A guide to Halloween for kids and adults in Rome.
Rome embraces the ghoulish festival of Halloween – still a slightly foreign concept in Italy – with themed events and spooky shopfronts becoming increasingly popular.
In recent years the sight of children in Halloween costumes going door to door shouting “Dolcetto o scherzetto!” (trick or treat) has also become more common.
This year Halloween falls on Friday 31 October, followed on 1 November by All Saints’ Day, or Ognissanti, a public holiday in Italy.
Where to get Halloween costumes in Rome
If you are looking for the perfect Halloween costume, masks, make-up and accessories, head to Studio 13 in Piazza Cavour 13 or Profondo Rosso on Via dei Gracchi 260 – both in the Prati district – but don’t leave it until the last minute as you may have to queue down the street just to get in.
For cheaper Halloween fare check out the city’s “casalinghi” housewares stores, while if you are seeking a more bespoke look, pay a visit to Rome’s vintage boutiques, many of which can be found in the Monti district or on Via del Governo Vecchio, or try a flea market like the one near the Circus Maximus.
Halloween fancy dress parties in Rome
There are always fancy dress parties and Halloween-themed events in the city’s night clubs, live music venues such as Hard Rock Cafe on Via Veneto, and pubs including the Abbey Theatre near Piazza Navona, Fiddler’s Elbow and The Shamrock in Monti, and Scholars Lounge near Piazza Venezia.
Halloween for kids in Rome
Rome has Halloween activities for kids aged over three at Explora children’s museum, from 31 October until 3 November.
Young visitors to the Flowers exhibition at Chiostro del Bramante are encouraged to search for the “ghostly flower” wandering around the museum on 31 October (for information and reservations, email infomostra@chiostrodelbramante.it by 29 October).
There is also plenty of spooky fun in the days around Halloween at Luneur Park in EUR, or theme parks such as Rainbow Magicland and Cinecittà World to the south of Rome.
As an ancient city, Rome also offers some authentically scary experiences such as a spine-chilling visit to the Capuchin crypt on Via Veneto.
Halloween at the cinema
Rome’s UCI Cinemas celebrate Halloween with the thrill of the big screen, with titles including Black Phone 2; The Ugly Stepsister; Dracula: A Love Tale; and Young Frankenstein.
The films will be screened in the UCI multiplex cinemas at Porta di Roma, Parco Leonardo, Roma Est and the UCI Luxe Maximo.
Halloween pumpkins
For those looking for the perfect pumpkin, head to the Fattoria della Zucca, an American-style pumpkin field in Sacrofano north of Rome.
Lastly, check out our Halloween recipe which features – surprise surpise – pumpkin.
We will update this guide regularly as more events are announced in the days leading up to Halloween.
