Halloween in Sweden is a relatively new but rapidly growing holiday that offers fun and festive activities for people of all ages: though its American-inspired traditions of costumes, trick-or-treating, and parties dominate, it is celebrated alongside the more traditional All Saints’ Day, creating a unique blend of Swedish and international customs during the autumn season. As its popularity continues to rise, Halloween has become a beloved holiday for many in Sweden, especially children and young adults. The celebration was introduced to Sweden in the late 20th century, and has since evolved into a fun-filled event, especially for children and young adults.
Celebrated from October 31 until November 6, it begins at school’s autumn break (it has an eve which is either celebrated or becomes a shortened working day) and it often overlaps with two other important Swedish observances: All Saints’ Day (‘Alla Helgons Dag‘) and All Hallows’ Eve (‘Allhelgonaafton’). These more solemn, traditional Swedish holidays focus on honoring the dead and are typically marked by visiting cemeteries and lighting candles. The presence of these two holidays makes the timing of Halloween somewhat confusing, as some celebrate on October 31st while others may celebrate the first weekend in November. The customs surrounding Halloween in Sweden are similar to those in the United States, with some local adaptations. Children dress up in costumes—often as witches, vampires, ghosts, and other spooky characters—and go door-to-door asking for candy. Instead of saying “trick or treat,” Swedish children often say “Bus eller godis”, which translates to the same phrase. Halloween parties are common, especially among younger people, and often feature themes of horror, with costumes ranging from the grotesque to the humorous. Pumpkin carving has also become a popular activity, with pumpkins now widely available in stores in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Decorations such as cobwebs, skeletons, and eerie lighting are used to create a spooky atmosphere both at home and in public places like bars, cafes, and schools.
Halloween’s rise in Sweden can largely be attributed to commercialization: retailers and supermarkets have embraced the holiday, offering a wide variety of Halloween-related products such as costumes, decorations, and themed candies. Many pubs and restaurants have Halloween parties and decorate their premises with scary items and pumpkins: its celebration has led to an upswing in pumpkins growing on the island of Öland in the southern Baltic Sea, home to the giant gourds. This commercial push has made Halloween increasingly visible across the country, especially in larger cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.
Although Halloween has become popular, it has also sparked some debate due to its proximity to All Saints’ Day, a holiday that holds religious and cultural significance for many Swedes. All Saints’ Day is a day of remembrance, marked by quiet reflection and the lighting of candles on graves. Some feel that the festive, lighthearted nature of Halloween contrasts with the solemnity of All Saints’ Day, creating a cultural clash. However, many people manage to observe both, keeping the traditions separate. It also established rapidly because adults felt a need: by the time of Halloween, Sweden is shrouded in darkness, while long working weeks stretched away endlessly from the summer holiday, because there are no public holidays or extended weekends in the calendar until All Saints’ Day.
For more details about Halloween in Sweden, listen to this episode of the ‘Sweden in focus’ podcast
Read here for Halloween 2025 events in Sweden
