Halloween in Taiwan 台灣的萬聖節

When is Halloween in Taiwan?

October 31st every year.
However, if the holiday falls on a weekday, people will usually celebrate and have parties during the weekend before or after.

History of Halloween in Taiwan

Halloween, known in Chinese as 萬聖節 or 萬聖夜, is celebrated in Taiwan on October 31, but it has only become common in recent decades due to American cultural influence. The festival’s roots trace back to ancient Celtic Samhain rituals, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. These traditions blended over time with Christian All Hallows’ Eve, the night before All Saints’ Day, forming the modern Halloween celebrated worldwide.
In the United States, Halloween evolved in the 19th century as Irish and Scottish immigrants brought customs such as dressing up as ghosts and going door-to-door for treats — a practice that became “trick or treat.” Through American pop culture, films, and consumer marketing, Halloween spread internationally during the late 20th century, eventually reaching East Asia, including Taiwan.
Halloween in Taiwan first appeared in urban centers and international schools, where foreign teachers introduced costume parties and candy-giving traditions. In the 1990s and 2000s, major department stores, English cram schools (補習班), and amusement parks began holding Halloween-themed events, making it popular among children and young adults. The Ximending (西門町) and Taipei 101 areas became known for public costume parades and nightlife celebrations.
Today, Halloween in Taiwan is largely commercial and secular, focusing on cosplay, parties, and themed decorations rather than religious or supernatural beliefs. People often wear creative costumes inspired by Western horror figures, anime characters, or celebrities. While few Taiwanese associate it with honoring the dead like the Ghost Festival (中元節), both share cultural similarities in connecting with the spirit world.
The most recognizable Halloween symbols — pumpkins, ghosts, witches, and black cats — are now seen across Taiwanese shops and schools each October. Food-related customs, such as pumpkin-themed snacks and sweets, have been adapted locally. Overall, Halloween in Taiwan reflects a blend of global cultural exchange and modern youth entertainment, rather than a continuation of ancient ritual or Christian observance.

What do people do on Halloween Day in Taiwan?

Cosplay Parties

There are lots of Halloween parties all over Taiwan, such as at schools, bars, churches, and theme parks. You can go search the internet or search Facebook for Halloween events near where you are in Taiwan.

The best Halloween Cosplay party I have seen was at Leofoo Village Amusement Park. They have an annual Halloween Party at the Old West American village, which includes lots of decorations and a parade. If you dress up, you can also get a discount on the entrance ticket.

Here was a giant skeleton and tombstones they had on display.

Some zombies are hanging from trees.

Another view from the American village at Leofoo.

Shopping

Halloween is good for business, and Taiwanese people like making money, so you will see a lot of Halloween-themed products and decorations around this time. Also, you will see lots of Halloween-themed bread and confections, like this spider-themed bread from Mega PX Mart.

Above is an ad for Halloween-themed bread from Carrefour.

Above are some Halloween-themed candies from Carrefour.

You can also buy Halloween costumes at Carrefour and other major supermarkets in Taiwan. Although Cosplay is already a big thing in Taiwan, many people will just wear their regular cosplay outfits or make their own from scratch.

I also bought some Pumpkin Pie from Costco.

These pies are big.

Do Taiwanese People Go Trick-or-Treating on Halloween?

No, not really. I have heard of some neighborhoods in Tianmu (expat neighborhood in Taipei) that do, and sometimes people have indoor trick-or-treat or trunk-or-treat at venues like churches, but by far most people do not. Do not expect trick-or-treaters at your door. Trick-or-treat in Chinese is “不給糖，就搗蛋” (“Bù gěi táng, jiù dǎodàn”), which literally translates to “If you don’t give me candy, I’ll play a trick on you.”

My Experience as a Foreigner During Halloween in Taiwan:

I never really celebrated Halloween as an adult in Taiwan until I had kids. I feel bad for all the kids who do not get to experience knocking on doors to get endless candy like in the USA. It is arguably the most outgoing and neighborly time of the year there. But after I had kids, we learned about lots of Halloween parties around Taipei, some of which have been just with other families. Every year, I wear the same robe that I bought from a Thao tribal shop at Sun Moon Lake. It works for all kinds of costumes, depending on what you want it to be.
All that being said, I am glad my kids are not subject to the massive sugar intake that American kids have on Halloween.

Combination with Retrocession Day

Starting in 2025, Taiwan has been celebrating Retrocession Day as a national holiday on October 25th, and many people choose to celebrate Halloween on that day or holiday weekend instead of on a workday.

Tips For Traveling During Halloween in Taiwan:

The following only applies if your Halloween Party falls on the Taiwan Retrocession Day Holiday weekend:

• The airports can be packed, and flights will usually be more expensive.
• The roads will be jammed going south on the first day and jammed going north on the last day.
• It may be hard to book train tickets during the holiday.
• Hotels will be more expensive than normal. Every day will be like a Saturday night price.
• Camping spots should stay at the same price.
• Tourist spots may be packed with people.

If Halloween falls on a normal workday, the above does not apply.

Thanks for reading! For more festivals and activities in Taiwan, check out our full Taiwan Festival Guide here.