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This post is all about Halloween Events Edinburgh.
26 Amazing Halloween Events In Edinburgh For The Whole Family
Edinburgh is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween with your whole family. This beautiful city with its cobbled streets and narrow closes provides the perfect spooky backdrop for scary stories about it's ghastly history.In the city centre, you can find some incredible family-friendly tours for Halloween. Everything from learning about witchcraft in Edinburgh, to the history of Scotland's most famous Castle, or even, the inspiration behind Harry Potter.However, a lot of the events on this list actually take place at various locations outside the city, including Lauriston Castle, Dalkeith Country Park, or Newhailes Estate. You can expect creative workshops, Halloween festivals and even, an outdoor cinema experience.This list is guaranteed to help you plan the most incredible Halloween for every member of your family!This post is the ultimate guide to Halloween Events Edinburgh.
This blog post will cover:
26 Amazing Halloween Events In Edinburgh For The Whole Family 2023
1. Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin At A Local Pumpkin Patch
Support your local farms by visiting a pumpkin patch near you and search for your perfect pumpkin. I've got a whole other blog post covering the top pumpkin patches to visit in Scotland this Halloween.
So, if you are interested, just follow this link below:
Kirsty
After you've acquired your perfect pumpkin, its time to get a Halloween movie on and get carving!
2. Discover Your Hogwarts House On The 'Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour'
Calling all Harry Potter fanatics, this one is for you! Where better to go on a Harry Potter tour, than the city that inspired JK Rowling's world-famous books?!
On this Harry Potter walking tour around Edinburgh, you'll be sorted into your Hogwarts houses, find out whether you're a squib, muggle or pure-blood, discover the inspiration behind the characters and even, visit Tom Riddle's grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard.
This tour has a rating of 4.8 stars with over 5,000 reviews, so you can rest assured that it's bound to be entertaining. If you'd like to book slots on this tour, just click here.
3. Let Your Little Ones Be Mesmerised At A 'Spooky Storytelling'
Dalkeith Country Park is hosting a spooky storytelling event for little ones aged 2-6 years old during selected days in October. The event lasts 45 minutes and there are morning and afternoon sessions available.
Dalkeith Country Park is a 30-minutes drive south of the city centre of Edinburgh.
Children will listen to a selection of suitable scary stories including 'The Baddies', 'Funnybones' and 'The Dinosaur That Pooped Halloween'. A maximum of 2 adults can accompany a child for this event.
Pre-booking is essential, just follow this link to book a place for your child.
4. Get In The Halloween Spirit At The 'Conifox Halloween Festival'
Conifox Adventure Park is located 30 minutes from Edinburgh city centre. For this October, they will be holding a Halloween festival, which is sure to keep the whole family entertained!
As part of this festival, they are hosting Halloween-themed events on selected days, mostly weekends, in October. You can expect a pumpkin patch and an adventure park hunt, in which your little ones will need to help find all the enchanting creatures to win a tasty treat.
They are also having a Halloween Fireworks event on selected evenings in October. Expect everything from incredible fireworks, fire performances, dark forest maze, the witches labyrinth, a rave'n dance disco, Taylor's of Edinburgh funfair, spooky face painting, and marshmallow toasting.
If you are interested in this festival, follow this link for more information.
5. Go On The Hunt For Halloween Creatures At 'Camera Obscura And The World Of Illusions'
Camera Obscura And The World Of Illusions is located on the Royal Mile, just down from Edinburgh Castle. It has five levels, containing over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits and mind-bending illusions.
Everyday from Friday 6th October through to Tuesday 31st October, they are hosting a Halloween Hunt. As part of this event, you will need to find a famous Halloween creature on each floor and if you find them all, you'll be rewarded with a sweet treat at the end of your visit.
There will also be guides sharing family-friendly local Halloween stories, as well as spooky decorations, projections and photo opportunities throughout.
If you'd like to book some tickets for Camera Obscura, click here.
