Between Celtic traditions and family thrills, 2025 offers a tailor-made Halloween: on October 31, 2025, Halloween’s date, Samonios lights up the Gergovie plateau; in Cahors, pumpkin workshops and youth sessions punctuate October 30–31. While TikTok popularizes the "Louvre burglar" costume, UFC-Que Choisir warns about candy packs. A guide to celebrating without risks, clichés, or unnecessary expenses.
Origin of Halloween: Samonios, the Gallic ancestor that enlightens the celebration
Before fluorescent candies and smiling pumpkins, there is Samonios, a Celtic year-end festival marking the entry into the "dark season." At the Gergovie Museum (Puy-de-Dôme), the tradition comes to life: torchlight night visits, mediation around myths, and a reminder: if the boundary between worlds seemed thinner on this date, it was to better question our fears and stories. This year, the site offers night events on October 31 with slots at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM; the ticket office shows a full price of €9 and a reduced price of €7. Reservation recommended on the official page of the Gergovie Museum.
What we celebrate
At Samonios, we mark the transition: harvests completed, animals brought in, annual cycle closed. Hence these signals still recognized today in Halloween: fires, masks, tales that ward off the dark through play. For a household, this Gallic inspiration becomes an excellent framework: soft lighting, guided night walk, low-voice reading of foundational myths… Tamed fear is better than endured anxiety.
Halloween evenings and family outings: two very concrete ideas
On the Gergovie plateau: the night experience
The guided tours take place in limited numbers, by torchlight and at a leisurely pace. Thus, pauses are planned to discover objects, landscapes, and stories. Think closed shoes, warm jacket, and headlamp if you have one. The night events are in high demand: plan ahead for ticket purchases.
Service box — Schedules & prices
- October 31, 2025: slots at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM
- Prices: €9 (full), €7 (reduced)
- Reservation: via the official page of the Gergovie Museum (see link above)
- Access: Gergovie Plateau, La Roche-Blanche (63)
In Cahors: pumpkins, first screening, and light thrills
The Le Grand Palais cinema offers Halloween for the youngest with pumpkin workshops and family sessions. On October 30 and 31, 2025, the establishment offers a good-spirited program: "Paint your pumpkin" workshop for 3–6 years old, "Carve your pumpkin" from 6 years old, then screening to laugh and shiver gently. Practical details and reservations are announced by organizers and the local ecosystem (offices and cultural agendas). For the essentials, find the info on Medialot.
Tip: bring a tote bag to bring back the pumpkin from the workshop without damage. Also, take wipes to clean hands before the screening.
On screen: 20 films to shiver without nightmares
For ideas of Halloween films for children and teens, check out the selection by Télérama. Indeed, it is classified by age. Moreover, it ranges from light thrills to timeless classics. The content is reserved for subscribers, but the approach remains useful: consider the maturity of the children rather than age alone, favor short durations during the week, and plan a debrief after the credits. To explore: ‘Twenty very good Halloween films for children and teens’.
Mini-guide to screening and calm coloring
- Before: 2–3 minute teaser (trailer), dimmed light, hot drink.
- During: pause in the middle to relax with the youngest.
- After: five minutes to put words: what made you laugh, scared, pleased.
Costumes 2025: ideas for couples and the "Louvre burglar" joke
This year, a costume idea has taken over social networks: black outfit, balaclava, gloves, sometimes cardboard crown: the "Louvre burglar". The nod follows a highly publicized incident that stirred the autumn, and TikTok seized it. Local media confirm the virality of this very simple costume to assemble. Example: Maville.
Ethical reminder: avoid any stigmatizing costume (cultures, religions, professions affected by a recent tragedy). A successful Halloween makes people laugh with others, not at the expense of others.
Budget tip: rummage through the closet before the store: dark coat, dishwashing gloves, paper mask, forgotten belts, and bags. Upcycling accessories reduces the bill and the carbon footprint.
Candies, sodas: how to outsmart the "special Halloween" pack trap
Regarding purchasing power, UFC-Que Choisir examined labels and volumes: Halloween-themed ranges can cost up to +43% per kilo compared to classic references — for sometimes very similar content. In short: the packaging and limited series come at a price.
Consumer box — In-store test (2 minutes)
- Compare the price per kilo: it’s the only reliable basis, all formats included.
- Scan the composition: favor fewer additives, avoid artificial colorings for sensitive children.
- Think bulk: gather your homemade candies in compostable bags.
- Limit sodas: sparkling water + apple juice + orange wedge = homemade "pumpkin blood".
Safety, neighbors, planet: the toolkit for a nightmare-free celebration
On the road
- Visibility: reflective bands, lamp per group.
- Short route: loops of 20–30 minutes for the little ones.
- Closed shoes: slippery sidewalks, wet leaves.
At the door
- Clear sign: "Trick or treat: OK until 8:30 PM".
- Separate bowl: gelatin-free candies for children who need them.
- Respectful bell: one ring, step back if no one answers.
Eco-friendly actions
- Reusable decorations: garlands in kraft paper, jars in glass, pumpkins composted after use.
- Costumes: exchange between neighbors/school, rental to avoid buying a "one-time" outfit.
- Energy: LED and timers for outdoor lighting.
Halloween activities at home to channel energy (without extra sugar)
- Mummy race: wrap a parent with newspaper (guaranteed recycling).
- Treasure hunt: phosphorescent clues, 5 hiding places maximum.
- Whispered karaoke: sing very softly known themes, guaranteed giggles.
- Laboratory: water + baking soda + vinegar = miniature volcano, to be done outside.
Budget: a simple plan in 3 envelopes
- Decor: ceiling at €15 (paper, string, recycling).
- Treats: price per kilo in sight, bulk or classic brands rather than "Halloween" series.
- Outing: a symbolic activity (night event, workshop), and the rest free (costumed walk, home games).
Express checklist and small countdown
- Tickets: Gergovie night event (chosen slot), screening in Cahors if you’re in the Lot.
- Bags & lamps: one per child, batteries checked.
- Snack: dried fruits + homemade cookies, water first.
- Costumes: reusable elements, no cultural caricature.
- Neighborhood: end time 8:30 PM.
Useful agenda (selection)
Cultural landmarks: from Samonios to All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day on November 1 and Halloween on October 31 have intersected over the centuries. In France, we gladly mix costumes, dusk walks, and family weekend at the cemetery to flower the graves. Without seeking absolute authenticity, we can keep the essential: a ritual, joyful, and gathering moment.
Pumpkin lantern, instructions
- Choose a local squash (less waste, better hold).
- Cut from the top (lid), scoop out with a spoon.
- Carve simple patterns (triangles, smile), place a LED candle.
- After use: compost the pulp, cook the seeds (in the oven, lightly salted).
Express FAQ
- Is Halloween "too scary" for little ones? It all depends on the setting: choose a playful story, soft lights, and be ready to shorten if needed.
- Should we knock on every door? No: prioritize decorated houses or willing neighbors.
- Can we photograph everything? Ask for parents’ consent for recognizable children.
As a compass: Happy Halloween, sober and friendly
Halloween 2025 can borrow from Gallic Samonios its sobriety and sense of transition: a gentle, enlightened, economical celebration, where we share more than we consume, where we tell stories more than we outdo. Between prudent torches and cardboard crowns, let’s keep the spirit of play and attention to others: the best recipe for thrills that leave good memories.