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Halloween 2025 is bringing the world’s biggest costume parties, haunted parades, and beach festivals to life， and the excitement is already in the air. From Los Angeles to Tokyo, cities are transforming into open-air stages where travelers, students, and locals come together to celebrate in full color.
Whether you’re wandering along the neon-lit beaches of Thailand or taking photos with giant skeletons in Mexico, each destination offers its own unique flavor of Halloween. If you’re wondering where to celebrate Halloween this year, this is your ultimate guide to the best Halloween parties and global events of 2025.
And here’s a tip: wherever you go, a local eSIM keeps you connected — no roaming fees, no SIM swaps, just instant sharing of every spooky, colorful, and unforgettable moment.
When is Halloween 2025?
Halloween takes place every year on October 31st, and in 2025, it falls on a Friday night — the perfect setup for a full weekend of parties, parades, and festivals around the world. Most celebrations start in the last week of October, with themed events popping up from October 25th to November 2nd, especially in cities that also celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) right after Halloween.
That means travelers can enjoy an entire week of costume events, haunted attractions, and street parties — from the wild Halloween Carnival in West Hollywood to the glowing skull parades in San Antonio and Mexico City.
1. Day of the Dead Parade — Mexico City, Mexico
Location: Zócalo and city center
Date: October 31 – November 2, 2025
Cost: Free admission
Dress Code: Skull face paint, floral headpieces, or traditional Mexican attire
Few places in the world mix Halloween and culture as beautifully as Mexico City. During Halloween Party 2025, the city bursts into color for Día de los Muertos. It’s not a “scary” celebration at all. Instead, it’s about honoring loved ones who’ve passed, with joy instead of sadness. The main parade flows through Paseo de la Reforma, led by giant skeletons, dancers in bright costumes, and floats covered in marigold flowers. The air is filled with the powerful rhythm of drums and the lively melodies of Mexican Mariachi bands. The resonant notes and beats set a festive tone throughout the entire city. Meanwhile, the streets are infused with the enticing aroma of traditional Mexican delicacies — especially the sweet scent of pan de muerto (sweet bread) and calaveras de azúcar (sugar skull candies) — capturing the unique essence of the celebration.
By the afternoon, locals and tourists crowd along the avenue, their faces painted in intricate calavera designs — white skulls with sparkling gems and colorful details. Children carry paper lanterns, women wear crowns of marigolds and roses, while men dressed in black and gold suits smile warmly as they hand out candies and blessings to strangers. When night truly falls, the spiritual heart of the city — the Zócalo — is illuminated by countless flickering candles and handcrafted altars (ofrendas) lovingly prepared by families. These altars, adorned with the favorite foods and drinks of the departed, serve as a vivid bridge between the colors of life and the warmth of remembrance. Locals gather to share food, sing, and dance with joy, celebrating together in a way that is full of vitality and love.
What to Wear:
- Traditional skull makeup and a floral headpiece are essential, but colorful embroidery is welcome.
- Men can wear a black suit with gold or floral details.
- Women can wear a long dress or a lace cape, accessorized with a floral crown.
Want to capture the vibrant parade and upload instantly to social media? A Mexico eSIM keeps you connected at high speed, so you won’t miss any brilliant moment.
2. Día de los Muertos – San Antonio, Texas, USA
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, San Antonio
Date: November 1–2, 2025
Cost: Free admission
Dress Code: Colorful skull face paint, flower crowns, or Mexican-inspired outfits
If you can't make it to Mexico City, San Antonio's Day of the Dead offers a powerful and authentic experience in the heart of Texas. The city's deep Mexican-American cultural roots make it the perfect setting for a Day of the Dead celebration.
La Villita Historic Arts Village transforms into a vibrant spectacle of music, dance, and art, most notably the massive ofrendas ("altars") lining the streets. Designed and built by local families, community groups, and artists, these tiered and colorful ofrendas honor deceased loved ones. Each ofrenda is decorated with the deceased's favorite foods, drinks, photos, and marigolds (Cempasúchil). Visitors can personally experience the core spirit of the festival by participating in a sugar skull workshop and exploring the vibrant craft market, where they can purchase intricate skull sculptures and folk art.
