Halloween in Paris 2026: Best Events, Parties & Things to Do

Love Halloween and planning a trip to Paris in October? You may be wondering how much the city actually celebrates Halloween.

If you are used to Halloween in the United States, expect something a little different. Paris does not turn into one huge Halloween scene on October 31, and you will not find every house and street covered in pumpkins and spooky decorations. Halloween is celebrated in France, though, and in recent years it has become much more visible.

There are major Halloween events at Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix, family activities throughout the city, special events for adults and plenty of smaller Halloween touches in stores, restaurants and public spaces. And Paris itself is already wonderfully atmospheric in fall.

Below, I have rounded up some of the best Halloween events and things to do in and around Paris in 2026.

Is Halloween a big celebration in Paris?

Yes and no. Halloween has definitely become more visible in Paris, but it is not a holiday where every street and home is decorated. You will mainly notice Halloween at theme parks, attractions, stores, bars, clubs, libraries and places organizing activities for families.

On October 31, you will certainly see children and adults in costumes, Halloween-themed window displays and plenty of parties. But do not expect children to go door to door trick-or-treating throughout every Parisian neighborhood. That varies considerably from one neighborhood and family to another.

There is also another important date to understand when visiting France at this time of year. La Toussaint, or All Saints’ Day, is November 1 and has a much stronger traditional place in French culture.

French schools have a vacation period around All Saints’ Day, known as the vacances de la Toussaint. In 2026, schools in Paris finish for the break after classes on October 17 and resume on November 2. Because Halloween falls right in the middle of this school vacation, there are lots of additional activities for children and families.

When is Halloween in Paris in 2026?

Halloween is always celebrated on October 31. In 2026, Halloween falls on a Saturday, which makes it an especially good year if you are planning a Paris trip specifically around Halloween. Many parties and special events can take place on Halloween night itself.

You do not have to be in Paris exactly on October 31, though. The biggest Halloween events start in late September or early October and continue into early November.

If you want to combine several Halloween activities during one trip, I would especially consider visiting between about October 17 and November 1.

Best Halloween events in Paris in 2026

1. Zombie Walk Paris on October 17

One of the most noticeable Halloween-style events in the city itself is the Zombie Walk Paris. In 2026, the walk takes place on Saturday, October 17. Participants meet at Place de la République before making their way through Paris toward Place des Vosges. Check the Zombie Walk website for the latest information.

Even if you do not want to dress up and join the walk yourself, it is fun to watch. The event is free, and you will see everything from simple zombie makeup to some impressively elaborate costumes.

The Zombie Walk also takes place right at the start of the French Toussaint school break.

2. Disney Halloween Festival at Disneyland Paris

For the most complete Halloween experience, head just outside Paris to Disneyland Paris. The Disney Halloween Festival runs from September 26 through November 1, 2026 at Disneyland Park.

During the festival, the park is filled with pumpkins, fall decorations and special Halloween details. Disney Villains appear throughout the season, Disney Characters wear seasonal outfits and Mickey’s Halloween Celebration returns to the parade route.

Halloween itself is especially interesting in 2026. On October 31, Disneyland Paris is offering an expanded Halloween program until 11:00 p.m., including special Character encounters, fireworks and treats.

You do not need to purchase a separate Halloween party ticket. The October 31 Halloween program is included with a valid Disneyland Park admission ticket for that date.

Another fun detail: October 31 is the one day of the year when guests of all ages are allowed to visit Disneyland Paris in costume, although Disney does have rules about masks, accessories and costumes that could be considered unsafe.

3. Peur sur le Parc at Parc Astérix

Looking for something scarier than Disney? Peur sur le Parc at Parc Astérix is one of the biggest Halloween events in France. In 2026, it runs from October 3 through November 8.

During the day, there are plenty of attractions and activities that work well for families. At the same time, Parc Astérix is known for its scare zones, actors, haunted experiences and special late-night Halloween openings.

The 2026 edition includes several new experiences, including La Forêt sans Retour, an outdoor immersive horror trail, plus a new terrifying zone in the Egyptian Souk and new shows.

Families with younger children do not have to avoid the park altogether. Much of Parc Astérix remains family-friendly during the Halloween season. Younger visitors can also take part in Le Parcours des Petits Chaudrons, where children complete challenges and collect candy and small gifts.

Parc Astérix is located north of Paris, so I would plan a separate day for it rather than trying to combine it with sightseeing in central Paris.

4. Día de los Muertos at Jardin d’Acclimatation

Not everything in October is about traditional Halloween ghosts and pumpkins. From October 3 through November 1, 2026, Jardin d’Acclimatation celebrates Día de los Muertos, inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead.

Expect colorful skeletons and Catrinas, flowers, Mexican music and themed decorations throughout the park. The 2026 program also includes special attractions and performances, including a haunted river, an immersive Mayan Temple maze and fire performances.

This is a particularly good choice if you are visiting Paris with children and want a festive fall atmosphere without going for full-on horror.

Jardin d’Acclimatation is located in the Bois de Boulogne in western Paris and is easy to reach from the city center. You can also combine your visit with the nearby Fondation Louis Vuitton.

5. Halloween activities at Paris libraries

Halloween in Paris does not have to be expensive. Paris public libraries also organize free Halloween activities for children.

Bibliothèque Maurice Genevoix in the 18th arrondissement, for example, is holding a full Halloween day on October 31, 2026. The program includes creative workshops, spooky stories, games, treasure hunts, a haunted-house escape game and Ciné’lloween.

