Halloween

When is Halloween 2026?

Halloween is always 31 October. Across the UK it is commonly marked with costumes, pumpkins, trick-or-treating and parties.

It is not a public holiday, so schools, shops and workplaces generally follow their normal schedule. The date is the eve of All Saints' Day and is also associated with older seasonal traditions including Samhain.

When 31 October falls near a weekend, parties and organised events may take place on the surrounding Friday or Saturday as well as on Halloween itself.

Not a bank holiday

Halloween is a cultural celebration rather than an official public holiday. Most services run normally, although individual events and venues may have special opening times. Bonfire Night follows five days later on 5 November.