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Finnish Halloween — How Is It Celebrated?

Updated: Nov 3

A ghost on a field.

Halloween might have its roots in ancient Celtic traditions and became a huge event in the United States — but it’s now finding a home in Finland too. A few decades ago most Finns barely knew what Halloween was. Today, though, orange pumpkins, costumes, and spooky decorations are becoming common sights across the country.

While Halloween isn’t an official holiday in Finland, it has quietly become a fun and creative way to brighten up the dark autumn season. And as always, Finns celebrate it in their own unique way.





1. Pumpkins and Decorations


One visible sign of Halloween’s arrival in Finland is the pumpkin in different forms. Some people carve them into jack-o’-lanterns and some bake delicious pumpkin pies.


Halloween tends to be a commercial celebration: stores sell plastic skeletons, bats, fake spiderwebs, and skulls. Finnish Halloween decorations are more minimalist compared to the USA.



2. Costumes and Themed Parties


Among teenagers and adults, Halloween is mostly about dressing up and partying. Costume parties have become popular at schools, universities, and nightclubs.


Themes can range from traditional horror characters to pop culture icons. Bars and restaurants in big cities often organize Halloween nights where guests show off their most creative looks.


Three photos: 1. Jack-o´-lanterns and candles. 2. Adults wearing Halloween costumes. 3. Halloween decorations on a table.
Halloween decorations and costumes.

3. Trick-or-Treating — “Karkki vai kepponen!”


Finnish children have adopted the American trick-or-treat tradition, though it’s still less common than in the USA. Kids go door to door shouting “karkki vai kepponen!”, which literally means “candy or trick!”


Not every household participates, but more families are starting to keep a bowl of sweets ready just in case. Some neighborhoods agree on a specific date for children to go trick-or-treating so people can be prepared in advance.



4. Horror Movies and Spooky Weekends


For many Finns, Halloween is a perfect excuse to watch horror movies and light candles during the dark October evenings.


Some people host kauhuleffa-maraton, “horror movie marathons”, with friends while others visit haunted houses, escape rooms, or themed events.



5. Finnish Halloween vs. Pyhäinpäivä


In Finland, Halloween falls close to a traditional holiday called Pyhäinpäivä, or All Saints’ Day. It’s a Christian holiday celebrated on Saturday between 31.10.-6.11 in Finland. Traditionally people light candles on graves to remember their lost loved ones.


This is part of why Finnish Halloween has a gentler tone: it mixes playful spookiness with calm remembrance. Families might celebrate Halloween on Friday night and then visit cemeteries the next day — balancing fun and remembrance.


Three photos: 1. A woman holding a candle. 2. Many candles lighting up the dark. 3. Candles next to graves.
Candles are important part of Pyhäinpäivä.

In Summary


Halloween in Finland is a blend of American-style fun and Nordic simplicity. You will see a few jack-o’-lanterns glowing in the dark, hear children giggling “karkki vai kepponen,” and maybe spot a witch or zombie at a city bar.


It’s not over-the-top, but that is exactly what makes it so Finnish — relaxed, cozy, and quietly creative.


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