Celebrating Halloween at Disneyland Paris 2023

By Helen Wright

Halloween in Europe might not be as frenzied as in the USA, but the Disney devils like to party and you’re in for a trick and treat if you’re heading to Disneyland Paris this October. From October 1st, Halloween at Disneyland Paris 2022 will be in full spooky swing and there are lots of extra decorations and events taking place during the month-long Disneyland Paris Halloween Festival. We take a look at the bewitching events taking over the parks and reveal everything you need to know about this season’s fun celebration (including two exclusive after-hours parties!).

Cover image: Disney Parks. This post contains affiliate links.

How to celebrate Halloween at Disneyland Paris 2022

disneyland-paris-halloween-2023 — Pumped for Halloween at Disneyland Paris (Image: Disney Parks uk)

Disneyland Paris is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary and already has lots of special extras to entertain guests. The celebration has now been extended, meaning guests will now be able to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris until Autumn 2023. However, during the month of October 2022, the parks will be getting a seasonal makeover, celebrating a very Disney Halloween at Disneyland Paris.

While Walt Disney World goes big for Halloween with an almost three-month Halloween event (Mickey’s Not So Scary Party), the Disneyland Paris Halloween Party is a more scaled down celebration. The theme centres around the Disney Villains as they come out of the shadows to showcase their favourite occasion. Despite being more low key than the American efforts, no-one this side of the Atlantic does Halloween quite like Disney. From October 1st, beautiful autumnal decorations will be added to Disneyland Park and there will be Halloween additions added during regular park hours, such as Character interactions with the famous Disney Villans and some extra ‘terrifyingly’ fun shows. This will last until November 6th 2022.

This year, there will also be two separately ticketed Disney Halloween Parties after-hours, similar to the Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World, but with a slightly darker twist.

What day are the Disneyland Paris Halloween Parties and what is involved?

halloween at disneyland paris — Halloween at Disneyland Paris (Image: Disney)

The parties will cast their spell on Disneyland Park on 29th October and 31st October, 2022, from 6pm to 2am. The parties do operate after regular admission hours, so you will require a separate ticket for the evening’s soirée. If you are visiting Disneyland Paris on these dates and want to also go to the late-night party, I recommend booking tickets in advance, because in the past, these limited number events have sold out.

The frightfully delightful Disneyland Paris Halloween party promises an ‘un-boo-lievably fun atmosphere’ for guests. A selection of attractions will be open until 2am, such as Phantom Manor, Big Thunder Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, along with an exclusive parade and entertainment from the Disney Villains…

This event is markedly more grown up than its US counterpart. There is no trick or treating, as enjoyed at the Orlando parks, which is shame. Some areas of Disneyland Park are given a terrifying transformation – becoming home to many creatures, including zombies around Adventureland’s caves, a haunted pirate invasion and crypts and ghostly encounters at Frontierland. There is also a colourful Mexican Dance Party, in a nod to Coco’s ‘Day of the Dead’ theme, which is fantatstic. At the stroke of midnight, witness scary moments on Main Street, U.S.A. as mysterious spirits take over the area. There is no age minimum and children are welcome (it’s not *that* scary) but the event does go on very late – I know my kids would never stay up that late, but it would be brilliant with teenagers.

Guests will also be able to watch new exclusive shows and a Halloween cavalcade (a smaller version of a full parade) will also run during both parties. Finally, Disney Villains will spend time across the Park to interact with the Guests and pose for exclusive photos. These are not characters that usually meet characters during the regular opening hours at Disneyland Paris (with the exception of Captain Hook).

How much are tickets to the Festival of Halloween at Disneyland Paris?

There are two ways to celebrate Halloween at Disneyland Paris. Guests visiting the parks with a general admission ticket will enjoy a cheerful Halloween atmosphere, and see decorations including smiling pumpkins, garlands with lights, lanterns, friendly spooks, and giant skeletons around Disneyland Park. Plus the special Halloween Calvacade with Mickey Mouse. This will all be included with your regular park tickets and continue for the month of October 2022. You now need a park reservation for Disneyland Paris parks and so booking your park tickets in advance will allow you to make reservations for your day of visit. Tickets start from £45 per day for a one park ticket.

The special Halloween at Disneyland Paris Party requires a different ticket, which can be purchased in advance. Tickets are £69 per person for all guests (adults and children). These tickets will grant access to Disneyland Park and the after-hours exclusive events. Tickets are valid for Disneyland Park only. Walt Disney Studios Park (home to Marvel Avengers Campus) is not open during Disneyland Paris Halloween.

