What started gaining traction in the early 2000s is now a familiar sight across the country — especially in Oslo, where cafés, restaurants, and shops decorate their windows with pumpkins, cobwebs, and candy-filled displays throughout October.
The spooky season has also become a regular part of city life, with nightclubs, bars, and private venues hosting costume parties, while children join in the fun through school events and trick-or-treating in residential neighborhoods on October 31st.
Remembering the dead: All Saints’ Day in Norway
While Halloween celebrations are relatively new, Norway also observes a much older tradition — All Saints’ Day (Allehelgensdag in Norwegian) — on the first Sunday of November. On this day, people across the country visit cemeteries, lighting candles to honor and remember the dead.
Historically, the day has marked the transition into winter in the Nordic calendar. Folklore traditions once suggested that a successful hunt on November 1st would promise good luck for the season ahead, while rain on All Saints’ Day meant seven weeks of wet weather to come. It was also the time to bake winter bread and prepare for the first slaughter of the season.
Things to do in Oslo this Halloween
If you’re in Oslo and looking to join the Halloween spirit, here are a few events happening around the city.
Ghost Walk at Frogner Farm
Join an atmospheric Halloween walk exploring the haunted history of Frogner’s manor house and the curse said to linger there.
When: Friday, October 31st, 2025 at 6pm and 7pm
Where: Frogner hovedgård, Halvdan Svartes gate 58
More information via Oslo Museum
Halloween Costume Party
A classic Oslo Halloween night featuring a DJ, themed music, and a best costume competition.
When: October 31st, doors open at 10pm
Where: Stranden 3, Aker Brygge
More information via Facebook event
Halloween Ghost Ship Cruise
Oslo's Halloween Ghost Ship sets sail for the fifth year in a row, with a dance floor, costume contest, and a heated deck to enjoy a spooky night on the Oslo Fjord.
When: October 31st, 8pm
Where: MS Bjørvika
More information via Facebook event
Children’s Sunday: Día de los Muertos Celebration
At the Historical Museum, families can take part in a colorful celebration of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy.
The program includes Mariachi Sol de Oslo performing live music, children’s theatre at 11:15am and 12pm (registration recommended), a traditional altar display and activity workshops with mask-making, face painting and coloring.
When: Sunday, November 2nd, from 11am
Where: Historisk Museum, Oslo
More information via Historical Museum
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