Halloween may have started far away, but it’s been gaining major traction in Singapore! The Little Red Dot has embraced the spooky holiday with open arms, blending Western traditions with its unique local flavour. Whether you're a tourist looking to experience Singapore's scariest attractions or just curious about how the city celebrates, Halloween in Singapore is sure to surprise and delight. Mark your calendar for Thursday, 31 October 2024 – it's going to be a frightfully good time!

Halloween, celebrated every year on 31 October, has evolved from an ancient Celtic festival into a fun-filled event that blends traditions with modern-day spookiness. Halloween is a day for costume wearing, carved pumpkins, trick-or-treating, and visits to haunted attractions, among other things. While Halloween has its roots in Western traditions, it has gained traction in recent years around the world—and Singapore is no exception.

In Singapore, Halloween is becoming increasingly popular, drawing locals and tourists alike to participate in the fun. Though not a traditional festival here, the Lion City embraces the spooky season with its vibrant mix of events, from horror-themed parties to haunted houses. Halloween in Singapore 2024 falls on Thursday, 31 October, and if you plan to be here, expect the unexpected!

Halloween kicks off a festive season that leads into other significant celebrations. Shortly after Halloween, the city lights up for Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, which is a public holiday in Singapore and a time of joy, family gatherings, and vibrant cultural events. As the year-end approaches, Christmas festivities take over, with dazzling lights, markets, and themed attractions. While Halloween is not a public holiday, it serves as an exciting prelude to these beloved occasions, showcasing Singapore's rich multicultural tapestry and its ability to celebrate a diverse range of traditions.

Few recognize it perhaps, but Halloween goes back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the arrival of the cold long night of winter. Samhain ( sow-in) was the season when contact between the living and dead would mingle on the day, where bonfires were lit, and costumes created in hopes of fending off unwanted spirits.

Halloween takes shape as a feast day through influences of Romans and Christians, along with Hallows in Irish-American tradition. Halloween then as popularised by Irish immigrants in the United States, along with its folklore, eventually turned into the Halloween we have today. Now, this Western tradition has reached Singapore, with Singaporeans embracing its spooky charm, incorporating both local flavours and global trends.

While trick-or-treating isn't as widespread as in the U.S., it’s slowly catching on in Singapore. You'll find families and kids heading to malls or participating in neighbourhood events for candy-filled fun.

Costume parties are a big deal! From casual gatherings to contests, Singaporeans love to dress up for Halloween. Expect to see everyone from superheroes to anime characters, making Halloween an extravagant and colourful event.

Although it is not the norm to carve pumpkins in Singapore, the people have started crafting other types of jack-o'-lanterns, generally out of tropical fruits. You may notice even the use of non-traditional and eco-friendly options emerging in people's homes and malls.

If you’re brave enough, Singapore offers plenty of thrills for those seeking a fright. Haunted houses have become commonplace, and they are especially popular during Halloween, with Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horror Nights being the most recognizable. With maze-like horror sections and actors that will scare the life out of you, it is not a pity to say ‘does fear still exist’? In addition, ghost stories from Singapore's folklore, along with old tales like the haunting of Old Changi Hospital, gives this season an additional bombastic factor.

From America’s trick-or-treat extravaganzas to the United Kingdom and Ireland’s deep-rooted traditions where ancient traditions like bobbing for apples and lighting bonfires are still alive. In Singapore, Halloween has morphed into a mix of cosplay, parties, and creepy attractions, much like Japan, where spooky festivals and costume events dominate. The celebration might have foreign roots, but Singapore’s take on Halloween is growing fast, particularly among young people and expats.

A must-visit for thrill-seekers! Universal Studios Singapore pulls out all the stops with themed scare zones, haunted houses, and terrifying live shows.In 2024, expect the 12th edition of this iconic event, which draws horror enthusiasts from all over the region.

Don’t miss out on Sentosa’s Spooktacular or the eerie experiences at various shopping malls. You can also find some haunting experiences at places like Fort Canning or Haw Par Villa.

For a less horrifying experience but still festive, head to party spots such as Clarke Quay or Orchard Road. These nightlife locales will have themed Halloween parties, with party-goers dressed in costumes, DJs, and creepy decorating schemes. This is a great way to celebrate Halloween without the heart-pounding scares, but still embrace the spirit of Halloween.

