London’s Spookiest Halloween Celebrations 2024

Have you got your costume sorted? Spooky season is fast approaching, so it’s time to get prepared. Still looking for a place to celebrate or a party to attend? Here are the scariest pop-ups and parties across London to make the most of Halloween in 2024.

How To Celebrate Halloween In London 2024

Arya the Asiatic lion at London Zoo (© ZSL)

Boo At The Zoo

Did you know it’s International Bat Week from 24–31 October? A timely celebration for Halloween, and one best observed at London Zoo where guests can discover the hidden world of bats at the Bat Talks or craft their own bat mask before meeting the Endangered Rodrigues fruit bats. Elsewhere, little ones can enjoy spine-tingling Halloween-themed activities in the Wildlife Garden, or embark on the Race Against Extinction Trail, which finishes at the Extinction Graveyard – a stark reminder of why we all need to do our bit to help wildlife. There’s also a cute pumpkin patch to pick your own, before decorating at a painting workshop.

Details: Halloween events at London Zoo (The Regent’s Park Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY) are running from 19 October until 3 November 2024. See the full line-up of events at londonzoo.org

The Turn of the Screw, ENO 2024-25 London Coliseum Season © English National Opera

Halloween At The Opera

For a classy but still spooky outing, a haunting production of Henry James’ classic novella The Turn of the Screw is being staged at the English National Opera this month featuring haunting apparitions, eerie nursery rhymes and staging from a psychiatric ward.

Details: The Turn of the Screw runs 23–31 October 2024 at the English National Opera (London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ES). Find out more and book your ticket at eno.org

Frightful Street Theatre

Coinciding with half term, there’s plenty of spooky fun to enjoy at High Street Kensington this year, with a week-long spooky programme. As soon as you arrive, the festivities are clear, with a mega-sized inflatable looming over the tube station. Elsewhere, little ones can embark on a Halloween hunt and parents can enjoy the autumnal Farmer’s Market complete with seasonal food, crafts, pumpkin decorating and face painting (Sunday 27 October). The spookiest events are saved for Halloween proper: a theatre extravaganza will take over the streets, with entertainers galore and classic trick or treating.

Details: 25–31 October 2024 on and around High Street Kensington. See the full lineup of events at highstreetkensington.co.uk/halloween

(c) Hulki Okan Tabak, Unsplash

London’s Haunted Pubs

East London is famously the old stomping ground of Jack the Ripper – and The Ten Bells is thought to still host one of his victims, Annie Chapman, who was murdered after a night of drinking there. Ever since, landlords, staff and punters alike have reported chilling signs of paranormal activity – which you can put to the test over a pint this Halloween.

Details: Find The Ten Bells at 84 Commercial St, London E1 6QQ), or find six more haunted pubs here.

The Ugly Duckling at Woolwich Works

Woolwitch Works

There’s plenty on the schedule to entertain and terrify at Woolwich Works this month, including the Ugly Duckling Ballet, drop-in Halloween Creation Stations inspired by beloved children’s stories, a Halloween Hunt around Royal Arsenal, a Thriller dance masterclass, an energetic Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave featuring world-famous DJ Prime Cuts, and plenty more.

Details: Friday 23 October to Sunday 3 November at Woolwich Works (The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD). See the full line-up of events at woolwich.works

Hoxton Street Monster Supplies

This spooky store first opened in 1818 – though no one is quite sure why. Perhaps the same monsters that come out to play every Halloween were a common presence on London’s nineteenth century streets, too. Whether you’re a vampire or a werewolf (or something in between), find all the supplies you could ever need right here.

Details: Find it at 159 Hoxton St, London N1 6PJ. monstersupplies.org

An audience member at Punchdrunk’s Viola’s Room (© Julian Abrams)

Hair-raising Immersive Theatre

Written by Booker Prize-shortlisted author Daisy Johnson, Viola’s Room is Punchdrunk’s latest immersive production and reimagines Barry Pain’s classic gothic mystery The Moon-Slave. A spine-tingling audio-driven adventure (featuring narration by none other than Helena Bonham Carter), the theatre will host a special ‘90s Nostalgia Weekend over Halloween, welcoming guests with a spooky cocktail and allowing exclusive access to The Prop Store bar where you can make your own friendship bracelets and enjoy some nostalgic board games with friends.

Details: Viola’s Room runs until 17 November (when a festive version will run until 23 December) at The Carriageworks (5 Carriage St, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6DJ). The 90s Nostalgia Weekend runs from 31 October until 2 November. Book your tickets at punchdrunk.com

Beetlejuice Drag Brunch

Kapara’s brunch is delicious every weekend, but this week it’s taking on a special spooky flavour with a Beetlejuice themed drag brunch. Envy The Queen and The Madame will entertain diners who can tuck into delicious mezze, mains and divine desserts.

Details: Beetlejuice Drag Brunch at Kapara (James Court, 14 Greek St, London W1D 4AL) is £59pp for a three-course brunch plus 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, including Beetlejuice themed cocktails. Guests can upgrade their party with limitless champagne and premium wines for an additional £20. Bookings are available from 11am – 4pm and can be made here.

Merchant Square

Free Outdoor Cinema

Looking for inexpensive ways to celebrate Halloween in London in 2024? Families looking for half term fun should take note of Merchant Square’s free screening of Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie on 30 October from 3pm. Moviegoers are encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters and enjoy the film with complimentary blankets and hot chocolate. Nearby, Lockhouse will also be hosting a pumpkin carving extravaganza all week long, and a spectacular display of more than 300 carved pumpkins will illuminate Merchant Square from 31 October.

Details: Events running from 28–31 October 2024 in Merchant Square, Paddington. See the full line-up at merchantsquare.co.uk

Masquerade Ball

COYA’s annual Halloween Masquerade Ball is back for 2024, inviting guests to step into a world of mystery and elegance, featuring enchanting performances from singers, dancers, a saxophonist, and COYA MUSIC’s resident DJs, who will keep guests dancing until the early hours.

Details: Saturday 26 October 2024 from 6pm at COYA (118 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NW). Book your spot at coyarestaurant.com

Halloween Cabaret

Burlesque performers Badass Kheski Kobler and Velvet Jones will bring an evening of bold glamour to Thirteen London this Halloween, before neo-burlesque sensation Lolo Brow returns with her fierce punk sideshow. While you watch, tuck into Thirteen’s tasty Japanese-inspired small plates, washed down with special spooky cocktails.

Details: Saturday 2 November at Thirteen Ldn (1-3 Denmark Street, London WC2H 8LP). Cabaret begins at 8pm and entry is free with an option to book a premium ticket for £13 (which includes a drink) thirteenldn.com

Home House’s Haunting Halloween Party

One of London’s most iconic private members’ clubs will open its doors to members and guests alike this spooky season as it hosts its annual iconic Halloween party. This year’s theme is Les Arts du Cirque, so expect lots of spooky circus vibes, where art and nightmares converge.

Details: Friday 25 October 2024 from 7pm until late at Home House (20 Portman Square, London W1H 6LW). Tickets are £105 for members or £125 for guests and can be booked at homehouse.co.uk