6. Get Creative At The 'Kids Halloween Craft Workshops'
Dalkeith Country Park is running a Kids' Halloween Craft Workshop on the Saturday 14th, Monday 16th, Friday 20th, Sunday 22nd and Saturday 28th of October.
At these workshops, children will make their own Halloween decorations or get to paint their very own ceramic pumpkin.
Since the workshop leaders are PVG certified, you can drop your kids off at this event, if they are above the age of 5, and go and enjoy some peace and quiet in the Dalkeith's Restoration Yard store and restaurant.
If you'd like to book your little ones on this event, click here.
7. Get Your Best Detective Skills On For 'Witchcraft & Wizardry: Edinburgh'
On Saturday 21st October, gather your team of up to 6 adults (kids join as extras for free) for an outdoor escape game around Edinburgh with 'Witchcraft & Wizardry: Murder by Magic!'.
The game takes between 2-3 hours and will have you exploring Edinburgh like never before, whilst you hunt for clues and solve puzzles. You can start anytime between 9am-2pm, but you must complete it by 5pm.
All you need to take part is a ticket for your team of detectives, your smartphone, and if you wanted to go a step further, your best Halloween costumes. If you've got all that, then you are ready to embark on this unique quest.
8. Grab Your Blankets And Popcorn For The 'Outdoor Adventure Cinema'
Adventure cinema is bringing a spooktacular selection of Halloween movies to Dalkeith Country Park for this October.
On Saturday 14th October, the selection of films includes Room On The Broom & The Gruffalo at 11am, The Nightmare Before Christmas at 3pm, and Hocus Pocus at 7.15pm. Hocus Pocus is also on Monday 16th October at 3pm.
There is also Monsters Inc on Sunday 15th October at 1.30pm and Coco on Tuesday 17th October at 3pm.
The cinema is outside, so remember and bring a blanket or camping chairs to make it a bit more comfortable.
This is a fantastic event for families and it's sure to be a popular one. If you want to get tickets, click this link.
9. Get A Free Pumpkin At The 'East Links Family Park'
East Links is a family park in East Lothian, about a 50-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre. They've got loads of fun things for the whole family including a train safari, crazy golf, go karts, animal feeding, trampolines, and so much more!
From Saturday 14th October through to the Tuesday 31st October, they are running a pumpkin festival, which means you'll also get a few Halloween-themed extras included in your ticket. These include a free pumpkin for every child visiting, a fancy dress contest, and a Halloween hunt.
If you'd like to book tickets for your family, then you can do so through this link.
10. Take A Spooky Stroll Through The 'Botanics Halloween Trail'
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a 20-minute walk from Edinburgh city centre and is considered one of the world's leading botanic gardens.
For Halloween this year, they have a Halloween trail event from Saturday October 14th through to Tuesday 31st. You will need to follow a map, solve some clues and navigate your way through the enchanted gardens, towering trees and incredible foliage with some spooky sights along the way.
The full details of the event haven't been released yet, but you can keep an eye out here.
11. Learn About The History Of The Most Famous Castle In Scotland; Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the cities most famous landmarks and has recently been voted the most haunted place in Scotland to visit.
With this 1.5 hour family-friendly tour, you'll skip the line and be guided through the castle by a professional guide, who will explain the dramatic history of the Kings and Queens who used to live there.
You'll visit the famous Great Hall and Royal Palace on this tour, as well as three museums and two prisons. All whilst being able to admire the beautiful view over to Edinburgh's old town.
If you'd like to book tickets for your family to go on this tour, just click here.
12. Create Some Creepy Cookies At The 'Kids' Halloween Cookie Workshop'
At Dalkeith Country Park, they are hosting a Kids' Halloween Cookie Workshop on Saturday 14th, Tuesday 17th, Thursday 19th, Saturday 21st, Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of October.
This is a hands-on workshop in which children under 12 years old, will decorate pre-made Halloween pumpkin or ghost gingerbread cookies and will even be able to take four of their cookies home with them too.
Since the workshop leaders are PVG certified, you can drop your kids off at this event, if they are above the age of 5, and go and enjoy Dalkeith's Restoration Yard store and restaurant.