Are the Halloween at Disneyland Paris parties worth the extra money?

Disney really does throw a great party and these limited Halloween events are definitely a lot of fun. As well as a unique place to celebrate Halloween, it’s a less-common way to experience Disneyland Paris too. During Halloween at Disneyland Paris parties, guest can ride some of Disneyland Park’s most popular rides with little-to-no-lines, which is great. I also love riding attractions such as Big Thunder Mountain in the dark.

It’s also a rare opportunity to get your photo with Characters such as Cruella, the Queen of Hearts and Maleficent. For Halloween 2022, the Royal Castle Stage will become the Disney Villains’ platform and they put on a hilarious skit. After appearing on stage, they step down to meet and interact with Guests.

Can you wear costumes to the after-hours Halloween at Disneyland Paris

One of the most fun things about the Disneyland Paris Halloween Party is that everyone can arrive in costume! During regular hours at the Disney Parks, adults are not allowed to wear fancy dress or costumes. However, at the Halloween party, costumes are encouraged for everyone, meaning you can have a lot of fun with your Disney wardrobe. There are some rules, including the requirement that costumes are family-friendly, adults are not allowed masks and no toys or props that resemble weapons (like guns or water guns) are allowed in.

Are there any extra shows or parades during the day at Halloween at Disneyland Paris?

disneyland paris halloween parade — The fire-breathing dragon at Disneyland Paris (Image: Disney Parks)

This year, the Mickey’s Halloween Celebration mini parade will return during regular hours after a two-year absence due to the pandemic. During this fun and spooky cavalcade, Disney Characters – who will be decked out in their Halloween costumes – will pass through the park, with Mickey on his “Mickey’s Illusion Manor” float. The cavalcade will run several times a day at Disneyland Park.

At night, Nightfall with Disney Villains, is performed. The lights, fountain and firework show takes place before Disney D-Light – the 30th Anniversary celebration’s amazing preshow that includes drone display making the shape of a 30, and then Disney Illuminations (the nighttime spectaular). The story follows the Villains as they try to carry out a devious plan to take over Sleeping Beauty Castle.

These entertainment elements will add to the other fun shows and experiences at Disneyland Paris during the 30th Anniversary, such as ‘Disney Stars on Parade’ and the Gardens of Wonder, 30 sculptures representing Disney characters.

Is Halloween at Disneyland Paris a good time to visit the parks?

mickey — Minnie is the guest of honour (Image: Philip Hernandez)

I think October is a brilliant time to visit Disneyland Paris, especially with the extra Halloween events taking place. The weather in Paris is still mild at this time (it gets very cold at Christmas) and you are usually blessed with blue skies behind Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Weekends, and the dates immediately before actual Halloween (31st October) are the busiest times to visit Disneyland Paris during the festival, but October itself is not one of the more crowded times to visit. This means the parks are less crowded with lower wait times. This is a win win, when you consider all the extras happening at the time. If you plan on going on to visit Paris after Disney, autumn is a beautiful time to enjoy the city with fallen leaves and fall fashions making it more romantic than usual.

Do they celebrate Halloween at the Disneyland Paris hotels?

For the first time, Disneyland Paris Halloween decorations are being displayed at the resort hotels. As someone who loves decorating my own home during Halloween, this is an exciting development. Resorts at other Disney resorts around the world have displayed beautiful decorations over the years and it’s a wonderful treat for Disneyland Paris resort guests. The hotels will also display Christmas season decorations from November 2022.

Can you buy limited edition food and snacks at Disneyland Paris Halloween?

If you’ve read this foodie post, you’ll know that snacks and treats at Disneyland Paris are a becoming a big deal. Guests can try spooky treats, including the Wicked Whip Ice Cream, the incredible Maleficent Sundae at the Lucky Nugget, a “Mickey Mummy” lollipop and many other fun snacks. Fang-tastic beverages will also be added to select bar and restaurant menus, including the Little Devil Cocktail, the Poisoned Apple Cocktail and the Oogie Boogie mocktail.

Can you buy Disneyland Paris limited edition merchandise?

Absolutely, and the offering this year is really fun. The spirit of Halloween will also be celebrated in shops throughout the Park, where a wide range of exclusive souvenirs dedicated to Mickey and his Friends, Disney Villains and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas will be available.

The Festival of Halloween at Disneyland Paris 2022 takes place from October 1st 2022 to 6th November 2022. disneylandparis.com