Prior to the 1990s, Halloween was not commonly observed in Germany. Then, in 1991, Karneval festivities in February were abruptly canceled due to the start of the first Gulf War. The producers of costumes, candies and toys had to think of other opportunities to sell their wares to Germans. What better way to do this than to celebrate Halloween in October? The American celebration with Celtic roots was warmly welcomed in Germany, and the ghoulish celebration is now (almost) as popular as Oktoberfest! 

From dressing up in costume and going door-to-door with cries of, “Süßes, oder es gibt was Saures!” (roughly translated as”trick or treat”), to parties full of fun and "scary" food and drink, here are some of the most popular ways to celebrate Halloween in Germany.

• Stock up on snake and frog gummies, extra sour chewing gums, and other treats
• Make a Halloween Sausage Snake
• Find German "Mini-Wini" (Little Wiener Sausages) to make the snake
• Find authentic Hungarian sweet red paprika to color appetizers
• Welcome the kids home from trick-or-treating or guests with Pumpkin Soup
• Top cupcakes with Haribo "Vampires" Gummy Candy
• Tint foods with red beet juice or black elderberry syrup.