If you'd like to book your little ones on to this workshop, click here.
13. Expect All The Classics At 'Artie's Singing Kettle Halloween Singalong'
The Singing Kettle are a Scottish entertainment group, who perform traditional children's songs and live theatre performances. If you've grew up in Scotland, then there is good chance that you've already heard of them.
This year, there is a Halloween special of the Singing Kettle at Rothes Hall in Fife on Sunday 15th October at 1.30pm. Rothes Hall is an hour drive from Edinburgh city centre, so a little bit out of the way but it'll be a fun day out none-the-less!
You can expect all the Singing Kettle classics, including 'Shove Yer Granny Off the Bus' and 'Bunny Fou Fou'. Sure to have the whole audience singing along! Get your tickets for the event here.
14. Make Halloween-Inspired Art At The 'Kids' Halloween Crochet Workshops'
If you have any creative children or teenagers between the ages of 9-15, then this event is perfect for them!
This year at Dalkeith Country Park, they are running a Kids' Halloween Crochet Workshop on Sunday 15th, Wednesday 18th, and Saturday 21st October from 10am-12pm. At this event, kids will make a crochet bat and pumpkin, which they will be able to take home.
Since the workshop leader is PVG certified, you can drop your kids off at this event, and go and enjoy some much-needed you-time.
If you'd like to book your children or teenages on this workshop, follow this link.
15. Enjoy A Pumpkin-Themed Afternoon At 'Little Scare-lings'
If you are a Dobbies Club Member, then you can visit Dobbies Edinburgh or Dobbies Livingstone for their "Little Scare-lings" Halloween event. This pumpkin-themed afternoon will take place between Thursday 26th October to Sunday 29th October.
For this event, your little ones will take part in pumpkin-themed activities and games, enjoy terrifying treats and will be able to choose their own pumpkin to take home from the miniature patch.
Priority booking starts on Monday 4th September, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis, so you'll need to be quick! Here's the link for more information.
16. Expect Family-Friendly Fun At Almond Valley's Halloween Events
At Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston, about 35 minutes drive from Edinburgh City Centre, is the Friday Fright Night and Scary Saturday After Dark Halloween events on the 27th and 28th October, respectively.
For these events, Almond Valley opens its doors after dark for some Halloween family-friendly fun around the park including farm animal encouters, and play areas.
There isn't a lot of information available for this event but advance booking is required. Follow this link for more information.
17. Hear Terrifying Tales At The 'Kids Underground Gory Stories Small-Group Tour'
Learn about Edinburgh's ghastly history on this day time 'Kids Underground Gory stories Small-Group Tour', which will take you through the winding closes of Edinburgh's Old Town and into the famous Blair Street Underground Vaults.
Along the way, your professional and highly knowledgable guide will tell you terrifying tales of smelly streets, terrible tortures and creepy characters.
You'll learn about the conditions that people used to live in during 19th century Edinburgh and see some of the artefacts that were found in Edinburgh's secret underground.
This family-friendly tour is perfect for Halloween! If you'd like to book tickets for this tour, then follow this link.
18. Celebrate Both Halloween And Bonfire Night At The Fawkes Festival
Fawkes Festival is offering a brand-new event for this year, which will let you celebrate both Halloween and Bonfire Night on the same night. Their Halloween Firework Spooktacular event will take place on Saturday 28th October from 4-8pm in the majestic grounds of Dalkeith Country Park.
The event will feature funfair rides, pre-show entertainment, delicious food and drink, and then, a captivating 20-minute Halloween-inspired firework show, set to music, lights and lasers.
If you'd like to book some tickets for this event, follow this link.
19. Walk (Or Run) Through The 'Haunted Halloween Trail' At Newhailes Estate
For this Halloween, prepare to be spooked at Newhailes Estate's Haunted Halloween Trail on Saturday 28th October or Sunday 29th October. To get to Newhaile estate, it is a 25-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre.
