Spooky highlights: Halloween events and culture in Göttingen!

Spooky highlights: Halloween events and culture in Göttingen!

Today is October 30, 2025, and in Göttingen and the surrounding area there are numerous exciting events and activities for young and old that combine the traditional Halloween hustle and bustle and Reformation Day. What is there to experience? The answer is obvious: a colorful program that includes both cultural highlights and happy celebrations.

The city will host “Halloween Shopping” night on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with shopping streets lined up with discounts and special offers. Children can look forward to a variety of parties, including a big Halloween party in the fire station in Gerblingerode from 5 p.m. and a lantern parade in Holzerode at the same time. These events provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spooky atmosphere of Halloween, originally associated with the ancient Celtic harvest festival of Samhain, celebrated on November 1st and known for the sounds of fires and ghosts.

Cultural delicacies in the region

The Reformation Day program is also extensive. The Göttingen Jazz Festival will open on Friday at 8 p.m. in the Volksbank branch with Lisa Wulff's ensemble. There is also a reading with Alva Goldmann in the Brunshausen Summer Palace, which is free on Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in hearty discussions can take part in a democracy discussion on Friday at 11 a.m. in the St. Blasius Church in Hann. Münden participate.

Another highlight is the Bach Festival with tenor Daniel Johannsen, which takes place on Friday at 6 p.m. in the St. Jacobi Church. If you would rather spend an evening with symphonies, you have the opportunity to attend the “Fire” concert in the Göttingen Stadthalle at 7:45 p.m. Particular attention should also be paid to the theater performances on Reformation Day, including “We Persians” in the German Theater.

Halloween and its origins

But what would Halloween be without sweet treats? In the United States, a quarter of annual candy sales during the Halloween season make the holiday a true sweet spectacle. Articles from the past report that trick-or-treating has its origins in “souling,” in which children asked for soul cakes and prayed for the deceased. This tradition has changed over the years, but retains the central Ged idea of ​​honoring the dead. Details can be found in an article from bibleinfo.com.

The roots of the festival go back deep into Celtic traditions and bring to the fore elements of the Samhain festival, which was celebrated under the belief in the interaction of the souls of the deceased. Eating apples also has its history in the Roman festival in honor of the goddess Pomona, where the fruits served as a symbol of life.

At a time when celebrating Halloween is always the subject of controversy, it is important to reflect on your own attitude. While the Bible does not contain any direct references to Halloween, it does offer principles to consider in the celebration, as described in Philippians 4:8, which calls to meditate on things that are true, noble, and praiseworthy. Take a look at the extensive offerings this day brings and decide how you want to immerse yourself in the Halloween season!

For all of these exciting events and festivals in Göttingen and the surrounding area, you should take the time and think about what brings you joy. Whether you choose the cultural side or the spooky Halloween celebration, there is something for everyone here - so get ready for an exciting evening!