As night falls, San Antonio's festive atmosphere reaches its climax with the famous Catrinas Parade, held along San Antonio's iconic River Walk. The Catrina, an elegant female skeleton created by the Mexican printmaker Posada, symbolizes the dignity and irony of facing death. They float gently on the candlelit river in flower boats decorated with altars or skull motifs, illuminating the San Antonio night sky. This water parade is considered one of the most unique and beautiful Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States. It is a festival that perfectly balances reflection and celebration—honoring ancestors with cheerful colors and music while welcoming everyone with an open and inclusive attitude to join in the vibrant rhythms of life.
Outfit Ideas:
- Skull makeup with marigold accents
- Bright embroidered shirts or dresses
- Comfortable shoes for dancing and exploring
Stream live music and share the glowing altar in real time, and stay connected with a US eSIM (coverage in Texas).
3. Full Moon Halloween Party – Koh Phangan, Thailand
Location: Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan
Date: Wednesday, 29 October – Friday, 31 October 2025
Cost: Free
Dress code: Neon body paint & beachwear
If you’re chasing a tropical version of Halloween, Koh Phangan is where the ghosts meet paradise. The Full Moon Halloween Party is everything you’d expect from Thailand’s most famous beach rave — only this time, it was drenched in the iconic orange and black lights of Halloween, adding an extra layer of mystery and excitement to this moonlit spectacle.
Before the party even began, the ritual of costumed stunts unfolded on the streets. Hundreds of vendors offered professional neon-colored body painting services, and visitors used their bodies as canvases, painting skulls, geometric patterns, and tribal totems with bright, bold paint. As night fell, DJs set up multiple sound systems along the shoreline, spinning a variety of pulse-pounding electronic music. Thousands of travelers, backpackers, and locals, barefoot on the fine white sand, their bodies ablaze with light, danced to the music, creating a spectacular sea of fluorescent light. Buckets of glowing cocktails, a mix of spirits and energy drinks (the famous "Thai kegs"), were passed around.
The centerpiece of the carnival was the adrenaline-pumping beach fun: fire shows erupted every few minutes—expert performers wielded flaming fireballs and sticks, creating mesmerizing trails of light across the night sky. The most thrilling event is the "flame jump rope," where participants muster the courage to jump over a thick, ignited rope – a test of both courage and a tipsy sense of balance. Hailed as one of Asia's most thrilling Halloween parties, this beach celebration captivates partygoers worldwide with its unparalleled sensory impact and unique "tropical horror" style.
During the Full Moon Party, the hotels on Koh Phangan are almost fully booked, so we highly recommend that tourists plan their trips and even flights in advance.
Dress code:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for tropical weather.
- Must-have: Fluorescent paint or brightly colored luminous accessories for beach parties.
To stay connected across Thailand’s islands, an eSIM for Thailand is your best travel hack: instant connection, no SIM swap, no stress.
4. Samhain—Dublin, Ireland
Location: Dublin Castle and Temple Bar
Date: Thursday, October 31, to Sunday, November 3, 2025
Cost: €20-€60 per event
Dress Code: Traditional Celtic or creative Halloween costumes are recommended
In Dublin, Halloween is more than just a night out; it's history alive. Samhain dates back over 2,000 years, when the Celts believed that with the end of autumn, spirits could travel between worlds. Today, this ancient magic still lingers in the air. You can feel it in the smell of peat fires, the twang of fiddles in pubs, and the laughter echoing through the cobblestone streets.
Dublin celebrates this unique heritage with spectacular events. Smithfield Square hosts a spectacular parade, the city's centerpiece. Featuring giant, intricately decorated floats inspired by Celtic mythology, professional dancers in traditional and modern costumes, and impressive giant puppets, the parade slowly marches along the streets, captivating thousands of spectators. Dublin Castle hosts theatrical performances and immersive experiences that bring Celtic mythology to life. Legendary ghosts, pixies, and ancient spirits appear to burst forth from the veil and fill the castle's magnificent halls, while a dazzling fireworks display illuminates the skyline above the castle.
After dark, the famous Temple Bar district comes alive on Halloween night, with vibrant live music pouring out of every door. You'll see people from all over the world lining the streets, arm in arm, dancing, singing, and laughing as if they've known each other forever. Their revelry blends perfectly with the old-fashioned spirit of the Halloween Party 2025.
