Only a few years ago, many North American expats still found late October in Germany somewhat bland. Kids in North Germany were still trick-or-treating on New Year’s Eve (the so-called Rummelpottlaufen) and All Hallows was little more than a regular workday. Through American movies and TV shows, however, Halloween slowly found its way into German culture.
Halloween in Hamburg
In effect, Hamburg’s chilly October nights are now regularly haunted by many a ghost, vampire and zombie. Spooky costumes and decorations like the indispensable jack-o-lanterns have been heartily adopted by people in Germany.
What’s more, every year in autumn, Halloween-themed dinners, movie nights and parties attract plenty of people — often granting costume discounts. Hamburg Dungeon expands its already scary-good array of shows by a special Halloween treat and Ballinstadt Emigration Museum hosts a child-oriented ghost-and-candy hunt.
Halloween Parties
The unassuming visitor might be surprised to see many parties taking place on 30 October: a day too early. This is no coincidence. 31 October is an official public holiday in Hamburg, which means that most people won't have to get up early for work.