The Halloween trail will take you and your family walking (or running) through the estate's eerie forest. Along the trail, you'll also spot spiders, skeletons and witches. Since it's a family-friendly event, you can expect it not to be too spooky and dogs on a lead are also welcome!
If you've like to book some tickets, you can do so by clicking here.
20. Be Sophisticated At The 'Hallowhailes Afternoon Tea'
Newhailes Estate is hosting an Hallowhailes Afternoon Tea event on Saturday 28th October and Sunday 29th October, from either 12-1.30pm or 2.30-4pm.
At this Halloween-themed afternoon tea, you can expect to be presented with severed finger sandwiches, spooky scones with cream and jam, creepy cakes, and scary drinks.
It is recommended for children over 5 years old and booking is required. If you'd like to book a table for you and your family, click here.
21. Uncover Edinburgh's Magical Past On A 'Witches And History Old Town Walking Tour'
Be captivated by the historical tales of Scotland's witches as you wonder around the dimly lit streets of Edinburgh's Old Town.
Your witch-costumed guide will lead you to some of Edinburgh's best known landmarks, all whilst telling you the secrets and stories of witchcraft in locations such as Grassmarket and Candle Maker Row.
This tour has fantastic reviews with most of them praising the energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the guide. With 4.9 stars, you know its going to be a good tour. If you'd like to book slots on this tour, just click here.
22. Enjoy Some Terrifying Treats At The 'Lil Monsters Breakfast'
Hard Rock Cafe on George Street in the city centre of Edinburgh is having a lil monsters breakfast on Sunday 29th October from 8.30-10.30am.
Your little ones can get their face painted, decorate their 'treat or treat' bag and then, you can all tuck into a delicious breakfast. For kids, there is a pancake bar with lots of tasty toppings including fresh fruit, sauces, sweets, and popcorn.
If you'd like to book a table for your family, click here.
23. Wonder Around The Spookatcular 'Halloween Terror Trail' At Lauriston Castle
On Sunday 29th October at 10am, the Edinburgh Horror Festival has organised a Halloween Terror Trail event at Lauriston Castle, 25 minutes from Edinburgh city centre.
The terror trail winds through the castle grounds with some Halloween-themed horrors dotted around along the way. You can then head into the castle for creepy arts and crafts, magical wizards and spooky ghost stories.
It is a drop-in event from 10am-1pm and you'll need to allow 75 minutes to experience everything. If you'd like to book a ticket for this event, click here.
24. Enjoy A Family-Friendly Rave At The 'BFLF Halloween Old Skool Spectacular'
On Sunday 29th October from 1-3pm, La Belle Angele in Edinburgh's Old Town is hosting a Halloween Old Skool Party for families and the post-rave generation of parents.
You can expect a DJ set with old school rave and jungle tunes (all played at a safe volume for even the littliest of ears), a Halloween-themed craft area, a play area, babies-only safe space, and a bubble machine.
If you'd like to book tickets for the Halloween rave for you and your little ones, then click this link.
25. Be Captivated At The 'Children's Classic Concerts: Myths and Monsters'
The Children's Classic Concert presents their new show, 'Myths and Monsters', at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh city centre on Sunday 29th October at 3pm.
A fabulous performance, which brings together orchestral music, on-stage escapades and magical creatures. Sure to keep the whole family entertained!
This is bound to be a popular Halloween event in Edinburgh for families. You'll want to be quick to get your tickets, which are available now via this link.
26. Engage With The Paranormal At The 'Halloween Seance Adventure'
Taking place at Lauriston Castle on Sunday 29th October at 3pm is the Halloween Se'ance Adventure.
As you enter Lauriston Castle for this event, you will be greeted by your magician. They will then take you through randomly selected paranormal themed magic demonstrations, before entering the seance room for the final supernatural encounter.
The event is described as "the Crystal Maze meets paranormal illusions meets choose your own adventure". If this sounds like something you would be interested in then you'll need to be quick as there is only limited numbers of tickets.
Click here to purchase tickets for the Halloween Seance Adventure.
This post is all about Halloween Events Edinburgh.
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