How Halloween has become one of Sydney’s biggest nights

It’s spooky just how quickly the more American tradition of celebrating Halloween has become big business for Sydney hospitality venues.

Valentine’s Day. Mother’s Day. Now Halloween.

It’s spooky just how quickly the more American tradition of celebrating Halloween has become big business for Sydney hospitality venues.

Celebrated on October 31st, the tradition is said to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain where people would light fires to ward off ghosts. It the eighth century it marked the eve of All Saints Day, All Hallows Eve. Not that it really matters because now the day is associated with dressing up and trick or treating.

For Darling Harbour nightclub Home, Halloween marks their biggest parties of the year. Homemade Halloween has gone from occupying one level to now all three levels of the venue and such is the success of the party, that this year it will be hosted across two weekends.

On Saturday, over 2000 people turned up as ghost, ghouls and Rayguns to kick off the first event.

Home’s Sophie Kollmorgen said the more American traditional captivates their audience like, “no other occasion.”

Home Night Club in Sydney will host one of the biggest Halloween parties. Picture:Instagram

For Darling Harbour nightclub Home, Halloween marks their biggest parties of the year.

“The excitement of dressing up and embracing a playful, spooky atmosphere really resonates with people, driving ticket sales,” Kollmorgen said.

“We’ve fully embraced Halloween to create a truly immersive experience that combines performances, decor, and a festive energy that keeps our patrons coming back year after year.”

The allure of Halloween is that it appeals to a young demographic. Figures released from the Australian Retailers Association reveal that one in five Australians celebrate Halloween, with those aged 35-50 the most likely to celebrate followed by under 35s. The activations aren’t just happening in the city.

The Bella Vista Hotel is hosting a party with high profile Australian DJ Havana Brown to get it’s patrons into the spooky spirit. General Manager Richard Saliba said that compared to other events like New Years Eve or Valentine’s Day, the popularity of Halloween is because it “offers a blend of fun and creativity.”

The allure of Halloween is that it appeals to a young demographic.

“Embracing Halloween allows hospitality businesses like Bella to showcase their creativity, connect with the community, and provide memorable experiences for guests,” Mr Saliba said.

Popular Cronulla seaside restaurant Bobby’s is hosting a Halloween Haunted House party on October 31. The new venue, which also hosted a New Year’s Day party, is putting on an all inclusive cocktail party with food, drink and live music. Influencers and socialites are among those on the list to attend.

Bobby's Halloween Haunted House in Cronulla.

It’s also not only parties and events. The Doss House in The Rocks is hosting a “Hallowine” night where guests get to sample wine from Casillero Del Diablo, have tarot card readings and go on a guided ghost tour of the historic part of Sydney.

Restaurants are getting into the theme of the day. The Royal Hotel in Paddington has designed a Halloween themed menu which includes witch hair pasta, monster sliders and creepy cupcakes.

Overall the Australian Retailers Association predicts the seasonal holiday will inject $450 million into the national retail economy.