Malls and public spaces go all out with traditional Halloween decorations – think cobwebs, pumpkins, and skeletons. In recent years, Singaporeans have also been decking out their homes with Halloween décor, embracing eco-friendly options like reusable and upcycled materials. If you stroll down Orchard Road, you'll find larger-than-life displays, turning the city into a giant Halloween stage.

Singaporeans are getting more creative with their costumes each year. Get ready for an array of costumes in 2024, ranging from the latest anime and K-pop influences to Hollywood blockbusters. DIY costumes are becoming trendy, with plenty of creative Singaporeans using household items to fashion unique and quirky looks. You’ll also see group and family costumes taking over, adding to the fun experience.

Expect to find quirky, Instagram-worthy foods from Halloween-inspired pastries at local cafes to ghoulish cocktails in Clarke Quay, food lovers will find plenty to indulge in. There’s also a growing trend of healthy Halloween snacks, perfect for trick-or-treaters who prefer a guilt-free treat!

Get into the spooky mood by watching classic Halloween movies such as Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice or catching the latest horror releases, Singapore’s cinemas and streaming platforms have you covered.

If you’re planning a trip for Halloween, here’s where you might want to stay:

If you’re planning a spooky Halloween adventure in Singapore, here are some options for an eerie experience. While Singapore is known for its modernity and safety, it also has a few haunted places and mysterious hotels that add an element of thrill to your stay.

Nestled in the lush greenery of Fort Canning Park, Hotel Fort Canning has a storied past. During World War II, the area served as a military base and witnessed intense battles. Some guests have reported eerie sensations and unexplained occurrences, especially around the hotel's corridors. Its colonial architecture adds to the mysterious atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a Halloween stay.

While Raffles Hotel is primarily known for its luxury and historical significance, it also has its share of ghost stories. Some say that the spirit of a ghostly woman roams the halls, particularly around the famous Long Bar. This hotel provides a more subtle haunted experience, combining opulence with a hint of mystery.

Goodwood Park Hotel is another historical hotel in Singapore with a reputation for the supernatural. During World War II, it was used as a base by the Japanese forces. Guests have occasionally reported ghostly apparitions and strange noises, particularly in the older parts of the hotel.

Located near the infamous Old Changi Hospital, Changi Village Hotel has its own set of ghost stories. While the hotel itself isn't historically haunted, its proximity to one of Singapore's most haunted sites makes it a compelling choice for thrill-seekers. Guests often report feeling an eerie presence when walking around the nearby Changi Beach at night, adding to the haunted experience.

Planning to stay in Singapore for Halloween? Book a staycation at one of Singapore’s hotels offering Halloween-themed experiences, such as spooky room decorations or themed activities for guests. Universal Studios visitors can snag packages that include tickets to the one and only Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights 12. Keep an eye out for haunted spots in other areas too – they add an extra layer of spookiness to your travels!

Book early for popular events like Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, as hotel rooms around Sentosa fill up quickly. Look out for deals on Traveloka, where you can find best deals for Halloween experiences.

Halloween is not just about candy and costumes but might have a spiritual twist in Singapore's melting pot of cultures. During this spooky month, you might be interested in taking a local ghost tour focusing on Singapore’s paranormal roots, which can take you to haunted houses like the Old Changi Hospital or visit eerie graveyards. For visitors more into modern witchcraft than hauntings, small communities may participate in spiritual gatherings to celebrate the season’s mystical elements.

There is no doubt though that each year in Singapore, Halloween continues to grow! While it draws from traditional Western ideas, its origin as a seasonal festival with celebratory elements, adds a local touch. Keep your eyes open for haunted houses attractions, dress up for attending themed parties or simply nab a spooky treat while you're here. If you are seeking excitement and fright, there is amazing Halloween programming planned for 2024 and beyond.

So, now is the time to explore Halloween in the Lion City! Booked your room through Traveloka. You can browse various offers, compare prices, and choose the best room that suits your needs. Search for your preferred dates, and choose the nearby hotels, flights, and other tourist attractions. Go and grab your costume, hit up a ghost tour, and join in the festive fun!