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Halloween in France looks quite different from what we’re used to in the U.S. Back home, it’s all about costumes, candy, parties, and neighborhood trick-or-treating.

But just like Christmas, New Year’s, and other holidays in France, the French have their own way of celebrating, and it’s much less ingrained in the culture.

That said, Halloween has started to gain traction in recent years. Some towns and cities host Halloween events, but overall, you don’t expect to see this everywhere in France. Instead, La Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) on November 1st is the real focus with much deeper cultural and religious significance.

In this post, I’m sharing how Halloween is celebrated in France today, how it’s evolving, and what to expect if you’re here on October 31st.

Does France Celebrate Halloween?

Yes and no. France does celebrate Halloween, but not in the same way it’s celebrated in the U.S.

The popularity of Halloween in France has been growing since the 1990s, but it’s still not considered a major holiday. In the United States, nearly everyone celebrates Halloween in some way, even if it’s staying in and watching a spooky movie.

In France, however, it’s more of a personal choice. Some people, especially children and young adults, see Halloween as a fun excuse to dress up, eat candy, or attend a themed party. Others are more skeptical about Halloween and view it as a foreign, overly commercial holiday imported from America. It really comes down to one’s own tastes and beliefs.

And just like in the U.S., Halloween celebrations in France can vary from region to region. In larger cities, you’re more likely to see costumes, decorations, and Halloween events. In smaller towns, Halloween might go unnoticed.

When I lived in Lorient, almost no one celebrated Halloween, but in Strasbourg, I see way more parties, events and decorations. Although, I haven't had any trick-or-treaters at my apartment yet!

So, is Halloween celebrated in France? Yes, but how and to what extent really depends on the person and the place.

History of Halloween in France

Here’s a little Halloween histoire for you. Halloween has roots in Celtic customs, which made their way to North America in the 19th century. Irish and Scottish immigrants helped popularize the holiday, and over time, traditions like trick-or-treating, dressing up in costumes and carving pumpkins became central to the American Halloween we know now.

Ironically, despite its European origins, Halloween isn’t a traditional holiday in France. It only started gaining attention in the late 1990s, in large part due to American TV shows, movies, and marketing campaigns.

So Halloween is still relatively new in France and has a lot less cultural significance, especially when compared to La Toussaint, which follows right after.

La Toussaint: France’s Favorite Fall Holiday

La Toussaint, or All Saints’ Day in English, is a widely celebrated national holiday in France. It takes place the day after Halloween on November 1st and is a time to honor deceased loved ones and saints.

Families traditionally visit cemeteries and place flowers, especially chrysanthemums, on graves as a sign of respect and remembrance. Though rooted in Catholic tradition, La Toussaint is observed across France as a day for gatherings and reflection.

Because the French take great pride in their customs and cultural heritage, Halloween is often overshadowed by La Toussaint, which also kicks off a two-week school vacation that falls halfway between summer and Christmas.

Halloween Traditions in France

Costumes

When it comes to Halloween costumes in France, scary is almost always the theme. Children and adults who choose to dress up typically stick with the classics like witches, vampires, skeletons, ghosts, and zombies, over cute or funny costumes.

While American costumes range from spooky to satirical, if you’re invited to a French Halloween party then you can expect to be scared.

Now, if you’re planning to disguise yourself, just know that finding a costume can be a bit more difficult in France than it is in the U.S. There aren’t massive Halloween stores like Spirit Halloween here. Your best bet is to shop online for the widest selection, and if you prefer to browse in person, check out local party stores.

I was actually surprised by the costume selection at the party store here in Strasbourg. There were tons of scary ones, but also pirate garb, '70s disco outfits, and even cowgirl getups.

Decoration

It probably won’t surprise you, but the French aren’t nearly as gung-ho about decorating for holidays as we are in the U.S., and Halloween is no exception.

Some shops might put up decorations like carved pumpkins, cobwebs, or skeletons, but it’s far from widespread. You’re more likely to see Halloween decorations in bigger cities like Paris or Lyon than in smaller villages.

Most people don’t decorate their homes for Halloween either unless they have young children or are hosting a themed party.