The morning activities are mainly aimed at younger children, while the program becomes a little spookier later in the day.

Some activities require advance reservations, so check the program before you go. These smaller local events are a fun way to experience Halloween in Paris beyond the major tourist attractions.

6. Le Parc de l’Étrange at Parc André Citroën

From October 16 through October 31, 2026, Parc André Citroën in the 15th arrondissement becomes home to Le Parc de l’Étrange.

This immersive outdoor Halloween experience follows a route through the park, with actors, strange characters, special effects and spooky scenes. For 2026, the route is almost 2 kilometers long and features 13 different themed worlds.

There is also an optional area for visitors looking for a more intense scare.

October 30 and 31 are special evenings, with longer opening hours, additional actors and extra special effects. If you really want to experience the atmosphere, I would go after dark.

This is a good option if you want to stay within Paris itself while still doing something that feels like a real Halloween event.

Parc André Citroën is also home to the Ballon Generali de Paris, a large tethered balloon that can rise to around 150 meters and offers impressive panoramic views over Paris when weather conditions allow.

7. Halloween at the Ménagerie in Jardin des Plantes

At the Ménagerie, the small zoo inside Jardin des Plantes, Halloween takes a slightly different approach.

During the “Même pas peur!” program, visitors learn more about animals that people are often afraid of and discover why many of these animals have an undeservedly bad reputation.

On October 27 and 29, for example, an evolutionary biologist from the French National Museum of Natural History will talk about snakes and explain why we should not automatically be afraid of them.

This is a fun option for children who are interested in animals and science. It is less haunted house and more educational Halloween activity.

The program takes place daily during the Toussaint school break, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is recommended for ages 6 and up and is included with admission to the Ménagerie. Activities start near the carnivore building.

8. Halloween parties in Paris for adults

Paris also has plenty of Halloween nightlife on and around October 31. Clubs, bars and event venues organize their own Halloween parties, and many do not announce their full programs until relatively close to the date.

One confirmed event for 2026 is Monsterdom at Dock B in Pantin on October 31. This large queer Halloween party runs into the early morning, with DJs, two dance floors and a major costume competition. Costumes are mandatory, and the event is for ages 18 and over.

If you want to continue the celebrations on November 1, La Fiesta de los Muertos at Le Mazette offers another option. Le Mazette is a boat moored on the Seine, and the Día de los Muertos-inspired evening combines live music, food and themed decorations.

Halloween parties in Paris can sell out, especially when October 31 falls on a Saturday. If there is one specific party you really want to attend, I would not wait until you arrive in Paris to buy a ticket.

What is Halloween night like on the streets of Paris?

If you walk through central Paris on October 31, you will definitely notice Halloween, but probably not in the same way you would in many American cities.

Stores, restaurants, bars and clubs join in, and you will see people wearing costumes on the Metro, children with face paint and Halloween decorations in certain areas. The atmosphere is much more noticeable around major attractions, nightlife areas and organized events than on a random residential street.

I would not travel to Paris assuming you can simply walk around and automatically move from one big Halloween celebration to another.

Choose one or two Halloween activities you really want to do, then combine them with Paris itself. In my opinion, that works much better.

An atmospheric place to visit in October: Père Lachaise Cemetery

If you are in Paris around Halloween, a visit to Père Lachaise can fit the atmosphere of an October city trip surprisingly well.

Père Lachaise is not a Halloween attraction, and of course it should be visited respectfully. But it is one of the most impressive and peaceful places in Paris.

You will find old tombs and monuments, narrow paths and the graves of famous writers, artists and musicians. On a gray fall day, the cemetery has a completely different atmosphere from the busy boulevards of central Paris.

Halloween in Paris with kids

If you are visiting Paris with children, I would especially look at Disneyland Paris, Jardin d’Acclimatation, Jardin des Plantes and the Halloween activities organized by Paris libraries.

Parc Astérix can also be a great choice, but it is worth looking carefully at the program. The daytime family activities are very different from some of the scarier experiences and late-night Halloween events.

And if the weather does not cooperate, Paris has plenty of indoor alternatives in fall. Visit a museum, explore one of the city’s covered passages or take a Seine river cruise.

Practical tips for visiting Paris around Halloween

• Book popular attractions in advance. The French Toussaint school break makes Disneyland Paris, Parc Astérix and popular Paris attractions busier than usual.
• Check age recommendations. Not every Halloween event is suitable for younger children.
• Pack layers and a rain jacket. Late October in Paris can be cool and changeable.
• Book Halloween parties early. This is especially important in 2026 because October 31 falls on a Saturday.
• Do not plan your entire trip around Halloween. Combine one major Halloween event with a neighborhood, museum, market or walk through Paris. It makes for a much more varied city trip.

Is Paris worth visiting for Halloween?

Yes, especially if you want to combine Halloween with a city trip.

Paris is not one huge Halloween theme park, so it helps to decide in advance what you actually want to experience. Families will find plenty to do during the Toussaint school vacation, Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix are the major attractions for theme park fans, and October 31 itself offers plenty of parties and special events.

If atmosphere is what you are looking for, late October is a lovely time to spend a few days in Paris anyway. Explore the city during the day and choose a Halloween activity that suits you in the evening.

For me, that combination makes much more sense than traveling to Paris for just one Halloween party.