If you are new to Suisse romande, the end of October can be confusing. Will kids ring your doorbell? Is 1 November a day off? And if someone does show up in a witch costume, what are you supposed to say in French?

Here is a simple guide to what to expect, and the phrases that will have you covered.

Halloween in Switzerland: a recent arrival

Halloween is not a traditional Swiss holiday. It arrived relatively recently, mostly through films, television and international influence, and it is still much lower-key than in the US, Canada or the UK.

What that means in practice:

• It depends on your neighborhood. In some villages and residential areas, children go from door to door. In others, you may not see a single costume.
• Decorations are a good sign. A carved pumpkin or a few paper ghosts on a door or window usually means the household is happy to receive visitors.
• Parties and school events are common. Many schools, shops and community groups organize their own Halloween activities, often earlier in the day or on the weekend.

If you want to join in, a small bowl of sweets by the door is all you need. If you would rather skip it, nobody will mind.

And what about La Toussaint ?

In French-speaking countries, 1 November is La Toussaint  (All Saints' Day), a much older tradition. It is a day to remember loved ones who have passed away, and many people visit cemeteries and leave flowers.

The atmosphere is calm and respectful, which is quite a contrast with Halloween the night before.

One practical point: whether La Toussaint  is a public holiday depends on the canton. It is observed in several Catholic cantons, but not everywhere in Suisse romande, so check the official calendar for your canton before planning a day off.

What to say when kids ring your doorbell

This is the part most expats ask about. Here are the key phrases, with a quick pronunciation guide.
What the children say

• "Des bonbons ou un sort !" : "Trick or treat!" Literally, "sweets or a spell."
  

"Joyeux Halloween !" : "Happy Halloween!"

What you can say

• "Quel beau costume !" : "What a great costume!"
  

• "Vous êtes déguisés en quoi ?" : "What are you dressed as?"
  

• "Servez-vous !" : "Help yourselves!"
  

• "Prenez-en deux !" : "Take two!"
  

• "Merci d'être passés !" : "Thanks for stopping by!"
  

• "Bonne soirée !" : "Have a lovely evening!"
  

If you have run out of sweets

• "Désolé(e), il n'y a plus de bonbons !" : "Sorry, there are no more sweets!"
  

• "Revenez l'année prochaine !" : "Come back next year!"

If you are the one knocking

If you are taking your own children out, a friendly "Bonsoir ! Des bonbons ou un sort ?" and a "Merci beaucoup, bonne soirée !" will do the job.

A few tips for a relaxed evening

• Keep it short and smiling. A warm tone matters more than perfect grammar. Nobody expects a speech on the doorstep.
• Practice out loud beforehand. Say your three or four favorite phrases a few times, and they will come out naturally when the bell rings.
• Use the moment. Small, low-pressure exchanges with neighbors are some of the best real-life practice you can get.

Ready to speak with confidence?

Doorstep conversations are a great start, but real confidence comes from speaking regularly in a friendly, low-pressure setting. If you would like to practice with others, take a look at our group lessons and the Conversation Club at Prêt à Parler.

Are you afraid of speaking French? Come and practice with us.

Joyeux Halloween, et à bientôt !