Halloween Parties Worldwide
Trick or treat! Halloween is fast upon us, and while it’s a celebration of all things ghoulish and ghostly it’s also a great time for you and your kids to get dressed up as wizards, witches or spooks, get out on the streets, and Dance the Monster Mash. The travel experts at KAYAK.com.hk have stared into their magic cauldrons and have found the most horrific, family-friendly Halloween parties from all over the world. And for Sassy Mamas visiting our beautiful city we’ve also included the best party you can find, right here at home.
Ireland
Let us start at the source. Ireland gave birth to the tradition of Halloween or Samhain (pronounced SAH-win), as it was originally known, so it’s no surprise that Derry in Northern Ireland (renamed The City of Bones for the festivities), plays host to what is often regarded as the best Halloween destination in Europe. With five days of a huge variety of spooky events, there is something to be found for kids (and grown-ups) of every age, every time of the day. Don your costumes in the comfort of your hotel and then head out into the streets where, depending on where you are and what time you are there, you can attend a traditional style Pantomime, follow a ghost trail, ride a haunted rollercoaster, check out the fireworks or experience light, fire, sculpture, music, and performance in a supernatural animation trail on and around the City Walls. If you want a bit of parent-time, get yourself a babysitter for the evening. Northern Ireland’s famously hospitable pubs come alive with their own celebrations. A super helpful programme can be downloaded directly from the district council site.
How to get there: Return flights from Hong Kong to Belfast from $5,602*
Where to stay: Nightly rate at the The City Hotel Derry for a triple room from $1,038*
Manila
Moving a bit closer to home and with a focus on the wee ones, Manila has adopted All Hallows Eve as if it were it’s own. With the emphasis on Halloween being thing’s-that-go-bump-in-the-night it means that there are a lot of parties and events that aren’t suitable for younger children, but Manila’s hotels seem intent on letting all ages enjoy this festive fright. The wee ones can attend a Pirates & Pixies Party at the F1 Suites for games, balloon twisting and more, or can check out the Creepy Circus Party at the Acacia Hotel for parlour games, trick or treat, raffle prizes and More. These are just some of the fantastic parties being thrown my Manila’s hotels so you’re really spoilt for choice here.
How to get there: Return flights from Hong Kong to Manila from $1,228*
Where to stay: Nightly rate at the Diamond Hotel for a triple room from $1,254* (There’s also a great Halloween party happening right here)
Singapore
Now that the wee ones have been taken care of let’s move on to another destination with the older children in mind. Singapore has a huge range of Halloween parties on, but the jewel in the crown has to be Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. The Studio has converted its already adrenalised, action-packed theme park into a totally over-the-top homage to all that is spooky. With the normal array of rides operating at full-throttle much of the Studios have been converted into scare-zones that boast some truly terrifying Haunted Houses that are known to be some of the best in the world. Operating over several nights Universal Studios is offering a range of promotions and packages as well as single tickets meaning you can choose how extravagant you want the night out to be.
How to get there: Return flights from Hong Kong to Singapore from $1,481*
Where to stay: Nightly rate at the Festive Hotel for a triple room from $1,789*
Hong Kong
We thought we’d do something a little different this time and turn our focus to right here at home. While Hong Kong’s Sassy Mama’s are world wise and enjoy chasing new experiences, the Halloween season might be the perfect time for the International Sassy Mama’s to visit our beautiful city. Now might be the perfect time for an old friend to make a spontaneous visit. Hong Kong’s most famous (and world famous) Halloween party is at Ocean Park which seems to have no end of freakish events. From scary rides to horror-makeup tutorials, from ghost hunts to freaky food everyone attending wishes every day was Halloween. And if you’re worried that such a massive event might be too much for the wee ones just register them at the Junior Ghost Busters school where they’ll finish up proclaiming that they definitely “aren’t afraid of no ghost.”
Where to stay: Nightly rate at the Ovolo Southside for a triple room from $1,646*
Spain
And finally, do you want to travel the world while staying in one exotic place? Celebrate Dia De Muertos without going to Mexico? Meet the Addams family living it large outside of the States? Or even celebrate Halloween with the beloved characters from Sesame Street? Then look no further than the fantastical Halloween celebrations at Spain’s PortAventura World. Filled with vibrant colour, macabre music, spooky shows, and fiendish food this incredible fun park really does have something for everyone. The other great news for parents is that the weather is always temperate and while the nights are full of Halloween gloom the days are sunny and mild. There is a small airport in Reus that is located close to PortAventura but if you want to extend your Spanish Halloween trip and walk the medieval streets of Barcelona a train from the capital to the park is also an easy option.
How to get there: Return flights from Hong Kong to Barcelona from $4,423*
Where to stay: Nightly rate at the PortAventura Hotel for a triple room from $2,909*
Happy Halloween!
*Prices for flights and hotels are based on deals found on KAYAK.com.hk on 15 October, 2016 from Hong Kong to the indicated destinations abroad for travel dates between 25-31 October, 2016. Airfares are based on a return flight in economy class for one adult. Hotel rates are based on the nightly rate for triple occupancy. Prices are subject to change, availability may be limited and offers may no longer be available.