“What makes Halloween in Sweden unique?”
As Associate Professor Manon Hedenborg White of Malmo University notes that, “The border between the worlds is thin during this part of the year, but … our modern version of Halloween was imported … from the USA. … the spread of Halloween in Sweden was facilitated by the similarity with parts of our Easter celebrations”
I’ve been living in Sweden for over 15 years. I’ve enjoyed so many festivals here, and this year, I’m planning to celebrate Halloween in Stockholm.
Halloween is not an old Nordic tradition, but it has become very popular here. When I first came in the late 2010s, it was just starting, inspired by American fun. Now, in 2025, Stockholm glows with costumes, pumpkins, and spooky vibes during the autumn break from October 27 to November 2. Kids go door to door for sweets, adults enjoy costume parties, and the whole city feels alive with cozy darkness and playful scares.
If you’re visiting Stockholm this Halloween, join me as I share my favorite places to enjoy the fun — from lively parades in the city center to hidden shops in Norrmalm. It’s the perfect way to brighten up those long, dark Swedish nights.
Halloween in Sweden – The Origin
Halloween came to Sweden in the late 1980s, brought by exchange students and pop culture. Before that, people marked the end of harvest and celebrated All Saints’ Day to remember the dead. Over time, Halloween grew in popularity, and today it is all about dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, and children going door-to-door for sweets. On the streets, you can see colorful jack-o’-lanterns, spooky decorations, and families enjoying the festive atmosphere. Even though it is not a public holiday, it has become a special time for fun and creativity.
Top Halloween Events in Stockholm 2025
Stockholm turns spooky around October 31, with events all over Djurgården, Gamla Stan, and other parts of the city. Whether you want family-friendly fun or late-night scares, here are the places I plan to visit this year, based on my past trips and the latest events for 2025.
1. Sthockholm: Scandinavia’s Biggest Halloween Parade
If there is one event that shows “Halloween in Stockholm,” it is Shockholm. I went a few years ago dressed as a Viking ghost, and it was amazing. This free festival is the biggest in Scandinavia and started in 2010. In 2025, it will be on October 31 at 5 PM at Sergels Torg.
There will be food, activities, and a costume contest—even for dogs! The parade starts at 8 PM, going through the streets of Gamla Stan and back. I have seen huge pumpkins there, like Herr Storpumpa, the world’s largest. You can watch or join in. It is fun for all ages. I will be there taking pictures for the blog.
2. Gröna Lund: Spooky Rides and Haunted Houses
Gröna Lund amusement park on Djurgården island becomes a Halloween wonderland. They decorate the whole park. You will see spider webs and zombies everywhere. Last year, I went through their scary haunted houses. It was the best part of my trip.
In 2025, the park will open for the autumn break, from October 27 to November 2. There will be something for everyone. You can find scary characters and witches for brave people. There will also be a pumpkin patch for those who want less scary fun.
You should buy your tickets online before you go. The park is at Lilla Allmänna Gränd 9. It is easy to get there by tram from central Stockholm. If you like roller coasters and autumn fun, this is the place to be. I am going back to ride the coasters again!
3. Stockholm Ghost Walk: Chills in Gamla Stan
To get some real history with your scares, the Stockholm Ghost Walk is a great choice. I’ve been on this tour. It takes 90 minutes. You walk through the old alleys of Gamla Stan. You hear stories about murders, sicknesses, and ghosts. It’s a perfect thing to do on a Halloween night.
The tour runs all year. It started back in 2008. But it feels extra spooky around Halloween time. You can check their website for tour times in 2025. They don’t promise you will see a ghost, but the stories will make you look over your shoulder. The tour starts in the Old Town. It’s only a short walk from Stockholm Central Station.
4. Family Fun at Nordiska Museet and Skansen
For a great time with kids, the island of Djurgården is the place to be.
The Nordiska Museet (at Djurgårdsvägen 6–16) has special things for the autumn break. You can go on a time-travel adventure or a “Night at the Museum” event for kids aged 6 to 10. This is where the museum feels like it comes alive at night. Last year, I went there and solved riddles while looking at the history exhibits.
Nearby, the Skansen open-air museum (at Djurgårdsslätten 49–51) has a fun event called “The Mystery of the Town Quarter.” Kids can look for clues, do crafts, and learn magic in the old houses. Both places are great if you have a stroller and are traveling with little kids. They are full of Swedish charm.
