On the hunt for Halloween fun in Europe? Amusement parks, medieval castles and towns with connections to witches are likely places to find events connected with the scary season.

Germany

Königstein Castle: The legendary Halloween party started by American GIs in the Frankenstein Castle ruins back in 1976 delighted horror-seekers for decades, but in 2024, the present-day organizers of the beloved bash were forced to find a new venue as the old premises continue to undergo extensive renovations. The party now takes place at Burg Königstein, ruins nestled high in the hills of the Taunus region just north of Frankfurt. Heart-stopping scare zones, spectacular shows and monsters galore are promised to all those who dare enter. The scary adult version of the event is offered on Oct. 17-18, Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Entry costs 47 to 52 euros adults, depending on the date. A gentler version of the event geared toward younger children is offered on the Sundays of Oct. 19, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2; admission to this event is 25 euros for all ages. Online: frankenstein-halloween.de/en

Satzvey Castle: Mechernich, a town some 30 miles southwest of Bonn, is home to Burg Satzvey, a 15th century moated castle that serves as the site of a variety of historical-themed events organized throughout the year. On Oct. 25, the castle hosts its annual Halloween party, billed as a family-friendly affair. The gates open at 3 p.m., a time at which those with fragile nerves will encounter only the gentlest of frights. From 5 p.m., things grow a little scarier, as monsters and otherworldly figures emerge from their hiding places. From 7 p.m., the spooks will be out in force along the Parcourse of Terror. The Bourbon Hall offers the chance to cap off the evening with dancing. Visitors are encouraged to show up in costume. Entry at the gate costs 27 euros for adults, 22 euros for students and 15 euros for those ages 4-12. Online: tinyurl.com/3s46tn9p

Plopsaland: The amusement park formerly known as Holiday Park has a new name and ownership as of June of this year. This fun park in Haßloch, a town just a few miles south of Mannheim, has long hosted Halloween-themed outings. This year’s version of “Halloween Fright Nights” offers a combination of nine horror attractions, three scary shows, DJ sets and fireworks. The event is recommended for those ages 16 and up. Costumes and masks should be left at home. The event takes place Oct. 17-18, Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31. Basic entry costs 39 euros per person; entry to any one of five Houses of Horror costs an additional 3 euros. Online: tinyurl.com/3y967u6v

Europa-Park: Germany’s largest fun park, near the French border in the town of Rust, has long celebrated Halloween with a mix of tame and scary. On the days running up to Halloween, visitors can enjoy its seasonal décor and a daily parade of costumed figures. Much braver souls will be attracted to the show “Traumatica—Festival of Fear,” in which a large section of the park is converted into a zone of horrors including a fun house filled with bloodthirsty clowns, spacecraft infected by a mutation-causing virus, and other macabre sites populated by zombie-like figures and hideous beasts. Admission is restricted to those ages 16 and over only. Entry costs 44 or 49 euros, depending on the night. The event is scheduled for Oct. 17-19, Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 30-31. Tickets for some nights have sold out already. Online: traumatica.com/en

Pullman City: This adventure park in Eging am See brings the feeling of the USA’s Wild West to the edge of the Bavarian Forest. It has no rides but instead offers shows, children’s entertainment, outdoor playgrounds, live music and more. On the weekend of Oct. 17-19, the park enters fully into the Halloween spirit with ghosts and ghouls prowling the premises, Halloween-themed shows and trick-or-treating. Children dressed in costume can enter the park for free; those ages 15 and over pay 31 euros to get in. Online: tinyurl.com/2ywfbswu

Italy

Gardaland: Through Nov. 2, this theme park in Castelnuovo del Garda near Lake Garda offers a “Magic Halloween” event made up of seasonal décor, bewitched pumpkins and creepy creatures from other realms. Tickets go for 29 or 39 euros, depending on the date. Children under 90 cm (about 3 ft.) enter for free. Online: tinyurl.com/far4w6u6

Corinaldo: This charming hilltop village in the Marche region of central Italy makes the most of its medieval charms during its annual “Festa delle Streghe,” or Witches Festival. Spooky décor, haunted houses, live shows and hands-on activities make for a family-friendly day out in an authentic setting. Festivities take place the weekend of Oct. 25-26 and on Oct. 31. Online: corinaldoturismo.it/ama

England

Warwick Castle: One of England’s most magnificent castles gets into the Halloween spirit during the autumn school vacation week Oct. 25-Nov. 2. Warwick Castle’s “Haunted Castle” event promises eerie entertainment in the form of live shows, mazes to get lost in and costumed figures provoking gentle frights. Tickets to this family-friendly event go for 22 UK pounds (about $29.50) for all visitors over two years of age. Online: tinyurl.com/7wkacner