Jack o' lanterns are also not as iconic in France, but pumpkins are available at grocery stores and markets in October. Some people carve them, but it’s not a common tradition.

If you’re wondering where I buy my Halloween decorations in France, check out this blog post on the best Target equivalents in Paris.

Trick-or-Treating

In the U.S., Halloween is a very communal celebration. Kids go door-to-door collecting candy, neighbors chat and pass out candy, and parents sometimes get in on dressing up too. In many neighborhoods, especially those with young families, Halloween is festive and full of energy.

In France, this sense of community on Halloween just doesn’t exist. In some regions and also among expat communities, children go trick-or-treating, ringing doorbells and asking for sweets, but it’s not incredibly common. Those who do participate, don’t say “trick-or-treat”, instead they ask « des bonbons ou un sort » (“candies or a spell”). I personally find this expression so cute!

If you live in France, don’t expect your doorbell to be ringing off the hook. You definitely don’t need to prepare a bowl of candy either.

Honestly, no trick-or-treating doesn’t bother me much since I’m too old for it, but if I had kids here, I know I’d really miss the excitement of Halloween. I have so many cherished memories of making my costumes as a kid, running around the neighborhood with friends, then sorting and trading my haul from the night.

Parties

Halloween parties are much more common in France than trick-or-treating. Some are hosted at home, in bars, or at clubs, often as an excuse for adults to dress up and have fun. Costume parties are typically geared toward adults, with fewer events for kids compared to what you might see in the U.S.

When I studied in France, my school actually hosted Halloween parties. Now, I throw my own Halloween party every year (more on that below!).

Scary Movies & TV Shows

Some French people might celebrate spooky season by watching horror movies. You might even find the occasional cinema screening classic or cult horror films in October.

But again, it’s all about the scary. Lighthearted Halloween movies that many of us Americans love (like Halloweentown, Ghostbusters, and Casper) aren’t nearly as popular in France. Last year, I watched Hocus Pocus with my boyfriend (his first time seeing it!), and it was very nostalgic for me. I also loved seeing his reactions to all of the American Halloween traditions.

That said, the French have some seriously good horror films of their own. Martyrs, The Tenant, and High Tension are all recommendations from my boyfriend, who’s a big horror fan.

If you’re looking for a spooky French series to stream, I also recommend the TV show Marianne.

How I Celebrate Halloween in France

One of my favorite ways to stay connected to home is by celebrating holidays, even if I’m far from the U.S. I’ve learned to love Halloween in France, even if it looks a little different.

For the past few years, I’ve hosted a Halloween party with my French and international friends. It’s become a fun way for me to express my American side and share a tradition I love (without feeling too patriotic). Halloween is one of the holidays I miss most from the U.S., right after Christmas (which I usually go home for).

I ask everyone to come in costume and even give out a prize for the best one each year. It makes it so much fun, and every year, my friends get more and more creative.

If I lived in Paris and didn’t have a party on my calendar, I’d probably plan something festive for October. What immediately comes to mind is the Paris Catacombs, an underground cemetery that holds over six million remains. Definitely a bit eerie, and also an activity that I discuss more in my guide to autumn in Paris.

Another fall activity I love is visiting the castles around Paris. They’re not only beautiful with the fall foliage, but the history makes them feel a little spooky around this time of year.

For a more American celebration, Disneyland Paris might be just the place to go. Every October, they put on a Halloween festival with decorations, Disney villains, parades, shows and special food. It’s much more on par with the celebrations we see in the U.S., but located just outside the French capital.

Final Thoughts on Halloween in France

France definitely doesn’t celebrate Halloween the same way we do in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist here. While La Toussaint is the more widely recognized holiday, Halloween is slowly growing in popularity, especially in larger cities and among younger generations.

And if you’re wondering how to say “Halloween” in French, it’s just Halloween. No translation needed! Also, in French, “Happy Halloween” translates to Joyeuse Halloween ! Good to know if you find yourself celebrating in France this year.

Are you celebrating Halloween in France this year? What are your favorite Halloween traditions? Let me know in the comments below.

How the French Celebrate Halloween

In this Article

Does France Celebrate Halloween?

History of Halloween in France

La Toussaint: France’s Favorite Fall Holiday