Best places to celebrate Halloween with children in Spain

Halloween is a highly anticipated date on the calendar, much cherished by kids and adults alike. The combination of spooky costumes, festive decorations and original activities leaves many families searching for unique ways to go ‘all out’ for the occasion. Not sure what to do with your kids this Halloween? From long-standing traditions to unforgettable getaways, this PortAventura blog has you covered!

Why are more people choosing to travel somewhere for Halloween?

Celebrating Halloween on 31 October has evolved from a simple tradition—imported from the United States several decades ago—to a key date in the Spanish cultural calendar. More and more families are taking advantage of the All Saints’ Day public holiday (on 1 November) to enjoy a short getaway. What makes this so appealing to so many is the mix of unique experiences and the opportunity to explore top Halloween destinations—taking a break from the everyday to make lasting memories with family and friends. For those travelling with children, it’s also a great way to explore themed destinations and treat them to a memorable experience that they’ll look back on fondly in years to come.

The best places to celebrate Halloween in Spain

Wondering where to celebrate Halloween in Spain? Well, that depends on what you’re after. Are you looking for a fun day on the tracks? An escape to the country? A cultural visit to a destination where there’s a bit more going on? Or anywhere holding Halloween-specific activities? To help you make your decision, we’ve knocked up a list of some of our favourite locations:

PortAventura World

Call us biased all you like, but one of the best places to celebrate Halloween with children is PortAventura World! Around these dates, the park transforms into a genuine festival of fright that is characterised by festive parades, shows and decorations. Younger PortAventurers will have the chance to meet some of their favourite fictional characters and participate in children-focused activities in our various family-friendly areas. Thrill-seeking visitors with an appetite for adrenaline will be able to brave our passages of terror  and spooky shows  such as La Isla Maldita  and REC Experience, which are sure to haunt their dreams long after Halloween has been and gone.

Visiting PortAventura World at Halloween also represents an opportunity for you and your loved ones to enjoy themed rides, food and hotels—all on the same site! It’s the perfect destination for those seeking a fun-packed festive experience.

Paracuellos de Jarama (Madrid)

If you want to immerse yourself in the true American trick-or-treat experience, look no further than Paracuellos de Jarama. Every year, this town outside Madrid transforms into a true Halloween wonderland—with spooky streets, more than fifty decorated houses and hundreds of local families taking part in a trick-or-treat route that is bursting with surprises. It’s a brilliant option for those wondering where to celebrate Halloween with children in Spain, as it manages to find the sweet spot between fun and culture. It’s a truly immersive experience that your little ones won’t forget in a hurry!

Poble Espanyol (Barcelona)

Poble Espanyol is one of the most unique places to celebrate Halloween with children in the Catalan capital. As Halloween approaches, the venue transforms with spooky decorations and offers a plethora of family-friendly activities such as pumpkin-carving workshops, children’s face painting stations, magic shows and even a kid-friendly passage of terror. It’s a fun and original plan on the slopes of the Montjuïc hill that is perfect for those looking to celebrate Halloween without leaving the city.

Unique plans for an original Halloween in Spain

If you’re looking to do something that little bit different, here are some unique and alternative ways to enjoy a memorable Halloween in Spain:

Spend the night in a themed hotel or castle

Some hotels offer festive Halloween promotions for the night of 31 October. To mark the occasion, these hotels push the boat out with themed decorations and fun activities specially designed with children in mind. And what better way to get into the Halloween mood than by spending the night in an eerie setting? If this sounds like something you and your loved ones might enjoy, take a look at PortAventura World’s themed hotels.

Go on a haunted house or myths and legends tour

Many locations offer after-dark tours based on myths, mysteries, and ghost stories—an entertaining and intriguing activity, though not always suitable for younger children. The Ghosts of Toledo Tour is one such example that would allow you and your loved ones to get swept away by the supernatural and fully embrace the Halloween vibe.

Go to a Halloween party in a theme park

Theme parks like PortAventura World often organise special Halloween fiestas. These large-scale celebrations incorporate everything from shows and parades to passages of terror and Halloween-themed areas. Although some activities aren’t ideal for children, many are perfectly suited for kids to enjoy!

Plan a rural getaway with a spooky twist

Many towns and villages leverage their natural surroundings to organise fright-filled events that can be enjoyed by visitors. Wondering where to go for a spooky Halloween adventure? Trasmoz in Zaragoza is something of a hidden gem, boasting a (supposedly!) haunted castle and a unique Museum of Witchcraft.

Tips for planning a Halloween getaway

If you’re thinking of booking a Halloween getaway to PortAventura World, we recommend taking note of the following tips and tricks. We’ve compiled this list to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible—regardless of whether you’re visiting with your partner or your whole family.

• Book in advance: remember that this is one of the busiest times of year at the park.
• Consider the age of your children: note that not every passage of terror will be suitable for young children, although many will!
• Focus on family-friendly activities: these will allow PortAventurers of all ages to have a blast together.
• Prepare comfortable costumes: nobody wants to spend a day at a theme park feeling uncomfortable, do they?

FAQs on how to celebrate Halloween in Spain

Is Halloween a public holiday in Spain?

No, Halloween isn’t a public holiday in Spain. However, it falls on the eve of All Saint’s Day (1 November), which is a public holiday. Due to this, many families seize the opportunity to go away for a long weekend.

Where is Halloween most celebrated in Spain?

Large cities like Madrid and Barcelona tend to host a diverse range of festive events and activities. Theme parks like PortAventura World have also earned a reputation as exciting places to celebrate the spooky season.

Is Halloween suitable for young children?

As long as you choose age-appropriate activities, of course! Theme parks, children-friendly workshops and family-centric fiestas are all fantastic plans for children in late October. We recommend checking the type of show or passage in advance, as some might be a little on the scary side for young visitors.

If you want to enjoy an unforgettable Halloween with your family, we recommend paying a visit to PortAventura World for Halloween. By following our tips and tricks, this will become a family tradition that you’ll want to repeat year-after-year!