ Day (1 November), and All Hallows’ Eve became known as Halloween.
How the UK Celebrates Halloween Today
Modern Halloween in the UK is a fun mix of old folklore and modern entertainment:
- Costume Parties: From spooky ghosts to pop culture icons.
- Trick-or-Treating: Children go door-to-door collecting sweets.
- Pumpkin Carving: A must-have decoration inspired by the Irish “Jack-o’-Lantern” legend.
- Haunted Houses & Ghost Tours: Popular in cities like Edinburgh, York, and London.
- Horror Movie Marathons: A cosy UK tradition for Halloween night.
UK Halloween Traditions and Events
- Edinburgh’s Samhuinn Fire Festival – A spectacular modern revival of Celtic rituals.
- York Ghost Walks – Explore one of the UK’s most haunted cities.
- London Dungeon Halloween Specials – Spine-chilling fun in the capital.
- Pumpkin Patches – Families visit farms across the UK to pick and carve pumpkins.
These events attract locals and tourists alike, giving Halloween in Britain a uniquely historic yet festive feel.
The Meaning of Halloween Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 🎃 Pumpkin | Symbol of protection and harvest (from Irish folklore) |
| 👻 Ghosts | Spirits returning on Halloween night |
| 🕯️ Candles | Used to guide lost souls |
| 🦇 Bats | Linked to old Samhain bonfires attracting insects and bats |
| 🕸️ Spider webs | Symbolise mystery and darkness |
Fun Facts About Halloween in the UK
- The UK spends over £600 million each year on Halloween – second only to Christmas in retail sales.
- Apple bobbing was a Victorian favourite that still survives today.
- The first Jack-o’-Lanterns were carved from turnips, not pumpkins!
Key Takeaways
- Halloween Date: Always 31 October
- Next UK Halloween: Friday, 31 October 2025
- Origins: Ancient Celtic Samhain festival
- Modern Traditions: Costumes, trick-or-treating, ghost tours, and pumpkin carving
- Popular Places: Edinburgh, York, London
Related UK Holidays & Events
- Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Day) 2025
- Christmas Day 2025
- UK Bank Holidays 2025
- Black Friday
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the UK celebrate Halloween?
Yes. Halloween is widely celebrated across the UK with costumes, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and themed parties. While it began as a Celtic festival, it’s now a popular cultural event enjoyed by both children and adults.
What day is Halloween in the UK?
Halloween is always celebrated on 31 October each year. In 2025, it falls on Friday, 31 October, and in 2026, it will be on Saturday, 31 October.
Why is Halloween on October 31?
Halloween falls on 31 October because it originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was thinnest.
Do Muslims celebrate Halloween in the UK?
Most Muslims in the UK do not celebrate Halloween, as it has pagan and religious origins that differ from Islamic beliefs. However, some families may allow children to join community events or dress up for fun in a non-religious way.