If you know me, you know I love Halloween.  It ranks nearly as high as Christmas in my book (nearly).  Let’s just say the -ber months (September through December) are the best time of year in my book.

Back in the U.S., I was the mom who went all out—decorations, costumes, themed food, running the class party, you name it!  Moving to Portugal didn’t change that one bit.  In fact, I’ve unofficially named myself the Queen of Halloween here in Lisbon.  Four years running!

Our first October, I hopped onto Amazon to order hundreds of dollars in decorations.  (I’ve since learned that Amazon Spain is my new best friend.  No customs fees!).

The only catch?  Halloween in Portugal isn’t quite what it is in the U.S.  It’s celebrated, but it’s smaller, nearly candy-less (which may make you shout for joy!), and definitely more quirky. 

Over the past few years since moving here, we’ve learned how to make the holiday our own, blending American traditions with Portuguese culture.  Here’s what Halloween looks like for families living in Lisbon—and how you can celebrate it too.

Decorating Like the Queen of Halloween

I start decorating in September (this year was Sept 8!), which makes my Portuguese neighbors think I’m slightly nuts.  I see the people walking by stare and comment.  Haha!

Our house has large spider webs on the balconies and we throw up inflatable pumpkins when we have our parties. 

People walking or driving by will often stop and stare—or even laugh.  Halloween decorations aren’t common here, at least not on our U.S. level.  You can find Halloween things in the craft stores (called Chinese stores), but not many other places.  A pumpkin or two?  Sure.  A full haunted-house transformation in September? That’s pure American spirit.

The kids and I love it, our expat friends join in, and the costumes keep getting better and better each time we host a party.  We’ve had some really spectacular ones! 

Halloween Parties, Portugal Style

Every year, we throw a Halloween party, complete with costumes, Halloween inflatables and themed food.  I’ve even introduced it at church and tried to get a “trunk or treat” going.  This is such a hit (even if it’s tons of work).  

As for the food, think mummy hot dogs, monster cupcakes and “witches’ brew” punch.  I even searched last year for dry ice and ordered 10 kilos!  Sadly, it almost all evaporated before the party because I did not store it correctly… gah!  We only had one little piece left for the party, but our Portuguese friends had never seen anything like it.

Portuguese friends usually find it hilarious and just a little weird, but they dive right in.  In fact, some bring themed food too!  Bringing food to parties is routine, so everyone brings something!

It’s a cultural mix that works beautifully: Our American enthusiasm meets Portuguese hospitality.  Costumes are always a hit, and while the kids may not get candy by the bucketful, they still get to dress up, dance and play spooky games.

Costumes at School in Lisbon

Schools in Lisbon often acknowledge Halloween, though not in the way American parents might expect.  At our kids’ school, there’s usually a costume parade, which is adorable.  Kids get to show off their outfits, from princesses to skeletons to superheroes.  Parents are sometimes invited to participate.  

Additionally, the older grades do a “haunted house” as a fundraiser.  In general, Portuguese people don’t love scary things.  However, my kids love it!

But here’s the catch: No candy is involved.  There’s no trick-or-treat exchange, no sugar rush, no buckets full of chocolate bars.  It’s more about the costumes and the fun of dressing up.

I’ve heard that schools in the Algarve sometimes celebrate Halloween as well.

Trick-or-Treating in Lisbon

This is where things get interesting.  Traditional trick-or-treating isn’t widespread in Portugal, but it does happen in pockets, or at least I’ve heard of it.

We’ve heard of families in apartment buildings organizing it, where kids go door to door within the building and collect candy from neighbors.  Some neighborhoods with strong expat communities also pull it off, but it’s not the national norm.

If your kids expect the U.S.-style trick-or-treat haul, they’ll be disappointed.  But if they’re happy with costumes, parties and maybe a handful of sweets, they’ll be thrilled.

Pão-por-Deus: Portugal’s Own “Trick-or-Treat” Tradition

While Halloween is still a newer import to Portugal, the country actually has its own long-standing custom for kids on November 1st, known as Pão-por-Deus (“Bread for God”).

On this day, children traditionally ring doorbells in their neighborhoods carrying little cloth bags. Instead of candy, they’re given bread, cakes, roasted chestnuts, nuts, fruit or even coins.  In some regions, they’d receive small homemade cakes called broas.  The tradition was about generosity and remembrance of loved ones, linking back to All Saints’ Day.

We have gotten some kids ringing our doorbell for this, but not many.  We gave them candy!

