Lake Garda: Where to go on Halloween

Everyone ready for the scariest festival of the year? Before we find out where to go and what to do on Halloween 2023 on Lake Garda, I’ll reveal a little trivia about its origins…

31 OCTOBER: FROM CELTIC IRELAND TO THE PRESENT DAY

Halloween has very ancient roots: it originated in Ireland by the Celtic people to celebrate New Year’s Eve. In other words, the Celtic calendar stipulated that 1 November marked the transition from the warm to the cold season. For the Celts, this coincided with a new annual cycle.

Furthermore, Halloween was once known as Samhain, a word that we can relate to the meaning of ‘Summer’s End’. The Celts believed that on this occasion Samhain summoned all the spirits of the dead, and that the latter could penetrate the world of the living. Therefore, the New Year celebrations were combined with rituals, gatherings and… Disguises! Which were not aimed, however, at masquerading as the wandering spirits themselves, but rather at frightening them away.

WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO ON HALLOWEEN AT LAKE GARDA

But back to us, who now dress up for fun. Where to celebrate Halloween in Italy? On Lake Garda! There are those who still like to go around the houses trick-or-treating, no matter what age. There are those who enjoy dancing with friends and those who like to visit haunted castles… On Lake Garda you can celebrate as you wish, because there are plenty of events planned 2023, also for children.

HALLOWEEN AT THE AMUSEMENT PARKS

When you are undecided where to go for Halloween on Lake Garda with children, remember that amusement parks are always a certainty.

On weekends from 6 October until 5 November, Gardaland becomes Gardaland Magic Halloween 2023! Amidst terrifying shows, pumpkins with eerie smiles and delicious treats, the amusement park is waiting to chase away fear. On the 31st of October, in particular, the park will be open until midnight, with an outdoor DJ set that will make you go wild to the rhythm of the biggest hits of the moment.

In addition to Gardaland, there is another place to visit on Lake Garda that will organise a scary Halloween Night.

I’m talking about Movieland. Until midnight DJ sets and many iconic attractions await you, first and foremost the horror experience “Asylum – Katharina’s Revenge“. A terrifying ride, in which actors will come into contact with the audience. While the show will only be for adults, there will be a tour of the orphanage for families, which is suitable for everyone. In addition to many other themed shows, make-up artists will be at the complete disposal of children, to create whatever their imagination can imagine.

Finally, the Sigurtà Park is also waiting for you to celebrate Halloween… A little early! On Sunday 29 October, in fact, scary games, secret workshops and shows await you in every corner of the park. All children and young people who dress up entirely in theme will be entitled to free admission.

HAUNTED CASTLES AND FORTRESSES

Tell me the truth: even you, as a child, were terrified by tales of castles haunted by spirits of the past… Actually, castles are really fascinating. If you are still unsure where to go for Halloween on Lake Garda, they will be the perfect place for thrill-seekers.

From 28 to 31 October, there will be an extraordinary opening of the Castle of Avio. For the occasion, guided tours for the whole family will be organised, with treasure hunts for the little ones. In addition, there will be numerous theatrical animations along the entire route of the castle… Which might give you some ‘scary’ surprises as you pass by.

The Rocca di Lonato will also open its doors for the occasion. This is one of the most suggestive places to go on Halloween on Lake Garda, which becomes even more magical on the occasion of the scariest festival of all.

Here, too, you can celebrate Halloween a little early. On Sunday 29 October, the Rocca will become haunted… by witches, ogres, fauns, fairies… And parents! The ‘Halloween at the Rocca’ event is especially for families. Children aged 5 to 12 will take part in one of three castle stories. They will step into the shoes of the good characters, who will ultimately have to defeat the forces of evil. Parents can choose to take part in the game by disguising themselves as the bad guys. Costumes will be provided directly at the event.

LABYRINTHS AND PUMPKIN GARDENS

It’s not a real Halloween without the classic orange pumpkins! In Bussolengo, near Flover Farm, the Pumpkin Maze is back. If you were wondering what to do in October on Lake Garda, this will be an absolutely original activity.

At the entrance you will be given an ornamental pumpkin, to be decorated as inspiration will suggest. For the little ones there will also be animations and workshops. On 31 October, the labyrinth will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., but it is also open every other day of the week.

In Villafranca di Verona, on the other hand, comes Zuccaland, the Autumn Festival on Lake Garda, for adults and children. From 27 to 31 October, entry to the Villafranca Castle will be free and, once you cross the threshold, you will be transported into a magical world. In addition to a garden full of pumpkins, you will find a food truck area, a funfair, workshops, hand-made products, and live music or DJ sets. In particular, a real Halloween Party will be held on 31 October in the castle setting.

HALLOWEEN: OPEN DISCOS

For those who love to dance, especially on the spookiest night of the year, these are the open discos:

• Sesto Senso The Club
• Coco Beach
• Art Club Madame Sisì

And if you are still in doubt about where to go for Halloween on Lake Garda, note down these two locations: Forte Papa in Peschiera del Garda and Convento in Lonato. Here you can celebrate within the walls of historic buildings while letting yourself be carried away by the music and sporting the best disguise of the evening!