Check the times of your desired shows and theatre events in advance, as seating is often limited at shows in the Castle. Temple Bar is a lively nightlife area perfect for an after-dinner stroll and listening to live music.
Clothing Tips:
- Wear traditional Celtic or natural elven attire.
- Wear a thicker coat and cloak, as Ireland can be chilly in late October.
If you're planning to join in the festivities, purchase an Irish eSIM before you land.
5. Haunted Boat Party — London, UK
Location: Thames River Cruise
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Cost: From £45, includes drinks and DJ performances
Dress Code: Gothic elegance or classic horror characters
London takes Halloween seriously, and the Haunted Boat Party on the River Thames is one of its most unique events. The evening begins with a boarding ceremony on the pier, a spectacular outdoor fashion show in itself. You'll see students, young professionals, and travelers from around the world comparing costume ideas and details before boarding the haunted ship.
From Victorian vampires to authentically detailed pirate captains, classic horror characters are all on board. The boat slowly pulls off and departs the illuminated pier, and the real magic begins. As the Thames gently sways, you'll embark on an all-night dance party on the water. Top-tier DJs on board will spin hard-hitting beats, energizing all the ghosts and monsters across the multiple decks. From the ship's side, you'll enjoy unprecedented views of London's spectacular nightscape: Tower Bridge illuminated in eerie blue, Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) towering against the night sky, and the London Eye shimmering in its enchanting glory. Attending the Thames Haunted Ship Party is more than just a party; it's a ticket to a unique night of indulgence, immersing yourself in the heart of London. This is sure to be an unforgettable Halloween 2025 party.
If you have time during the day, explore London’s haunted heritage — take a Jack the Ripper walking tour through Whitechapel or visit the centuries-old Highgate Cemetery. Then, end your night cruising through one of the world’s most iconic skylines.
Dress code:
- Gothic or Victorian vampire-inspired outfits are popular.
- Men can wear tuxedos or pirate-inspired outfits, while women can wear a sheath dress or a lace maxi dress.
- The decks can be a bit cool, so a cape or shawl is recommended for comfort.
With a UK eSIM, you can navigate easily, look up directions, and share live stories
6. West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval – Los Angeles, USA
Location: West Hollywood Boulevard
Date: October 31, 2025 (Friday)
Cost: Free entry, open to all
Dress code: Creative costumes and movie or superhero themes encouraged
If there’s one place that captures the spirit of Halloween in full technicolor, it’s West Hollywood, Los Angeles. Every year, the iconic boulevard transforms into a massive open-air costume carnival, drawing more than 500,000 people — students, locals, and visitors from all over the world. From the moment the sun sets, the street comes alive with flashing lights. Multiple professional DJ stages continuously unleash pulsating, pounding beats, transforming the entire city into an open-air dance floor.
You'll be transported to a moving visual feast. Here, costumes are no longer simply outfits; they're living works of art and creative statements. You'll see intricate costumes inspired by Hollywood blockbusters, pop culture icons, and fantastical creatures, including breathtaking DIY masterpieces that take months to craft. From lifelike movie villains to dazzling comic book heroes, everyone passing by interprets the endless possibilities of Halloween in their own way. Furthermore, the bars and clubs along West Hollywood Boulevard will open their doors to host a variety of themed parties and exclusive events, bringing the excitement from the streets indoors. Come join us for this epic outdoor costumed Halloween party in 2025!
For students, this is more than just a party — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience, a mix of art, music, and freedom of expression. You can easily spend hours exploring different stages, grabbing street food, and posing for photos with strangers dressed as zombies, witches, or superheroes.
What to wear:
- Retro Hollywood Starlet: Wear a sparkly blazer or sequined dress, paired with sunglasses and vintage curls. Stroll down the street with a faux champagne flute, and the whole street will look like your red carpet.
- Rock Demon: A black leather jacket, ripped jeans, a makeshift red horn, and a touch of glitter. Add a portable speaker to blast some rock music and you'll instantly be the life of the party.
With a USA eSIM, you can connect as soon as you land — no SIM swap, no Wi-Fi hunt, just instant 5G connection to capture your Halloween night.
