Halloween. Most people consider it just another commercialized holiday that has spread from America. In fact, it has a long history with its roots likely in Ireland. Halloween is slowly catching on in Belgium and there are now events and activities to celebrate Halloween in Ghent. You will find that in addition to theatre performances, cooking workshops and Halloween parties, some neighbourhoods also welcome trick-or-treaters. Should you be ready with a bucket of sweets or treats? The best way to know is to knock on your neighbour’s door and ask.

If you haven’t met your neighbours yet this is a great opportunity to do so! Ask what their plans are, or if the local children get together. Ask some of the parents from your school if they’d like to come over to carve pumpkins or decorate cookies after school one day.

Many of the following events are aimed at Dutch-speakers, but that does not mean you should shy away … besides, at some events language won’t really matter and, in fact, a couple are for English speakers or international families. We will keep adding to this list and updating it as we hear about more halloween events in Ghent.

Halloween Film Night

More aimed at young adults and adults alike, the Halloween Film Night at Kinepolis is sure to give you the ghoulies.

Poppentheather – Heksensoep

Puppet theater Poppentheather Magie presents Heksensoep (Witches Soup) for two shows every October.

Gent Glas Pumpkin Patch

This fundraising event transforms glass-blowing studio Gent Glas into an autumn fantasy landscape showcasing hand-made, unique glass pumpkins made by local artists. There are over 450 pumpkins ranging in size, shape, color, design, and price. During the live event, Gent Glas auctions off the pieces being made in real time, creating an exciting opportunity to support each of these artists individually.