In Italy, Halloween is not the big holiday that sees children and adults alike dressing up. That’s Carnivale (or Mardi Gras as it’s known in the states). But in the last 10 years or so, Halloween has grown dramatically in popularity. The big difference is that for Italians, Halloween means dressing up must mean scary, whereas American tradition doesn’t necessarily restrict whether the costume is fun or scary.

We’ve put together a few tips for planning your Halloween in Rome!

Where to buy halloween costumes, makeup and props in Rome

There are several Flying Tiger shops located around the city with inexpensive halloween costumes, makeup supplies, and props. Find the nearest to you here.

There are so many halloween pop-up shops that open up during the month of October, especially around the most trafficked part of the city, like Campo de Fiori, Trastevere, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum.

Looking for the professional stuff? Stop by Studio 13 in Piazza Cavour to pick up a costume and make your way to one of these six nightclubs for some frightful Roman tricks and treats!

Trick or Treating in Rome

While you won’t find the popularity in Trick or Treating that exists in the United States, the custom is picking up steam in Rome. If you’re staying in a vacation rental in Rome, you can visit the other apartments in your building and many of your neighbors will be prepared to give a little treat and just be tickled by this new tradition of children dressing up as scary monsters and visiting their home. Don’t be surprised if out of 4 or 5 doors knocked, nobody answers. Trick or Treating is still fairly new and reserved only for very small children.

Where to find a pumpkin for your Jack o’ Lantern

The big orange pumpkins that you’re usually able to find in a large patch in the US are less easy to find in Rome. But since Halloween is becoming more popular, pumpkins are becoming more present. Usually you can find them at the biggest outdoor markets and supermarkets. They won’t be the large one’s you’re probably used to, but they’ll do the trick. You can even find carving kits at Flying Tiger.

Halloween parties in Rome

One aspect of Halloween that’s certainly gained traction in the last few years are theme nights at Rome’s discotecas and restaurants. Many restaurants offer special treats for showing up in costume while other parties promise a scary-good time. There’s even a website dedicated to halloween-themed parties in Rome.

Here are a few selected parties organized to celebrate Halloween. *It’s highly recommended that you call ahead to reserve a spot or request a table, if possible.*

La Cabala

Club – Via dei Soldati, 25c (near Piazza Navona)

Heaven

Club – Viale di Porta Ardeatina 119 (near Piramide metro station)

EXE Club

Club – Viale della Civiltà Romana, 1 (EUR)

Satiricus

Restaurant – Via dei Corridori, 58 (near the Vatican)

Royal Art Cafe

Restaurant – Piazza del Colosseo, 1 (near the Colosseum)

Need a last minute place to stay the night for Halloween in Rome?

Check out our special offers for vacation rentals at the moment! ROMAC manages dozens of vacation rentals in the heart of Rome. Browse our apartments and use filters to narrow your search by price, number of guests, neighborhood, and amenities!

What are your plans for Halloween in Rome this year? Leave your ideas in the comments below!