Amsterdam Spook!

As you can probably imagine from such a colourful and vibrant city, when Amsterdam natives celebrate Halloween, they celebrate it in style.

Originally, Halloween wasn’t celebrated in Holland, and the local tradition was Sint Maarten, a night celebrated with similar traditions such as trick or treating, but on 11 November rather than 31 October.

However, in recent years Halloween has become an important cultural event in Amsterdam with parties, festivals and events across the city. For the last 15 years, Amsterdam Spook have thrown themed Halloween parties in Amsterdam. Each year the theme of the part is different, and this year the theme is The Monster Bash, an ode to Rockabilly culture, with B-movie monsters. With a no-costume, no-entry dress code, you’re sure to be in for quite a sight. There are also prizes for the best costumes, with a King and Queen voted. If you need some help with a costume, then why not head to one of the gory make-up workshops on 22, 24 or 28 October and learn the black magic behind great costume creation.

The party happens on Halloween night each year, beginning at 9.30 and going on until the early hours of the morning, long past the witching hour! This year it’s taking place at Panama, and you can book tickets here. from just €24.50.

Where better to go for a truly gruesome Halloween than the city dungeon? From 27-31 October visitors can enjoy this exciting and theatrical attraction, which re-enacts the gorier aspects of 17^th century punishments. You can even book it as part of a canal cruise deal, and see the city from a whole new perspective too. There are other ghost tours in Amsterdam too, many of which are based on the canals.

With so many bars and clubs in Amsterdam, you’re sure to find a themed night for Halloween, which will allow entry with costumes, but try not to terrify the staff too much!