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Festival · Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK

Derry Halloween

“Europe's largest Halloween festival — 40 years of folklore, a carnival parade and fireworks inside the walled city”

Every October, Derry~Londonderry turns its 17th-century city walls into the stage for Europe's biggest Halloween celebration. 2026 marks 40 years of Derry Halloween: four nights of folklore trails through the walled city, a carnival parade on Halloween night and fireworks. Hotels in the city fill early for the parade weekend.

Upcoming dates

Next
2026
October 28 – November 1 (parade + fireworks on October 31)
Wednesday-Sunday
Following year
2027
Late October — 2027 dates not announced yet

Runs over the nights around October 31 every year. Halloween itself grew out of Samhain, the Celtic festival marking the end of harvest.

Dates from the official source · checked 4 October 2026

Duration
4-5 nights
Crowd
Europe's largest Halloween
Budget/day
Most street events are free
Book ahead
3+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Families, folklore fans and anyone who wants Halloween where it began
  • ✓Book a Derry hotel for October 31 as early as you can — the parade night is the busiest of the year
  • ✓If Derry is full, stay in Belfast and travel by train or bus — check the last service back after the fireworks
  • ✓Some events need a ticket — check the official Visit Derry listing before you travel
  • ✓Dress for rain and cold: most of the festival is outdoors after dark

Book hotels for Derry Halloween 2026

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 3+ months ahead.

Find hotels in Derry~Londonderry

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Fly to City of Derry Airport (or Belfast BFS / BHD)

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Airport transfer

Getting out of Derry~Londonderry (LDY)

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Frequently asked

When is Derry Halloween 2026?
October 28 to November 1, 2026. The carnival parade and fireworks are on Halloween night, Saturday October 31.
Is Derry Halloween free?
The street celebration is free to watch. Some events are ticketed — the official Visit Derry page lists them.
Why is Derry famous for Halloween?
Derry~Londonderry runs Europe's largest Halloween festival, now in its 40th year, and was voted Best Halloween Destination by USA TODAY readers.
How do I get to Derry for Halloween?
City of Derry Airport (LDY) is closest. Belfast International (BFS), Belfast City (BHD) and Dublin (DUB) have more flights, with trains or buses on to Derry.

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Derry Halloween price + date alerts

We'll email you when 2026 hotel prices drop + next year's dates confirm.