5. More Thrills: Midnight Masquerade and Haunted Ship Parties
In 2025, there are new Halloween events popping up. You might like the Midnight Masquerade on October 31. It is a night with dancing and shows for people who are feeling brave. Or, you could get on the Haunted Ship for a party on the water. This is a unique spooky cruise.
If you like games, try the Old Skool Bingo Halloween Special on November 1. You can play bingo to RnB music at places like La Barra and DOK. These fun events are usually found in central Stockholm. Check Eventbrite for tickets and more information.
6. Serene Side: Skogskyrkogården for All Saints’ Reflection
If you don’t like scares, you can visit Skogskyrkogården cemetery south of Stockholm. It’s at Sockenvägen 492. Around November 1, this special place glows with candles and flowers. Thousands of people come to remember family and friends. The cemetery was designed by Gunnar Asplund and is a very peaceful place. Last All Saints’ Day, I found it to be a humbling experience. The chapels were open, and soft songs were playing.
Where to Find Perfect Costumes & Spooky Essentials
Finding the right outfit is a big part of Halloween. Stockholm has many shops for all kinds of looks. I always start my search on Drottninggatan.
- For unique things: C.U.M. Clubwear (Drottninggatan 71D) is a great place to find weird and one-of-a-kind costumes. They have very strange masks, like ones with giant teeth or metal helmets. It is a good store if you want to stand out.
- For basic stuff: Butterick’s (Drottninggatan 57 and at the Mall of Scandinavia) is a classic Halloween shop. It’s a great place to find everything you need in one stop. They sell wigs, face paint, and all kinds of simple costumes, like ghost and ghoul outfits. I once bought a zombie makeup kit here that was very easy on the wallet.
- For cheap and vintage: You can find great things at second-hand shops like Myrorna and Beyond Retro. They have clothes with a retro feel. I love looking through their racks. You can find unique pieces to create a special costume that no one else will have.
- For professional looks: If you want a prize-winning costume, go to Smink och Perukmakarn (Köpmantorget 1) in Gamla Stan. They have high-quality makeup and wigs. It’s the place professionals go for their costumes.
- For renting: For a big event, you might want to rent a costume. Independent Kostym (Palermogatan 17) has a huge space filled with amazing costumes from history and fantasy. It is the perfect place to get an epic outfit without having to buy it.
- For party supplies: Don’t forget the fun extras! Partyland has many shops around Stockholm. They are filled with decorations, balloons, and candy to make sure your Halloween is full of treats and no tricks.
Frequently Ask Questions
When is Halloween celebrated in Stockholm?
Halloween is celebrated on October 31, but many events run during the autumn break, from October 27 to November 2 in 2025.
Is Halloween a public holiday in Sweden?
No, it is not a public holiday, but it is widely celebrated with parties, parades, and trick-or-treating.
What are the best Halloween events in Stockholm?
The top events are Shockholm Parade, Gröna Lund Halloween, Stockholm Ghost Walk, Nordiska Museet Night, and activities at Skansen and Drottningholms Slottsteater.
Can children join the Halloween celebrations?
Yes! Many events are family-friendly. Kids can trick-or-treat, enjoy pumpkin patches, and take part in mystery games and workshops.
Where can I buy Halloween costumes in Stockholm?
Popular stores include C.U.M. Clubwear, Butterick’s, Partyland, Myrorna, Beyond Retro, Smink och Perukmakarn, and Independent Kostym.
Do I need to buy tickets for events?
Some events like Gröna Lund, Nordiska Museet, and Drottningholms Slottsteater require tickets. Shockholm Parade is free.
What is the best way to get around Stockholm during Halloween?
Public transport like trams, buses, and the metro is easy to use. Many event locations, such as Djurgården and Gamla Stan, are also walkable from central Stockholm.
A Perfect End to the Trip
As the days get shorter in Stockholm, Halloween 2025 will be a great mix of fun and spooky times. There is something for everyone. You can walk in the big parade through the Old Town or find chills at the museums on Djurgården.
I will be there with my camera, enjoying it all. Maybe I will see you at the big parade? If you are coming to Sweden, bring your costume and have fun. Travel safe, and happy haunting!
Note: Events can sometimes change. Please check the official websites for the latest information.
Last updated: August 25, 2025.
