5 min read
17.10.2025

Halloween in Schleswig-Holstein

Tradition, change, and modern-day experiences

Glowing pumpkin jack-o'-lanterns with witch hat, surrounded by candles, leaves, and fake spiders, in a warmly lit, decorated room.

Halloween on October 31 has become a fixed part of the autumn calendar in Schleswig-Holstein. But how did it come to be celebrated here, and what does the holiday look like today?

Table of Content

Celtic customs with a modern twist
Event tips
Conclusion

Celtic customs with a modern twist

The origins of Halloween lie in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the transition from summer to the darker half of the year. Even back then, people lit fires and dressed up to ward off evil spirits. Through Irish and Scottish immigrants, these customs reached North America, where Halloween evolved into a colorful spectacle of pumpkins, costumes, and parades. In the 20th century, the celebration made its way back to Europe and gained popularity in Germany as well. In Schleswig-Holstein, October 31 was long known primarily as Reformation Day. Today, Halloween lives on here in a new form—combining tradition, modern entertainment, and a strong sense of community.

Children in particular now dress up and go door to door collecting sweets, bringing light and color to the darkening evenings. Homes are decorated with carved pumpkins, gardens turn into small haunted landscapes, and adults join in the fun with lively parties. Alongside private celebrations, there are many public events that make Halloween in Schleswig-Holstein a special experience.

Event tips

One highlight is the Halloween event at Arche Warder (Langwedeler Weg 11, 24646 Warder). On October 31, visitors can enjoy a spooky celebration that blends the atmosphere of an animal park with eerie entertainment. In Husum, Hafenstraße 17 turns into a hotspot for partygoers when a large Halloween party takes place on October 31, complete with live acts and haunting decorations. A cultural highlight awaits at Eutin Castle, where evening tours and ghostly tales create a historical and mysterious atmosphere.

Kiel also celebrates Halloween in grand style. The Bunker Club (Waisenhofstraße 6, 24103 Kiel) hosts “Hell’s Kitchen with Obscure Shape” on the night of October 31—a party designed to offer adults an unforgettable experience. Families looking for a more kid-friendly option can visit Sprung.Raum Kiel, a trampoline park specially decorated for the evening and offering a mix of sport, fun, and spooky flair.

A particularly unique experience awaits at the Halloween House in Boostedt, located between Bad Bramstedt and Neumünster. It’s open on October 31 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., with free admission. Visitors can explore both a Scare Zone and a family-friendly area, as well as take part in costume contests. This volunteer-organized event is an impressive example of the creativity and passion that go into local celebrations.

Conclusion

Halloween in Schleswig-Holstein is much more than an imported custom. It brings together ancient roots, the Protestant Reformation, the spirit of harvest season, and modern-day festivities. October 31 has become a day that celebrates imagination and togetherness—showcasing the region at its most vibrant and delightfully mysterious.