Witch tour, skeleton hunt, and Dracula’s dinner: here are some terrifyingly good ideas for Halloween

Those who say that Halloween pumpkin carving is entirely a Western tradition are wrong. This is not unfamiliar in Hungarian tradition either, as the practice of carving frightening faces on turnips can also be found among old village customs.

And while we are on the subject of flickering jack-o’-lanterns in the dark... here comes the best part! There is life beyond carved pumpkins: witchy fun, spine-tingling adventures, and spooky experiences await families at Halloween. Put on your scariest costume, sharpen your broom, and get ready: here come our favorite October programs, where you are sure to get goosebumps and laughs at the same time!

Several zoos in rural areas are preparing Halloween programs. The Debrecen ZOO’s multi-day event series is raising the bar even higher this year, if possible. In addition to the “spooky” zoo programs, witchcraft workshops, light painting, and spectacular shows will enrich the event. We can explore the mysteries of the Enchanted Castle, walk through the eerie cemetery and maze, and marvel at the terrifying acrobats’ performance. It is definitely worth taking an evening stroll in Nagyerdei Cultural Park if you happen to be in the area.

The Miskolc ZOO also offers thrilling experiences: on 31 October, the organizers await visitors with extended opening hours, animal shows, fun activities, and spectacular feeding times on Halloween night. Evening animal watching, puzzles, and craft activities await visitors at the Szeged Wildlife Park. During Halloween, the Szeged Wildlife Park also has extended opening hours – evening walks illuminated by lanterns and spooky costumes create a special atmosphere at this time of year.

At the end of October, you can sample delicious pumpkin delicacies in many places across the country. At Kőröshegyi Levendulás, for example, pumpkin-based dishes, divine hot chocolate, and the unmissable pumpkin spice latte will all be available during Halloween.

And if you are looking for a truly special dining experience, Le Primore Hotel & Spa offers a unique “kids only” program for children aged 6-14 who are interested in gastronomy. At Dracula’s Gourmet Dinner, executive chef Attila Borda will be hosting Dracula himself, who will help interested young people get a taste of the world of fine dining – both figuratively and literally. During the six-course menu, interested children can gain insight into the history of each ingredient, learn table manners, and discover the secrets of gastronomic culture. During the event held at La Vie gourmet restaurant, young people can actively participate in the discovery, thus enjoying a true culinary experience. The program takes place in a magical, festive atmosphere, where the children are truly the center of attention. The event will take place on 27 and 31 October, and advance registration is recommended. Places are limited, so it’s worth booking early!

In the last week of October, rural castles and manors also welcome visitors with special, spine-tingling programs. In Tiszadob, at the Andrássy Castle, we can once again take part in a fantastic Halloween program: as part of the “Escape from the Castle” event, we can discover the castle’s hidden secrets in an exciting escape game. As night falls, the shadows of the past also come to life at the Wenckheim Castle in Szabadkígyós on Halloween night. Dark stories and mysterious scenes await visitors in the whirlpools of the castle park – with varying intensity depending on age group. In the Fenékpuszta Grange, the Small Castle is plunged into complete darkness: we can wander among bats and spiders in its haunted rooms, while playful tasks and little surprises await us.

Although we can make jack-o’-lanterns at home, if we want to see truly masterfully carved pumpkins, it is worth visiting one of the pumpkin carving competitions, pumpkin festivals, or pumpkin fairs. Among other places, Csömör, Őrség, Rácalmás, Szeged, and Zalakaros also hold fantastic festivals every year, where you can not only make the most beautiful Halloween pumpkin, but also put on your scariest costume for the music party. In November, it is worth combining a visit to the Tisza Lake Eco Center with a walk through the village, as many porches will be lit up with terrifying jack-o’-lanterns, and local restaurants will be waiting for visitors with pumpkin delicacies.