Halloween · Saturday 31 October 2026
Halloween events near Edinburgh
The 2026 halloween events season has finished. These were this year’s listings; we’ll update them for 2027.
On next in Edinburgh: Santa’s grottos near Edinburgh · Christmas markets near Edinburgh · Christmas parties near Edinburgh
We’ve checked 12 Halloween events within 15 miles of Edinburgh. 10 have confirmed 2026 dates, 2 are still to announce. The first starts on Thursday 1 October (Craigies Pumpkin Festival).
10 are gentle enough for young children and 2 are proper scares with age limits. Where prices are published, entry runs from £3.50 to £26 per person. 7 ask you to book ahead and 5 let you turn up on the day.
On this weekend
Based on each listing’s first and last dates. Some run on selected days only, so check times before you set off.
- ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Craigies Pumpkin Festival
Craigie's Farm, South Queensferry · 6 miles from Edinburgh
- When
- Thu 1 Oct – Sat 31 Oct
- Times
- 10am–5pm (quiet); 9am–5pm (peak)
- Price
- From £4
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Farm event
Dates: 1–9 October: Quiet Picking, 10am–5pm. 10–31 October: Full Festival Fun, 9am–5pm. Selected dates: After Dark pumpkin picking.
Prices: Any Day tickets from £4 (quiet sessions) to £7.50 (peak); pumpkins bought separately; After Dark evening sessions on selected dates
Advance booking mandatory, with 2-hour arrival slots. Activities include a bale maze, character meet-and-greets and paintball target shooting. Wellies or boots recommended.
Parking: Free parking on site, including disabled spacesAccess: In a large field on the farm; paths can be uneven or muddy depending on weather. Only assistance/guide dogs permitted.Checked Sun 27 Sept · source: craigies.co.uk Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Vogrie Pumpkin Forest
Vogrie Country Park, Gorebridge
- When
- Thu 8 Oct – Sun 1 Nov
- Price
- From £17
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Trail
Dates: 8–25 October: Thursday–Sunday only. 26 October – 1 November: every night (Halloween week).
Times: Gates 5.30pm–9.30pm; last entry 8.30pm; site clears 10pm
Prices: Adult £17 (off-peak Thu/Sun) or £18 (peak Fri/Sat); child (4–15) £13.50–£14.50; family pass (2+2) £55–£59; single parent (1+2) £41–£44; under-3s free. Halloween week (26 Oct–1 Nov) is all peak pricing.
A 50-minute woodland trail through 1,000+ hand-carved glowing pumpkins across 17 themed zones, described by the organiser as 'zero jump scares' with no scare actors and no strobe lighting. Timed arrival slots sell out in advance.
Parking: £3 per car (Midlothian Council)Access: Main paths hard-surfaced and pushchair-friendly; most of the trail is wheelchair accessible but the estate has some slopes. Dogs welcome on leads.Dogs: WelcomeUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: vogriepumpkinforest.co.uk Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Halloween Hunt at Camera Obscura
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh · in central Edinburgh
- When
- Sat 10 Oct – Sat 31 Oct
- Price
- From £13.95
- Booking
- Book or turn up
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Event
Dates: 10–31 October 2026, daily
Times: Early-until-late; discounted slots at 8.30am, 8.45am, 7pm, 7.15pm, 7.30pm, 7.45pm, 8pm (24–31 Oct)
Prices: Standard admission includes the hunt: adult £24.95, child (5–15) £17.95, under-5s free; £4 off per ticket in the early/late discount slots (adult £20.95, child £13.95)
Families track down the mascot dressed as five Halloween creatures across five floors; completing the hunt earns a sweet treat. Organiser describes it as 'spooky, not scary' with no big scares intended.
Under-5s: Good for themChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: camera-obscura.co.uk Event details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Lantern Led Tour
The Real Mary King's Close, Edinburgh · in central Edinburgh
- When
- Fri 2 Oct – Sun 1 Nov
- Times
- Departures from 6pm, around 1 hour
- Price
- Adult £31.50, child £26; under-5s not permitted
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Spooky, not scary
- Minimum age
- 5+
- Type
- Event
Dates: 2–31 October 2026, plus 1 November 2026, evenings
The organiser describes it as 'atmospheric rather than frightening', focused on real 17th-century history beneath the Royal Mile rather than horror. Each visitor carries their own lantern; frequently sells out around Halloween.
