Halloween weekend in London 2026: what’s on 31 October and 1 November

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, which makes 31 October and 1 November a proper Halloween weekend in London. It’s also the weekend Christmas starts and the first fireworks go off. Here’s the plan.

Saturday 31 October: Halloween

Trick or treat

Penge does it best: about 20 local shops hand out sweets in the early evening. The free trail on High Street Kensington runs until the end of the day too.

Halloween at Kew

The after-dark trail at Kew Gardens runs until Sunday 1 November, from 4pm. It’s timed entry, so book ahead for the weekend.

Nights out

The big parties run Thursday to Saturday. Our Halloween parties in London list has the main ones and the cheapest.

Christmas starts the same day

Leicester Square’s Christmas market and ice rink both open on Saturday 31 October, the first of the season. Our Christmas in London 2026 dates list has what comes next.

The first fireworks

Herne Hill Velodrome has a bonfire and fireworks on Saturday evening, and Richmond Family Fireworks is on Sunday 1 November. The biggest displays are the following weekend, all in our London fireworks guide.

Sunday 1 November

A good day for the last of the Halloween events, or a calmer one at a free museum. Sunsets are now just before 4.40pm, so plan outdoor things early.

With kids? See Halloween in London for families.

Frequently asked questions

Is Halloween on a weekend in 2026?

Yes. Halloween is on Saturday 31 October 2026.

Where is the best trick or treating in London?

Penge in south-east London has local shops handing out sweets on Halloween evening, and High Street Kensington has a free trail.

Sources

• Time Out: free things to do October half term 2026
• Globetotting: October half term 2026
• IanVisits: London fireworks 2026
• Londonist: Christmas in London 2026 dates

Last checked: 25 October 2026. Check each event before you go. Image: Beth Teutschmann, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.