Celebrating Halloween in France: What Is It Really Like?

==> ready to read in French ? Turn the website to French language and read the article in French !

Do French people really celebrate Halloween?

Are you wondering whether French people actually celebrate Halloween? The answer is surprising and full of contrasts. In reality, the holiday looks nothing like the American tradition.

Back in the day, I was an English teacher in French middle and high schools. I loved introducing this Anglo-Saxon tradition to my young students. Later, I lived in the United States for three years. Over there, the fall atmosphere was simply magical.

All throughout October, neighborhoods were decked out with lights. People were brimming with imagination, putting up spectacular displays on their front lawns. But when I returned to France, I experienced a real « douche froide » (literally a "cold shower"). This informal French idiom means getting hit with a major disappointment or reality check. Why is there such a cultural gap between our two countries?

Why Halloween Struggles to Catch On in France

Historically, French life followed the rhythm of the Christian calendar. Halloween was never part of our traditional autumn festivities.

In the late 1990s, a sudden craze swept across the country. Massive advertising campaigns introduced the American holiday to France. However, by the mid-2000s, there was a noticeable backlash. Many people strongly criticized the celebration, viewing it as a purely commercial import with zero local roots.

On top of that, Halloween clashes directly with a major French holiday: la Toussaint (All Saints' Day). La Toussaint takes place every year on November 1st. It is a public holiday traditionally dedicated to quiet reflection and remembrance. On that day, families visit cemeteries to honor deceased loved ones by placing chrysanthemums on their graves.

As a result, the cheerful yet macabre imagery of October 31st long met with skepticism from many who found the festivities inappropriate right before such a solemn day.

The Rules of Halloween Today: Kids and Scary Costumes

Today, tensions have fortunately calmed down. Halloween has settled in as a fun, recreational holiday loved by younger generations.

On October 31st, children love to wear un déguisement (a costume). They knock on neighborhood doors asking for candy, chanting the classic French trick-or-treat phrase: « Des bonbons ou un sort ! » (literally, "Candies or a spell!").

Keep in mind, though: there is one strict rule in France. You must wear a costume that is genuinely scary!

Here are the classic déguisements accepted for the occasion:

• Une sorcière (a witch) with a pointy hat.

• Un vampire with long, sharp fangs.

• A terrifying zombie or ghost.

• Une citrouille (a pumpkin) with a menacing grin.
  

Whatever you do, don't wear a cowboy or princess costume that night. French people wouldn't get it at all. In France, those fun, cheerful outfits are strictly reserved for Carnaval in the spring!

How We Celebrate Halloween in the Countryside

As for me, I wasn't about to give up my passion that easily! I brought back all the decorations I had collected in the U.S. over the years. Every fall, we decorate our house in the countryside with extra care.

And honestly, nous n'y allons pas de main morte! This French idiom means we don't hold back—we go all out! Our holiday preparations often kick off as early as September.

Our home happens to be right along the trail of an autumn walking tour organized by our village. So, we take advantage of the event to invite plenty of people over to our place.

Here is what our cozy evening looks like:

• We hand out candy to all the costumed kids from the village.

• We light up a large brasero outside in the yard.

• A brasero is a large metal fire pit bowl designed for outdoor fires.

• We roast marshmallows over the open fire with neighbors and hikers.
  

The locals immediately embraced this warm and sweet tradition. Families don't just make a quick stop to grab treats; they stay a while, chat, and share a wonderful moment together around the fire. It's a fantastic way to faire la connaissance des voisins (get to know the neighbors) and build community.

Listen to the "French Vocal" Podcast Episode

Want to take your French to the next level? Tune in right now to our podcast episode all about Halloween in France!

Listening to this episode will help you quickly sharpen your listening comprehension and pick up on the natural rhythm of everyday spoken French.

Here are the key takeaways and vocabulary you'll practice with this episode:

• Holiday vocabulary: un déguisement (a costume), une sorcière (a witch), un vampire.

• Useful verbs for social life: jeter un sort (to cast a spell), faire la connaissance des voisins (to get to know the neighbors).

• The idiom « en prendre plein les yeux »: to be utterly amazed or blown away by a sight.

• The idiom « ne pas y aller de main morte »: to go all out / not hold back.
  

You'll learn how to express yourself much more smoothly and naturally. Put on your headphones, open your favorite podcast player, and hit play!

What about you? Do you celebrate Halloween in your home country? What is your favorite costume to wear for the night? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Follow Me

Terms and Conditions

Website Use

Learn French with clarity, confidence, and real human guidance

Content :
Podcast (Authentic French)
Blog (Authentic ressources)
Interactive Map (Authentic French speakers)