As the days grow shorter and the leaves fall, Northern Vaud is getting ready to celebrate Halloween. Whether underground, in a museum, within the walls of a recreation center, or during a theatrical evening, monsters, witches, and ghosts have plenty of options to choose from. Break out your costumes—we’ll take you from one thrill to the next, from October 10 to November 1.
For little foodies, Halloween preparations also take place in the kitchen. Throughout the month of October, La Fabrique in Champagne is offering a baking workshop designed for children. In an hour and a half, they’ll learn how to make muffins and donuts before transforming them into funny little creatures. Colorful frosting, chocolate, and decorations give them everything they need to create monsters, spiders, and other characters straight out of their imaginations. At the end of the workshop, everyone takes home their creations to enjoy, the perfect way to kick off the trick-or-treating.
Practical information: Throughout October, with sessions at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 4 p.m., depending on the day (see the online store for specific dates) · Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes · For children ages 4–5 and up, accompanied by an adult · CHF 35 · online reservation
Starting October 10, the Vallorbe Caves will be decked out in their most beautiful Halloween colors, and they’ll stay that way until November 1. This already mysterious setting, a few meters below the surface, is just waiting for your little monsters.
The big event is the Silent Party on Saturday, October 24. With headphones on, young and old alike are invited to dance in the unique setting of the Mineral Museum between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Headphones are available in one-hour time slots, and costumes are highly recommended: witches, vampires, ghosts, or creatures of all kinds—everyone gets into the spirit to create a real party atmosphere. An underground dance party—you don’t see that every day.
On the weekend of October 31 through November 1, head back to the Vallorbe Caves for the season’s final event. Young and old alike can let their creativity run wild by painting their own pumpkins. To satisfy your taste buds, cocktails and mocktails are served alongside a delicious squash soup seasoned with Vallgrotte cheese—perfect for warming up after a stroll underground.
Practical information: October 10–November 1 · Silent Party on October 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mineral Museum · free event, included with admission to the Caves
The kids are asleep—now it’s the grown-ups’ turn. On Friday, October 30, the Maison d’Ailleurs in Yverdon-les-Bains will transform its walls into the setting for an immersive theater experience. Featuring the Machtu Pichtu troupe and the CONTREMARCHE collective, Horror Night plunges you into the heart of a mysterious plot from which you’ll have to try to escape. Puzzles, unsettling encounters, and unpredictable situations: every choice counts, and every moment can change the course of your fate.
Practical information: Oct. 30 · departures at 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., or 9:30 p.m. · ages 16 and up · CHF 30 per person, drinks included · registration required
On Halloween, families have plenty to do in the region. In Yverdon-les-Bains, EXPLORiT turns off the lights at Sciencity for the Haunted Tour. Children ages 4 to 12 explore the exhibition in the dark, following a trail decorated for the occasion, with just the right amount of thrills and surprises. A Halloween craft workshop is included with the ticket—just what you need to calm your nerves.
Practical Information: Haunted Trail, EXPLORiT (Yverdon-les-Bains) · Oct. 31 · Ages 4–12 · CHF 10 per child; accompanying parents free
In Sainte-Croix, MuMAPS invites monsters, witches, and ghosts to spend a spellbinding afternoon before heading out on a candy hunt. On the program: a workshop to make your own spooky lantern, face painting by Sacha Pupenko, scary stories told by Véronique Meusy, and a guided tour with demonstrations where music boxes and automatons come to life as if by magic. ADAM will be offering refreshments and candy throughout the afternoon.
Practical Information: Halloween at MuMAPS (Sainte-Croix) · October 31 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. · Open to all ages; lantern-making workshop for ages 6 and up · Reservations recommended for the tour with demonstrations