Even though Halloween isn’t a traditional Swedish holiday, it has become a beloved celebration among Stockholmers of all ages. Influenced by American culture, we’ve fully embraced costumes, candy, and spooky fun, turning the city into a vibrant hub of costume parties, pumpkins, and activities for both kids and adults. But what should you do for Halloween in Stockholm in 2024? And where can you find costumes, makeup, wigs, and other spooky essentials? Here is a guide to memorable events and the best stores for all your Halloween needs.
Attend a Halloween Party in Stockholm
Swedes love a good party, and Halloween is no exception! Whether it’s a cozy gathering at a friend’s house or a grand event, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to celebrate. This year, I was fortunate to attend an incredible event where an entire hotel was reserved exclusively for partygoers. The festivities began at lunchtime with a pool party at the hotel spa, setting the tone for a day filled with excitement and camaraderie. The theme, “Scary or Naughty,” inspired some fantastic costumes—I chose to dress up as Sailor Moon for the occasion. The 400 guests spared no effort, and the energy was infectious. It was a night filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable memories.
Decorated Halloween Houses in Stockholm
If you enjoy seeing festive decorations, take a walk or drive through some of Stockholm’s neighborhoods. Areas like Norra Djurgårdsstaden are known for their decorated houses and apartments. The residents really put effort into creating spooky and eye-catching displays, perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit.
Visit Skogskyrkogården during Halloween
For a more traditional and reflective experience, Skogskyrkogården is a must-visit. Located just south of Stockholm, this beautiful cemetery is a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by the famed architect Gunnar Asplund. It’s a peaceful, park-like space where visitors come to find solace. During All Saints' Day, the cemetery becomes a place of quiet remembrance as thousands gather to honor loved ones by adorning graves with candles and flowers. The open chapels and serene music create a heartfelt and soothing ambiance that captures the spirit of the season.
Buy Halloween Candy at Bergstrands Bageri
Stockholm’s Bergstrands Bakery gets into the Halloween spirit by crafting their own special candy. This year, their treats were so popular that they sold out quickly. If you’re lucky enough to snag some, you’ll be delighted by the unique, spooky-themed sweets that are perfect for trick-or-treating or enjoying at home.
Spooky Halloween Burgers at Väddö Gård
For a meal with a Halloween twist, Väddö Gårdsmejeri is the place to visit. About an hour’s drive from Stockholm, this charming spot served up black-bun burgers, adding a playful and delicious touch to their menu. The entire area was decorated for Halloween, making it feel like a scene from a crime scene. They also host ghost walks for kids in the afternoon and serve themed ice cream, creating a fun outing for families.
Halloween at Gröna Lund
For the ultimate Halloween experience in Stockholm, a visit to Gröna Lund is a must. During the autumn break, this popular amusement park transforms into a thrilling and festive Halloween destination suitable for brave visitors aged 2 to 99. The rides and attractions are decked out in spooky Halloween themes, offering everything from haunted houses to encounters with creepy characters such as bloodthirsty zombies, cult leaders, witches, ghosts, and other sinister beings.
If you’re not a fan of scares, you can still enjoy the park’s charming autumnal decorations, complete with pumpkins and cozy seasonal displays. Gröna Lund provides the perfect blend of roller coasters and cobwebs, ensuring a memorable time. Just remember, tickets must be booked in advance to secure your entry as they tend to sell out.
Pick Up a Pumpkin at a Pumpkin Patch in Stockholm
For a classic Halloween activity, visit a pumpkin patch to select the perfect pumpkin for carving. Thorslunda Pumpkin Patch, which I visited this year, offers high-quality pumpkins and plenty of options to choose from. The experience is fun and family-friendly, and it’s a great way to bring some Halloween spirit into your home.
Carve Your own Pumpkin for Halloween
Once you’ve picked your pumpkin, it’s time to carve it! This year, I took inspiration from Sally, the beloved character from Tim Burton’s movie, to create a design that felt both whimsical and haunting. A tip I discovered is to carve the pumpkin from underneath rather than from the top—this helps to maintain its freshness for a longer time. To make my creation stand out, I also used smoke bombs, adding an eerie and eye-catching effect. It was a fun and artistic way to end the season and left me with a unique decoration to enjoy.
Shopping for Halloween in Stockholm
If you’re ready to go all-in for Halloween, Stockholm has some fantastic shopping options to help you stand out. One must-visit is C.U.M. Clubwear, the legendary and eclectic store on Drottninggatan. Known for its original and bold party attire, the store also carries a wide selection of unique and quirky costumes perfect for Halloween. From full outfits including boots, corsets, gloves, jewelry, pants, and skirts in various colors and materials, C.U.M. Clubwear has it all. Their realistic and whimsical masks—such as ones with giant creepy teeth, UV studded masks, or gas masks with spikes—are sure to make an impression.
Another iconic shop is Butterick’s, located on Drottninggatan as well as in Mall of Scandinavia and Täby Centrum. Butterick’s is often a go-to for costumes, wigs, scary masks, makeup, and fake blood. Whether you want to transform into a witch, zombie, or other spooky character, their massive selection will have what you need.
For those who take Halloween makeup seriously, Smink och Perukmakarn in Gamla Stan is a gem. This professional makeup and accessory shop, popular in the theater and film industries, welcomes individuals looking to create high-quality zombie or special effects looks. They carry masks, wigs, feathers, extensions, and prosthetics to complete any costume. Their skilled staff can even help guide you to achieve the perfect, standout look.
Lastly, for renting a spectacular costume, Independent Kostym in Frihamnen offers the largest costume collection in Scandinavia. With over 1,600 square meters of outfits from different eras and genres, you’ll find everything from historical ballgowns to elaborate Halloween costumes.
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That wraps up our guide to Halloween activities and shopping in Stockholm. We hope you have a fantastic (and frightful) celebration filled with fun, costumes, and spooky adventures. Happy Halloween—have a blast! Boo!
Any questions about Stockholm? Let me know in the comments below!
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The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Midsummer in Vaxholm, Sweden
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