10 Spooktacular Ways to Celebrate Halloween
Posted 3 hours ago
Mon 14 Sep, 2026 12:09 AM
Whether you're a Halloween fanatic, love a good ghost story, or simply want an excuse to spend time with your flatmates, Southampton has plenty happening this spooky season. From costume parties and haunted tours to cosy movie nights and pumpkin-themed fun, there's something for everyone this October.
Here are 10 spooktacular ways to celebrate Halloween in Southampton!
👻 1. Join a Halloween Event in Halls
Keep an eye on the Halls Life events calendar as Halloween approaches. Residence Life teams often organise themed socials, games nights, craft sessions, film screenings and other seasonal activities designed to help you meet new people and have fun with your neighbours. It's a great way to enjoy the season without leaving campus.
🎃 2. Host a Pumpkin Decorating Challenge
Grab a pumpkin, gather your flatmates and get creative! Whether you carve a traditional jack-o'-lantern or paint something completely unique, pumpkin decorating is a classic Halloween activity that doesn't need to cost much.
Why not make it a competition and vote for the funniest, scariest or most creative design?
🧙 3. Discover Southampton's Dark Side on a Ghost Tour
Southampton's medieval streets, ancient walls and historic buildings provide the perfect backdrop for a spooky evening. Several ghost walks take place around Halloween, exploring local legends, mysterious tales and the city's haunted history
🏚️ 4. Visit Tudor House After Dark
One of Southampton's oldest buildings becomes even more atmospheric during Halloween season. Tudor House regularly hosts ghost-themed events and evening experiences that are perfect for anyone who enjoys a good fright.
🎬 5. Have a Halloween Movie Marathon
Create your own cinema night in halls with plenty of snacks, blankets and your favourite Halloween films.
Not sure what to watch? Try:
- Hocus Pocus
- The Nightmare before Christmas
- Beetlejuice
- Ghostbusters
- Coraline
Invite your flatmates and make an evening of it!
🔐 6. Escape the Escape Room
Fancy testing your teamwork skills? Southampton has several popular escape room venues where you and your friends can solve puzzles and beat the clock together. It's a brilliant alternative to a traditional night out and a great way to bond with your flatmates.
🧪 7. Try Something Different at the Dark Arts Potions Experience
For students looking for a unique Halloween activity, Southampton's Dark Arts-themed potion experience offers a magical twist on an evening out. Expect plenty of spooky atmosphere and Halloween vibes.
🎭 8. Dress Up for a Halloween Student Night
Halloween is one of the biggest nights in the student social calendar. Venues across Southampton host costume parties, themed events and fancy-dress celebrations throughout the week leading up to Halloween.
If you're planning to attend, get your costume sorted early because the best ideas always disappear fast!
🏆 9. Hold a Flat Fancy-Dress Competition
Not everyone enjoys clubbing, but everyone can enjoy dressing up.
Challenge your flatmates to create costumes based on:
- Horror Films
- TV Characters
- Video Games
- Things found in your kitchen
- Budget costumes under £10
Award prizes for the funniest, scariest and most creative outfits.
🍂 10. Explore Southampton in Autumn
Halloween isn't the only reason to get outside in October. Autumn is one of the best times to explore Southampton's parks, cafés and historic streets. Wrap up warm, grab a hot drink and enjoy the seasonal colours with friends before the winter months arrive.
It's also the perfect opportunity to discover parts of the city you haven't visited yet.
🎃 Make the Most of Halloween
Whether you're attending a themed event, exploring local ghost stories or simply enjoying a movie night with your flatmates, Halloween is a great excuse to try something new and make memories with the people around you.
Keep checking Halls Life and the MySouthampton app for the latest events and activities happening across halls throughout October.