In modern cities like Lisbon, it’s less common than it used to be, but you may still see kids out ringing bells or hear neighbors talk about it.  It’s fascinating how it overlaps with Halloween—kids going door to door—but carries its own Portuguese twist rooted in faith and food rather than spooky costumes.

For families living in Portugal, this means that October 31 + November 1 create a unique blend: Halloween parties, costumes and decorations one night followed by Pão-por-Deus the next morning.

Portuguese Reactions to Halloween

One of my favorite things is watching how Portuguese friends react to Halloween.  They enjoy it, but they also think it’s a little scary.  Skeletons, zombies, haunted houses—these can feel darker here, partly because Portugal doesn’t have the same tradition of “fun-scary” that the U.S. does.

In general, kids in Portugal want costumes that are a lot more gory than in the U.S.  Even young kids are typically vampires and zombies.  My kids go to school in Disney outfits and are made fun of a little bit!

The Best Part of Halloween in Portugal: November 1 is a Holiday

Here’s the perk that makes Halloween in Portugal extra special: the day after Halloween is a public holiday.

November 1 is All Saints’ Day (Dia de Todos os Santos), a Catholic holiday. Schools, banks, and many businesses are closed. Families traditionally visit cemeteries and honor their loved ones, but for kids, the big win is simply this: no school the day after Halloween.

For us, it’s a dream. We can throw a late-night Halloween party, let the kids stay up, and not worry about an early school morning. If you’ve ever tried to drag tired kids out of bed on November 1 in the U.S., you’ll know how amazing this feels.

Blending Traditions

As an expat family, we’ve learned to blend our American Halloween traditions with Portuguese culture. We keep our over-the-top decorations, themed food, and costumes. But we also embrace the quieter side: smaller celebrations, less emphasis on candy, and the respect for All Saints’ Day on November 1.

It’s not the same Halloween I grew up with—but it’s become our own quirky, wonderful version.  Our kids get the best of both worlds, and our Portuguese friends get a taste of American-style Halloween fun.

When we want a more traditional Halloween, we visit the U.S.  We’ve also enjoyed the Halloween Party at Disneyland Paris.  This year, we are headed to Disney World and then Utah to Trick-or-Treat!  

Tips for Celebrating Halloween in Portugal as an Expat Family

If you’re new to Portugal and wondering how to make Halloween fun for your family, here are a few tips we’ve learned along the way:

Where to Buy Costumes

• Big supermarkets like Continente, Auchan and Lidl usually stock a seasonal aisle in October with kids’ costumes, masks and decorations.  Additionally, the Chinese Stores always have them!
  
• For something a bit sturdier, Party Fiesta (found in Lisbon malls) and Amazon Spain are great sources.
  
• Don’t wait too long—costumes often sell out quickly, especially popular ones.

Stocking Up on Candy

• Unlike in the U.S., bags of fun-sized candy aren’t everywhere. I’ve found some at Lidl or just buy what is available at Continente.
  
• Individually wrapped chocolates (like Kinder or Haribo packs) are safe bets for handing out.
  

Hosting Your Own Party in Portugal

• If trick-or-treating isn’t an option where you live, throw your own party!  Portuguese friends are usually delighted to join, even if they think your themed food is a little strange.
  
• Simple themed games—apple bobbing, mummy wrap with toilet paper, pumpkin painting—are always a hit with kids.  However, you’ll have to teach everyone as it’s all new.
  

Trick-or-Treat Alternative

• If you’re in an apartment building, ask neighbors if they’d like to participate.  A simple note in the lobby can work wonders.
  
• Some expat-heavy neighborhoods in Lisbon and Cascais organize community trick-or-treat events—check local Facebook groups or WhatsApp chats to see what’s happening near you.
  

Enjoy the Holiday on November 1

• Remember, the day after Halloween is All Saints’ Day, a national holiday.  Many Portuguese families use it to visit cemeteries and honor loved ones.  For expat families, it’s also the perfect day to relax, recover from your Halloween party or sneak in a short trip since schools and banks will be closed.

Halloween in Lisbon may not be as candy-filled or widespread as in the U.S., but it’s still full of fun, community and creativity.  And if you drive by a house covered in spider webs and glowing pumpkins in September?  That’s probably mine.  The Queen of Halloween lives here, and Portugal is learning to love it.

Additional Readings 

Four-Year Update On Living In Portugal as American Expats

Ultimate Guide to Portugal’s Holidays in 2026

The Best Christmas Markets in Portugal 2025: A Festive Guide From an Expat in Love With Christmas