Access: Involves stairs and uneven surfaces; not wheelchair accessibleUnder-5s: Not suitableChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: realmarykingsclose.com Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Edin-boo! Castle: Halloween Shenanigans
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh · 1 mile from Edinburgh · run by Historic Environment Scotland
- When
- Saturday 31 October
- Times
- 11am–3pm
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book or turn up
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Show
Dates: Saturday 31 October 2026
Prices: Included in castle admission; free for Historic Scotland members
Living-history storytellers, owls and ghostly tales, including the legend of the castle's 'Grey Lady'. Included in standard castle admission; organiser recommends booking online in advance and warns against lookalike ticket-resale sites.
Checked Sun 27 Sept · source: historicenvironment.scot Event details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Rangers of the Radiant Realm: Halloween Trail
Fort Douglas, Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith · 6 miles from Edinburgh · run by Dalkeith Country Park
- When
- Sat 10 Oct – Sun 1 Nov
- Price
- From £3.50
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Trail
Dates: 10 October – 1 November 2026
Prices: Fort Douglas admission (includes trail): under-1s free; 1yr £3.50–£4.50; 2–4yrs £9–£10; 5–12yrs £10–£11; adult (13+) £3.50–£4.50; senior (60+) £2.50–£3.50 (off-peak/peak); £1 per ticket discount when booking 2+ days ahead
A woodland maze trail for ages 2–12: follow clues to become a 'Master Keeper of the Light'. Included with all-day access to Fort Douglas Adventure Playground; trail booklet collected from the Fort Douglas Cabin.
Under-5s: Good for themChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Halloween Days
Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston · 8 miles from Edinburgh
- When
- Sat 17 Oct – Sat 31 Oct
- Price
- £10 per ticket
- Booking
- Book or turn up
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Theme park event
Dates: 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31 October 2026
Includes the Pumpkin Patch, Witches' Labyrinth and Funhouse of Fear mazes, character meet-and-greets, live music and full adventure park entry. Separate ticketed evening Halloween Fireworks Nights also run on other October dates.
Parking: Free parking on siteChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk Event details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Halloween at Almond Valley (daytime)
Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Livingston · 15 miles from Edinburgh
- When
- Mon 19 Oct – Sun 25 Oct
- Price
- From £11.50
- Booking
- Book or turn up
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Farm event
Dates: 19–25 October 2026, daytime, included with normal admission
Prices: Included with general admission: adult £13.50, child (2–15) £11.50, senior £12.50, under-2s free
Part of this year's 'Stranger Bings' Halloween takeover: installations, performances and interactive activities, plus a new Creepy Crawlie Encounters reptile session, all included in normal admission.
Under-5s: Good for themChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: midlothianview.com Event details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Almond Valley Fright Nights
Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Livingston · 15 miles from Edinburgh
- When
- Fri 23 Oct – Sat 24 Oct
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Scary (live actors)
- Type
- Farm event
Dates: Friday 23 – Saturday 24 October 2026, evening
Ticketed after-dark event separate from the daytime Halloween programme: Soul Train ghost ride through the woods, Trail of the Forsaken, Whispering Woods, fire performers and a Monster Mash disco. Last year's event sold out; the organiser recommends booking ahead. Ticket price and times not announced yet.
Checked Sun 27 Sept · source: almondvalley.co.uk Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Spirits of Halloween
Mercat Tours, Edinburgh
- When
- Fri 23 Oct – Sat 31 Oct
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Spooky, not scary
- Minimum age
- 5+
- Type
- Event
Dates: 23–31 October 2026
Two-hour guided walk through the Old Town and down into the Blair Street Underground Vaults, with a complimentary 'witches' brew' drink included. Organiser says children over 5 are welcome but advises parents judge if they're up to it. Meets at Mercat Cross, High Street.