7. Shibuya Halloween Parade – Tokyo, Japan
Location: Shibuya Crossing
Date: October 31, 2025
Cost: Free
Dress Code: Anime, horror, or creative pop-culture costumes
Tokyo has transformed Halloween into a globally celebrated pop culture spectacle. Every year, Shibuya's Halloween street parade draws tens of thousands of attendees, dressed as everything from comic book heroes and video game characters to lifelike zombies and global pop idols, boasting some of the most creative and elaborate costumes in the world. This spontaneous cosplay extravaganza embodies Japan's unique "anime" culture and meticulous attention to detail. Music blares from every corner, pounding electronic dance music resonating through the buildings; giant LED screens flash with eerie art, transforming the entire intersection into a futuristic, cyberpunk-inspired stage. It's the ultimate Halloween party destination, where cosplay meets street festivities.
By evening, Shibuya Crossing and the surrounding central streets are packed with people carrying giant props (such as anime character weapons or wings), while professional and amateur photographers alike crowd the steps in search of the perfect angle for the perfect shot. Local police (especially the famed "DJ Police") direct the flow of people, using megaphones to direct revelers along the sidewalks and maintain traffic at the all-directional intersection. Yet, amidst the madness, there's a strange sense of order. This controlled chaos is precisely the allure of Shibuya Halloween. You can grab a seasonal pumpkin spice latte from a Starbucks in one of Shibuya's iconic buildings, sit on the steps near the Hachiko statue, and quietly observe this spectacle of human behavior from a bystander's perspective—you might see samurai and movie ghosts engaged in earnest conversation, or Pikachu and vampires laughing together. This interdimensionality is somehow joyful, showcasing Tokyo's immense inclusiveness and creativity as a global melting pot of cultures.
What to Wear：
- Anime, pop culture, or goofy styles are best, making this a paradise for cosplayers.
- Group costumes are popular, allowing friends to coordinate their entire ensemble.
- Avoid wearing heavy props; crowding can easily tire you.
With a Japan eSIM, you can share your cosplay instantly, find your group among the crowd, and explore Shibuya’s nightlife without worrying about Wi-Fi or SIM cards.
8. Halloween Carnival & Canal Party – Venice, Italy
Location: Venice canals & St. Mark’s Square
Date: October 30 – 31, 2025
Cost: From €30 (for special events)
Dress Code: Venetian masks, elegant costumes, or casual spooky outfits
Venice during Halloween is a unique experience. The canals glow with lanterns. The iconic Piazza San Marco and its surrounding piazzas are filled with pumpkins intricately carved by artists and street performers in elaborate costumes. and alleys bustle with people in masks or costumes, taking photos and enjoying treats like pumpkin pies and Venetian pastries. Performers juggle torches, magicians entertain, and the mix of lights, aromas, and sounds makes the city feel lively yet cozy.
The Canal Party is the highlight: decorated gondolas glide through the canals while music plays along the waterfront. Friends toast with wine on the piers, families gather by the water to watch small, impromptu comedy or opera performances, absorbing the bustle and joy of the riverbank. Couples stroll through narrow, candlelit alleyways, their masks cloaking identities, lending a touch of mystery and freedom to romance. It's a melodrama composed of countless details: around every corner, a new wonder—masked dancers in long capes twirling across the bridges, their shadows casting fleeting, ethereal afterimages across the ancient stone structure; a street violinist playing haunting melodies, and cafés serving pumpkin cappuccinos and hot chocolate pastries offer cozy havens for revelers who've been reveling all night. This is one of Europe's most captivating Halloween parties of 2025.
What to wear:
- A Venetian mask, elegant gown, or cape creates a mysterious and beautiful look.
- Men: A black suit with gold details.
- Women: A feather mask, beading, and a flowing dress.
An Italy eSIM helps you check schedules, locate friends, and share photos instantly.
9. Halloween Carnival & Castle Party – Cologne, Germany
Location: Cologne city center & Schloss Drachenburg
Date: October 31, 2025
Cost: From €25
Dress Code: Any costume that makes you feel good — scary, funny, or just comfortable
If you’ve never spent Halloween in Germany, Cologne is the place that really knows how to celebrate. By late afternoon, the city center was bustling with activity. The streets were bustling with activity, and from the square in front of Cologne Cathedral to the winding alleys, thousands of citizens and tourists were seen enjoying themselves and being seen. Groups of friends in elaborately themed costumes, parents pushing ornately decorated strollers filled with adorable miniature vampires, and countless students and tourists showing off their creative costumes. Bars blared with music, and even small shopkeepers donned masks—just how Halloween should be.
