18 Places That Don't Celebrate Halloween

Halloween might be a global phenomenon in some places, but it’s far from universal. In many countries, cultural or religious traditions take precedence, or Halloween just hasn’t gained much traction. Here’s a look at 18 countries that don’t celebrate Halloween in any big way.

1. Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, Islamic traditions dominate, and Western holidays like Halloween are generally not celebrated. Public festivities are often frowned upon, and any Halloween-like events are usually private.

2. China

While some Halloween-themed parties pop up in big cities, most of China doesn’t celebrate Halloween. Instead, they have the Hungry Ghost Festival, which focuses on honoring ancestors and spirits in a more traditional way.

3. India

India has its own vibrant festivals like Diwali around the same time of year, overshadowing any Halloween celebrations. Most people simply don’t observe Halloween, although urban areas sometimes embrace the trend in a limited fashion.

4. Russia

Halloween has never taken root in Russia, with many viewing it as an unnecessary Western import. The Orthodox Church in particular disapproves of the holiday, so it remains niche and relatively unknown.

5. Turkey

In Turkey, Halloween is not traditionally celebrated. Some younger people in cosmopolitan cities may hold Halloween-themed parties, but it’s far from a mainstream event.

6. Israel

Halloween celebrations in Israel are minimal at best. Jewish holidays like Purim (which involves costumes and fun) take center stage, leaving little room for Halloween’s spooky customs.

7. Pakistan

Islamic culture predominates in Pakistan, and Halloween isn’t widely recognized or celebrated. Religious events are more significant, making Halloween irrelevant to most people.

8. Nepal

In Nepal, festivals like Tihar are celebrated instead of Halloween. Tihar includes lights, decorations, and honoring animals, making it a colorful but completely different autumn celebration.

9. Greece

Halloween is virtually non-existent in Greece. They have their own version of a costume-filled holiday called Apokries, which takes place before Lent in February or March.

10. Iceland

In Iceland, Halloween is still a relatively new and mostly commercial concept, if recognized at all. Their traditional holiday of Álfabrenna, which celebrates elves and supernatural beings, has a stronger cultural foothold.

11. Iran

Due to strict Islamic cultural norms, Halloween is not celebrated in Iran. The country’s calendar is filled with religious observances, leaving no room for the holiday.

12. Japan

While Halloween decorations and parties have crept into Tokyo and other major cities, most of Japan doesn’t officially celebrate it. They have Obon in August, a Buddhist festival that honors deceased ancestors in a less spooky way.

13. Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, Halloween doesn’t have any cultural relevance. Islamic holidays and traditional celebrations are the focus, so Halloween remains unknown to most people.

14. Cambodia

Cambodia observes Pchum Ben, a 15-day festival to honor the spirits of the dead. This religious festival is far more important than Halloween, which hasn’t gained much attention.

15. Vietnam

Like China, Vietnam celebrates the Hungry Ghost Festival instead of Halloween. The focus is on feeding hungry spirits and paying respects to ancestors, leaving little room for trick-or-treating.

16. Malaysia

Halloween is considered a Western cultural event, and in predominantly Muslim Malaysia, it’s not a part of traditional celebrations. Some urban areas may embrace it for commercial reasons, but it’s not widely celebrated.

17. Algeria

Islamic traditions dominate in Algeria, and Halloween is not celebrated. The holiday is seen as a Western import with little relevance to local customs and practices.

18. North Korea

Due to strict governmental controls over cultural influences, Halloween has no presence in North Korea. The country maintains a tight grip on foreign holidays and Western cultural practices.

Even though Halloween has gained global popularity, these 18 countries show that it’s still a holiday with a limited cultural reach. Whether it’s due to religious traditions, government restrictions, or local customs, Halloween remains far from universal.