Under-5s: Not suitableChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: mercattours.com Tickets - Awaiting 2026 dates
Halloween at the Dungeon
The Edinburgh Dungeon, Edinburgh · in central Edinburgh · run by The Edinburgh Dungeon (Merlin Entertainments)
- When
- Awaiting 2026 dates
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book or turn up
- Scare level
- Scary (live actors)
- Minimum age
- 8+
- Type
- Scare attraction
Dates: Last year: 7–31 October, 10.30am–5pm (last tour 4.45pm)
Prices: Last year: standard tickets from £19 online per adult (£25 on the day); anytime entry £24 online (16+)
Live-actor Halloween show (last year's ran as 'The Death Cell'/Monster of Glamis); recommended for ages 8+ and under-5s are not admitted at all. Dates shown on the venue's pages conflict, so pick your slot from the live booking calendar.
Under-5s: Not suitableChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: thedungeons.com Event details - Awaiting 2026 dates
Halloween Hoots
Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh · 3 miles from Edinburgh · run by Edinburgh Zoo (RZSS)
- When
- Last year: 27–31 October, 5pm–7pm
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Spooky, not scary
- Type
- Event
Entry from the members' gate for an after-hours animal show and ranger-led dusk tour with a marshmallow-roasting break, described as suitable for 'itty-bitty goblins and ghouls as well as older kids'. 2026 dates, times and prices not announced yet.
Under-5s: Good for themChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: edinburghzoo.org.uk Tickets
Compare at a glance
| Name | Where | When | From | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craigies Pumpkin Festival | South Queensferry (6 mi) | Thu 1 Oct – Sat 31 Oct | £4 | Book ahead |
| Vogrie Pumpkin Forest | Gorebridge | Thu 8 Oct – Sun 1 Nov | £17 | Book ahead |
| Halloween Hunt at Camera Obscura | Edinburgh (0 mi) | Sat 10 Oct – Sat 31 Oct | £13.95 | Either |
| Lantern Led Tour | Edinburgh (0 mi) | Fri 2 Oct – Sun 1 Nov | £26 | Book ahead |
| Edin-boo! Castle: Halloween Shenanigans | Edinburgh (1 mi) | Saturday 31 October | — | Either |
| Rangers of the Radiant Realm: Halloween Trail | Dalkeith (6 mi) | Sat 10 Oct – Sun 1 Nov | £3.50 | Book ahead |
| Halloween Days | Kirkliston (8 mi) | Sat 17 Oct – Sat 31 Oct | £10 | Either |
| Halloween at Almond Valley (daytime) | Livingston (15 mi) | Mon 19 Oct – Sun 25 Oct | £11.50 | Either |
| Almond Valley Fright Nights | Livingston (15 mi) | Fri 23 Oct – Sat 24 Oct | — | Book ahead |
| Spirits of Halloween | Edinburgh | Fri 23 Oct – Sat 31 Oct | — | Book ahead |
| Halloween at the Dungeon | Edinburgh (0 mi) | Awaiting 2026 | — | Either |
| Halloween Hoots | Edinburgh (3 mi) | Awaiting 2026 | — | Book ahead |
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Common questions
Which Halloween events near Edinburgh suit young children?
Pick Craigies Pumpkin Festival, Vogrie Pumpkin Forest, Halloween Hunt at Camera Obscura and Lantern Led Tour and 6 others: they are made for families. Leave Almond Valley Fright Nights and Halloween at the Dungeon for older children and adults; age limits start at 8.
When do Halloween events near Edinburgh open in 2026?
Confirmed so far: Craigies Pumpkin Festival (Thu 1 Oct); Lantern Led Tour (Fri 2 Oct); Vogrie Pumpkin Forest (Thu 8 Oct); Halloween Hunt at Camera Obscura (Sat 10 Oct); Rangers of the Radiant Realm: Halloween Trail (Sat 10 Oct); plus 5 more on the list. Every listing shows the date we last checked it.
Are any Halloween events near Edinburgh free?
None of the ones we checked is free. The cheapest is Rangers of the Radiant Realm: Halloween Trail at £3.50, and the dearest Lantern Led Tour at £26.
Do you need to book Halloween events near Edinburgh?
Book ahead for Craigies Pumpkin Festival, Vogrie Pumpkin Forest, Lantern Led Tour and Rangers of the Radiant Realm: Halloween Trail and 3 others. You can turn up at Halloween Hunt at Camera Obscura, Edin-boo! Castle: Halloween Shenanigans, Halloween Days and Halloween at Almond Valley (daytime) and 1 other. Weekend slots go first, especially in the last fortnight of the season.
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