As darkness fell, revelers streamed toward the train station, their destination a short ride from the city center, the imposing Drachenburg Castle, a movie-set-like structure. The neo-Gothic building, perched on a hill, was bathed in a blanket of orange and crimson lights, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding night. A fog machine, constantly spitting thick clouds of smoke across the courtyard, created a magical atmosphere. The DJ's blasting music captivated the hundreds of people, while partygoers, dressed in gory zombie costumes, medieval ghost costumes, and various other creative characters, let loose. The atmosphere was incredibly friendly and inclusive—no one judged your "coolness"; everyone was just out for fun, cheering and toasting strangers as they shared this unique Halloween experience.
What to wear:
- Gothic Knight: A dark jacket, belt, gloves, and metallic accessories create a ghostly castle guard, a steady and imposing presence.
- Dark Noble: A white shirt, black cape, and dark red scarf. Simple attire, but under the lighting, the person looks like something out of a 19th-century portrait.
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Fun & Creative Halloween Costumes and Items
Still figuring out what to wear? Here are a few easy ideas that actually look good, feel comfortable, and get a smile or two wherever you go.
1. Lazy Ghost on Vacation
Take an old white sheet, cut some eye holes, and throw on a pair of sunglasses. Add a straw hat or a drink cup, and suddenly it feels like a ghost who just needs a break from haunting. It’s funny, easy to put together, and somehow ends up being really cute in photos.
2. AI Robot with a Bad Wi-Fi Signal
Grab a silver jacket or some metallic clothes, stick on a few reflective stickers, and carry a little cardboard sign that says “Reconnecting…” Now and then, just freeze mid-step or mid-conversation like your system crashed. It’s simple, playful, and people immediately get the joke.
3. Cozy Autumn Witch
a long, comfy sweater or cardigan, paired with dark jeans or leggings, a simple pointed hat, and ankle boots. Carry a small pumpkin or a mug of hot chocolate as a prop. It’s warm, wearable, seasonal, and still gives you that Halloween vibe without overdoing it.
These costumes are easy, real, and totally wearable — you don’t need to overthink anything, and you’ll still stand out.
4. Haunted Polaroid Camera
A mini instant camera wrapped in fake cobwebs or stickers shaped like ghosts and bats. Every shot you take comes out as a “haunted memory” — add glow-in-the-dark tape around the frame for an eerie glow effect. Perfect for travelers who love analog vibes with a spooky twist.
5. Foldable Ghost Tote Bag
A reusable shopping bag that unfolds into a white ghost with eyes and a wavy hem. It’s funny, eco-friendly, and perfect for carrying snacks, souvenirs, or last-minute costume pieces while you’re exploring a new city.
FAQ: Halloween Party of 2025
Q1. Which Halloween event is best for students or backpackers?
The Full Moon Halloween Party in Thailand and West Hollywood Carnaval are affordable, vibrant, and highly social, perfect for travelers on a budget.
Q2. How early should I plan my trip?
Book flights and accommodation 1–2 months in advance, especially for high-demand destinations like Koh Phangan and Venice, where rooms sell out quickly.
Q3. What should I pack for international Halloween trips?
Keep it light — many parades involve walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Bring spare clothing in case of moisture or rain, as well as a small bag for essentials like a power bank.
Q4. How do I stay connected abroad during Halloween trips?
A regional or global eSIM gives instant data without swapping SIM cards — perfect for uploads and navigation.
Final Thoughts
By the end of the night, no matter where you’ve been, you’ll feel like Halloween has stretched across the globe just for you. You might have danced under a full moon in Thailand, cheered along a parade in Dublin, or gotten lost in the chaos of Shibuya — but one thing’s the same everywhere: the energy, creativity, and joy are contagious.
So pack your costume, charge your phone, grab your eSIM, and dive in. Halloween Party of 2025 are more than a holiday — they’re a chance to step into someone else’s story for one unforgettable night. Trust me, it’s a memory you’ll be talking about long after the pumpkin lights go out.
