Somewhere in Austria, someone is carving a horned mask for a December night out. In northern Thailand, a community is preparing to parade through town dressed as ghosts. And in Germany’s Harz Mountains, witches get their own evening on the calendar.

Halloween hardly has a monopoly on the supernatural.

For curious travelers, these celebrations offer something worth building a journey around: the chance to see a place through the stories it tells, the traditions it protects, and the characters it brings out after dark.

Some are raucous. Others are deeply meaningful. A few might make you reconsider that quiet evening stroll.

Krampusnacht, Austria

When: Around December 5; local parade dates vary

If your understanding of Christmas involves twinkling lights and good behavior, Austria has someone you should meet.

Krampus is St. Nicholas’s considerably less reassuring companion. With carved wooden masks, curling horns, shaggy costumes, and clanging bells, these Alpine figures turn village streets into something closer to a folk-horror film than a holiday postcard.

Krampus runs vary by community, from smaller local gatherings to large, boisterous processions. The craftsmanship alone is remarkable. Add the noise, darkness, and mountain setting, and you have a December evening you’re unlikely to forget.

Make a trip of it: Pair the spectacle with Christmas markets, mountain walks, and a comfortable Alpine inn. A warm place to retreat afterward feels particularly well earned.

Phi Ta Khon, Thailand

When: Dates vary annually

In Dan Sai, northeastern Thailand, ghosts arrive wearing spectacular masks—and apparently enjoy a good party.

Long faces, exaggerated features, and bright patchwork costumes fill the streets during Phi Ta Khon, part of the annual Bun Luang festival. The celebration brings together Buddhist merit-making, local spiritual beliefs, and community traditions.

The photographs are striking, but the masks are only the introduction. This is a living celebration with religious ceremonies, local creativity, and generations of shared history behind it.

Make a trip of it: Spend time exploring Loei Province and Thailand’s northeast, giving the region more than a quick detour between better-known stops. Confirm festival dates before arranging your journey.

Samhuinn Fire Festival, Scotland

When: October 31

Edinburgh already has the right ingredients for an atmospheric Halloween: dark stone, narrow closes, and a skyline that looks especially convincing under a moody sky.

Then come the drums and fire.

The Samhuinn Fire Festival is a modern theatrical celebration drawing on Celtic seasonal traditions. Otherworldly characters enact the struggle between summer and winter through movement, music, and flame. It’s energetic, immersive, and a fitting way to spend the last night of October.

Make a trip of it: Give Edinburgh a few days for its neighborhoods, excellent food, and layers of history. Leave an evening free for the spectacle—and pack for standing outdoors in Scotland.

Hungry Ghost Festival, Hong Kong

When: During the seventh lunar month

This celebration asks you to slow down and pay attention.

During the Hungry Ghost Festival, communities make offerings to ancestors and wandering spirits. Incense, food, and traditional performances form part of observances rooted in care for those who have passed on.

The name may sound like the premise of a scary movie. The experience offers a much richer introduction to religious belief, family ties, and neighborhood life.

Make a trip of it: Explore with a knowledgeable local guide who can explain what you’re seeing and when to give ceremonies space. Hong Kong’s markets, walking trails, and extraordinary food provide plenty to discover between observances.

Namahage Sedo Festival, Japan

When: February

Snow, firelight, and imposing masked figures: northern Japan knows how to make an entrance.

Held at Shinzan Shrine on Akita’s Oga Peninsula, the Namahage Sedo Festival combines shrine rituals with the region’s Namahage tradition. The figures may look terrifying, but they belong to a cultural story far deeper than their fearsome appearance suggests.

The winter setting gives the gathering a remarkable atmosphere—and offers travelers a reason to venture well beyond Japan’s familiar city circuit.

Make a trip of it: Build in time for Akita’s regional food, hot springs, and snowy landscapes. Good winter clothing and thoughtful transport arrangements will make the experience considerably more enjoyable.

Walpurgis Night, Germany

When: April 30

For one night each spring, Germany’s Harz Mountains lean enthusiastically into their reputation as witch country.

Walpurgis celebrations bring witches, devils, music, and costumed revelers into towns across the region. The festivities draw on folklore associated with supernatural gatherings on the eve of May Day.

There’s a welcome sense of humor to it all. Come prepared for an evening of local celebration, with a backdrop of forests and towns that already seem halfway to a fairy tale.

Make a trip of it: Stay a few nights to explore the Harz on foot and wander its timber-framed streets. The witches are an excellent excuse to visit; the region deserves time after they’ve gone home.

A Few More Worth Knowing

Día de los Muertos, Mexico | November 1–2
Marigolds, candlelight, ofrendas, and favorite foods welcome the memory of departed loved ones. It’s a celebration of family and remembrance, with traditions that vary by community. Approach with curiosity and respect, especially around private gatherings and cemetery observances.

Kurentovanje, Slovenia | Carnival season
Ptuj’s carnival puts the region’s distinctive Kurent figures in the spotlight. Their imposing costumes make this a compelling addition to any list of extraordinary European folk celebrations.

Thinking about a journey with a story behind it? Tell us what sparks your curiosity. We’ll help you find the right celebration—and build a great trip around it.