Halloween in Alsace: ideas for an unusual autumn weekend

What if Halloween were the perfect opportunity to discover Alsace from a different angle?

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family trip or a weekend with friends, autumn in Alsace offers a wide range of activities: walks through the vineyards, illuminated villages, mysterious castles, seasonal specialities... and a moment of relaxation in a spa hotel.

Here are our ideas for an unusual Halloween in Alsace.

Stroll through Alsatian villages in their autumn colours

In autumn, Alsatian villages take on a whole new look. Half-timbered facades stand out against the blazing colours of the vineyards and forests, while the narrow lanes invite you to wander.

For a charming getaway, set off to explore Colmar, Ribeauvillé, Bergheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr or Eguisheim. Away from the summer bustle, enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere and take your time to admire the architectural details, step into a small shop or settle down on a terrace with a hot drink.

And for a touch of Halloween, let the local legends be your guide: castles, ghosts, tales of witches and mysterious creatures are all part of the folklore that goes hand in hand with the Alsatian landscape.

Treat yourself to an autumn walk through the vineyards

Halloween isn't just about pumpkins and scary stories. It's also a chance to make the most of the autumn scenery.

In Alsace, the vineyard trails offer magnificent routes for a walk in the fresh air. The rows of vines turn shades of gold and red, villages appear along the way, and the crisp air makes you want to keep walking a little longer before returning to the comfort of your hotel.

For an even more unusual experience, choose a sunset hike. The low-angled light transforms the landscape and creates an almost unreal atmosphere.

Taste the comforting flavours of an Alsatian autumn

After a day of exploring, it's time to indulge!

Autumn is the ideal season to rediscover Alsatian specialities: tartes flambées, baeckeoffe, hearty choucroute, Munster cheese, kougelhopf, as well as desserts made with apples and quetsche plums.

To stay in the Halloween spirit, try seasonal produce: squash, red kuri pumpkin, mushrooms, apples, walnuts and cinnamon also make for delicious autumn dishes.

And why not end the evening with a local speciality paired with a good glass of Alsace wine?

Plan a Halloween night like no other

Here are a few events not to be missed over the Halloween weekend:

• Halloween trails: on 31 October, wander at night through terrifying sets where frightening actors are just waiting to scare you. We particularly recommend the Sentier de l'Horreur (Horror Trail) in Urschenheim and the Sentier d'Halloween (Halloween Trail) in Drusenheim.
• Halloween in the castles: many Alsatian fortified castles celebrate Halloween with a variety of events. For example, Hohlandsbourg Castle near Colmar hosts a haunted funfair (“La foire lugubre”, the Gloomy Fair) from Friday 30 October to 1 November.
• Theme parks at Halloween:
  • Cigoland (Kintzheim, Bas-Rhin): this park for young children puts up its Halloween decorations from 3 October. Activities, a dragon-themed treasure hunt, parades and shows are on offer from 17 October. On Halloween night, the park stays open late until 10 pm.
  • Parc du Petit Prince (Ungersheim, Haut-Rhin): also aimed at younger children, the Little Prince Park is transformed in October. With its decorations and special activities (e.g. two mazes, one of them suitable for young children), everything is done to create a Halloween atmosphere without frightening the little ones (more sensitive children can pick up an anti-monster badge telling the “monsters” to leave them alone). Late openings are scheduled on 24, 30 and 31 October, with the park exceptionally open until 10 pm.
  • Europa-Park: this is the must-visit park for celebrating Halloween. From 26 September to 1 November 2026, magical and spooky decorations take over this park, which has become a true international benchmark among theme parks. Highlights include the pumpkins of the “Pumpkin Village” in the German area and a children's funfair in the Austrian area. The bravest can try the Traumatica experience (terrifying attractions and shows in a dedicated area) from 23 September to 7 November 2026 (Friday to Sunday, and some Thursdays). Not for the faint-hearted!
• Halloween at the zoo: Mulhouse Zoo offers activities on the theme “Légendes & Sortilèges” (Legends & Spells) from 17 October to 1 November 2026 (included in the admission ticket), plus an escape game, “Le Sanctuaire des Brumes” (The Sanctuary of Mists), for an extra 5 euros.
• Halloween parties in unusual venues: do you prefer classic Halloween parties with music and costumes? Why not join the Horror Night & DJ at the Colmar ice rink (a horror night on ice with fog, scary characters and blood-red cocktails on 31 October) or a horror ball at the Opéra national du Rhin (in Strasbourg on 30 October)?

Turn your stay into a true wellness break

After all the walks and evenings out, what could be more pleasant than returning to the warmth and calm of a spa?

For a truly successful Halloween weekend, give yourself time to do nothing at all. A sauna session or a quiet moment in a jacuzzi will help you unwind and fully enjoy this autumn break.

In a spa hotel in Alsace, the contrast between the crisp air outside and the enveloping warmth of the wellness area is very much part of the experience.

Picture it: a day spent exploring Alsatian villages and trails, then a few hours in a cosy cocoon, before ending the evening with a dinner full of seasonal flavours.

So, are you ready for a Halloween getaway full of thrills, discoveries, fine food and well-being?

Book a room now at one of our hotels in Ribeauvillé: Hôtel de la Tour in the town centre, or Hôtel Le Ménestrel, right next to the historic centre!